How to change the melody on Xiaomi Mi 9: 5 ways with photos and videos

The standard notification sounds on the Xiaomi Mi 9 are boring, especially if you've been using your smartphone for years, but what's not known is that the manufacturer has hidden far more options than you can see at first. MP3-A ringtone, even if it lasts 5 minutes.

In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to change the soundtrack, from basic MIUI settings to hidden features and bypass system limitations. We will also discuss why some files do not appear in the list of tunes, and how to fix it without root rights. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 on Xiaomi Mi 9 (codenamed Cepheus), but will also be suitable for other models of the Mi/K20 series.

If you want not just to change the ringtone, but to fully personalize the sound circuit (different tunes for the sound). SIM-For maps, quiet notifications for work chats, loud notifications for personal ones, read the section on advanced settings. And for minimalists, there is a life hack on how to make complete silence for all signals except the alarm clock.

Before you start, make sure your Xiaomi Mi 9 has the latest version of MIUI installed. In older firmware (before MIUI 11), some features may be missing or work differently. Check the version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

Method 1: Standard change via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the system’s built-in tools, which is suitable if you are happy with standard tunes from Xiaomi’s collection, or you have already uploaded sound files to the Ringtones folder on your phone.

To change the ringtone of the incoming call:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the section Sound and vibration.
3. Select Call Melody (or Call Sound in some versions of MIUI).
4. Scroll down the list and you will see the system ringtones and user files from the /Ringtones/ folder.
5. Tap the right tune for pre-hearsal, then press “OK.”

For notifications and alarms, the algorithm is similar, but the paths are slightly different:

• 🔔 Notifications: Settings → Sound and vibration → The melody of notifications
• ⏰ Alarm clock: Settings → Sound and vibration → Alarm melody (or through the app "Clock»)

If your file is not on the list, check:

⚠️ Attention: MIUI scans only files in formats.mp3,.m4a,.wav and.gg. Maximum duration is 30 seconds (ringtones) and 5 minutes (alarm clocks) Files with a bitrate above 320 kbps may not play.

Download the melody to your phone |Put the file in the folder `/Ringtones/` or `/Notifications/`|Rename the file in Latin (no spaces) |Check the format (MP3, M4A, OGG)

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Method 2: Using a file manager to add custom tunes

If there are few standard sounds and downloaded tunes don't appear in the settings, the problem is that the files are not properly placed. MIUI only looks for ringtones in certain folders of internal memory.

Follow the instructions:

1. Connect Xiaomi Mi 9 to your computer or use a file manager (e.g., Google Files or Mi File Manager).
2. Create folders at the root of internal memory (if there are none): /Ringtones/ – for ringtones /Notifications/ – for notifications /Alarms/ – for alarm clocks

Latin

Restart the phone – after that, new tunes will appear in the settings.

If the files are not displayed even after the reboot:

• 🔍 Check the file extension (sometimes.mp3 hidden, but the real format —.mp4).
• 📱 Try using a different file manager (e.g. Solid Explorer).
• 🔄 Update the media base: go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Media storage and click "Clear the cache».

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If you download a tune from the Internet, cut it to 30 seconds before using any audio editor (such as MP3 Cutter or Audacity).

Method 3: Installation of melodies through third-party applications

For those who want to maximize customization, there are specialized applications that allow you to:

• 🎵 Install any MP3-Files without duration restrictions.
• 🔊 Assign different tunes to individual contacts or apps (such as unique sound for WhatsApp).
• 📱 Bypassing restrictions MIUI file formats.

The best apps for Xiaomi Mi 9:

Instructions for installation through Zedge:

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. Run Zedge and find your favorite tune (you can search by genre or popular tracks).
3. Click on the track → select “Set as” → specify the type (ringtone, notification or alarm).
4. Confirm the choice - the melody will automatically appear in the system settings.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Ringtone Maker) require permission to access files. If the melody is not applied after installation, check the rights to Settings → Annexes → Permits → Warehouse.

Standard of MIUI|Downloaded from the Internet|Records (voice, music)|Silence (vibration)|Other-->

Method 4: Assigning unique tunes to contacts

On the Xiaomi Mi 9, you can customize individual ringtones for individual subscribers, which is convenient if you want to immediately understand who is calling - a boss, a friend or a courier.

How to assign a personal melody:

1. Open the Contacts app (or Phone).
2. Find the right contact and open your card.
3. Click on "Edit" (the pencil icon in the upper right corner).
4. Scroll down to the "Call Melody" (or "Call Sound") item.
5. Select one of the standard tunes or click Add → specify the file from the phone’s memory.
6. Save the changes.

If the “Call Melody” option is not available:

• 📱 Update the Contacts app via Google Play.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the item is hidden due to a crash MIUI.
• 🛠️ Install an alternative call app (like Google Phone) where this feature is guaranteed to work.

MIUI 14 It allows you to assign different melodies to each SIM-For this, go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → The ringing melody SIM1/SIM2».

Method 5: Advanced Customization through ADB (for the experienced)

If you want full control of your system’s audio files (e.g. replacing standard MIUI notifications with your own), you’ll need an ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method that requires connecting your phone to your computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

1. Enable Developer Mode on Xiaomi Mi 9: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
2. Activate debugging via USB: Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging via USB
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
4. Check the connection: Adb devices (the name of your device should be displayed).
5. Copy your audio file to the system folder (for example, for notifications): adb push your file.mp3 /system/media/audio/notifications/
6. Assign the correct file rights: adb shell chmod 644 /system/media/audio/notifications/your file.mp3
7. Reboot the phone.

Warnings:

• 🚨 Without root rights, this method only works for files in folders. /media/audio/. Replacement of system sounds in /system/ Requires Superuser Rights.
• 🔧 Read-only file system error means that partition /system So the solution is to temporarily rewire it: adb shell mount. -o rw,remount /system

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can lead to disruptions in work. MIUI. Before experimenting, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.

Problem Solving: Why doesn’t the melody change?

Sometimes even after all the manipulations of Xiaomi Mi 9 They're stubbornly ignoring new sounds.-5 causes and ways of eliminating them:

1.The file is not supported by the system

• 🔊 MIUI Does not play files with a bitrate above 320 kbit / s or in.flac,.aac format.
• 🛠️ Solution: Convert the file to.mp3 192-256 kbps bitrate (online-convert or Audacity).

2. folders are misconstrued

• 📁 MIUI squirms /Ringtones/, /Notifications/, /Alarms/ (register!).
• 🔍 Check the path: sometimes users mistakenly create folders on the SD-card /Download/.

3. Media cache not updated

• 🔄 After adding new files, you need to clear the cache of the Media Store application or restart the phone.
• 📱 Alternative: Use the Rescan Media app from Google Play to force crawling.

4. MIUI restrictions for third-party applications

• 🚫 If you have installed a tune through Zedge or another app but it does not apply, check the permissions: Settings → Annexes → Application management → [Title of the annex] → Permits
• 🔧 Give access to storage and microphone (if the app records sounds).

Conflict with energy-saving regimes

• ⚡ In the mode of "Saving charge" or "Ultra-saving» MIUI Can block the reproduction of custom sounds.
• ⚡ Solution: Turn off energy saving in Settings → Battery and productivity.

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If none of the methods helped, try resetting the sound settings to the standard: Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting the sound settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing tunes to Xiaomi Mi 9