Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 is still a popular device due to its reliability and functionality, but even with such time-tested gadgets, users face basic questions such as how to change the melody of a call. Standard ringtones in MIUI quickly become boring, and finding alternative options is not always easy.
In this article, we will explore all the possible ways to change a tune, from standard settings to customization through the file manager, and pay special attention to the nuances that are often overlooked in typical instructions: why some files do not appear in the ringtones list, how to circumvent the limitations of MIUI, and what to do if after the system update the sounds reset.
Whether you want to put your favorite song on the phone or just diversify the sound of notifications, here you will find step-by-step solutions taking into account the specifics of the Redmi Note 4 and its firmware.
Standard method: changing the melody through settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for those who don't want to go into technical details and prefer formal solutions.
- Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
- Go to the section Sound and vibration.
- Select the item Melody of the call.
- In the list that appears, tap on the sound you like - it will automatically apply.
The standard Redmi Note 4 set typically features around 20 tunes, including classic cues and several musical variants. However, there is a pitfall here: after upgrading MIUI to 12+ versions, some users note that the list of sounds is shortened. This is due to system optimization, but the problem can be avoided (more on this in the next section).
⚠️ Warning: If the sound hasn't changed after selecting the melody, check if the Do Not Disturb mode is activated in the notification curtain.
For notifications and alarms, the algorithm is similar, but the paths in the menu are slightly different:
- 🔔 Notifications: Settings → Sounds and vibrations → The melody of notifications
- ⏰ Alarm clock: Clock → Alarm clock → Settings of alarm clock → Sound.
Adding custom tunes: preparing files
Standard ringtones get boring quickly, so many users want to set their own sounds. This requires the right audio files. Redmi Note 4 supports.mp3,.wav,.ogg and.m4a formats, but there are important limitations:
- 🎵 Length: Optimal duration: 10–30 seconds; files longer than 40 seconds may be cropped or reproduced incorrectly.
- 📏 Size: No more than 5MB. Heavy files may not appear in the selection list.
- 🔊 Volume: Make sure the sound is recorded without distortion.Silent files will be hard to hear through the smartphone speaker.
For cutting and converting audio, we recommend using free programs:
- 🖥️ Audacity (PC) – for accurate trimming and volume normalization.
- 📱 MP3 Cutter (Android) – a convenient mobile application.
- 🌐 Online Audio Cutter – if you need to quickly crop the file without installing software.
Critical note: files with a bitrate above 192 kbit / s may not play as ringtones due to the limitations of MIUI. The optimal bitrate is 128-160 kbit / s.
💡
If you download tunes from the Internet, check them for viruses through VirusTotal. Some sites with "free ringtones" spread malware.
Install custom melody through the file manager
Once the file is ready, you need to place it in the correct folder to show up in the Redmi Note 4 settings.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC through USB-cable or use a file manager on your phone (e.g. Explorer or Mi File Manager).
- Create a folder in the root directory of your device's memory called Ringtones (if it's not there), and you need separate folders for notifications and alarms: Notifications and Alarms, respectively.
- Place the prepared audio file in the appropriate folder.
- Reboot your phone (this is a must, otherwise new sounds may not show up).
- Go to the ringtone settings – your file should appear in the list.
If the file is not displayed, check:
- 📁 The correct folder name (registrar is important: Ringtones, not ringtones).
- 🔍 File format (should be.mp3 or.m4a).
- 📱 Folder permissions (should be readable).
File clipped to 30 seconds |
Format: MP3 or M4A|
Bitrate not higher than 192 kbit/s|
The folder is called Ringtones with a capital letter |
The phone is restarted after adding a file-->
On some firmware MIUI (especially custom) may require additional action: after placing the file, go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Media storage and clear the cache, which will force the media file database to be updated.
Using third-party apps to change ringtones
If the standard methods don't work, you can use specialized programs, and they offer advanced features: editing sounds directly on your phone, downloading tunes from the cloud, creating playlists for different contacts.
Top.-3 Proven applications for Redmi Note 4:
| Annex | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Zedge | A large library of free ringtones, wallpaper and notifications, and a sound editor. | Advertising is free, some sounds require a premium subscription. |
| Ringtone Maker | Allows you to crop songs directly on the phone, adjust the attenuation of sound. | The interface can seem complicated for beginners. |
| MP3 Cutter and Ringtone Maker | Simple editor with pre-listening, support for MP3/WAV formats. | The length of the file in the free version (up to 20 seconds) is limited. |
When using third-party applications, consider:
- 🛡️ Give permissions only to verified programs from Google Play.
- 📴 Some applications may conflict with MIUI, causing malfunctions in the reproduction of sounds.
- 🔄 After installing the ringtone through third-party software, restart your phone so that the changes take effect.
⚠️ Note: Apps like Zedge often request access to contacts and storage. If you think this is suspicious, use offline editors without Internet access.
Customization of individual melodies for contacts
Redmi Note 4 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.
- Open the Contacts app.
- Choose the right contact and tap on it.
- Click Edit (pencil icon).
- Scroll down to the Melody of the Call (or Notification Sound).
- Select a standard tune or custom sound from the Ringtones folder.
- Save the changes.
If the call melody option is missing in the contact editing, it could mean:
- 📱 You have a lightweight version installed. MIUI (for example, MIUI Lite) where this function is disabled.
- 🔄 Contact synced with your Google or Mi Account and settings are overridden by the cloud.
- 🛠️ The system activated the mode of energy saving, which limits personalization.
To solve the problem, try:
- Turn off contact synchronization in Settings → Accounts.
- Install the full version of MIUI via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
- Use a third-party contact management app (such as Truecaller or Contacts+).
Why don’t you keep your personal contact melodies?
Problem Solving: Why the Call Melody Doesn't Change
Sometimes users find that after all the manipulations, the ringtone does not change or resets to a standard one.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The melody doesn't change after the choice | Conflict with a call blocking app (e.g. Truecaller) | Disable the application or reset its settings |
| Castomic sounds are not displayed in the list | Wrong folder name or file format | Check the register in the folder name (Ringtones) and convert the file to MP3 |
| The sound is reproduced with distortions | Too high bitrate or sampling frequency | Recode the file to 128 kbit/s, 44.1 kHz |
| Settings are reset after rebooting | Error of media files cache in MIUI | Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Media Storage |
If none of the methods helped, try resetting the sound settings to the factory:
- Go to Settings → System and device → Resetting.
- Select Resetting Sound Settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
- Confirm the action and restart the phone.
⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) may have different paths to audio settings.Look for the Sound or Audio section in the main settings menu.
Sound optimization: additional settings for better playback
In addition to changing the tune, Redmi Note 4 can improve the sound quality of the call through additional settings, which is especially true if you use custom ringtones or are faced with a quiet sound.
Here's what you can set up:
- 🔊 Sound amplification: Enable Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Call amplifier. This will increase the volume of incoming calls.
- 🎛️ Equator: Install Equalizer App FX Or Music Equalizer for frequency settings. Some equalizers allow you to apply profiles to system sounds.
- 🔄 Vibration: B Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Vibration when calling you can choose the intensity or turn it off completely.
For advanced users, there is another way to improve sound – edit the file. mixer_paths.xml, But this requires root rights and can cause the phone to run in an unstable way. If you're willing to take a chance, here's a quick guide:
Editing mixer_paths.xml (Only for experienced users!)
If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to limit yourself to standard settings or using an equalizer. The risk of damaging system files is not justified for most users.
💡
Before any manipulation of system files, back up via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. This will allow you to restore the phone in the event of a crash.