How to change a call to Xiaomi: 5 ways to change all models

The standard ringtone on Xiaomi is a quick bore, especially if you hear it 20 times a day. Fortunately, MIUI offers several ways to personalize the soundtrack, from custom settings to install custom ringtone through the file system. But not everyone knows that newer versions of the firmware (such as MIUI 14/15 on Android 13/14) have changed the algorithm for changing the call — now some options are hidden deeper, and for third-party tunes, additional permissions are required.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods – from basic change through the “Sounds” menu to advanced tricks using the “Sounds” menu. ADB Xiaomi models 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12/13 and POCO F/X. We will pay special attention to the problems that device owners face after the update: why downloaded ringtones disappeared, how to return old system tunes and what to do if a new call is not used. You will also learn how to assign unique tunes to individual contacts and why some audio file formats are used (.m4a,.ogg) may not be reproduced.

1. Standard method: "Sounds and vibrations" menu

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI settings.It is suitable for all models, including the Xiaomi Civi 3, Redmi K60 and POCO M6 Pro, but has a limitation: you can only select system tunes or those that were added through the official Themes app.

To change the call:

1. Open the Settings. → Sounds and vibrations.
2. Select the item Melody of the call (on some firmware - The sound of the call).
3. Scroll down the list: first, system ringtones (MIUI, Mi Mix, Pure) go, then downloaded through Themes.
4. Touch the right tune for pre-listening, then press OK.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 14+ If you select a tune, you may receive a notification saying, "Application of sound will take a few seconds." If the call hasn't changed, restart the phone or check if the tick is ticked in Settings. → Special facilities → Remove animations (it can block the use of new settings).

If you don't have the right tune on the list, you can add your own.

• 📁 Download the audio file in format.mp3 or.m4r (size up to 5 MB, duration up to 30 seconds).
• 📲 Place it in the Ringtones folder on the internal storage (create it manually if it is not available).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone – a new tune will appear on the list.

2. Install custom ringtones through the file system

If the standard method didn’t work (e.g., the added.mp3 doesn’t appear on the menu), you’ll have to use the manual method, which is true for MIUI 13/14 firmware, where there have been changes in how user sounds are processed.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB (in file transfer mode).
2. Go to Internal Storage → Ringtones (if you don’t have one, create one).
3. Copy audio files. Importantly, the file name should contain only Latin characters and numbers (for example, the file name should contain only Latin characters and numbers, my_ringtone.mp3).
4. Turn off the phone and restart it.

If the melody doesn't show up anyway:

• 🔧 Check the file format: MIUI Does not support.wav and.flac for ringtones.
• 📌 Make sure the file is not hidden (in the file properties on your PC, uncheck the “Hidden” box»).
• 🛠️ For Android 12+ You may need to give permission to access the folder: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Media storage → Permits → Warehouse.

3.Use of the Themes app for downloading melodies

MIUI offers an official way to download new ringtones through the Themes app.It's safe, but the choice is limited - most tunes are paid or require a Mi Account subscription.

How to make a call through “Themes”:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to the section Sounds or Ringtones (located in the bottom menu).
3. Select your favorite tune and click Apply.
4. Confirm the installation in the Sound and Vibration menu.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ The melodies are optimized for MIUI (No problem with reproduction).
• ✅ Automatic update of the ringtones list.
• ✅ Possibility of pre-listening.

⚠️ Note: Some users complain that after the update MIUI The tunes downloaded through Themes disappear. This is due to the reset of the app cache. To return the ringtones, go to Settings. → Annexes → Topics → Warehouse → Clear the data and reboot the phone, and the tunes will come back, but you'll have to reassign them.

4.Assigning unique calls to contacts

If you want important contacts to have individual tunes, do the following:

Method 1: Through the Contact Application

1. Open Contacts and select the contact you want.
2. Click Edit (pencil icon).
3. Scroll down to the Melody of the Call (or Notification Sound).
4. Select a tune from the list or add your own (if the file is in the Ringtones folder).

Method 2: Using the Phone App

• 📞 During the incoming call, click on the icon. ⋯ (three points) in upper right corner.
• 🔊 Select Set up a ringtone.
• 🎵 Assign a unique ringtone for this number.

💡

If you have dual SIM (two SIM cards), you can assign different tunes for each. To do this, select SIM 1 Call Melody and SIM 2 Call Melody separately from the Sounds and Vibration menu.

5. Advanced Methods: ADB and Third Party Applications

If standard methods do not work (for example, on Xiaomi with global firmware or custom ROM), you will have to use ADB or specialized utilities.

Method 1: Assigning a Call through ADB

This is a good way to use it for advanced users, and you'll need to:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🎵 Audio file in the Ringtones folder.

Teams for assignment:

adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/system --bind name:s:ringtone --bind value:s:/storage/emulated/0/Ringtones/your_ringtone.mp3

Replace. your_ringtone.mp3 in the name of your file.

Method 2: Applications for customization

If ADB seems complicated, use:

• 🎛️ Ringtone Maker – allows you to crop audio files and assign them as calls.
• 🔊 Zedge – Free ringtones and notifications database (requires permission to access storage).
• 📱 Ringdroid is a simple editor for creating melodies from music tracks.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 15 (Android-based 14) Some applications for changing calls may not work due to new restrictions on access to system settings, in which case only manual copying of files in the system will help. /system/media/audio/ringtones (requires root rights).

Install ADB Tools on PC

Turn on USB debugging on your phone

Put the audio file in the Ringtones folder

Connect your phone to your PC in file transfer mode

Check the visibility of the device with the adb device command-->

6 Problem Solving: Why the Call Doesn't Change

If after all the manipulations the call remained the same, check the following points:

On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Xiaomi 14 with MIUI 15, you may need to turn off the Adaptive Sound feature (Settings → Sounds → Adaptive Sound) as it automatically adjusts the volume of ringtones depending on the ambient noise.

If the problem persists:

• 🔄 Restart your phone to Safe Mode (hold the power button) → «Safe mode") and check if the call changes. If so, it's the third-party app's fault.
• 📥 Install an update for MIUI through settings → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Reset the sound settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset the sound settings.

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On POCO F5 and Redmi K70 with HyperOS (new shell instead of MIUI), the call-change algorithm has changed. Custom tunes now require files to be placed in the Internal Storage → Media → Audio → Ringtones folder and permission to access media through Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Files and Media.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing your call to Xiaomi