Xiaomi smartphones based on firmware MIUI They offer flexible customization options, but many users have difficulty changing the standard ringtone of a call, unlike older versions of Android, where it was enough to copy. MP3-file in the Ringtones folder, modern Redmi devices, POCO Mi requires certain rules, and this article will help you figure out how to add your favorite track to your call list without making typical mistakes.
We will look at the official methods through system settings, workarounds for files with non-standard formats, as well as solutions for cases when the phone does not see downloaded music. Special attention is paid to the features of the latest versions of MIUI 14/15, where the settings interface has undergone changes. If you want your Xiaomi to play a unique tune on an incoming call, read on.
Preparation of audio file: requirements for format and duration
Before you upload music to your phone, make sure the file meets the technical limitations of MIUI.The system does not support all audio formats, and improper preparation of the track can lead to its absence from the list of available tunes.
Basic requirements:
- π΅ File format:.mp3,.m4a,.ogg,.wav (preferably) MP3 128-320 kbps bitrates:.flac or.aac formats may not be recognized.
- β±οΈ Duration: optimally 20β40 seconds, files longer than 1 minute will be clipped automatically by the system.
- π File size: no more than 5 MB (for stable operation without delays when playing).
- π Volume: Normalize the sound in an audio editor (such as Audacity) to avoid distortion when played through the speaker.
If your file doesnβt match these parameters, use free online converters (like Online-Convert) or mobile apps like MP3 Cutter for trimming and optimization. MIUI ignores files with a bitrate above 320 kbps β they wonβt show up in the tone list even if the format is supported.
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For better sound, select a track segment without sharp transitions (such as a chorus) and save it in MP3 format with a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz.
Official method: installation through "Settings"
The most reliable method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It works on all modern Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 13.
- Copy the audio file to your phone's memory (internal or microSD card) Recommended folder: Music or Ringtones (if not, create it manually).
- Open the Settings app β Sound and vibration.
- Select the Melody of the Call (or Call Sound in some firmware versions).
- At the top of the screen, click Local Melodies (or My Melodies).
- Find your file in the list and tap it to select it. If the file is not available, check the folder and format correctly.
Once you select a melody, the system will suggest applying it to all contacts or only specific ones. If the file does not appear, try restarting the phone - sometimes MIUI caches the list of tunes and does not update it immediately.
The file is in the Music or Ringtones | folder.
File format: MP3/M4A/OGG|
Duration does not exceed 1 minute |
Bitrate not higher than 320 kbit / s-->
Alternative methods: if the standard method does not work
On some devices (especially custom firmware or older versions of MIUI), the official method may not work, in which case, try one of the alternatives:
Method 1: Using a file manager with root rights
If you have root access, copy the file to the system folder:
/system/media/audio/ringtones/Then restart your phone. The tune will appear on the standard list. Attention: this method requires caution - wrong actions with system files can lead to crashes.
Method 2: Applications for setting melodies
Google Play has some tools that make it easier to do:
- π± Ringtone Maker β allows you to crop tracks and set them as a call directly from the app.
- πΆ Zedge β a library of free tunes with the ability to download and install in one click.
- π§ Files by Google β file manager with the function of assigning audio files as calls (long press on the file) β Β«Use it asΒ» β Β«The ringing melodyΒ»).
Method 3: Assignment through contact
If you want to set a unique melody for a particular subscriber:
- Open the Contacts app and select the contact you want.
- Click Edit β The ringing melody.
- Select a Local Melody and specify the file.
This method works even if the file does not appear in the global call settings.
Problem Solving: Why the Melody is Not Set
If after all the manipulations your Xiaomi persistently ignores the downloaded file, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The file does not appear in the list | Inappropriate format or folder | Convert to MP3 and place it in Internal Storage/Ringtones |
| The melody plays with distortion | Too high bitrate | Resave a file with a bitrate of 192β256 kbit/s |
| Quiet or intermittent call | Poor source quality | Use the original track without compression |
| Settings are reset after rebooting | Cache failure of the Settings app | Clear the cache to Settings β Applications β Application Management β Settings β Memory |
If the problem persists, try resetting the sound settings to standard:
- Go to Settings β System and device β Resetting.
- Select Reset Sound Settings (does not affect personal data).
What if all the tunes are missing after the MIUI update?
Features for different Xiaomi models
MIUI has versions for different regions, which affects the location of menu items.
Devices for the Global Market (Global ROM)
On Redmi/POCO with global firmware, the path to call settings is:
Settings β Sound & vibration β Phone ringtoneThere is a choice between system melodies and local ringtone files.
Chinese versions (China ROM)
On devices for the Chinese market (for example, Mi 13 Pro without global firmware), the audio menu may look different:
β βTo add your melody, you will need:
- Copy the file to the MIUI/ringtone folder (create manually).
- Reboot the phone.
- Select the melody in the settings (it will appear in the section).
Devices with POCO Launcher
On POCO smartphones (e.g., POCO F5), the interface may differ:
- π Sound and vibration are sometimes hidden in additional settings.
- ποΈ Access to local files may require permission to access the storage (issued when you first open the list of tunes).
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On Chinese firmware (China ROM), system folders for tunes may be called differently (e.g. MIUI/ringtone instead of standard Ringtones). Always check for a file through the file manager after copying.
How to Make a Unique Melody for Notifications and An alarm clock
In addition to the call, MIUI can personalize the sounds of notifications and alarms, and the process is similar, but different system folders are used:
| Type of sound | File folder | Path in settings |
|---|---|---|
| Notifications | Notifications | Settings β Sound and vibration β Sound of notifications |
| Alarm clock | Alarms | Settings β Alarm clock β Melody of the signal |
| Lock/unlock sound | UI (or System) | Settings β Sound and vibration β System sounds |
For alarm clocks, it is recommended to use files up to 15 seconds long, so the signal will not be annoying when it is triggered again. For notifications, short sounds (1-3 seconds) with a clear start (for example,.wav files with a "ding" effect or "chime") are suitable.
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To prevent the alarm clock from cutting your ears in the morning, choose a melody with a smooth increase in volume (for example, a piece from classical music or natural sounds).
Security and Privacy: What You Need to Know
When downloading tunes from third-party sources (especially from sites like Zedge or Mobile9), consider the risks of:
- π‘οΈ Viruses: some "free" tunes may contain malicious code.
- π΅ Copyright: Using commercial tracks as a call may violate license agreements (especially if you share a file publicly).
- π Data collection: Melody installation apps (like Ringtone Maker Pro) sometimes request excessive permissions (access to contacts, SMS). Check reviews before installation.
To minimize the risks:
β οΈ Note: Before installing sound applications, check their reputation on Google Play (ranking above 4.0 or more) 100K installations. Avoid APK-Files from unknown sources β they may contain spyware.
To create your own tunes without risk, use:
- π§ Audacity (PC) β for trimming and normalizing sound.
- π± Ringdroid (Android) β a simple editing app MP3 right on the phone.
- π Online Audio Cutter β a web service for fast track trimming without installing programs.