How to Change System Sounds on Xiaomi Without Root Rights: A Complete Guide to 2026

The standard notification, alarm or SMS sounds on Xiaomi smartphones can get bored quickly - especially if you've been using the device for several years in a row. Many users want to personalize their Redmi, POCO or Mi, but are afraid of losing warranty due to getting root rights. Fortunately, there are several legal ways to change system sounds without breaking the firmware.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods, including hidden MIUI features, third-party apps and ADB workarounds. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 and work on models from Redmi Note 10 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra. Importantly, some methods require minimal technical training, but none violates Xiaomi's security policy.

If you’re tired of the standard “e-sound” when unlocking or want to set a tune from your iPhone for notifications, this article is for you.We’ll also tell you how to avoid typical bugs and what to do if sounds are reset after a system update.

Why Xiaomi is limiting the change in system sounds

The manufacturer blocks the free replacement of audio files for three reasons:

1. Security: Modifying system files can cause crashes or vulnerabilities.
2. Brand Uniformity: MIUI branded sounds are part of Xiaomi’s identity.
3. License Restrictions: Some sounds may be copyrighted.

But these limitations are not absolute. For example, MIUI 14 has the ability to replace alarm clock sounds through a standard menu, and there are workarounds for notifications, the main thing is not to confuse system sounds (unlock, charge) with ringtones, which change through Settings → Sounds and vibrations.

Important: Global ROM devices have more options than China ROM, where many of the settings are hidden.

Method 1: Replacement through standard MIUI settings (partially)

Despite the limitations, MIUI has legal ways to change some sounds without third-party tools.

Step 1. Open Settings → Sounds and vibrations.

Step 2. Options are available here:

• 🔔 Alarm clock sound: you can select any file from the device memory (formats.mp3,.m4a).
• 📱 Notifications: only standard options (but can be supplemented through the MI File Manager).
• 🔋 Charging sound: changes only on some models (e.g., charging sound, POCO F4).

For other sounds (unlock, screenshot, connection charging) will require workarounds.

Method 2: Use MI File Manager to manually replace

This method works on firmware up to MIUI 13 and allows you to replace sounds through the built-in file manager. Importantly, make a backup of the original files before you start!

Instructions:

1. Download the desired sounds in.ogg format (for example, from the Zedge website).
2. Rename the files according to the table below (names must match the original!).
3. Open MI File Manager, enable the display of hidden files (Settings → Show hidden files).
4. Go to /system/media/audio/ and replace your files with your own (write rights to system folders will be required).

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 this method may not work due to enhanced protection of system files (ADB).

Method 3: Apps for sound replacement (without root)

If manual replacement seems difficult, you can use third-party apps.The best options for Xiaomi are:

• 🎵 Zedge: a huge library of sounds and wallpaper, and once you have the sound installed through the app, you can select it from the settings. MIUI.
• 🔊 Ringtone Maker: Allows you to crop any audio files and set them as notifications or alarms.
• 📱 MIUI Sound Changer (requires) ADB): Specialized solution for replacing system sounds without root.

How to set the sound through Zedge:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Find the sound you like and click “Install”.
3. Go to Settings → Sounds and Vibrations → Notification Sound and select a new sound from the list.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (e.g, MIUI Sound Changer requires a one-time connection ADB permit WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS. This does not violate the warranty, but may reset after the system update.

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If the sound doesn’t show up in the settings after installation via Zedge, restart the device or clear the Settings app cache (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Clear the cache).

Method 4: Replace sounds with ADB (advanced method)

For users who are ready to work with the command line, ADB (Android Debug Bridge offers the most reliable way to replace system sounds without root rights. MIUI, requires a computer.

Step 1: Preparation

• Install. ADB-PC drivers.
• Turn on USB Debugging on your phone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to turn on Developer Mode, then Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging over USB).
• Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in your computer.

Step 2: Replace sounds

1. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with adb.exe.
2. Run a command to copy the audio file (example for unlock sound): adb push C:\path\to\your\unlock.ogg /sdcard/adb shell su -c "mount -o rw,remount /system" su -c "cp /sdcard/unlock.ogg /system/media/audio/ui/" su -c "chmod 644 /system/media/audio/ui/unlock.ogg" su -c "mount -o ro,remount /system"
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14 The su command may not work without root rights. In this case, use an alternative method with permissions: adb shell pm grant com.miui.player android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS Then repeat the copy through the application. MI File Manager.

Method 5: Bypassing the developer settings (hidden options)

MIUI has hidden parameters that allow you to change some of the system sounds without third-party tools.

Step 1: Activate Developer Mode (as in Method 4).

Step 2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers and find the option:

• 🔕 Disable system sounds: Allows you to disable all system sounds (but not replace them).
• 🔊 Camera Sound: You can turn off or replace the shutter sound (relevant to Redmi Note 12 and later).

To replace the camera sound:

1. Place the file. camera_click.ogg folder /sdcard/MIUI/sound/.
2. Reset the device.
3. In the camera settings, select a new sound.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X5, Xiaomi 12T) The sound of the camera is tied to regional restrictions, and in Russia and the EU, it cannot be turned off completely due to the legislation.

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The developer settings method is the safest, but only works for a limited number of sounds (camera, some notifications). ADB third-party.

What if the sounds are reset after the update?

After the MIUI update, all the changed sounds can return to the standard.

• 📁 Save backup of audio files to the cloud or PC.
• 🔄 Use automatic replacement scripts (for example, via Tasker) + ADB).
• 🚫 Turn off automatic updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙) → Auto-update.

If the sound is still lost:

1. Repeat the replacement procedure (see Method 2 or Method 4).
2. Check if the paths to audio files have changed in the new version of MIUI (for example, in MIUI 14, the alarm clock sounds may lie in /product/media/audio/).

On some firmware (MIUI EU), the sounds are saved after the update, as they use an alternative file structure.

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing sounds with Xiaomi