How to install your tune on SMS in Xiaomi Redmi 9: 3 proven ways

Receiving SMS messages on Xiaomi Redmi 9 is accompanied by a standard audio signal, which can eventually get bored. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided the possibility of replacing it with both built-in tunes and custom audio files. In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to change the sound of notifications for messages, including the nuances of working with the MIUI file system.

It is important to understand that the procedure is different from setting a ringtone to a call: it uses other system folders and settings (.mp3,.wav,.ogg), how to get around system limitations and what to do if a new tune is not played. 9 (including Redmi 9A, 9C, 9T) base MIUI 12/13/14.

Preparation: what files are suitable for SMS-melodies

Before you change the notification sound, you need to make sure that your audio file meets the system requirements. Xiaomi Redmi 9 supports the following options:

• 🎵 Formats:.mp3 (recommended),.wav,.ogg,.m4a
• ⏱️ Duration: Optimally 3-10 seconds (the system can crop files longer than 30 seconds)
• 🔊 Bitrate: up to 320 kbit/s (high values can cause playback delays)
• 📁 File size: no more than 5 MB (for stable operation)

If your file does not meet these parameters, it can be converted using free services like Online-Convert or mobile applications like MP3 Cutter (available on Google Play). Pay special attention to the file name - it should not contain Cyrillic or special characters (except underlining), otherwise the system will not recognize it.

⚠️ Note: Files with a bit rate above 320 kbps can cause stutters when played on Redmi budget models. Use short stretches (5-7 seconds) to test).

Method 1: Changing the Melody through Message Settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable if you want to choose from one of the standard tunes or previously added user file.

Instructions:

1. Open the Messages app** (an envelope icon).
2. Tap the three-point menu (⋮) in the upper right corner and select "Settings».
3. Go to the Notifications section** → Notifications sound.

If your file is not on the list, check:

• 📂 Is it right to be placed (should it be) in the /Notifications/ or /Ringtones/)
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the system doesn’t immediately scan new files
• 🔍 Make sure the file is not hidden (in) MIUI Hidden files are not displayed in the settings)

File is in the correct folder | File name in Latin | File format supported | Phone rebooted after adding file-->

⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI (for example, 12.5) When you update, you reset your notification settings. To avoid this, back up your folder. /Notifications/ through "Settings» → «System system» → «Backup».

Method 2: Add your own tune through the file manager

If you don’t like standard sounds, you can download your own tune, and you’ll need a file manager (like the built-in Files** or Solid Explorer from Google Play).

Step-by-step:

1. Download or prepare an audio file (see the requirements in the first section).
2. Connect your phone to your computer via USB (File Transfer Mode) or upload the file directly to your smartphone (e.g. via Telegram).
3. Open the file manager and go to the root directory (“Inner Memory”).
4. Create a Notifications folder (if not), or use existing Ringtones.
5. Move your audio file to this folder.
6. Reboot your phone (required!).
7. The file must now appear in the notification settings (see Method 1).

An alternative way to place the file:

/storage/emulated/0/Notifications/

If you don't have a Notifications folder, you can create it manually, and the key is to not put the files in Download or Music, otherwise the system won't recognize them as notification tunes.

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To quickly find the Notifications folder, in the file manager “Files”** from Xiaomi, type in the search query Notifications – the system will show all matches, including hidden directories.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If the first two methods didn’t work (for example, the file doesn’t appear in the settings), you can use specialized applications that allow you to bypass the limitations of MIUI and assign any melody to SMS.

Top.-3 appendices for changing the sound of notifications:

• 🎶 Zedge is a huge library of ringtones and notifications with pre-listening capabilities. MIUI It's a system-level, and it's a system-level, and it's a system-level, and it's a system-level, and it's a system-level, it's a system-level.

Instructions for Zedge:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and go to the Notification Tones tab.
3. Select your favorite tune and click “Set” → “Notification Sound”.
4. Confirm the choice – the sound will automatically apply to all SMS.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Ringtone Maker) require permission to access the storage. If the sound has not changed after installation, check the permissions in Settings» → «Annexes» → «Permits».

Through message settings|Through the file manager|Third-party annexes|I don't change the standard sound.-->

Problem Solving: Why the Melody on SMS is Not Changing

Sometimes users find that a new tune is not applied or resets after a reboot. Let's consider the typical reasons and ways to eliminate them.

Problem 1: The file does not appear in the settings.

• 🔹 Check the file extension – it should be.mp3 (Sometimes files are saved as.mp3.mp3).
• 🔹 Make sure the file is in the correct folder: /Notifications/ or /Ringtones/.
• 🔹 Rename the file by removing all characters except Latin and underline.

Problem 2: The sound is reset after the MIUI update.

• 🔹 This is a well-known feature of Xiaomi firmware. Solution: after updating manually transfer files back to the /Notifications/.
• 🔹 Create a backup of the folder through “Settings» → «System system» → «Backup».

Problem 3: The melody is delayed or interrupted.

• 🔹 Reduce the bitrate of the file to 192 kbps (use Audacity or MP3 Cutter).
• 🔹 Cut the file to 5-7 seconds.
• 🔹 Check if the power saving mode is on – it can limit background processes.

Additional settings: vibration and LED-indicator

In addition to sound, Redmi 9 can set vibration and light indication for SMS, these settings are in the same notification settings.

How to turn on the vibration:

1. Open “Messages” → “Settings” → “Notifications”.
2. Activate the Vibration switch.
3. Select a vibration pattern (e.g., “Short” or “Long”).

How to set up LED-indicator:

1. Go to Settings → Display → Button Lighting.
2. Enable the option “Switching Notifications Indicator”.
3. Select a color for SMS (e.g., “Blue”).

On Redmi models 9A and 9C LED-The indicator may not be available, depending on the hardware, in which case the alternative would be a “lock screen”** with notifications displayed.

Resetting notification settings to factory

If after experimenting with sounds, notifications stopped working correctly, you can return the factory settings. This does not affect personal data (messages, contacts), but will reset all user melodies and vibration patterns.

Instructions:

1. Open “Settings” → “Applications” → “Application Management”.
2. Find the list of “Messages”** and tap it.
3. Select "Storage» → «Clear the data».
4. Confirm the action. After that, all the notification settings will reset.

If the reset didn't help, check:

• 🔕 Are notifications disabled for the Messages app as a whole (Settings) → Notifications → Communications).

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Before resetting notification settings, back up /Notifications/ – after clearing the data, all user files will disappear from it.

FAQ: Frequent questions about SMS melodies in Redmi 9