How to change the ringtone on Xiaomi: 5 ways + problem solving

Replacing the standard call melody with Xiaomi is a challenge faced by every second smartphone owner of this brand. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process can be difficult due to the features of the MIUI shell, the variety of models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11) and firmware versions. In this article, we will discuss not only the basic methods of changing the ringtony through system settings, but also alternative options: installing custom tunes, using third-party applications and even manually adding files to system folders.

We'll focus on the common mistakes that occur when you try to change the sound of a call, such as why some of the problems are so difficult. MP3-Files don’t appear in the list of available tunes, how to get around restrictions MIUI You will also learn how to assign unique ringtones to individual contacts, a feature that often goes unnoticed, but makes it much easier to identify the caller.

If you've tried to change a tune before and you've come across a message like "You can't play a file" or "The format is not supported," there's a section in the article that gives you a detailed look at the reasons and ways to fix them, and for those who like to experiment, we've prepared a guide to creating your own ringtones using free online services -- without having to install additional software.

1. Standard method: change the melody through the MIUI settings

The most obvious and safe method is to use built-in MIUI tools. This method is suitable for all modern Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 10C, POCO F4 and Mi 13, regardless of the firmware version (even on MIUI 14 or HyperOS).

To change the ringtone:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen or in the app menu).
2. Go to Sound and Vibration (some models may call it Sound and Vibration).
3. Select the Melody of a Call (or Call Sound in older versions of MIUI).
4. In the list that opens, select one of the preset tunes. To listen, click on the track and playback will begin automatically.
5. After selecting, click OK or Save (depending on the firmware version).

If the list does not contain a suitable tune, you can use the Add button (if available) or move to the next method. Please note that in some regional firmware (for example, for Europe), the number of preinstalled ringtones may be limited due to licensing agreements.

The melody file is in the phone’s memory (not on the phone’s memory). SD-map)

File format: MP3, M4A or WAV

The length of the track does not exceed 30 seconds (optimally - 15-20 seconds)

The volume of sound in the settings is not set to a minimum

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2. How to Set Your Melody (MP3, M4A) on Xiaomi

System ringtones get boring quickly, so many users want to play their own music, and any audio file in MP3, M4A or WAV formats will do.

• 🎵 Length: optimal 15-30 Seconds (long tracks may be cut or not reproduced).
• 📁 Location: The file must be in the phone’s internal memory (not on the phone’s internal memory). SD-map!).
• 🔊 Loudness: Make sure the track is loud enough – some custom tunes sound quieter than the system.
• 📱 Folder: It is recommended to place files in the Ringtones folder (if not, create it manually).

Instructions for installing custom melody:

1. Copy the audio file to the Internal Storage → Ringtones folder (if you don’t have a folder, create one).
2. Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Call melody.
3. At the top of the screen, select the tab Local or My Melodies (name depends on the MIUI version).
4. Find your file in the list and select it. If there is no file, restart your phone and try again.

If the melody is not displayed, check:

• 🔄 File format (only supported) MP3, M4A, WAV).
• 📂 Ringtones folder is created at the root of internal memory (not inside other folders).
• 🔇 File is not corrupted (try to play it through a standard player).

3.Appointment of unique melodies for contacts

The custom ringtones feature lets you know who is calling you without looking at the screen, especially for important contacts (such as loved ones or colleagues), which is hidden in the contact settings in MIUI, and many users are unaware of its existence.

To assign a unique tune:

1. Open the Contacts app (or Phone → Contacts tab).
2. Find the right contact and click on it to open the card.
3. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select "Change" (or "Edit").
4. Scroll down to Call Melody (or Rington) and select the desired sound from the list.
5. Save the changes.

If you don’t have a suitable tune in the list, you can pre-add it through the method described in the previous section (by placing the file in the Ringtones folder). Note that individual ringtones only work for incoming calls – alarms or settings notifications will have to be changed separately.

Once a month

Six months

Only when buying a new phone

Never changed the standard.

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4.Use of third-party apps to change ringtone

If the built-in MIUI tools seem limited, you can use third-party apps, which offer advanced features: editing tunes, creating playlists for different contacts, supporting rare formats. Below is an overview of proven applications that work on Xiaomi without root rights.

Before installing third-party applications, consider:

• 🛡️ Security: download only from the official Google Play.
• 📱 Permissions: Apps will need access to storage and contacts.
• 🔋 Battery Charge: Some apps can run in the background, consuming charge.

💡

If the melody doesn’t change after installing the app, try selecting the “Set as the default ringtone” option in its settings. Also check if MIUI blocks the background activity of the app in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization.

5. Problem Solving: Why the Call Melody Doesn't Change

Sometimes even after doing the right thing, the melody doesn't change or it gets reset to the standard one. Let's look at the typical causes and ways to fix them.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI All user ringtones have been reset, due to system features. To avoid losing settings, make a backup of the Ringtones folder before updating.

A critical feature of MIUI 12+ firmware is that if you use a MIUI theme engine (such as a dark theme or custom icons), it can reset custom ringtones when applying new styles. To avoid this, turn off automatic updates to themes in settings (Settings → Display → Themes).

6. Create your own ringtone online (without installing programs)

If you don't want to install additional apps, you can create a ringtone using online services right in your browser, which is convenient if you need to quickly crop the song or add effects. Below is a step-by-step instruction using popular tools.

The best online services for creating ringtones:

• 🌐 mp3cut.net — simple editor with the function of cropping and normalization of sound.
• 🎛️ audiotrimmer.com – supports formats MP3, WAV, M4A, there's a preview.
• 🎵 ringtone-maker.pro – a specialized service with templates for ringtones.

Instructions for creating a ringtone via mp3cut.net:

1. Open the mp3cut.net website in your phone or PC browser.
2. Click Open File and download the audio track from your device or from cloud storage.
3. Use sliders to select a track fragment (optimally 15-20 seconds).
4. Click Save and select MP3 or M4A format.
5. Download the finished file and transfer it to the Ringtones folder on your phone.

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Online services are convenient for a one-time task, but if you edit audio often, it is better to install a specialized application (for example, Ringtone Maker).

7.Alternative methods: ADB and manual editing of system files

For advanced users who are willing to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge, there's a way to add custom ringtones directly to system folders. MIUI Blocks user files or you want to use tunes in formats other than MP3/M4A. Note: the method requires the inclusion of debugging USB It can lead to failures in incorrect actions!

Instructions for experienced users:

1. Turn on the Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone and tap on the MIUI version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate “Debugging by USB”.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, install ADB (instructions on the official Android website).
4. Execute the command to copy the file to the system folder: adb push C:\path\to\your\ringtone.mp3 /sdcard/Ringtones/
5. Restart your phone and check for the melody in the settings.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can disrupt the system. Don't change files in folders. /system without root access, this will lead to errors and possible loss of warranty.

If you're not sure about your skills, you'd better use the safer methods in the previous sections, and for most tasks, MIUI and third-party applications are good enough.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the tune to Xiaomi