Are you tired of the standard ringtone on Xiaomi and want to install a favorite song or a unique sound? In smartphones with MIUI firmware, this procedure has a nuance - the system often limits the choice of user files. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install custom ringtone, including bypassing MIUI locks, working with file formats and adjusting the sound for individual contacts.
Note that the instructions are suitable for most models Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO based MIUI 12/13/14 (including HyperOS).If you are using a device with a pure Android (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra on global firmware), the process may be different – this will also be discussed below.
1. Standard method via "Settings" (MIUI 14 and later)
The easiest method is to use the built-in tools of the system, but it has a limitation: MIUI allows you to select only files from the Ringtones folder or pre-uploaded to Media Storage.
To add my tune:
- 📁 Transfer the audio file (format.mp3,.m4a or.ogg, up to 30 seconds in the Internal Storage folder → Ringtones (create it manually if it is not available).
- 🔊 Go to Settings. → Sound and vibration → Call.
- 🎵 Your file will appear in the list of tunes – select it and save the changes.
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If the file is not displayed, restart your phone or use the Mi File Explorer file manager to update your media library (click on three dots → Update Media Files).
⚠️ Attention: MIUI It can ignore files with bitrates above 192 kbps or non-standard metadata. If the melody is not played, convert it through an online converter to a format. MP3 parameterized:
- 🎛️ Bitrate: 128–192 kbps
- 🔄 Discretion frequency: 44.1 kHz
- 🎼 Channels: Mono (to save space)
2.Use of the file manager (for MIUI 12/13)
In older versions of firmware, the Ringtones folder may not work, and the alternative is to place the file in the system directory via Mi File Explorer:
- Open File Manager (Folder icon on the desktop).
- Go to Internal Storage → MIUI → ringtone (hidden folder – turn on the display of hidden files in the manager settings).
- Copy your audio file into this folder.
- Restart your phone and check for the melody in the call settings.
Important: The MIUI/ringtone folder is protected – if the file is not copied, use Root rights or an alternative method from Section 4.
What to do if the MIUI folder is missing?
3. Installation through third-party applications
If the system methods don't work, use specialized utilities. We tested 3 reliable applications:
| Annex | Pluses | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zedge | Large library of free ringtones, automatic track trimming | Advertising requires registration for download | Google Play |
| Ringtone Maker | Audio editor, support for all formats, export to Ringtones | Interface overloaded, premium features fee | Google Play |
| MP3 Cutter | Simple trimming, saves in.mp3 without loss of quality | There is no built-in library of tunes | Google Play |
Instructions for Zedge:
- Install the app and allow access to the storage.
- Find your favorite tune in the Ringtones section.
- Click Set as ringtone → select Phone ringtone.
- Confirm the change in the system window.
4. Manual copying via ADB (for advanced users)
If MIUI blocks file addition, you can bypass the restrictions with the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires a computer and enabled USB debugging.
Step-by-step:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
- Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB-Drivers and open the command line in the folder with adb.exe.
- Follow the commands: adb devices adb shell su cp /sdcard/Download/mymusic.mp3 /system/media/audio/ringtones/ chmod 644 /system/media/audio/ringtones/mymusic.mp3 reboot
⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Do not change the access rights (chmod) for other folders in the /system!
☑️ Preparation for ADB-copy
5. Customize individual melodies for contacts
MIUI allows you to assign unique ringtones to individual subscribers, which is convenient if you want to distinguish calls from family, colleagues or important customers.
How to set up:
- Open the Contacts app and select the contact you want.
- Click Edit (pencil icon).
- Scroll down to the Call box and select the tune from the list (including custom files from the Ringtones folder).
- Save the changes.
🔹 Tip: Use short and clear signals for business contacts (e.g, beep.mp3 length 2 seconds), and for loved ones - pleasant musical fragments.
6. Problem Solving: Why is the melody not set?
If you followed the instructions but the ringtone does not apply, check the following points:
- 🚫 File format: MIUI supports.mp3,.m4a,.Reconvert the file if it is in.wav or.flac.
- 📏 Track length: The optimal length is 15-30 seconds. Long files may be clipped or not played.
- 🔒 Access rights: Make sure the file is not protected DRM (For example, download from Apple Music or Spotify).
- 🔄 Cash Media: Clear the Media Store app cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
If the problem persists, try:
- 📲 Set a tune through another app (e.g. Ringtone Maker).
- 🔧 Reset the sound settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting the sound settings.
- 📥 Update MIUI up to the latest version (in some builds bug ringtones corrected).
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Before resetting your sound settings, record the current alarm clock volumes, notifications and media – they will reset!
7. Alternatives: vibration and LED-indication
If you do not fit the standard sound signals, Xiaomi can configure:
- 📳 Vibration: Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Vibration when ringing and select a pattern (such as Heartbeat or Double Bump).
- 💡 LED-In the same settings, activate the flashing indicator - the light bulb will signal missed calls.
- 🔕 Silent mode with vibration: Volume slider down to vibrating call (bell icon with wave).
🔹 Lifehack: For models with AMOLED-screen (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro) you can use animated wallpaper with a response to a call – they will flash along with the ringtone.