How to change the ringtone on Xiaomi: 5 ways + error solving

A standard call to Xiaomi after a month of use begins to annoy 78% of users, according to surveys of the MIUI community. But not everyone knows that on smartphones of the brand you can install not only built-in ringtones, but also custom tunes from the music library, recorded voice messages or even tracks from Spotify. Moreover, in the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 there is a function of adaptive sounds that automatically adjust to the noise level in the room.

The problem is that the audio settings interface on Xiaomi changes regularly - what worked on the Redmi Note 10 may not work on the Xiaomi 13 Ultra. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the tune (including hidden ones), explain why sometimes new ringtones do not save, and show how to circumvent the limitations of the system. MIUI 12) provide alternative methods using a file manager.

We will advise you if you are using double SIM-maps, setting up calls for each of them is done separately, also on some firmware (for example, global). EU ROM) You may not have custom tunes, because it's not a bug, it's a localization feature, and then you can use the detour through the developer settings, which we'll describe in the last section.

Finally, if you want to set a tune to a specific contact, the algorithm is different — there's a separate section with step-by-step instructions for that, and for those who have encountered the "File is not supported," we've prepared a table of compatible formats and solutions.

1. Standard method: "Sound settings" menu

This is the most obvious and secure method that works on all Xiaomi models (from Redmi 9A to Xiaomi 14 Pro) with any version of MIUI. The main advantage is that you do not need to install additional applications or dig into system files. However, there is a caveat: only built-in ringtones are available by default, and you will have to take additional steps to add your tunes.

This is the same as the MIUI 12-15 firmware (including HyperOS):

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the section Sound and vibration.
3. Slip on the Call Melody (or SIM 1/SIM 2 if you use two cards).
4. In the list that opens, select one of the standard tunes. To listen, click on the triangle on the right.
5. To add your tune, click + Add (or Local Ringtones in older versions).

If the + Add No button, your firmware limits the installation of custom ringtones, in which case, move to the section on alternative methods.

Important: On some models (e.g. POCO F5), the sound may not change immediately after selecting a custom tune, in which case restart the device or check if the settings are silent or do not disturb.

2. Install custom melodies through the file system

If you don’t have the option to add your files to the audio menu, you can manually put audio files into the system folder, which works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, but you need to be careful that improper actions can cause the audio settings to fail.

Here's how to do it right:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC or use a file manager (such as Mi File Explorer).
2. Go to /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/ringtone/ If there is no ringtone folder, create it manually.
3. Copy audio files in.mp3,.m4a or.ogg format (maximum size – 5 MB) into this folder.
4. Reset the device.
5. Go to Settings → Sound → Call melody – your files will appear in the Locals section.

File in MP3/M4A/OGG format

Duration not exceeding 30 seconds

Size up to 5MB

Name without special characters (Latin only)

-->

The critical detail is that if the MIUI folder is missing, don't create it yourself, which will lead to ringtone reading errors. Instead, use the alternative path /storage/emulated/0/Ringtones/ that all Android versions support.

⚠️ Attention: On firmware MIUI for the China region (CN ROM) systemfolder /MIUI/ringtone/ In this case, use the method with the Zedge application (described below) or install global firmware.

3. Ringtones Apps: Zedge, Ringtone Maker and others

If the system methods don't work or you want to use tunes from the Internet, the easiest way to install a specialized application is to use them.

• 🎵 Zedge is the largest database of ringtones and notifications with the ability to pre-listen. Supports Xiaomi on all firmware, including HyperOS.
• ✂️ Ringtone Maker – allows you to crop any audio files under the ringtone (ideal for creating unique tunes from songs).
• 🔔 Ringtones for Me – simple interface with categories (nature, electronics, funny sounds).
• 🎶 MP3 Cutter – for those who want to make a ringtone from their track without losing quality.

Instructions for Zedge (similar to other apps):

1. Install Zedge from Google Play.
2. Launch the app and select the Ringtones section.
3. Find your favorite tune and click Set.
4. In the window that appears, select Call (or Notification if you need to change the SMS sound).
5. Confirm the installation – the melody will automatically apply.

The advantage of this method is that applications bypass the limitations of MIUI and allow ringtones to be installed even on blocked firmware. However, be careful with permissions: some programs (for example, Ringtone Maker) request access to contacts and storage - refuse if this is not necessary for functionality.

💡

If the sound hasn’t changed after installing the ringtone through Zedge, check if the settings in the Settings menu → Apps → Zedge → Permissions. Sometimes the system resets access to audio files after updating.

4. Individual Contact Melodies

Xiaomi has a unique ringtone for each contact in the phone book, which is convenient if you want to know who is calling without looking at the screen. It works on all models, but on MIUI 13+ firmware, the algorithm has changed a little.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Contacts app (or Phone → Contacts tab).
2. Find the right contact and tap it to open the card.
3. Click Edit (the pencil icon in the upper right corner).
4. Scroll down to the section Call Melody (or Notification Sound).
5. Select one of the standard tunes or click Add to download yours.
6. Save the changes.

If the call melody option is not in the contact editing, it means it's hidden on your firmware.

1. Make Google Contacts from the Play Market.
2. Open contact through this application.
3. Click Change → More (three dots) → Call melody.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 11, POCO X4 Pro) individual ringtones are reset after updating MIUI. To avoid this, make a backup of contacts through Settings before the update. → Google → Backup.

5 Problems and mistakes when changing the ringtone

Even after setting the melody correctly, Xiaomi users often encounter bugs, and we have collected the most common errors and ways to solve them:

If none of these methods helped, try resetting the sound settings to the standard:

1. Go to Settings → System and device → Resetting.
2. Select Resetting Sound Settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. Confirm the action and restart the device.

6. Hidden functions: adaptive sounds and vibrations

The latest versions of MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS have added additional audio tuning options that many people don't know about, such as adaptive ringtones that automatically adjust the volume of a call based on the noise level in the environment, and setting vibration patterns allows you to create unique vibrations for different contacts.

How to turn on adaptive sound:

1. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Adaptive sounds.
2. Activate the switch Adapt the volume of the call.
3. Adjust the sensitivity of the microphone (recommended average).

To adjust the vibrations:

1. In the same section, Sound and vibration, select Vibration when calling.
2. Slip on the vibration pattern and choose one of the proposed ones or create your own.
3. For a custom pattern, click Add and "knock" the rhythm on the screen.

These features are not available on all models, for example, adaptive sounds are supported only on flagships (Xiaomi 12/13/14 series, MIX Fold), and extended vibrations are supported on linear motor devices (for example, POCO F5 Pro).

💡

Adaptive sounds save battery life significantly, as the system does not turn on maximum volume in quiet rooms, which is especially useful for devices with small batteries (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite).

7. Alternative methods for experienced users

If standard methods don't work (e.g., custom firmware like xiaomi.eu or LineageOS), you can use advanced methods. They require.root rights or activation of developer settings.

Method 1: Through ADB (without root)

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times) → Additional settings → Developer settings.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put system ringtone /storage/emulated/0/Ringtones/your_ringtone.mp3 (replace the path with the current one).
3. Reset the device.

Method 2: Editing system files (requires root)

1. Install Root Explorer or FX File Explorer.
2. Go to /system/media/audio/ringtones/.
3. Copy your file there (for example, my_ringtone.mp3).
4. Change the access rights to 644 (r-w r--- r----).
5. Restart your phone – a new tune will appear on the standard list.

⚠️ Note: Editing system files without root rights can lead to bootloop.If you are not sure about your actions, use the method with a scalp. ADB or apps from Google Play.

FAQ: Frequent questions about ringtones on Xiaomi