Changing the standard ringtone is one of the first steps to personalizing any smartphone. Xiaomi Redmi 9 owners often face the need to replace the monotonous system sound with something more lively and recognizable. The MIUI shell on which the device is based offers flexible audio settings, but they are not always obvious to the beginner.
The installation process can vary depending on whether you want to use embedded music or download a track from the Internet. There are also nuances when assigning tunes for individual contacts or instant messenger notifications. In this article, we will discuss all available methods in detail so that you can customize the sound exactly as you like.
It's important to understand that the structure of the Android file system has its own characteristics, and just downloaded a file may not be enough to display it in the list of ringtones. Proper placement of files in folders is the key to success. We will look at both standard system tools and more advanced methods of working with audio files.
Audio file preparation and format requirements
Before you start settings, you need to make sure that your audio meets the technical requirements of the system. Xiaomi smartphones support most popular formats, but for stable operation it is better to use proven standards. The optimal choice is the MP3 format, which is guaranteed to play without errors.
If you plan to create ringtones yourself from long tracks, pay attention to the length of the snippet. Too long a file may not display correctly in the selection list or break down. It is recommended to use snippets lasting 15 to 30 seconds for calls and up to 10 seconds for notifications.
💡
Use a bitrate of at least 128 kbps to keep the sound on the speaker clean and devoid of compression artifacts.
Download music is best from official sources or trusted services to avoid getting malicious code along with the file. Once downloaded, the file usually ends up in the Downloads or Downloads folder, from where it can be easily moved.
- 🎵 Format MP3 It is the most universal and supported system.
- 🎵 Format M4R It is often used for ringtones, but may require renaming.
- 🎵 Format WAV High quality, but takes up more memory space.
Installation of the melody through the standard settings of the phone
The easiest and most reliable way to change the sound of a call is to use the built-in settings menu, which doesn’t require a computer connection or third-party apps. First, unlock your Redmi 9 screen and find the Settings icon.
In the menu that opens, you need to find the audio section, and depending on the version of MIUI, it can be called Sound and Vibration or just Sound, and if you click on this, you'll be taken to the audio profile management menu.
☑️ Algorithm of actions in settings
Next, select “Calling Melody” (or “Calling Melody”), and you will see a list of preset songs, and to select your own, you need to scroll down to the bottom and click on the + icon or the Select Music File button on your device.
The system will suggest you select a player app to find the track, the standard choice is Music or Explorer, and if you find the file in the list, click on it, and it will automatically set up as the primary ringtone, the changes will take effect instantly.
Using the Themes app to download ringtones
The MIUI shell has a powerful built-in content store called Themes, which is not just a catalog of wallpaper and icons, but also a huge library of ringtones adapted specifically for Xiaomi devices, accessed through the app of the same name.
At the bottom of the Themes app screen is the Ringtones tab, where you can listen to thousands of choices, from popular hits to classic tunes, and filtering allows you to search for tracks by genre, popularity or novelty.
Why are some ringtones in the store paid?
To install the selected track, just press the Download button (arrow down), and after the download is completed, the Apply button will download the file itself, save it to the desired directory and assign it to the call, which eliminates the user from having to manually search and transfer files.
- 🔥 A huge selection of exclusive tracks optimized for Xiaomi speakers.
- 🔥 The ability to set the ringtone to the alarm or notification directly from the directory.
- 🔥 Automatically update the list of popular tunes in your area.
Customization of individual melodies for contacts
One of the useful features of the smartphone is the ability to assign unique ringtones to specific subscribers, which allows you to know who is calling you without taking your phone out of your pocket. On Redmi 9, this feature is implemented through a standard phone book.
Open the Contacts or Phone app and go to the list of all contacts. Select the right subscriber and click on their name to open the contact card. In the menu that opens, look for Default or Melody (sometimes hidden under the More button or three dots).
| Type of contact | Where to look for settings | Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Contact from SIM | Edit → Melody. | It may not support complex formats. |
| Contact from Google | Contact card → Melody | Synchronizes with the cloud |
| Hidden number. | Call settings | Requires a separate setting in the menu |
Once you select Melody, you will open a standard file manager or track list, and if you select a track, you will link it exclusively to that number, and if you call in from that caller, it will play the track you chose, ignoring the ringtone.
💡
Individual ringtones only work if the contact is stored in your phone or Google account, but not on your phone. SIM-map.
Working with the file system and folders
For advanced users who want to have full control of their files, it's important to understand the folder structure in Android. It's not enough to just copy a file to the root of memory, because the system may not see it in the ringtones list.
Using the built-in Explorer, go to the device's storage, and you need to find a folder called Ringtones (for calls), Notifications (for notifications), or Alarms (for alarm clocks), and if there are no such folders, you can create them manually by observing the register of letters.
⚠️ Note: When creating folders manually use the Latin alphabet and follow the exact name of the system directories, otherwise MIUI They don't recognize their appointment.
After moving the file to the appropriate folder, it is recommended to restart the smartphone. This action is necessary in order for the media scanner of the system to update the database and the new file appears in the list of available tunes in the settings.
If you use a computer to transfer files, connect your phone over USB in File Transfer (MTP) mode. Copy the tracks immediately to the right folders to avoid unnecessary running with files already on the phone.
Solution: If the ringtone is not installed
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the selected file does not appear in the list or is not played, most often the problem lies in the file format or its bitrate. DRM-protection (copy protection) downloaded from streaming services.
Another common cause is a system process that is responsible for media content, in which case cleaning the cache of the Explorer or Music app helps, and it is also worth checking whether the phone is worth it in Do Not Disturb or No Sound mode, as this can create the illusion of a broken ringtone.
In rare cases, the problem may be due to a phone's overflowing memory. If the free space is critically small, the system will not be able to buffer the audio file to play the call.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone goes into reboot after installing the ringtone, delete the last audio file added - it may be damaged and causing a system conflict.