How to Change the Sound of a Call on Xiaomi: 5 Ways to Use MIUI 14/15

The standard ringtone on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is quickly boring — especially if you’ve been using the device for several years. Fortunately, the manufacturer provides several ways to personalize the audio, from built-in settings to install custom ringtone through the file system. In this article, we’ll break down all the current methods of changing the sound of a call, including hidden MIUI 14/15 features and bypassing restrictions for users with root rights.

It is important to note that the interface may vary slightly depending on the model (Xiaomi). 13T Pro, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5) But the general logic of the action is the same, if you want to not just replace the melody, but create a unique sound profile -- for example, with different ringtones for the sound. SIM-Maps or Contacts – Read More.

1. Standard method: through MIUI settings

The simplest method, which requires no additional applications or technical knowledge, is suitable for all devices based on MIUI 12 and later, including the latest updates of 2026.

To change the sound of the call:

  • 📱 Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
  • 🔊 Go to the section Sound and vibration.
  • 🎵 Select the Sound of the Call (or the Melody of the Call on some models).
  • 🎶 In the list that opens, select one of the preset tunes. To listen, click on the track.

Note that MIUI 15 now allows you to pre-listen without saving — just hold your finger on the name of the tune, and you can also set the vibration when you call by turning on the Vibration switch when you call.

Update MIUI to the latest version |Check the memory space (minimum 50MB) |Download the desired melody in MP3/WAV |Disable Do Not Disturb mode-->

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If the list does not have a suitable tune, try to click Add (if this option is available) – the system will prompt you to select a file from the device’s memory.

2. Use of own audio files

If you don't like standard ringtones, you can download any tune you like, and the main condition is that the file must be in.mp3,.wav or.ogg format and weigh no more than 5 MB (MIUI restriction), the optimal duration is 20-30 seconds.

Instructions for adding a custom ringtone:

  1. Download the audio file to your phone (for example, through a browser or messenger).
  2. Move the file to the Ringtones folder (if it is not, create it in the root directory of internal memory).
  3. Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound of a call.
  4. At the top of the screen, click Local or My Melodies – added files will be displayed here.

If the file does not appear in the list, check:

  • 🔍 The correct folder name (registrar is important: Ringtones, not ringtones).
  • 📁 Location of the file (should be in internal memory, not on the SD-map).
  • 🎵 File size and format (only supported) MP3/WAV before 5 MB).
How to get around the size limit of the file?
If your ringtone weighs more than 5MB, trim it with apps like MP3 Cutter or Audacity. The alternative is to convert the file to.ogg with a 64kbps bitrate, which will reduce the size without critical quality loss.

3. Different tunes for SIM-map

On Xiaomi smartphones with two SIM-You can assign unique bell sounds to each card, which is convenient if one card is used for work and the other for personal calls.

How to set up:

  1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Choose the right one. SIM-map, SIM 1).
  3. Click the sound of the call and select the melody from the list.
  4. Repeat the steps for the second. SIM-map.

If the option is inactive, check:

  • 📶 Whether both are activated SIM-card.
  • 🔄 Is the same sound for everyone on? SIM (Disabled in the section Sound and vibration).

Once a month | Once every six months |Only when you buy a new phone |Never changed-->

4. Installation of ringtones through applications

If the built-in MIUI facilities seem limited, you can use third-party apps from Google Play.

  • 🎼 Zedge – a database of ringtones, notifications and wallpaper with the possibility of pre-listening.
  • 🔊 Ringtone Maker – allows you to crop songs and save them as ringtones.
  • 🎵 MP3 Cutter and Ringtone Maker – Advanced Editor with Feid and Effects Support.

How to install ringtone through Zedge:

  1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
  2. Start Zedge and select the Ringtones section.
  3. Find your favorite tune and click Download.
  4. After downloading, click Set as ringtone → Phone ringtone.

Warning: Some apps (like Ringtone Maker) require permission to access files and microphones.Do not grant rights if the app requests them for no obvious reason.

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Google Play apps are convenient but often contain ads. To avoid intrusive banners, use Premium versions or turn off the Internet while you’re using the program.

5. Advanced methods: ADB and root access

For advanced users who are ready to work with technical tools, advanced ways to change system sounds are available, which allow you to replace even standard MIUI notifications, which are usually blocked.

Method 1: Through ADB (without root)

If you have unlocked USB Debugging, you can manually copy files to the system folders:

adb push your rington.mp3 /sdcard/Ringtones/


adb shell settings put system ringtone /sdcard/Ringtones/your rington.mp3

Method 2: With root rights

Root access gives you full control over the system files, to replace the standard ringtones:

  1. Use Root Explorer or Solid Explorer with root access.
  2. Go to /system/media/audio/ringtones/.
  3. Copy your files to this directory (pre-change the rights to 644).
  4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly changing system files can cause failures MIUI. Before experimenting, create a backup copy through TWRP Mi Backup.

6. Sound adjustment for individual contacts

MIUI allows you to assign unique ringtones to specific subscribers, which is useful if you want to know who is calling right away — for example, assigning special music to important customers or loved ones.

How to set up:

  1. Open the Contacts app.
  2. Select the contact you want and click Edit (pencil icon).
  3. Scroll down to the Sound of the Call (or Melody).
  4. Choose a tune from the list or add yours through Locals.

Limitations:

  • 📞 It only works for contacts stored in the phone’s memory (not on the phone’s memory). SIM-map).
  • 🔕 If the contact has multiple numbers, the melody will apply to all.

7 Problem Solving: Why the sound of the call doesn't change

Sometimes users find that new tunes are not applied or reset after a reboot. Let's look at the typical reasons and ways to eliminate them.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The melody doesn't persistApp cache error SettingsClear the cache to Settings → Applications → App Management → Settings → Clear the cache
The file does not appear in the listWrong format or folderCheck the extension (.mp3) and location (Ringtones folder)
The sound is reset after the updateResetting MIUI settingsBefore updating, save a backup copy via Mi Cloud
No Local Melodies option.Restriction of regional firmwareInstall a global version of MIUI or use ADB

If the problem persists, try:

  • 🔄 Reset the device.
  • 📲 Install another sound management app (e.g. Ringtone Picker).
  • 📡 Reset network settings (in some cases helps with system services glitches).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for Russia (version) RU) There may be no option to add local files due to manufacturer restrictions, in which case changing the firmware region to Global or EEA.

FAQ: Frequent questions

Can I play my music from Spotify/YouTube as a ringtone?
Not directly from these apps, because they use secure formats. However, you can: Download an MP3 track through third-party services (e.g. YTMP3); crop it up to 30 seconds in MP3 Cutter; Save it to the Ringtones folder and select it through settings; note that using copyrighted music may be illegal.
Why did all my custom ringtone ringtone disappear after the MIUI update?
This is a known problem with some versions of MIUI (especially when switching to MIUI 14→15). The system resets paths to user files. To recover: Check if files are still in the Ringtones folder. Reboot your phone. If it doesn't work, reassign the tunes manually. In the future, export important ringtones to your PC before upgrading.
How do you make the vibration unique to each contact?
MIUI does not support individual vibration patterns for out-of-the-box contacts, but you can: Use apps like Vibration Patterns (requires root), assign different tunes with unique vibrations (in audio settings). Some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi K60) have the option of Vibration by Melody - include it in Settings → Special features → Vibration.
Can I put a live sound (such as a voice recording) as a ringtone?
Yes, but with reservations: Recording must be in.mp3 or.wav. Maximum duration is 30 seconds (otherwise MIUI will crop the file). Recording quality must be high (no noise), otherwise the sound will be distorted. To record voice, use a recorder (included in MIUI) or Voice Recorder, then crop the file and save to Ringtones.
Why is POCO F5 not running Ringtones folder, and where do you save your files?
On some POCO devices, the Ringtones folder is not automatically created. Solution: Connect your phone to your PC and create a folder manually. Or use a file manager (like Files by Google) to create a directory. Alternatively, save the file to Downloads, and then select Local → Downloads in the audio settings. On POCO F5 with MIUI 14 for India, the folder should be called ringtones (small letters), while on global firmware, Ringtones.