How to change the sound of notifications on Xiaomi: 3 ways + problem solving

Why Xiaomi’s Standard Sounds Are Irritating and How to Replace Them

Default notification sounds on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are often annoying, with loud, monotonous or annoying tunes. A survey of MIUI users found that 68 percent changed standard signals in the first two weeks after buying a device, and 42 percent didn’t even know that Xiaomi could assign customized sounds to each app, from WhatsApp to bank notifications.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to change sounds, from basic substitution through settings to customization of tunes through the file system. We will focus on the hidden features of MIUI 14/15, which allow you to assign unique signals for system events (for example, battery discharge or charging).

Method 1: Replacement with standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in system tools, which is suitable for most models, including the Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13 and POCO F5/X5. Importantly, the interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (updated monthly).

To change the sound of notifications:

1. Open the Settings. → Sound and vibration
2. Select Notification Sound (on some firmware – Sounds and Vibrations → Notifications)
3. Scroll down to the Standards section – all system tunes are collected here.
4. Slip on your favorite sound for pre-listening
5. Click OK or Save (depending on MIUI version)

Note that MIUI 14+ now allows you to assign different sounds to the locked and unlocked screens, which is hidden in additional settings (the gear icon in the upper right corner of the sound menu).

1. Make sure the volume of notifications is not at a minimum (slider in Settings → Sound)

2. Check if Do Not Disturb mode is enabled (Settings → Notifications → Do Not Disturb)

3. Update MIUI to the latest version (some sounds only appear after updates)

4.Reboot your phone if new sounds don't apply-->

Method 2: Installation of custom tunes (MP3, M4A)

If the standard sounds are not good, you can download your files. Xiaomi supports.mp3,.m4a,.ogg and.wav formats, but there are limitations:

• 🎵 File length – no more than 30 seconds (the system will automatically cut long tracks)
• 📁 File size - up to 1 MB (optimum) 300-500 Quick loading)
• 🔊 Bitrate - no higher than 192 kbps (higher values may cause playback delays)
• 📱 The file must be in the Ringtones or Notifications folder on the internal storage

Installation instructions:

1. Download your favorite sound to your phone (e.g., from Zedge or Mobile9)
2. Connect your phone to your PC or use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager)
3. Move the file to Internal Storage → Notifications (if the folder is not, create it)
4. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound of notifications
5. At the top of the screen will appear tab My sounds – select your file

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To trim long tracks, use the Ringtone Maker app (available on Google Play), which automatically optimizes files for MIUI requirements and saves them to the desired folder.

If your sound doesn’t appear on the list, check:

• 🔍 The correct folder name (registration is important: Notifications, not notifications)
• 📂 File format (convert to the.mp3 via Audacity)
• 🔄 Restart your phone - sometimes MIUI Does not scan new files without reboot

Method 3: Configure individual sounds for applications

One of the chips MIUI — The ability to assign unique sounds to each application, which is useful to distinguish notifications from Telegram and Viber or highlight important messages (such as from a bank). MIUI 12 and newer.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Select the desired application (such as WhatsApp)
3. Slip on Notifications (on some firmware - Alerts)
4. Turn on the Sound switch (if switched off)
5. Click on the current sound and select a new one from the list.

For system notifications (such as low battery power), the path is different:

1. Settings → Sound and vibration → System sounds
2. Select an event (e.g. Charging is connected)
3. Assign a unique sound

Important messages (bank, work)|Social networks (VK, Instagram)|Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)|System events (charging, battery)|No need to highlight-->

An important nuance: some apps (like Facebook or TikTok) ignore the system settings of the sound and use their own, in which case you will have to change the melody directly in the settings of the application itself.

Problems and Solutions: Why New Sounds Don't Work

Even when you're fine-tuned, the sounds may not change, and here are the typical reasons and ways to eliminate them:

⚠️ Note: If the notifications are no longer playing at all after the sound change, check the permissions for the com.android.systemui application (responsible for system sounds). In rare cases, resetting its settings helps to return functionality.

• 🔇 Sound is available but not playable: Check if Vibration mode is turned on instead of sound (Settings) → Sound. → Sound Mode) Make sure that notifications are not turned off in the app settings Restart your phone – sometimes MIUI "Forgetting to apply new settings
• 🔄 Sound resets after rebooting: This is a bug of some versions MIUI Solution: Update the firmware or reset the sound settings to standard, then reassign Check if a third-party launcher (such as Nova Launcher) is in use - it may conflict with system settings
• 📱 New sounds don't appear in the list: Make sure files are in the correct folder (Notifications or Ringtones) Check the file format (MIUI Does not support.flac or.aac) Use a file manager with root rights (e.g., file manager with root rights, FX File Explorer to force the system’s media base to be updated

If the problem persists, try resetting the sound settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset App Settings
3. Confirm the action (this won’t delete your data, but reset all permissions)

Additional chips: vibration, LED-indicator and quiet mode

In addition to the sounds, you can configure Xiaomi:

• 📳 Vibration: B Settings → Sound and vibration → Vibration at notifications can be selected from 7 patterns or create your own For individual applications, the vibration is adjusted in Settings → Annexes → [Annex] → Notifications → Vibration.
• 🔴 LED-indicator: Blinking color and frequency are adjusted in Settings → Notifications → Light indicator on new models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13) LED Replaced with Always-on Display – its settings in Settings → Screen. → Always-on
• 🔕 Quiet Mode: In Settings → Sound. → Don't disturb you can configure exceptions for important notifications Automatic rules feature allows you to enable quiet schedule or geolocation mode

Interesting life hack: if you want quiet notifications (for example, at night), but do not want to completely turn off the sound, assign an empty audio file as a melody. Download this file (0.1 KB, 1 second of silence) and use it as a notification sound. The system will "play" it, but in fact you will not hear anything.

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In the models with IR-With a blaster (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra), notification sounds can be duplicated to external speakers via the Infrared Port. → Connected devices → IR-Enable the option "Repeat sounds to external devices".

Comparison of methods: what way to choose

The choice of method depends on your goals and the model of the phone.

For most users, the second method (custom files) is optimal, and it gives you enough freedom without having to understand technical nuances. If you want maximum customization (for example, different sounds for day and night notifications), you should study Tasker or MacroDroid, these applications allow you to automate the change of sounds on a schedule or conditions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about notification sounds on Xiaomi