How to change music on Xiaomi phone: from the bell to the alarm

The ringing, notifications and alarms on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO) are often annoying — standard sounds get boring quickly, and some users want to personalize the device to their own style. Fortunately, the manufacturer provides several ways to change audio files, from built-in MIUI tools to install third-party applications.

In this article, you will find 5 proven methods of replacing music on Xiaomi phones, including instructions for different versions of firmware (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14 based on Android 13/14). We will also analyze common errors - for example, why downloaded tunes do not appear in the list or how to circumvent the system's restrictions on the duration of tracks. If you need to change not only the call, but also the sounds of notifications on WhatsApp or Telegram, there is a solution.

1. Standard call melody replacement through settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11, regardless of the firmware version, the main condition is that the audio file must be stored in the device’s memory (internal or microSD card).

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Download your favorite audio file (.mp3,.m4a,.ogg or.wav formats) and save it to the Ringtones folder (if not, create it manually in the root memory directory).
2. Open the Settings app and go to the Sound and Vibration section.
3. Select the Melody of the Call (or the Sound of Notifications if you need to change the signal for SMS).
4. Your file will appear in the list of available tunes. Tap it to apply.

⚠️ Note: If the file is not displayed, check its duration — MIUI Limits the ringtone to 30 seconds. Use the app to crop. MP3 Cutter or online services.

For an alarm clock, the path is a little different:

• 🔔 Open the Watch app → alarm-box.
• 🎵 Click on an existing alarm clock or create a new one, then select Melody.
• 📁 Find the Alarms folder in the list (if it isn’t, create Ringtones in a similar way).

Download MP3/M4A| Cut to 30 seconds (to call)|Save to Ringtones/Alarms|Reboot phone (if file is not displayed)

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2.Use of a file manager for manual installation

If the standard method didn’t work, try manual file placement through the file manager, a method that is particularly useful for POCO F4 or Redmi K50 users, where custom tunes can sometimes be difficult to display.

Follow the algorithm:

1. Connect your phone to your PC or use a file manager (such as Mi File Explorer).
2. Go to the root memory directory and create folders (if none): /storage/emulated/0/Ringtones for calls /storage/emulated/0/Notifications for notifications /storage/emulated/0/Alarms for alarm clocks
3. Copy the audio files into the appropriate folders. File names should be in Latin (without spaces and special characters).
4. Restart the device – after that, the files will appear in the sound settings.

Critical detail: on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) folders must have an exact name in English – otherwise the system will not recognize them.

Standard settings MIUI|File Manager |Third-party applications |I don't change standard sounds-->

3. Applications for customization of sounds

If the built-in MIUI tools seem limited, install one of the specialized applications that allow you to:

• 🎶 Set up tunes longer than 30 seconds.
• 🔊 Assign different sounds to individual contacts.
• 📱 Sync Melodies Between Devices Through the Cloud.

Top.-3 Proven applications for Xiaomi:

1. Zedge is the largest database of ringtones and wallpaper with pre-listening capability, and supports MIUI 12-14 without conflict.
2. Ringtone Maker is a tool for cutting tracks and creating unique tunes from your music.
3. MP3 Cutter and Ringtone Maker – optimized for Xiaomi, automatically saves files to the desired folders.

How to set a tune through Zedge:

1. Download the app from Google Play and open it.
2. In the search bar, type in the track title or select a category (e.g., "Game Ringtones").
3. Click on your favorite file → Set as → select Phone ringtone, Notification or Alarm.
4. Confirm installation – the file is automatically copied to the system folders.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Ringtone Maker Pro) require permission to access the Audio Settings. On Xiaomi, this permission is hand-held: Settings → Annexes → Permit management → Special access → Changes in system settings.

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If no melodies apply after installing the app, clear the Settings (MIUI) app cache through Settings → Apps → All Apps → Settings → Storage → Clear the cache.

4. Replacement of sounds for specific applications

The standard MIUI settings allow you to change only the global sounds of calls and notifications. But what if you want to assign a unique tune to WhatsApp, Telegram or Gmail? There are two ways to do this:

Method 1: Through application settings

• 📱 Open the app (for example, Telegram).
• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Notifications and sounds.
• 🎵 Select Notification Sound and specify your file (it should be in the Notifications folder).

Method 2: Through Android settings (for all applications)

1. Open the Settings → Applications.
2. Select the application you want (such as VK).
3. Tap Notifications. → Additionally. → Sound.
4. Specify the custom file from the Notifications folder.

On some models (e.g. Redmi 10 with MIUI 13) the path may be different:

Settings → Sound and vibration → Additional settings → App notification sounds

5 Problem Solving: Why Melodies Aren't Used

Even after installing files correctly, Xiaomi users sometimes find that:

• 🔕 The melody is not displayed in the list of available.
• 🔊 The sound is played, but with distortions.
• 📵 After resetting, it is reset to standard.

Here's a checklist for diagnosis:

Check file format (MP3/M4A only)| Make sure the file is no longer than 30 seconds | The folder is called exactly Ringtones (no typos) | The file is copied to internal memory (not SD) |Reboot the phone after adding the file-->

Frequent mistakes and decisions:

For models with MIUI 14 (such as Xiaomi 13T), you may need to reset the sound settings:

Settings → About the phone → Resetting settings → Resetting sound settings →

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If none of these methods worked, check to see if the Media Storage system process is disabled in the battery settings, which on Xiaomi is sometimes optimized as a "background app," which blocks scanning for new tunes.

6. Alternative methods: ADB and custom firmware

For advanced users who need complete customization freedom, there are two radical ways:

Method 1: Replace system sounds with ADB

It can even replace the standard phone switch-off/on sounds.

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Initiated Debugging Mode USB phone-on.
• 🔧 Knowledge of the command line.

Example of commands to replace the lock sound:

adb push your_sound.ogg /system/media/audio/ui/lock.ogg

⚠️ Note: This method requires an unlocked bootloader and can cause system failure, and is recommended only for devices with authorized firmware (e.g., for example, for the use of a computer, POCO F3 globalized MIUI).

Method 2: Installation of custom firmware

Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience offer flexible audio settings without the limitations of MIUI.

• ⚠️ Cancels the guarantee.
• 🔧 Requires unlocking the loader.
• 📱 It can lead to data loss.

If you decide to take this step, follow the official guides for your model on the XDA Developers forum.

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing music with Xiaomi