How to SMS your music to Xiaomi: all ways to use MIUI 12-14

Receiving SMS messages on Xiaomi comes with a standard audio signal that quickly gets boring. Many users want to personalize their smartphone by setting a unique tune to notifications — whether it is a favorite song, a voiceover from a movie or a specially created ringtone. However, in MIUI, this process is not always intuitive: the settings menu is hidden, and the system imposes restrictions on file formats.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the sound of SMS to Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (including models from 2023-2026), learn how to use built-in MIUI tools, bypass the limitations of the system with third-party applications, and where to download suitable audio files.

Why Standard Ways Don't Work: The Limits of MIUI

MIUI (especially in versions 12-14) artificially limits the ability to customize notification sounds, and these are the main problems that users face:

• 🔇 There is no direct option in the SMS settings - the path to changing the melody is hidden in the menu "Sounds and vibrations".
• 🎵 Support only for certain formats:.mp3,.m4a,.ogg with a duration limit (usually up to 30 seconds).
• 📂 Files should be in strictly defined folders (/Ringtones, /Notifications), Otherwise, they will not appear on the selection list.
• 🔄 Resetting settings after update MIUI — Sometimes custom tunes are dropped to standard tunes.

In addition, on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12) after upgrading to MIUI 14, the ability to select files from the device’s memory disappears – the system offers only standard ringtones.

Method 1: Change the melody through standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use built-in tools, which is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 12/13/14.

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the section Sound and vibration.
3. Select the default Notification (on some firmwares – Notification Sound).
4. In the list of available tunes tap on Add ringtone (or Local if there is no such option).
5. Select an audio file from the device’s memory (it should be in /Ringtones or /Notifications folders).

If you don't have the option to Add a ringtone, your version of MIUI will block the selection of user files, in which case you will go to Method 2.

Track length no more 30 seconds|File format — MP3, M4A or OGG|The file is renamed in Latin (without spaces)|The file is copied to a folder. /Notifications-->

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If the sound is not in your phone’s memory, download it in advance through your browser or Zedge app (available on Google Play).

Method 2: Using a file manager to bypass restrictions

On newer versions of MIUI (especially 14), the system may not show user files in the selection list, because Xiaomi scans only certain folders, and the solution is simple: you need to manually place the audio file in the correct directory.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Connect your phone to your PC or use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
2. Create a Notifications folder in the root directory of internal memory (if not), the path should look like this: /storage/emulated/0/Notifications.
3. Copy your audio file into this folder. Make sure the file name is written in Latin without spaces (e.g., in the same file name, sms_tone.mp3).
4. Reboot your phone (this is a must for MIUI to scan new files).
5. Repeat the steps from Method 1 – now your file should appear in the list.

If the file does not appear after rebooting, check:

• 📌 File format (should be.mp3,.m4a or.ogg).
• 📌 File size (no more than 5 MB, optimally - up to 1 MB).
• 📌 The folder is created at the root of memory, not on the SD-map.

Method 3: Third-party applications for flexible settings

If standard methods don't work, third-party tools will come to the rescue, allowing you not only to change the sound of SMS, but also assign individual tunes to different contacts, adjust vibrations and even create your own sound profiles.

The best applications for this task:

Instructions for Zedge (the most reliable option):

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Default notifications.
3. Select Zedge Ringtones from the list of sources.
4. Find your favorite sound in the library or upload your file.
5. Apply the changes and restart the phone.

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Apps like Zedge bypass MIUI restrictions by registering their sounds on the system as "systemic", allowing files of any format (within reason).

Method 4: Configure with ADB (for advanced users)

If you are ready to dive into technical details, you can change the sound of SMS via the ADB-This method works on all versions. MIUI, It requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic command line knowledge.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).
• 🎵 Audio file in.ogg format (recommended) placed in a folder /sdcard/Notifications/custom_sms_tone.ogg.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must display the serial number of your device.
3. Copy the file to the system folder (root rights required): adb shell su cp /sdcard/Notifications/custom_sms_tone.ogg /system/media/audio/notifications/ chmod 644 /system/media/audio/notifications/custom_sms_tone.ogg
4. Restart your phone. Now your sound will be available in standard settings.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB and superuser rights can lead to loss of warranty or unstable system operation.

Solving the problem: why music on SMS is not installed

Even following the instructions, users often encounter errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔧 Version MIUI: on some regional firmware (for example, MIUI Global for India, functionality is more limited.
• 🔧 Access rights: Give the file manager permission to access the memory (Settings) → Annexes → Permits).
• 🔧 Application conflict: some launchers (e.g, POCO Launcher can block the change of sounds.

Where to download high-quality melodies for SMS

You don't know which sound to choose? Here are proven sources for downloading ringtones and notifications:

• 🎼 Zedge is the largest database with categories "Notifications", "Ringtones", "Alarmas.
• 🎵 Mob.org – a collection of sounds from movies, games and series (e.g., notification as in WhatsApp or Telegram).
• 🎶 MyInstants – Short Sound Memes and Effects (ideal for SMS).
• 📱 9Mobi Ringtones – Android-optimized tunes with pre-listening.

Selection advice:

• 🔊 SMS is better to choose short sounds (1-3 seconds) so as not to irritate others.
• 🎛️ Check Volume: Some Files May Be Too Quiet for Xiaomi Speakers.
• 📌 Avoid.wav or.flac formats – they take up a lot of space and may not play back.

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Want a unique sound? Write down your voice meme or use tone generators like AudioTool.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up music on SMS in Xiaomi