How to install your tune on SMS in Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: 4 proven ways

Getting a text message with a unique audio experience is not only a way to stand out, but also a convenient tool for quickly recognizing important messages. Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 often face the question: how to change the standard signal to your own tune, because in the settings menu it is not always obvious where to look for the desired options. In this article, we will analyze all possible methods from basic to advanced, including bypassing the limitations of MIUI.

It is important to understand that the functionality may vary depending on the version of the MIUI firmware (global, Chinese, custom).We tested the instructions on the Redmi Note 7 with MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 14, but most methods will remain relevant for other models of the Xiaomi 7 series (for example, Mi 9T or Poco F1). If you use an older version of the software, some menu items may be called differently - we will warn you about this in advance.

Before proceeding, make sure that:

• 📱 Your smartphone is charged at least 30% (to avoid failures when changing system files).
• 🔊 The selected audio file is in the device memory (not on the device). SD-card, if it is used as a portable storage device).
• 🔄 Backup of important data created (using methods to modify system files).

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (without third-party applications)

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. Unfortunately, in the latest firmware versions, Xiaomi has removed the ability to choose random tunes for SMS directly, but the workaround still works.

Algorithm of action:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the section Sound and vibration.
3. Select the Notification Sound (not to be confused with the Sound of a Call!).
4. In the list of standard tunes tap on any, then click Add (the icon "+" in the upper right corner).
5. In the file manager, find a folder with your audio files (like Download or Ringtones) and select the track you want.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 The file format should be.mp3,.m4a.ogg (not longer than 30 seconds).
• 🚫 Not all versions. MIUI Support adding custom files – if the Add No buttons, proceed to the next method.
• 🚫 The changed melody will apply to all notifications, not just SMS.

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If the file you want doesn’t appear in the list, move it to /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/ringtone and restart the device.

Method 2: Using a file manager with root rights

For advanced users who are ready to root, it is possible to manually replace system sounds, which gives full control over notifications, but requires caution.

Step-by-step:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/media/audio/notifications/
3. Copy your audio file into this folder (rename it to notification.ogg or sms.ogg).
4. Change the file access permissions to 644 (readable for all, owner-only record).
5. Reboot your smartphone.

Critical! Incorrectly changing system files can cause the device to reboot cyclically, and if the phone doesn't turn on after manipulation, you'll need to flash it through Fastboot.

Method 3: Third-party applications for customizing notifications

If the first two methods didn't work or seemed complicated, Google Play apps will come to the rescue, and we tested 5 popular utilities and selected the two most reliable ones:

Instructions for Zedge:

1. Install and open the application.
2. In the menu, select Notifications.
3. Find your favorite tune or upload yours through My Sounds.
4. Slip on the track and select Set as a notification sound.
5. In the window that appears, confirm the choice for SMS (may be called Messages or Messaging).

Important! After installing the tune through third-party software, check if the settings have reset after the reboot. Some versions of MIUI reset user sounds when you update the system.

Method 4: Configure through the Messages app

Few people know, but Xiaomi’s standard Messages app has a hidden option for individual notifications, which works even without root rights or third-party programs.

How to set up:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to Notifications. → The sound of notifications.
4. Select Add Sound and specify the path to your file.

File format — MP3 or M4A|Length not exceeding 30 seconds|File renamed to Latin (without Cyrillic)|The file is copied to internal memory-->

If Add Sound is not available, update the Messages app via Google Play or install an alternative messenger (e.g. Google Messages) that supports this feature.

Problem Solving: Why is the melody not set?

Even if you follow the instructions, you'll see errors, and let's look at typical scenarios and their solutions.

• 🔕 File does not appear in the list: Check the extension (should be.mp3 or.m4a). Move the file to the root folder of internal memory (for example, /storage/emulated/0/). Reset the device.
• 🔊 No sound playback: Make sure the notification volume is not at zero (check the slider in Settings) → Turn off Do Not Disturb mode. Try another audio file (possibly the current one is corrupted).
• 📵 Settings reset after rebooting: This is a known problem MIUI. The solution is to use apps like Tasker to automatically restore settings.

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If none of the methods worked, check if notifications for the Messages app are disabled in the battery settings (Settings → Applications → Messages → Battery → No Limits).

Bonus: How to Set Unique Melodies for Different Contacts

You want to make your loved ones text you like? MIUI has a hidden feature for linking unique sounds to your contacts. Here's how to activate it:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Select the right contact and tap Edit.
3. Scroll down to the Notification Sound (if not, click More).
4. Choose a tune from the list or add your own.

Limitation: This feature only works for incoming calls in most versions of MIUI. For SMS, you will need to use third-party applications, such as Truecaller (in the premium version).

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up SMS sounds on Xiaomi

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If you change notification tunes frequently, create a Ringtones folder at the root of your internal memory and store all audio files there, so they will automatically appear in the selection list.