The screen lock sound on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is one of those little things that can be both fun and annoying. The standard signal from MIUI does not always suit users: some people think it is too loud, some people feel monotonous, and someone just wants to personalize their smartphone. Unfortunately, unlike wallpaper or ringtones, the manufacturer did not bring this option into the main settings. But this does not mean that the task is impossible!
In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to change the lock sound, from official (through system settings) to alternative (using third-party applications and hidden MIUI functions).
Why you can’t just replace the lock sound with the settings
Unlike alarm melodies or notifications, the screen lock sound on the Redmi Note 9 is hidden deeper in the system.
- 🔒 Limitations MIUI: In standard sound settings (Settings) → Sound and vibration) there is no separate lock point, and the manufacturer considers this sound to be system, not user-generated.
- 📱 Separation of sounds: Lock and unlock sounds are often tied to a single file in firmware, making it difficult to replace them separately.
- 🛡️ System Protection: Xiaomi blocks some system files from being modified without root rights to prevent crashes.
But that doesn't mean that it's impossible. There are a number of workarounds, from using built-in features to installing specialized applications, and the key is to choose a method that suits your level of training and firmware version.
Method 1: Using embedded MIUI themes (without root)
The easiest and safest method is to change the sound through MIUI themes, and many users are unaware that some themes contain their own locking sounds, which are automatically applied when activated.
Here's how it works:
- Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
- Go to the Sounds section or find a topic marked “Includes sounds”.
- Choose a theme you like and apply it, and the locking sound will change along with the other system signals.
⚠️ Note: Not all themes contain unique lock sounds. Check the description of the topic or other users' reviews before using them. Also note that after resetting the themes, the sound may return to standard.
💡
If there are no suitable options in the Sound section, try searching for topics by keywords such as “sound”, “audio” or “lockscreen” in the Themes search bar.
| Advantages of the method | Deficiencies of the method |
|---|---|
| Doesn't require root rights | Limited choice of sounds |
| Safe for the system. | The sound may be reset after the MIUI update |
| It works on all versions of Redmi Note 9. | It is not possible to selectively change the sound of the lock. |
Method 2: Replacement through file manager (for power users)
This method involves manually replacing system audio files, which is more risky, but gives you full control over the lock sound, and Importantly, on some versions of MIUI after 12.5, this method may not work due to the increased protection of system files.
Instructions:
- Download any audio file in.ogg format (recommended duration - 1-2 seconds).
- Connect your phone to your PC or use a file manager with access to system folders (such as MiXplorer with Root mode enabled).
- Go to /system/media/audio/ui/ or /vendor/media/audio/ui/ (depending on the firmware version).
- Find lock.ogg and/or unlock.ogg files (may be called lock.ogg) effect_tick.ogg).
- Back up the original files, then replace them with your own (access rights: 644 or rw-r----).
- Reset the device.
Create a backup of the original files |
Use sound in.ogg format with a bitrate of 128 kbit/s|
Check file access rights after replacement |
Reboot your phone to apply changes-->
⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly replacing system files can lead to a cyclical reboot or loss of sound altogether. If the phone stops turning on after replacing, try resetting via Recovery Mode (press Power). + Volume up when loading).
Method 3: Applications for customizing sounds
If the previous methods seem complicated, you can use third-party applications, which do not require root rights, but have their limitations.
Top.-3 apps for Redmi Note 9:
- 🎵 Zedge: A popular app with a huge library of sounds and melodies, allows you to set lock sounds, but requires manual selection in the system settings after downloading.
- 🔊 Ringtone Maker: Helps you create your own sound from music tracks and assign it to lock (not working on all versions) MIUI).
- 📱 MIUI Sound Changer (requires) ADB): A specialized tool to change system sounds without root. You need to connect the phone to the PC and execute the command: adb shell pm grant com.ebscer.soundchanger android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
⚠️ Note: Apps from Google Play are often limited to Android 10 policies+. If the sound is not applied – check the permissions for the application in Settings → Annexes → Special access → Changes in system settings.
Why don’t apps always work on MIUI?
Method 4: Use ADB-Teams (for advanced teams)
If you're not afraid of the command line, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) will open up additional features, which works even on the latest versions of MIUI, but requires a connection to a computer.
Step-by-step:
- Install. ADB-Drivers on PC and enable Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).
- Connect the Redmi Note 9 to your PC and execute the command: Adb devices (you should display your device).
- Download the audio file in.ogg format and place it in the sdcard/ folder on your phone.
- Follow the commands (replace). /sdcard/your_sound.ogg The way to your file: adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/your_sound.ogg /system/media/audio/ui/lock.ogg chmod 644 /system/media/audio/ui/lock.ogg reboot
If the su command doesn't work, you don't have root rights on your device, so try an alternative route via /vendor/media/audio/ui/.
💡
ADB-commands are the most versatile way, but it requires caution. One error in the path or access rights can cause a system to crash. Always back up before changes!
Method 5: Remove the blocking sound completely
If you're annoyed by any sound you block, you can turn it off completely, and this is done through settings or editing system files.
Option 1 (without root):
- Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → System sounds.
- Turn off Screen Sounds or Lock Sounds slider (name depends on the MIUI version).
Option 2 (with root or ADB):
- Remove lock.ogg from the system folder (see Method 2).
- Or replace it with an empty sound file (you can create it in any audio editor).
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware, disabling system sounds through settings causes the vibration to disappear when blocked. If it is critical, use the method of replacing the file with "empty" sound.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after successful sound replacement, Redmi Note 9 users face some major challenges, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The sound hasn't changed since the file was replaced. | Incorrect access rights to the file | Set up 644 (chmod 644 lock.ogg) |
| Sound resets after MIUI update | Update overwrites system files | Repeat the replacement after the update or use themes |
| The app doesn't see the blocking sounds | Limitations of Android 10+ | Provide permission through ADB (see Method 3) |
| The phone got looped while booting up. | Damage to the system file | Log in to Recovery and restore backup |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- 🔍 Version MIUI (on some custom firmware, the blocking sounds are rigidly “sewn” into the system).
- 📌 Updates for your device (sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions).
- 🛠️ Alternative launchers (some, such as Nova Launcher, allow you to customize sounds regardless of the system).