Changing the standard melodic but quickly annoying ringtone is the first thing a new Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone owner does. The standard sound library often feels boring, and the desire to stand out your device among hundreds of other gadgets in the subway or office is quite natural. Fortunately, the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS provide ample opportunities for personalization, allowing you to install any song from your music archive.
The installation procedure can seem confusing because of the Chinese manufacturer’s menu features, which differ from pure Android. In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods, from the classic method through settings to the use of specialized applications. You will learn to put tracks on the full contact, on individual numbers or create unique sound profiles for different situations.
Before we get started, it’s worth noting that for custom ringtones to work properly, the file must be stored in the device’s memory, not just in cloud storage. It’s also important to consider the audio file format, although modern firmware versions support most popular codecs without the need for conversion.
The first step to personalization is having the file itself. Most people download music through a browser or receive it through messengers, and the file is saved in the Download or Telegram/Audio folder. The MIUI-based Android system requires the file to be stored in the local memory of the smartphone. If your music is stored exclusively on streaming services, you will need either a Premium subscription with offline listening and exporting, or the use of converters.
As for formats, MP3 remains the gold standard, and it is supported by all firmware versions and does not cause conflicts. However, you can also use M4A, WAV or OGG formats. Problems can only arise with rare high-resolution codecs that the built-in ringtone player may not see on the list.
⚠️ Note: If you downloaded a file, but the system does not see it when selecting a ringtone, check the extension.m4a iTunes sometimes require transcoding to MP3 Compatibility with older Redmi models.
For easy file management, we recommend using the Explorer app built-in. Find your track, click on it and make sure it plays. If there's sound, it means the file is intact and ready to be installed. DRM-protection, as they only work within specific player applications.
Installation of ringtones through standard settings
The most reliable and traditional way to change the sound of a call is to use the system menu, which requires no additional software installation and works consistently on all devices, from the budget Redmi Go to the flagship Xiaomi 14. The algorithm of actions may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell, but the logic remains the same.
You need to open the Settings app and go to the Sound and Vibration section. Here you will see the Phone Rington. When you click on it, you will be taken to the Select menu, where the default default defaults are Xiaomi standard tunes. To see your files, you need to click on the Plus + icon in the upper right corner or the Select Local Ringtony button at the bottom of the list.
Once you have selected a file, the system will suggest cropping the track if it is too long, or leaving it as it is. For an incoming call, you should choose a fragment that lasts up to 30 seconds, so you don't listen to long inputs. Once confirmed, the composition will become standard for all incoming calls.
- 🎵 Open Settings and find the sound section.
- 📂 Click on the ringtone selection and add a local file.
- ✅ Confirm the change and the track will apply to all contacts.
- 🔊 Check the volume level of the speaker before completing.
Use of the application "Theme Manager"
A unique feature of the Xiaomi ecosystem is the Themes app (or Theme Manager), which is not just a wallpaper catalog, but a powerful customization tool that allows you to download and install ringtones, including from a huge online library, which is convenient because it does not require you to download files through the browser.
Launch the Themes app and go to the Calls (or Melody) tab, and here you have a catalog of tracks broken down by genre and popularity. You can listen to any snippet. If you like the track, click the download button and then Apply. The system will automatically set the track to the incoming call.
Secrets of the app Topics
In the app "Themes" you can not only download the finished one, but also upload your file. To do this, go to the profile (human icon), select "Download yours" and specify the audio file. Once processed, it will appear in your collection and become available for installation as a regular ringtone from the store.>Hidden functionality allows you to download your MP3 directly to the cloud of the the theme. The main advantage of this method is the integration with the cloud. If you change your phone, but log into the same Mi Account, your purchased or downloaded ringtones will be available for re-uploading. This eliminates the need to manually transfer the phone to a new phone when you need to transfer the phone to your phone, often to the username the new phone, when you need to pick up the phone. In MIUI, this is done via the Contacts or Phone app. Open the contact list, find the right person and click on their name to open the card. At the top of the screen or in the menu (three dots in the corner), find the Sound or Rington item. By clicking on it, you will see the same list as in the general settings. Select Add or Local Ringtony and specify the file. Setting Priority Settings → Common Rings Priority → Sound Low (Basic) For Contact Card → High (sound) You will see the same contacts as in the general settings, if the Panched card is not used, this feature is also recommended for the user to use the general control. Application of third-party applications for cropping and installation If the standard means to trim the track does not work or the interface seems inconvenient, specialized utilities from Google Play come to the rescue. MP3 Cutter or Ringdroid lets you visually select the desired wave fragment and immediately assign it to the call. Once you install this application, open the desired audio file in it. With sliders, select the beginning and end of the fragment. Most of these programs have a Set as ringtone button, and when you press it, the system will ask for permission to change the system settings of the sound, which must be provided. ⚠️ Note: Third-party applications may request redundant permissions, such as access to geolocation or contacts. Be careful when installing software from unknown developers. The use of such programs is especially important when you need to create a complex mix or impose effects that are not available in the standard Xiaomi editor. Once you create a file, it is stored in the Ringtones folder and becomes available in the system like any other embedded sound. Solution: if the ringtone does not work, sometimes users are faced with a situation where after all the manipulations the phone continues to ring with a standard melody. Most often the problem lies in file retention paths or access rights. New versions of Android 11/12/13/14 have changed the file system, and the old ways may not work. Try to move the audio file file file file file file in Ringtones root in the Ringtones, if you create an internal folder. Also check if Do Not Disturb or Silent Mode is enabled, which can block user settings. Sometimes it helps to simply restart the device after setting a new sound. 💡If you use dual apps (cloning), the audio settings for the clone of the Phone app may be reset."> Another reason might be the file format. FLAC or AAC With a high bitrate, the system can ignore it as too heavy for a system call. MP3 128-320 kbps, and the problem will likely go away. MIUI With the release of the HyperOS shell, Xiaomi began to unify the interface, but some menus were moved. In the new system, the sound settings can be hidden deeper into the menu Sounds and tactile recoil. The way it works has remained the same, but the visual design has become more minimalist. Owners of HyperOS devices should pay attention to the feature "Smart Rington" that can automatically change the volume depending on the position of the phone (in the pocket or on the table), this feature can conflict with manual installation if the algorithm finds it noisy, you can turn it off in advanced audio settings. Also, in new versions, you can improve the spatial sound selection of the Theme app. Now, can you make the music more convenient to use from the Bluetooth? Directly from social media applications to put a track on the call is impossible due to security restrictions Android. First, the file must be saved in memory of the phone ("Save in Downloads"), and then installed through the audio settings, as described in the instructions above. Why did all the ringtones fly off after the firmware update? MIUI It can reset user security and file path settings. It's standard behavior. You need to re-specify the paths to the audio files in the audio settings menu. How do you make a vibration with the music? There's a separate "Call Vibration" slider on the Sound and Vibration menu. Make sure it's on. You can also set the vibration pattern in the advanced settings to match the rhythm of your tune. SIM-No, modern smartphones don't store ringtones on the map. SIM-map. All settings are stored in the phone’s memory or cloud profile, and when you move the SIM to another phone, the audio settings will not be automatically transferred.