The screen unlocking sound on Xiaomi smartphones is a small detail that can be both fun and annoying. The standard MIUI signal is not popular with everyone: some people find it too loud, some feel monotonous, and some just want to personalize the device to themselves. Fortunately, the manufacturer provides several ways to change this sound — from simple replacement through settings to install custom themes with unique melodies.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese versions of firmware), learn how to change the unlock sound through standard tools of the system, where to download new tunes, and what to do if the desired option suddenly disappeared after the update, and also why on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13T or POCO F5) this option may be hidden, and how to return it.
Why can’t you change the unlock sound on Xiaomi through standard settings?
Many users find that there is simply no item in the Settings → Sounds and Vibration menu to change the unlock melody.
- 📱 Regional firmware: On Chinese versions MIUI (For example, for Xiaomi 12S Ultra: Some audio settings are blocked due to local standards.
- 🔄 System update: After Mayorapdate (e.g., with MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) parameters may be “move” to other sections or temporarily disappear.
- 🎵 Manufacturer policy: On some models (like Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) The unlock sound is tied to the system theme and changes only with it.
- 🔧 Android Restrictions: Starting with Android 12, Google has tightened rules for custom notification sounds, which has affected the user experience. MIUI.
If you have this, don’t despair. In the following sections, we’ll show you workarounds, including installing themes from the Mi Theme Store and even manually adding sounds through the file system (for advanced users).
⚠️ Note: On Android One smartphones (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) A3) standard-of-the-art MIUI These models will require third-party software like Zedge or root access.
Method 1: Replace the sound through MIUI settings (official method)
If your model supports changing the unlock sound through the menu, follow this instruction. It works on most devices with MIUI 12-14, including Xiaomi 11T, Redmi Note 11 Pro and POCO X4 Pro:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the section Sound and vibration.
- Slip on the item Sound unlock screen (if it is not - see Method 2).
- In the list of available tunes, select your favorite. Pre-listen to it by clicking on the play icon.
- Confirm the choice with the OK button.
The list of standard sounds in MIUI usually includes:
- 🔊 Default – Classic Unlocking Sound.
- 🎶 Bamboo - a soft wooden snap.
- 💧 Water Drop – The sound of a falling drop.
- 🔢 Digital – electronic signal (similar to Matrix sound).
⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) may be affected by a bug after the sound changes: the melody will play twice.
☑️ Preparation for sound change
Method 2: Change the sound by installing themes from the Mi Theme Store
If you don't have a direct item in the settings to change the unlock sound, the most reliable way is to set a theme that includes custom tunes, and this works even on cropped firmware. Here's how to do it:
- Open the Themes app (brush icon on the home screen).
- In the search bar, enter the request for unlock sounds or unlock sound.
- Choose your favorite theme marked Includes sounds (usually marked with a note icon) 🎵). Popular options: 🎮 Game Soundpack – sounds from games (Minecraft, GTA, Among Us). 🎬 Movie Unlock – Movie Unlock – Movie Molodies (Star Wars, Harry Potter). 🌿 Nature Sounds – sounds of nature (rain, wind, birds).
Apply
Just sounds.
Restart the device to apply the changes.
Important: Some of the themes from the Mi Theme Store contain hidden ads or require a paid subscription.
| Theme | Sound style | Suitable for | Free? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyberpunk Unlock | Futuristic, electronic | POCO F4, Redmi K50 | Yes. |
| Retro Phone Sounds | The sounds of old button phones | Xiaomi 12 Lite, Redmi 10 | Yes. |
| Anime Unlock Pack | Melodies from anime (Naruto, Attack of the Titans) | Any model you want. | Partially (there are paid sounds) |
| Minimalist Sounds | Quiet clicks, no music. | For the office/library | Yes. |
💡
If the sound hasn’t changed after installing the theme, try manually selecting it in the settings: Settings → Sounds → Unlock Sound → [New Theme].
Method 3: Manually Adding Sounds Through File System (For Advanced)
This method is suitable for those who are willing to dig into system files, and allows you to set any sound in.mp3 or.ogg format (up to 5 seconds long).
- 📱 Smartphone with unlocked bootloader (for models on Snapdragon).
- 🔧 Root access (Magisk) or ADB superuser.
- 💾 File manager with access to system folders (e.g., Mixplorer or FX File Explorer).
Instructions:
- Download or create a sound file (for example, unlock_custom.mp3) Put it in the phone’s internal memory.
- Open the file manager and follow the path: /system/media/audio/ui/ (if you don’t have a ui folder, create one).
- Copy your file into this folder and rename it to unlock.ogg (replacing the standard one).
- Change the file access permissions to 644 (rw-r----).
- Reset the device.
⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly changing system files can lead to bootloop (locked boot).Before experimenting, make a backup through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.
What if the phone doesn’t turn on after the sound is changed?
How to get back the standard unlock sound?
If you didn’t like the experiments with custom tunes, you can return the original MIUI sound in several ways:
- 🔄 Resetting sounds through themes: Open themes → Mine. → Current theme: Click Reset sounds (if option available).
- 📱 Resetting settings: Go to Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings → Reset the sound settings. It won't affect your data, it'll just bring the sounds back to the factory.
- 🔧 Manual file replacement (if you have manually changed it): Remove your custom file from /system/media/audio/ui/ The system will restore the standard unlock.ogg automatically.