How to put a ringtone on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Set your own call melody on Xiaomi smartphones seems like an easy task, but users often face unexpected limitations: standard ringtones get bored quickly, and downloaded tracks don't show up on the list of available.The problem is compounded by the fact that MIUI regularly changes the location of settings - what worked in 2022 may not work in 2026.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install ringtones on Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco and Black Shark, from basic methods through system settings to bypassing the limitations of MIUI with hidden features and third-party applications. Special attention will be paid to new models on MIUI 14/15, where the logic of working with audio files has changed. If you want to put a tune from Spotify, voice recording or even a podcast fragment, here you will find a working solution.

1. Standard method: through MIUI settings

The most obvious method is to use the system's built-in tools, which is suitable for most models, but has limitations on file format and storage folders.

To set the ringtone through settings:

1. Download the audio file to your phone (supported formats.mp3,.m4a,.ogg,.wav).
2. Move the file to the Ringtones folder (create it at the root of internal memory if it doesn’t exist).
3. Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Call melody.
4. Your file will appear in the list – select it.

Important: MIUI ignores files in Download or Music folders, and the system may not show tracks longer than 30 seconds.

Download MP3 or M4A| Cut the track to 30 seconds (optional)| Move to Ringtones| Reboot the phone (if the file does not appear)

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2.Using MIUI Themes (Themes)

If the standard method didn’t work, try downloading the ringtone through MIUI Themes, a built-in theme store that is suitable for models on MIUI 12 and up.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
• 🔍 Go to the Ringtones section (tab at the bottom of the screen).
• 🎵 Select your favorite tune and click Apply.
• 🔄 If you don’t have the right track, download it separately and import it through My ringtones.

⚠️ Note: Some users complain that after the update MIUI Ringtones downloaded through Topics are reset. To avoid this, back up the folder MIUI/ringtone.

Through MIUI | Through Themes |Third-party applications | Manual System File Replacement

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3. Third-party applications for ringtones

If the built-in MIUI tools don't work, use specialized applications that let you bypass system constraints and install ringtones from any source.

Top.-3 tested applications:

To install the ringtone through Zedge:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Find your favorite track and click Install.
3. The pop-up will suggest using it as a ringtone - confirm.

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If the app doesn’t see your audio files, check the permissions: Settings → Applications → Permissions Management → Memory.

4. Manual System Rington Replacement (for Advanced)

This is a method that works for those who are ready to work with system files, and allows you to completely replace standard ringtones with your own, but requires root rights or ADB.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
2. Download ADB Tools and unpack it on PC.
3. Open the command line in the ADB folder and type: adb devices (the serial number of your device should appear).
4. Copy your audio file to the system folder: adb push your file.mp3 /system/media/audio/ringtones/
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Mistakes with system files can lead to loss of warranty or device brik. If you are not sure, use other methods.

5. Installation of ringtones through file manager

If you don’t want to use ADB, but the standard method doesn’t work, try circumventing the limitations of MIUI through a file manager with access to system folders (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).

Algorithm of action:

• 📁 Open the file manager and go to /storage/emulated/0/.
• 🔍 Find the file. MIUI/ringtone (If it is not, create it manually).
• 🎵 Place your audio file there (the name should be in Latin, without spaces).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📱 Check the list of ringtones in Settings → Sound and vibration.

This method works on most Xiaomi devices, but some models (like the Poco F5 or Xiaomi 13T) may require additional permission to write to the MIUI folder.

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6. Features for different Xiaomi models

The process of installing the ringtone may vary depending on the model and version of MIUI. Below are the key nuances for popular devices.

On devices with MIUI 15 (2026), a new feature was introduced, Dynamic Ringtones, which change depending on the time of day, to activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Sound and Vibration → Dynamic Ringtones.
2. Choose one of the packages offered or create your own.
3. Set up a schedule for each track.

7. Problem Solving: The ringtone is not installed

If none of these methods worked, check the following points:

• 🔊 File format: MIUI supportive.mp3,.m4a,.ogg,.wav, but may ignore other formats.Recode the file via Audacity or online converter.
• 📂 Location of the file: The file must be in one of the folders: /Ringtones/ /MIUI/ringtone/ /Notifications/ (notice-in)
• 🔄 System cache: Sometimes it helps to clean the cache of the Settings or Themes application (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Settings → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
• 📱 Update MIUI: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13.0.6 for Redmi Note 10 Pro) there was a bug displaying custom ringtones.

If the problem persists, try resetting the sound settings:

1. Go to Settings → System and device → Resetting.
2. Select Resetting Sound Settings.
3. After restarting, re-set the ringtone.

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On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11) it helps to temporarily disable MIUI Optimization in the developer settings (Settings → Additional → Developers → Disable MIUI optimization).

FAQ: Frequent questions about ringtones on Xiaomi