How to change music to a call in the phone Xiaomi: all the ways of 2026

Want to stand out among friends with a unique ringtone but don’t know how to upload your music to Xiaomi? MIUI-based smartphones offer several ways to change the ringtone, from standard settings to workarounds for inexperienced users. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for Redmi, POCO and Mi models, including solutions for cases when the phone “does not see” your audio files.

It's important to understand that the process depends on the firmware version: in MIUI 14, the algorithm is different from MIUI 12, and some devices (for example, POCO F5) may have limitations on the file format. We tested all methods on current models from 2023-2026 and collected step-by-step instructions for typical errors. If you previously tried to change the ringtone through Settings → Sounds, but nothing worked, here you will find an explanation of why this happened and how to fix it.

1. Standard method: through MIUI settings

The most obvious method is to use built-in system tools, which is suitable for most Xiaomi models, but only works with files that the phone recognizes as "calling melodies." Here's how to do this:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Sound and Vibration section (in some versions of MIUI, it is just Sound).
3. Slip on the Call Melody (or SIM 1/SIM 2 if you have two SIM cards).
4. In the list that opens, select Local Music or Add a Melody (the name depends on the MIUI version).
5. Find the right audio file in the phone’s memory and confirm the choice.

⚠️ Note: If the list does not include "Local Music", then your file does not meet the requirements of the system.mp3,.m4a,.wav is up to 30 seconds long and no larger than 5MB. Other formats require conversion.

The music folder is in the main memory (not on the main memory). SD-map)

File format: MP3 or M4A

Track duration ≤ 30 seconds

File size ≤ 5 MB

File not protected by DRM (not purchased from iTunes/Apple Music)

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On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+), a warning may appear after selecting a file: "This file is not supported as a ringtone" which means that the audio bitrate is too high, and the solution is to reduce the bitrate to 192 kbps using applications like MP3 Cutter or Ringtone Maker.

2. Alternative method: through file manager

If the standard method didn’t work, try adding a tune through the file manager, a method that is especially useful for owners of POCO X5 and Redmi 11 Prime, where the MIUI interface may hide some options.

Instructions:

• 📁 Open the Files app (or any other file manager, such as Solid Explorer).
• 🔍 Go to the folder where your music is stored (usually Internal Storage) → Music or Download).
• 🎵 Find the right audio file and pinch it with your finger on it. 2-3 Seconds to allow the context menu to appear.
• 🔧 Select the item Set as → Call melody (in some firmware - Use as a ringtone).

If you Set it as not in the menu, your file manager doesn't support it.

1. Download the Ringtone Maker app from Google Play (such as Zedge or MP3 Cutter).
2. Open your audio file and cut it to 30 seconds.
3. Save the result to the Ringtones folder (it is automatically created in the root memory directory).
4. Restart your phone and try again through standard settings.

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If the Ringtones folder doesn't appear automatically, create it manually in the root directory of internal memory. The folder name must be spelled exactly that way (with capital letters, no spaces), otherwise the system won't recognize it.

3.For Advanced: Manual copying to system folder

This method requires access to system folders and is suitable for users who are willing to dig a little into Xiaomi’s file structure. It works on all versions of MIUI, but requires caution.

Steps:

1. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable and enable file transfer mode (MTP).
2. On your computer, open the phone folder and follow the path: Internal Storage → MIUI → ringtone If there is no ringtone folder, create it manually.
3. Copy your audio file into this folder (pre-rename it in Latin, for example). my_ringtone.mp3).
4. Disconnect the phone from the PC and restart it.
5. Now your track will be available in the standard list of tunes (Settings → Sounds → Call melody).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (such as Mi 11 Ultra) may block access to the folder MIUI If you see a message that says "No access," try it:

• 🔓 Use a root-access file manager (e.g., Root Explorer).
• 📲 Enable debugging on USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times tap the version number, then return to the Additional settings → For developers).

4. Use of third-party applications

If Xiaomi's built-in tools refuse to work with your files, specialized applications will come to the rescue. We tested 5 popular programs and selected the two most reliable ones:

How to install ringtone through Zedge:

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. Start Zedge and allow access to files.
3. Go to the Ringtones tab (Call Melodies).
4. Choose your favorite track or upload yours through the + button.
5. Slip on the track and select Set as ringtone.
6. Confirm the choice in the window that appears.

⚠️ Note: Apps like Zedge can request access to contacts and call history, which is necessary for integration with system settings, but if you are confused, use Ringtone Maker, which works locally without sending data to the server.

Standard settings of MIUI

File manager

Third-party applications (Zedge, etc.)

Manual copying to the system folder

Another option-->

5 Problem Solving: Why the Melody is Not Set

Even after you have completed all the instructions, you may encounter errors, and we have collected the most common problems and solutions for Xiaomi smartphones:

• 🚫 Error: "File not supported" Reason: Incorrect format or bitrate. Solution: Convert file to MP3 192 kbps bitrate via Audacity or online converter.
• 🔍 The file does not appear in the list of tunes Reason: The file is on SD-Solution: Move it to the internal memory in the Ringtones folder or MIUI/ringtone.
• 🔄 After rebooting, the ringtone is reset Reason: Cache error MIUI. Solution: Clear the Settings app cache (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Settings → Clear the cache).
• 📱 No item "Melody of the call" in the settings Reason: Outdated firmware or custom build MIUI. Solution: Update your phone to the latest version via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Critical information for POCO F4/F5 owners: These models may not have the option of adding local tunes due to the MIUI firmware features for POCO, and the only solution is to use third-party applications (such as Ringtone Maker) or manually copy files to the system folder.

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If neither of these methods worked, check if the phone has a Child Mode or a Job profile, which can block the system's sounds from changing.

6. Features for different Xiaomi models

The process of changing the ringtone may vary depending on the model and version of the MIUI, and we tested the instructions on the following devices:

For Xiaomi owners with Global ROM (European firmware), the process is usually easier than for devices with China ROM. If you have a Chinese version of MIUI, you may need to:

• 🌐 Install Google Play Services (if not available).
• 🔧 Use it. ADB-Unlock hidden functions: adb shell settings put global ringtone_uri "content://media/internal/audio/media/123" (where 123 — ID Your audio file in the media base).

7 How to make a unique ringtone for a specific contact

If you want important contacts to have their own tunes, Xiaomi lets you assign customized ringtones.

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Find the right contact and tap it.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Set the ringtone (or Edit → More → Call Melody).
4. Choose a track from the standard list or add yours through Local Music.
5. Save the changes.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) A2+) This feature can be disabled in the firmware to activate it:

1. Install Google Contacts from the Play Market.
2. Import contacts to this app.
3. In Google Contacts, assign a customized ringtone to sync with the system.

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To quickly find contact with a unique ringtone, add an emoji to its name (for example, a snippet, 🎵So you can easily filter these contacts in the list.

8 Additional settings: vibration and volume

Changing the melody of the call is only half the battle, so to make the call really convenient, adjust the associated settings:

• 🔊 Call volume: Go to Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Volume and adjust the Call slider. Xiaomi can set a separate volume for alarms, notifications and media.
• 📳 Vibration when calling: In the same section, turn on Vibration when calling and select a pattern (e.g., Standard or Heartbeat).
• 🔕 Silent Mode: Set up exceptions for important contacts in Settings → Don't disturb. → Allow calls from.
• 🎛️ Equalizer: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13) have a built-in equalizer for calls. → Sounds. → Call quality.

On devices with stereo speakers (such as the POCO F4 GT or Xiaomi 12T), you can turn on Stereo Sound for calls in additional audio settings, which will make the melody more voluminous, but watch the volume level - at the maximum value, wheezing can occur.

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In the models with IR-A blaster (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) The volume of the speaker when you call can automatically decrease if the phone is used as a remote. To avoid this, turn off the option "Smart Volume Down" in the sound settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the ringtone in Xiaomi