How to change the ringtone on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways

Xiaomi Redmi 9 is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but even in its firmware MIUI is not always intuitive how to customize personal sounds. If standard tunes are tired and downloaded tracks are not displayed in the list of ringtones, this guide will help to understand all the nuances. We will look at not only basic methods through the settings menu, but also alternative options for users who want to install any song as a call signal.

It is important to consider that depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14), the location of some menu items may vary slightly, but the general logic remains the same: the system allows you to change ringtones through both built-in tools and third-party utilities, the main thing is to properly prepare the audio file and place it in the right folder.

Preparation of audio file: formats and requirements

Before you install a new tune, make sure your audio file meets MIUI specifications.The system does not support all formats, and this is a common reason why users do not see downloaded tracks in the list of ringtones.

The best settings for the ringtone on Redmi 9:

• 🎵 File format:.mp3,.m4a,.wav (the last two may take up more space).
• ⏱️ Duration: up to 30 Seconds (the system automatically cuts tracks longer) 30-40 seconds).
• 📏 File size: no more than 5 MB (otherwise, lags are possible when playing back).
• 🔊 Bitrate: 128-192 kbit / s (higher values will not improve the quality on the speaker of the smartphone).

If your file doesn’t meet these parameters, you can convert it with free online services (such as Audio-Converter) or mobile applications like MP3 Cutter or Ringtone Maker. Note: some users have a problem when the system does not see files in.m4a format, despite official support, in which case the resave to.mp3 will help.

⚠️ Note: Do not use files with DRM-The tracks will not be played as ringtones due to licensing restrictions.

Method 1: Change the ringtone through standard settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which is suitable for those who want to select a tune from a preset list or add a file already stored in the device’s memory.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the section Sound and vibration.
3. Select the item Melody of the call.
4. At the top of the screen you will see the tabs: 🔊 MIUI — standard tunes from Xiaomi. 🎶 Local – User files from the device memory.

Local.

Note: Some versions of the MIUI tab Locals may be called My Melodies or Customized. If you can't see your file despite the correct format, try rebooting your smartphone - sometimes the system doesn't immediately update the list of available ringtones.

The file is in the Ringtones or Notifications folder.

File format: MP3/M4A/OGG

The duration of the track does not exceed 30 seconds

The file name does not contain any special characters (?, *, /)

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Method 2: Place files in the correct folders

If your tune doesn't appear in the list, it's probably in the wrong directory. MIUI scans only certain folders in the device's memory, and if the file is in Downloads, for example, the system will ignore it.

Where the ringtones should lie:

How to transfer the file to the desired folder:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable or use a file manager on your phone (e.g. Mi File Manager).
2. Create a Ringtones folder at the root of your internal memory if it is not there (path: /storage/emulated/0/).
3. Copy the prepared audio file into this folder.
4. Reboot the device (this is a must, as MIUI scans folders when you start).
5. Repeat the steps from Method 1 – your file should appear in the Local tab.

⚠️ Note: If you use a microSD, place files only in internal memory. MIUI Does not scan external drives for ringtones.

Through standard settings

I'm transferring files to the Ringtones folder.

I use third-party apps.

Never change.

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Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If the first two methods didn’t work or you need advanced features (for example, assigning different tunes to different contacts), you can use specialized utilities.

Top.-3 ringtone-changer:

• 🎛️ Zedge is the largest database of ringtones and wallpaper with the ability to listen to pre-listening. Supports automatic placement of files in the desired folders.
• 🔧 Ringtone Maker – lets you crop tracks, adjust volume and save the result directly to the Ringtones folder.
• 📱 MP3 Cutter and Ringtone Maker is a simple tool for creating ringtones from any audio files on your device.

How to install ringtone through Zedge:

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. Launch Zedge and go to the Ringtona tab.
3. Find your favorite track and click on it.
4. In the window that opens, select Set as a ringtone.
5. Confirm the action – the melody will automatically be copied to the Ringtones folder and will be available in the settings.

Zedge has the advantage of regularly updating the library and being able to download tracks without registering, but note that some ringtones can only be available in a premium version.

Assigning individual melodies for contacts

In MIUI, you can assign unique ringtones to individual contacts in the phone book, which is convenient if you want to know who is calling without looking at the screen.

How to set up a personal melody:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Find the right contact and tap it.
3. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Edit.
4. Scroll down to the Melody of the Call (or Call Sound in some versions).
5. Select a tune from the list (including custom files from the Ringtones folder).
6. Save the changes.

Limitations of this method:

• ❌ Not applicable to unknown numbers (only for contacts from the phone book).
• ❌ If the contact is synced with Google or Mi Account, the personal melody may reset after the data update.
• ❌ In some versions MIUI The option is only available for contacts saved on the device (not on the device). SIM-map).

💡

To avoid resetting your tunes when syncing, save your contacts locally (without being tied to your Google or Xiaomi account).

Solving common problems

Even after the files are properly placed, Redmi 9 users sometimes encounter errors.

Problem 1: The file is in the Ringtones folder, but does not appear in the settings.

• 🔄 Reboot the device – it will force the media scanner to update.
• 📁 Check if the file name has any special characters (?, *, /, \). ringtone1.mp3.
• 🛠️ Install a file manager (such as Solid Explorer) and check if the Ringtones folder is hidden.

Problem 2: The melody is played with distortion or is cut off.

• 🎚️ Reduce the bitrate of a file to 128 kbps (use Audacity or online converters).
• ⏱️ Cut the track to 20–25 seconds (sometimes) MIUI Incorrectly processes files that are close to 30 seconds long).
• 🔊 Check if the Power Saving mode is activated in the battery settings – it may limit the performance of the audio system.

Problem 3: After the MIUI update, all ringtones were dropped.

• 📥 Back up your Ringtones folder before upgrading (for example, by copying it to your PC).
• 🔄 After the update, restart the device and check if the files are automatically restored.
• 🛠️ If the tunes are gone, re-copy them in the Ringtones folder and reboot the smartphone.

💡

If the problem persists after all the manipulations, try resetting the Phone app settings in the Settings menu → Apps → App management → Phone → Storage → Reset settings.

Additional sound settings in MIUI

In addition to changing the ringtone, Xiaomi Redmi 9 can fine-tune other sound settings that affect the perception of calls and notifications.

Useful options in the section Sound and vibration:

• 🔔 Media volume and call volume - set separately for headphones and dynamics.
• 📳 Vibration when calling – choose a vibration pattern or create your own.
• 🎵 Touch sounds – Turn on or off system sounds when pressed.
• 🔕 Don’t worry – set up a quiet schedule.
• 📞 Loud communication – activate the speaker automatically when you call (useful if you often talk without headphones).

Pay special attention to the Vibration setting. In MIUI, you can create customized vibration patterns for different types of notifications, for example, for SMS you can set short pulses, and for calls you can set long ones, which helps you distinguish the types of alerts even when the phone is in your pocket.

How to create your own vibration pattern:

1. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Vibration.
2. Select the vibration patterns.
3. Slip on Add (the "+" icon).
4. Give the name of the pattern (e.g., "Calling" VIP").
5. Click Record and create a sequence of vibrations by holding your finger on the screen.
6. Save and assign a pattern for the right type of notifications.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing ringtones to Redmi 9