How to change the sound of SMS on Xiaomi: all the ways to MIUI 14/15 and older versions

Getting notifications about new SMS with familiar or intrusive melody is not always convenient. Especially if Xiaomi’s standard sound annoys or merges with other signals. Fortunately, the manufacturer provides several ways to personalize the audible alerts, but not all of them are obvious to users. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of changing the sound of SMS on Redmi, POCO and other lines running MIUI – from basic settings to hidden functions.

It’s important to understand that the interface may vary depending on the firmware version (MIUI 14, MIUI 15 or earlier) and device model, and we’ve taken these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that work on most devices, including the Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5. If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS), some items may be missing – we’ll talk about this separately.

Method 1: Standard sound change through message settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in Messages app options, which are suitable for most users and do not require additional software installation.

1. Open the Messages app (the envelope icon on the home screen or in the app menu).
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the Notifications section → The Sound of Notifications.
4. In the list of available tunes, select the right one. To listen, tap the title.

If you don't like the standard sounds, you can upload your own.

• 📁 Place the audio file (format.mp3,.ogg or.wav, up to 30 seconds in duration) to the Ringtones or Notifications folder on internal storage.
• 🔄 Go back to the sound settings. SMS — Your file will appear in the list of available tunes.

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If the desired sound is not displayed, restart your smartphone or check that the file is not hidden and has a supported format.

Restriction: Some models (e.g. Redmi 9A with MIUI 12) may not have the Notification Sound section, in which case use the alternative methods described below.

Method 2: Configure through system notification parameters

If there is no audio change option in the Messages app, try changing it through the global notification settings.This method works on all versions of MIUI, including MIUI 15:

1. Open the Settings. → Sound and vibration.
2. Select the default notifications.
3. Slip the notification sound and select the tune from the list.

Important: This method changes the sound for ALL notifications, not just SMS. To return individual settings, you will have to use the Messages application or third-party utilities.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI for the global market), the path may be different:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Messages → Notifications → Sound

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If the built-in methods don’t work or you want more features (for example, different sounds for different contacts), install a specialized application.

• 🎵 Zedge is a database of ringtones and notifications with the ability to pre-listen. MIUI 14/15 conflictless.
• 🔊 Ringtone Maker – allows you to crop audio files and assign them to SMS. It’s good if you have a favorite song, but it’s too long.
• 📱 Notification Sound Changer – a utility for quick change of notification sounds without deep settings.

Instructions for setting up through Zedge:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. In the search box, type SMS tone or Notification sound.
3. Select your favorite sound and click Set as → Notification sound.
4. Confirm the replacement in the system dialogue.

Check the application permissions (access to storage)

Download the file in.mp3 or.ogg format

Reboot your smartphone after the changes are applied

Make sure the file is less than 5MB-->

Warning: Some apps (such as GO Ringtone) may contain ads or request unnecessary permissions.

Method 4: Different sounds for different contacts

Want to make your loved ones' messages sound different than spam or working SMS? MIUI has a hidden function for assigning customized tunes to your contacts. Here's how to activate it:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Select the desired contact and tap Edit (pencil icon).
3. Scroll down to the Notification Sound section (on some models it is hidden – click More or Additional).
4. Choose a tune from the list or add your own.

If the Notification Sound section is missing, use the workaround:

• 📌 Create a contact group (e.g., Family) in the Contacts app.
• 🔔 Set a unique sound for the group through notification settings (see Method 2).

Method 5: Change the sound through ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work (for example, on custom firmware or older versions) MIUI), may be resorted to ADB-This requires a computer connection and basic knowledge of working with Android Debug Bridge.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → Assembly Number – tap 7 times).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell settings put global notification_sound [path to file]


Example:




adb shell settings put global notification_sound /storage/emulated/0/Ringtones/my_sms_tone.mp3

To return the standard sound, perform:

adb shell settings delete global notification_sound

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ADB-The commands change the sound for ALL notifications, not just the SMS. For precise settings, use the parameter content://settings/system/notification_sound with the application package com.android.mms.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause system failures. Before experimenting, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Solution: Why does the SMS sound not change?

Sometimes, even after all the manipulations, the smartphone stubbornly plays the old melody, and we'll look at the reasons and ways to eliminate them:

If the problem persists, try resetting the Messages app settings:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Messages → Storage → Resetting settings

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi Mi) A2, POCO F1 Android One, the settings interface can be very different, in which case use the universal method through Settings. → Sound. → Default notifications.

Additional tips for customizing sounds on Xiaomi

In addition to changing the tune of SMS, MIUI has other useful options for personalizing the soundtrack:

• 🔔 Vibration SMS: set up → Sound and vibration → Vibration at notifications. You can choose the rhythm of vibration.
• 🎶 Adaptive sounds: in MIUI 14/15 Adaptive sounds function that automatically adjusts volume depending on the surrounding noise.
• 📵 Quiet regime for SMS: In Settings → Notifications → Rules can be made for night time exceptions.

For owners. POCO and Redmi with MIUI Dual Apps is available for the global market, and it allows you to assign different sounds to the main and duplicate Messages app, which is useful if you use two apps. SIM-map.

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To quickly test new sounds, send yourself a message. SMS from another phone or use services such as SMS Gateway (e.g. sms-receive.freebee.net).

FAQ: Frequent questions about SMS sounds on Xiaomi