How to change a song to a call on Xiaomi: all the ways to MIUI 12-15

Replacing a standard ringtone with a favorite tune is one of the first things users do after buying a Xiaomi smartphone. However, not everyone knows that MIUI has several ways to set your song to a call: from simple selection from the built-in gallery to using third-party applications for fine-tuning. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for the MIUI 12-15 firmware versions, including nuances for different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.).

The thing about MIUI is that the way to set up calls can vary depending on the shell version and the regional firmware. For example, in MIUI 14, the sound menu is hidden deeper than in China. We took these differences into account and prepared universal instructions that will work even for inexperienced users. And if you have a problem when your smartphone doesn't see downloaded tunes in the Ringtones folder, there's a solution in the article for this case.

1. Standard method: through Xiaomi settings

The most obvious method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It doesn’t require installing additional apps and works on all models, including the Redmi 10, POCO F4 and Xiaomi’s flagship 14.

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the section Sound and vibration (in some versions – Sound).
3. Slip on the item Call (or Melody of the call).
4. In the list that opens, select Local Melodies or My Melodies (if the ringtones folder has already been created).
5. Click on the desired file and confirm the choice.

If your song isn't on the list, it's in the wrong folder. MIUI automatically scans only the Ringtones directory in the root directory of internal memory. How to create it and where to move the files, read the next section.

⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Redmi Note 11 with a MIUI 13.5) After selecting a melody, a bug may occur when the sound of the call becomes quieter, in which case, restart the smartphone or reset the sound settings in the Additional section.

2.Where to download the tunes so that Xiaomi will “see” them

To make your song appear on the list of available ringtones, you need to put it in the correct folder. MIUI only searches for audio files in three internal memory directories:

• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Ringtones/ — ring-melodies;
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Notifications/ — notification;
• 📁 /storage/emulated/0/Alarms/ — alarm-box.

If these folders are not available, they need to be created manually, and you can do this through any file manager (for example, embedded Files or Solid Explorer).

• 🔊 The file format should be.mp3,.m4a.ogg (length up to 30 seconds is recommended).
• 📌 The file name should not contain any special characters (e.g., #, %, spaces at the beginning).
• 🔄 After adding a file, restart your smartphone or update the list of tunes by swiping down the selection menu.

Download the song in format MP3|Cut to 30 seconds (optional)|Rename the file without special characters|Put it in the Ringtones folder|Reboot your smartphone-->

If you don't get the melody after all the manipulations, check if the Ringtones folder is hidden from the media scanning.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find a media store (or media store).
3. Slip the storage → Clear the data and restart the device.

3.Use of the Music app for quick installation

Few people know, but the standard Xiaomi Music app has a built-in feature for assigning tracks as a ringtone. This is handy if you want to use a snippet of a song without first cutting.

1. Open the Music app and find the track you want.
2. Tap the three-point menu (⋮) song-to-song.
3. Select Set as → Call.
4. In the window that opens, cut the fragment (the default is the first 30 seconds) and save.

This method automatically creates a copy of a file in the Ringtones folder and trims it to a selected segment.

• ❌ Does not work with streaming music (for example, tracks from Spotify or Yandex Music).
• ❌ Not all formats are supported (for example,.flac or.wav will need to be converted).

💡

If you want to use a snippet of a song from the middle, first crop it in any audio editor (like MP3 Cutter) and then upload it to the Ringtones folder.

4. Third-party applications for enhanced capabilities

If the built-in MIUI tools aren't enough, you can use third-party software that allows you to:

• 🎵 Set different tunes for different SIM-map;
• 🔔 Assign unique ringtones for specific contacts;
• 🎚️ Adjust the volume of the call separately from the notifications;
• 🔄 Automatically trim tracks to optimal length.

We tested several popular applications and made a table with their features:

When using third-party apps, pay attention to the permissions they request. For example, Zedge requires access to contacts to assign individual ringtones. If you only need basic functionality, you better do without such programs.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Ringtone Maker Pro) may conflict with system sounds MIUI, Resetting settings after rebooting. Before installing, check user reviews with your Xiaomi model.

5.Assigning unique ringtones for contacts

If you want important contacts to have their own unique call sound, do the following:

1. Open the Contacts app and select the contact you want.
2. Tap Edit (pencil icon)
3. Scroll down to the Melody of the Call (or Call Sound).
4. Select Add Melody and specify the file from the device memory.

This function works even without third-party applications, but there is a caveat: if the contact is saved on the SIM-You can't assign a ringtone to a card instead of a phone memory, so you can transfer the contact to your device or Google account through the Contact Management menu.

You can also assign different tunes for the first and second. SIM-Maps (relevant to dual-SIM models Xiaomi):

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose. SIM-map, SIM 1).
3. Slip the ringing melody and set a unique sound.

💡

Individual contact ringtones only work when calling through the phone. SIM-If the subscriber calls via VoIP (WhatsApp, Telegram), the standard notification sound will be used.

6.The Problem Solving: Why Xiaomi Doesn't See My Melody

If you’ve completed all the steps, but your smartphone stubbornly doesn’t show your song in the ringtones list, check out the following points:

If the problem persists, try an alternative method:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and manually copy the file to the Ringtones folder.
2. Install any music playback app (like VLC) and “play” the file – this will force MIUI to scan it.
3. Restart the device and check the tone list again.

7.Alternative methods: through ADB and recovery

For advanced users who want to install a system ringtone (e.g., replace the standard sound) miui_ringtone.mp3), there is a method through ADB. This method requires an unlocked bootloader and can cause failures if executed incorrectly.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times according to the version to unlock the developer menu).
2. Download ADB Tools and open the command line in the folder with adb.exe.
3. Enter the command to copy the file in the system section: adb push C:\path\to\your\ringtone.mp3 /system/media/audio/ringtones/
4. Give the file the correct rights: adb shell chmod 644 /system/media/audio/ringtones/ringtone.mp3
5. Reboot your smartphone.

This method is suitable for replacing system sounds, but requires caution. A mistake in commands can lead to a bootloop (a looped reboot).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ and dynamic partitions (dynamic_partitions) direct-record /system You can block access to the bootloader. Before experimenting, back up through the bootloader. TWRP.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the ringtone to Xiaomi