How to Set Your Melody on Xiaomi: All Ways for MIUI and HyperOS

Standard tunes on Xiaomi smartphones are boring quickly, and factory ringtones in MIUI or HyperOS often sound too loud or, conversely, quiet. Want to put your favorite song on an alarm, notification or incoming call? It's easier than it seems - even without root rights and complex manipulations.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to install custom tunes on Redmi, Poco or Mi, including bypassing system constraints. Relevant for all models based on MIUI 12-15 and the new HyperOS (2026), and also explain why some files do not appear in the list of ringtones and how to fix it.

If you've tried replacing a tune through a standard menu, but your track doesn't appear on the list, the problem is with the file format or where it's located. MIUI and HyperOS scan only the /MIUI/ringtone/ and /Ringtones/ folders -- the other directories are ignored. But there are workarounds!

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1. Standard method: through phone settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI/HyperOS tools. It is suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 12, Poco X5 and Xiaomi 13.

Here's how to do it:

  1. Place your audio file in /MIUI/ringtone/ or /Ringtones/ (create it manually if it is not available).
  2. Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Call melody.
  3. Your track will appear in the list – select it and save the changes.

⚠️ Important: The system only supports files.mp3,.m4a.ogg is up to 30 seconds long, and if the melody is longer, cut it in advance (e.g. via an app). MP3 Cutter).

Format: MP3, M4A or OGG|Length: up to 30 seconds|Bitrate: no higher 320 kbps|folder: /MIUI/ringtone/ or /Ringtones/-->

If your file is compliant but not displayed, try restarting your phone or using a permissioned conductor (such as MiXplorer). SD-map.

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2. Use of a file manager with root rights (for experienced)

If the standard method didn't work and you have root access, you can manually replace the system ringtones, which is suitable for advanced users and requires caution - wrong actions can lead to failures.

Instructions:

  1. Download Root Explorer or MiXplorer (with superuser mode enabled).
  2. Go to /system/media/audio/ringtones/.
  3. Copy your file into this folder (for example, my_ringtone.mp3).
  4. Change the access rights to 644 (rw-r----).
  5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Changing system files may disrupt updates OTA. Before the action, make a backup folder. /system/media/audio/.

What if the phone doesn’t boot after the ringtones are replaced?
If after manipulating system files Xiaomi goes to bootloop (cyclic reboot), try: 1. Log in Recovery Mode (press Power + Volume Up). 2. Select Mount → System and return original files via ADB. 3. If there is no backup, reset to factory settings (Wipe Data).

This is a method that gives you maximum freedom, but it's risky, and for most users, the following methods are enough without root.

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3. Applications for the installation of custom melodies

If manual methods seem complicated, use third-party utilities that automate the process and often bypass the limitations of MIUI/HyperOS.

  • 🎵 Zedge is the largest database of ringtones and notifications. Once you install the app, select your favorite track and click "Install." Minus: requires access to the storage.
  • 🔊 Ringtone Maker -- allows you to crop songs and save them straight to system folders. Supports formats. MP3, WAV, FLAC.
  • 📱 MIUI Ringtone Changer is a specialized application for Xiaomi smartphones. automatically copies files to the user. /MIUI/ringtone/.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Zedge) install tunes in their folder, which may disappear after deleting the program. /Ringtones/.

To install via Ringtone Maker:

  1. Select a track from your phone's memory.
  2. Cut it to the desired length (15-30 seconds are recommended).
  3. Click Save and select Set as a ringtone.

Zedge|Ringtone Maker|MIUI Ringtone Changer|Other |Not using third-party apps-->

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Installation via ADB (no root)

If your Xiaomi can’t see custom ringtones, but USB debugging is enabled, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights and works on all versions of MIUI/HyperOS.

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to unlock the developer menu).
  2. Download ADB Tools and unpack it on your computer.
  3. Place your file (for example, custom_ringtone.mp3) into the platform-tools folder.
  4. Open the command line in this folder and do: adb push custom_ringtone.mp3 /sdcard/MIUI/ringtone/ adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MEDIA_SCANNER_SCAN_FILE -d file:///sdcard/MIUI/ringtone/custom_ringtone.mp3
  5. Reboot the phone.

After that, your track will appear in the list of tunes. If the /MIUI/ringtone/ folder is missing, create it through ADB:

adb shell mkdir /sdcard/MIUI/ringtone/

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If ADB Does not see the device, try reinstalling Xiaomi drivers or using another USB-cable (preferably original).

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5. circumventing restrictions through "Google Files"

The latest versions of MIUI 14+ and HyperOS have a limitation: files in /Ringtones/ don’t always show up in the settings.

Algorithm of action:

  1. Install Google Files from the Play Market.
  2. Place your audio file in any folder (such as Download).
  3. Open the file through Google Files, click “More” (three dots) → “Use as” → “Call melody”.

This method works even on Xiaomi 14 with HyperOS, where standard methods often fail, the main thing is that the file is in a supported format (MP3 or M4A).

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Table: Compatibility of methods with MIUI/HyperOS versions

MethodMIUI 12–13MIUI 14HyperOSRoot is required.
Standard settings✅ Yes.⚠️ Partially.⚠️ Partially.❌ No.
File Manager with root✅ Yes.✅ Yes.✅ Yes.✅ Yes.
Third-party applications (Zedge)✅ Yes.✅ Yes.✅ Yes.❌ No.
ADB✅ Yes.✅ Yes.✅ Yes.❌ No.
Google files❌ No.✅ Yes.✅ Yes.❌ No.

From the table, it can be seen that ADB and Google Files are the most versatile ways to use new firmware versions.

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Frequent problems and solutions

Even after the correct setting, the melody may not work.

  • 🔇 The melody doesn't play when you call: check if the phone is worth it in "Do Not Disturb" or "Vibration" mode. Go to Settings. → Sound. → Regimes.
  • 📂 File doesn’t appear in the list: make sure it’s in the correct folder (/MIUI/ringtone/ or /Ringtones/) and has a supported format.
  • 🔊 Sound is distorted or cropped: reduce the bitrate of the file to 192 kbps (for example, via Audacity).
  • 📵 After the update, the melody dropped: this is a feature MIUI. Reset the ringtone through the settings.

If the problem persists, try clearing the Settings app's cache:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Find “Settings” (the gear icon) and select “Clear Cache.”
  3. Reboot the phone.

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Xiaomi with HyperOS has a worse standard method because of new restrictions on access to system folders. Use ADB or Google Files for reliable results.

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Can I put my tune on the alarm clock?
Yes, but not through standard settings. Use the Clock app from Google or Sleep as Android, where there is a custom audio option. The standard MIUI alarm only has system tunes available.
Why does my song get cut off when it's set?
The system automatically shortens tracks longer than 30 seconds. To avoid this, cut the file in advance in MP3 Cutter or Audacity. The optimal length for a ringtone is 15-25 seconds.
Does this method work on Poco F5 with HyperOS?
On the Poco F5 (and other HyperOS models), the standard way often doesn't work. Use ADB or Google Files as described in sections 4 and 5.
Can I install a tune on WhatsApp notifications?
For WhatsApp, the setting is separate: Open chat → click on the contact name. select “Castom Notifications.” Click “Notification Melody” and select your file (should be in /Notifications/). If the option is inactive, check WhatsApp permissions in Settings → Apps.
How to get back to standard tunes after experiments?
If you have replaced the system ringtones and want to return the originals: Download the firmware for your model. miui_ringtones.zip From the archives, through the Root Explorer or ADB Copy the original files into /system/media/audio/ringtones/. Without root rights, it is easier to reset settings (Settings) → The phone. → Resetting settings), but it will delete all user data.