How to change the tune on Xiaomi Redmi 10S: all ways in one guide

Xiaomi Redmi 10S with a MIUI shell offers flexible audio settings, but not all users know how to make the most of these features. Standard tunes quickly get boring, and finding the right ringtone can turn into a real puzzle β€” especially if you first encounter firmware from Xiaomi. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change tunes, from basic settings to hidden functions and third-party applications.

It's important to understand that Redmi 10S runs Android 11 with the MIUI 12.5/13 branded shell (depending on the firmware version), and the interface may vary slightly. However, the principles of changing sounds remain universal. We'll also address format compatibility, volume optimization, and even custom melodies from your favorite tracks without losing quality. If you want your phone to sound unique, read on.

Preparation: What audio file formats supports Redmi 10S

Before you change the tunes, you need to deal with technical limitations. Xiaomi Redmi 10S supports the following audio file formats for ringtones and notifications:

  • 🎡 MP3 β€” The most versatile format recommended for most cases: Optimal bitrate: 128-320 kbit / s.
  • 🎡 M4A (AAC) β€” It provides good quality with a smaller file size.
  • 🎡 WAV β€” No loss of quality, but it takes up a lot of space. Use only for short sounds (up to 30 seconds).
  • 🎡 OGG β€” It is rarely used but maintained by the system, and may cause playback problems on some versions. MIUI.

Important: The call melody should not last more than 30 seconds (the system will automatically trim the file). For notifications, the limit is 5 seconds. If you try to set the track longer, MIUI will suggest cropping it or select the first 30 seconds automatically.

FormatMax. Duration.Recommended bitrateFeatures
MP330 seconds.192–320 kbit/sThe best balance of quality and size
M4A (AAC)30 seconds.128-256 kbit/sIt weighs less than MP3 at the same quality.
WAV30 seconds.1411 kbps (CD-quality)No losses, but it takes up a lot of space.
OGG30 seconds.96-160 kbit/sIt may not be reproduced in some firmware

If your file doesn’t fit these requirements, use free converters like Audacity or online services like online-audio-converter.com. You can cut the track straight from the standard Music app on Redmi 10S:

⚠️ Note: Do not use files with a bit rate below 96 kbps, they will sound distorted on the speakers of the smartphone. FLAC and ALAC β€” MIUI They don't support ringtones.

Method 1: Change the melody through standard MIUI settings

The simplest method is to use built-in shell tools, which can change the bell, the alerts and the alarm without having to install any additional applications.

  1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
  2. Go to the section Sound and vibration.
  3. Select Call Melody (for incoming calls) or Notification Sound.
  4. In the list that opens, select one of the standard tunes or click Add Rington.
  5. If you want to use your file, select it from the list of available audio files (they must be in the Ringtones or Notifications folder on internal memory).

For an alarm clock, the path is a little different:

  1. Open the watch app β†’ the alarm tab.
  2. Click on an existing alarm clock or create a new one.
  3. Select Melody and specify the desired sound file.

If your file is not listed, make sure it:

The file is located in /storage/emulated/0/Ringtones or /storage/emulated/0/Notifications folder

The file name does not contain special characters (only Latin, numbers, accents)

File format: MP3, M4A or WAV

Duration does not exceed 30 seconds-->

If the file meets all the requirements but doesn’t appear in the list, try restarting your phone or using a file manager (like Files by Google) to move the file to the desired folder.

Method 2: Using a file manager to add custom tunes

Sometimes the standard MIUI interface doesn't show all the files available, and then manually placing audio files in the system folders will help.

  1. Get Redmi on board. 10S computer-to-computer USB-Cable and select File Transfer Mode (or use the file manager on your phone).
  2. Create folders on internal memory (if there are none): Ringtones for ringtones; Notifications for notification sounds; Alarms for alarm clocks.

Copy the prepared audio files into the appropriate folders.

Disconnect the phone from the computer and restart it.

Now your files should appear in the list of available tunes in the settings.

If folders already exist but files are not displayed, check them for hidden characters in names. MIUI can ignore files with Cyrillic names or with spaces at the beginning/end.

⚠️ Warning: Do not place files in the Download folder or on a memory card, the system will not see them. Also avoid using cloud storage (Google Drive, Mi Cloud) to store ringtones: MIUI It doesn't scan them automatically.

For convenience, you can use the Zedge app (available on Google Play), which automatically places downloaded tunes in the desired folders. However, note that some sounds from Zedge may be of poor quality.

πŸ“Š How do you usually change the tunes on your phone?
Through standard settings
I'm using a file manager.
Download from apps like Zedge
I don't change, I use standard.
Another way.

Method 3: Install melodies through apps from Google Play

If you don't want to manually copy files, you can use specialized applications.-3 Verified options for Redmi 10S:

  • πŸ“± Zedge is the largest database of ringtones and wallpapers, and allows you to pre-listen to the tune and download it in the right format.
  • πŸ“± Ringtone Maker is a tool for cropping tracks and creating custom tunes from your music. Supports exporting directly to system folders.
  • πŸ“± MP3 Cutter and Ringtone Maker – advanced editor with the ability to customize the beginning and end of trimming, add fade effects.

Instructions for using Zedge:

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Open it and select Ringtones or Notification Sounds.
  3. Find your favorite tune and click on it.
  4. Select Set as ringtone (set as ringtone) or Download (download for manual installation).

For Ringtone Maker:

  1. Select a track from your media library.
  2. Mark the beginning and end of the fragment (no more than 30 seconds).
  3. Press Save and specify the type of melody (call, notification, alarm).
  4. The application will automatically place the file in the desired system folder.

The advantage of these applications is that they optimize files for MIUI requirements. However, be careful with permissions: some programs request access to contacts or SMS without needing.

πŸ’‘

Before installing a ringtone from a third-party app, check the reviews – some tunes from Zedge may contain hidden ads at the beginning of the track.

Method 4: Creating a unique tune from your favorite song

If you want to use a snippet of your favorite song as a ringtone, but don’t know how to cut it properly, follow this instruction:

You'll need:

  • 🎧 Audio file format MP3 or M4A;
  • πŸ“± Ringtone Maker or Audacity app for PC);
  • πŸ“ File Manager (e.g. Mi File Manager).

Instructions for Ringtone Maker (on the phone):

  1. Open the app and select Music Files.
  2. Find the right track and tap on it.
  3. Move the sliders to select a snippet up to 30 seconds long. Use the +1s/-1s buttons for accuracy.
  4. Click Save and select Ringtone (for calling) or Notification (for notifications).
  5. Assign a name to the file (for example, my_ringtone.mp3) and keep.

Instructions for Audacity (on PC):

  1. Import the track to Audacity (File β†’ Open).
  2. Select the fragment with the mouse (maximum 30 seconds).
  3. Export the allocated: File β†’ Export the allocated.
  4. Select MP3 format, specify the bitrate of 192 kbit/s and save.
  5. Transfer the file to the Ringtones folder on your phone.

For best results, choose snippets with a clear beginning (such as a chorus of a song). Avoid quiet introductions - the first 1-2 seconds should be well audible so that you do not miss the call.

How to make a smooth attenuation at the end of the ringtone?
In Audacity, after trimming the fragment, select the last 2-3 seconds of the track and apply the effect of Effects β†’ Attenuation β†’ Attenuation at the output. This will make the end of the melody smoother and more pleasant for the ear.

Problem Solving: Why the Melody Doesn't Change or Play

Sometimes users find that a new tune is not installed or the phone continues to use the old one.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The melody is not displayed in the list.File in the wrong folder or with the wrong nameTransfer the file to /Ringtones and rename (Latin only)
The sound is being distorted.Low bitrate or corrupted fileConvert the file to MP3 with a bitrate of 192+ kbit/s
The melody is reset after rebootingMIUI cache errorClear the Settings app cache (Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Settings β†’ Clear the cache)
You can’t select a file for more than 30 seconds.MIUI LimitationCut the file up to 30 seconds in any audio editor

If the problem persists, try the following:

  1. Reboot the phone.
  2. Check if you have installed third-party audio management applications (such as Volume Booster) that may conflict with system settings.
  3. Update MIUI to the latest version: Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update.

⚠️ Note: On some versions MIUI 13, after the update, reset custom tunes. Before the update, back up the Ringtones and Notifications folders.

Additional settings: vibration, volume and sound profiles

Changing the tune is only part of the setup of the soundtrack, and Redmi 10S can fine-tune the associated settings:

  • πŸ“³ Vibration when calling: go to Settings β†’ Sound and vibration β†’ Vibration when calling and select a pattern or turn off vibration.
  • πŸ”Š Volume: In the same section, set up separate volume levels for calls, notifications and media. Use sliders or volume buttons on the sidebar.
  • πŸŒ™ Sound profiles: MIUI It supports Sound, Vibration and No Sound, and you can switch between them quickly through the notification panel.
  • 🎢 Equator: To improve the sound of the melodies, open Settings β†’ Sound and vibration β†’ Equalizer and select preset or manually set up.

For advanced users, settings are available via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) for example, to turn off vibrations when notified, follow the command:

adb shell settings put global vibration_intensity 0

However, this method requires the inclusion of USB Debugging and is only suitable for advanced users.

πŸ’‘

The equalizer setting is especially useful if standard tunes sound too quiet or distorted. Try preset "Rock" or "Pop" for better definition.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing tunes to Redmi 10S

Can I set a tune longer than 30 seconds?
No, MIUI automatically cuts ringtones to 30 seconds, and you can use apps like Tasker to circumvent the restriction, which play the full track when you call, but this requires manual tuning and can conflict with system sounds.
Why does my tune sound quieter than standard?
This is due to normalizing the volume in MIUI. To amplify the sound: Open the file in the audio editor (for example, Audacity). Apply the effect of Normalization with a level of -1 dB. Save and reset the melody. Also check if the mode is activated Do not disturb in the audio settings.
How to return standard MIUI tunes after resetting?
Standard ringtones are stored in the system partition and are not deleted when reset. To return them: Go to Settings β†’ Sound and Vibration β†’ Call Melody. Scroll down the list and select Default or MIUI. If standard tunes do not show, update MIUI or reset (Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Reset).
Can I use a tune from Spotify or Apple Music?
Directly from apps, no, because they use DRM. However, you can: Find a track on YouTube and download it through a service like ytmp3.cc (make sure it doesn't violate copyright!) Convert a file to an MP3 with a bit rate of 192-320 kbps. Cut and install as a ringtone through Ringtone Maker. Keep in mind that using protected content may violate the terms of service.
Why did all my tunes drop after the MIUI update?
This is a known problem with some versions of MIUI. To avoid loss: Before upgrading, copy Ringtones, Notifications, and Alarms folders to your computer or cloud. After updating, return the files back. If the tunes don't show, restart your phone or clear the Settings app cache. At the very least, use apps like Zedge to re-install ringtones.