How to change the ringtone on Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro: 5 working ways

Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro is a popular smartphone with flexible audio settings, but not all users know how to make the most of it. Replacing a standard ringtone with a favorite song or a unique signal is one of the first things the new owner wants to set up. In this article, we will analyze all the available methods, from basic MIUI settings to install custom ringtone through the file system.

The Redmi 8 Pro (codename begonia) features MIUI 12/13 based on Android 10/11, where the audio customization interface has changed from earlier versions. We take into account all the nuances of the firmware, including restrictions on the duration of tunes and supported file formats. If you have previously encountered problems like โ€œno ringtone savedโ€ or โ€œmelody cut offโ€, here you will find solutions.

1. Standard method: change through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the systemโ€™s built-in tools, which are suitable for those who do not want to install additional applications or dig into the file structure of a smartphone. In Redmi 8 Pro, the path to audio settings may vary depending on the version of MIUI, but the overall scheme is maintained.

Open the Settings menu โ†’ Sound and vibration โ†’ Call melody. Here you will see a list of standard ringtones sorted by category (e.g. Classic, MIUI, Downloaded). To listen to a tune, tap the name of the tune. To select, click OK or tick in the upper right corner.

  • ๐Ÿ” Title Search: There is a search bar at the top of the screen โ€“ type in a part of the melody title (like โ€œmorningโ€) to quickly find the right option.
  • ๐ŸŽต Pre-Earsay: Long-term pressing on the ringtone will allow you to listen to it completely, not just the first 5 seconds.
  • ๐Ÿ“ System categories: swipe left/right can be switched between tabs with different sets of tunes (for example, โ€œAlarm clockโ€, โ€œNotificationsยป).

Important: in MIUI 12.5 and later, the list of standard ringtones is reduced to 15-20 options compared to 30+ in earlier versions.

๐Ÿ“Š How often do you change the ringtone on your smartphone?
Once a month
Six months
Only when buying a new phone
Never changed.

2. Install custom melody through the file system

If you want to use your music as a ringtone, you need to place it in the deviceโ€™s memory correctly. Redmi 8 Pro supports.mp3,.m4a,.wav and.ogg formats, but there are limitations:

  • The maximum duration is 30 seconds (the system will automatically crop the file when you select it).
  • The file size is no more than 5 MB (otherwise the ringtone may not play).
  • Bitrate is optimally 128-192 kbit / s for the balance of quality and compatibility.

To add my tune:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB (select File Transfer Mode).
  2. Create a MIUI/ringtone directory in the root folder of internal memory (if not).
  3. Place the prepared audio file (for example, my_ringtone.mp3).
  4. Turn off USB, go to Settings โ†’ Sound and Vibration โ†’ Call Melody and select the Local tab.

Cut the track to 30 seconds

Convert to MP3 format (128 kbit/s)

Rename the file in Latin (without spaces)

Place it in the MIUI/ringtone folder

-->

โš ๏ธ Attention: If the folder MIUI There is no file, create it manually. Some file managers (for example, Total Commander) may not display hidden system directories - use standard Explorer or Mi File Manager.

3.Use of applications for ringtones management

For those who prefer a user-friendly interface and additional features (for example, assigning different tunes to individual contacts), third-party apps are suitable. There are dozens of options on Google Play, but we recommend proven ones:

AnnexFeaturesCons
ZedgeOver 1 million free ringtones, notifications and wallpapers, and there's a track-cutting editor.Advertising, some tunes require a premium subscription.
Ringtone MakerAllows you to create ringtones from any music on the device, adjust the volume.The interface is overloaded, there are restrictions in the free version.
MP3 Cutter and Ringtone MakerSimple editor with pre-hearsal, support for MP3/WAV formats.There is no built-in library of tunes, only work with local files.

Example of installation via Zedge:

  1. Download the app from Google Play and open it.
  2. Select the โ€œRingtonesโ€ section from the menu.
  3. Find your favorite tune and click Set as ringtone.
  4. Confirm the selection in the system window (permission to change settings may be required).

๐Ÿ’ก

If the ringtone doesn't play through the app, restart the phone. Sometimes MIUI doesn't apply the changes instantly.

4.Assignment of individual melodies for contacts

Redmi 8 Pro allows you to assign unique ringtones to individual subscribers, which is convenient if you want to know who is calling without looking at the screen, and works for both standard and custom tunes.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Contacts app and select the contact you want.
  2. Click Edit (pencil icon).
  3. Slip on the field "Melody of the call" (may be in the "Additional").
  4. Select a tune from the list or click โ€œAddโ€ to download your file.

โš ๏ธ Note: If a contact is synced to a Google Account, the individual melody may reset after the contacts update.To avoid this, disable sync for that contact or use local storage.

How to get back the standard tune for all contacts?
Go to Settings โ†’ Sound and Vibration โ†’ Call Melody and select any system ringtone. After that, the individual settings for contacts will be reset to the default value.

5. Solving Ringtones Reproduction Problems

Sometimes Redmi 8 Pro users find that the set melody is not played or reset to a standard one.

  • ๐Ÿ”‡ Silent Mode: Check to see if the Do Not Disturb mode or call volume slider is activated (click the volume button and make sure the sound level for calls is not at zero).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ File error: If the custom ringtone is not playing, try converting it to another format (e.g. from a custom ringtone.m4a into.mp3) with Audacity or online converters.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Resetting settings: after updating MIUI Sometimes, the user ringtones are dropped, in which case, repeat the installation procedure.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ A damaged folder: if the folder MIUI/ringtone has been deleted or renamed, recreate it and transfer files.

If the problem persists, reset the sound settings:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ System and device โ†’ Resetting.
  2. Select โ€œReset Sound Settingsโ€ (does not affect user data).
  3. After the reboot, repeat the ringtones setting.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the custom ringtone is cut off during playback, check its duration in any audio editor. MIUI automatically shortens tracks longer than 30 seconds, but sometimes the failure occurs with shorter files, in which case the file with a different bitrate will help.

6.Alternative methods: ADB and root access

For advanced users who are ready to work with ADB or have root rights, additional features are available, such as replacing system ringtones or setting tunes without limiting duration.

Example of a command to replace a standard ringtone via ADB:

adb push custom_ringtone.mp3 /system/media/audio/ringtones/


adb shell chmod 644 /system/media/audio/ringtones/custom_ringtone.mp3

Attention:

Redmi 8 Pro

firmware manual

With root access, you can use apps like Root Explorer to directly edit system files:

  • Copy your audio file to /system/media/audio/ringtones/.
  • Assign him 644 (read for all, write for the owner only).
  • Reset the device.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop ( looped boot).Before experimenting, back up through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the tune to Redmi 8 Pro

Can I use a song from Spotify/Yandex Music as a ringtone?
No, you can't. Streaming services protect their tracks from downloading in a ringtone-friendly format. You need to: Find this song freely available (e.g., on Zedge or in free libraries); or record audio from the screen through an app like Screen Recorder (the quality will be worse); Pay attention to copyright โ€” using protected content as a ringtone may violate service rules.
Why did my custom ringtone disappear after the MIUI update?
This is a well-known problem with Redmi 8 Pro when switching to newer versions of MIUI (e.g. 12 to 13). The system can: Reset the path to the ringtone folder (check if there is a MIUI/ringtone); delete files from this folder (if they were labeled as "temporary"). Solution: repeat the procedure for adding tunes or transfer files to the Music folder and select them through the file manager.
How to make a vibration with a melody?
In Redmi 8 Pro, vibration is set separately: Go to Settings โ†’ Sound and Vibration โ†’ Vibration when calling. Select a vibration pattern (e.g., Standard or Heartbeat). Make sure the vibration volume slider is not at zero (under the call volume slider). If the vibration is not working, check if it is turned off in Do Not Disturb or in special features settings.
Can I install different tunes for SIM1 and SIM2?
Yes, Redmi 8 Pro supports dual-SIM and allows you to assign separate ringtones for each card: Open Settings โ†’ Sound and Vibration โ†’ Call Melody. At the top of the screen, select the tab "SIM 1" or "SIM 2." Set the melody for each card separately. This feature only works for incoming calls. The alarm melody and notifications remain common.
Where to download high quality free ringtones?
Verified sources: Zedge (Google Play) is the largest database, there is a filter by genre. Mobile9 (website) is an old but proven resource with MP3 ringtones. Freesound (wesite) is a library of sound effects (registration required); YouTube Audio Library (link) is free music from Google suitable for ringtones. Avoid sites with suspicious domains (for example,.xyz or.top) - they often spread viruses under the guise of audio files.