Changing the standard melody is the first step to personalizing your Xiaomi Redmi 7A. Standard sounds preset by the manufacturer are often boring or too quiet in noisy places, which is why many users tend to replace them with their favorite tracks to immediately recognize the incoming call.
The MIUI shell installation process has its own features that differ from pure Android. It is important for owners of budget models such as the 7A to know the nuances of working with the file system and embedded themes, this will avoid confusion with folders and quickly find the desired file.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can use a built-in theme store to manually copy files through your computer, learn how to customize individual sounds for different contacts and understand why some tracks may not appear in the list.
Preparation of an audio file for installation
The first step is to find or create the right audio file. MIUI works best with MP3 and M4A. If your tune is in a different format, you have to convert it beforehand, otherwise your smartphone may simply ignore the file when you try to install it.
It is important to consider the length of the track. For an incoming call, the optimal duration is 15 to 30 seconds. Too long compositions can be cropped by the system or play incorrectly at the beginning of the call. For an alarm clock, instead, it is better to choose tracks that are several minutes long.
⚠️ Note: Do not use files with DRM-protection (bought from iTunes or taken from restricted streaming services.m4p or similar and will not work as a ringtone without removing protection.
The volume of the original file also matters: If the recording is quiet, it should be amplified in the audio editor before downloading to the phone, otherwise, even at maximum volume, the Redmi 7A speaker may not sound loud enough in a noisy room.
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Use online services to trim mp3 right in your phone’s browser so as not to install unnecessary apps.
Using the Themes app to download melodies
The easiest way to get a computer connection is to use the built-in Themes app (or MIUI Music depending on the firmware version), which allows you to download popular tracks directly from the Xiaomi directory.
Open the Themes app on your desktop. At the bottom of the screen, look for a music note icon or a Melody section, and here's a catalog of available sounds, sorted by popularity and genre.
- 🎵 Choose your favorite track from the list of popular ones.
- ⬇️ Press the download button (down arrow) next to the name.
- ✅ After downloading, press the Apply button.
- 🔔 The system will offer to set a track for a call, alarm or notification.
However, there is a significant drawback to this method: the catalog is often limited and may not contain exactly the composition you want, and some tracks may be paid or require a subscription.
Manual installation through the Explorer and Settings
The most flexible method is to manually install the downloaded file, and you'll need a file manager, which is called Explorer or File Manager in Xiaomi, and it allows you to use any music stored in the device's memory.
First, put the audio file in your phone's memory. If you downloaded it from your browser, it's usually in the Download folder. If you did it from your computer, remember which directory you saved it to. The ringtone system folders are MIUI > ringtone or MIUI > alarm, but you can use any other convenient folder.
☑️ Manual installation algorithm
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Open the smartphone settings.
- Go to the section Sound and vibration.
- Click on the phone call.
- In the list that opens, scroll down to All Melodies or click the + (Plus) button in the corner.
- Select the source (file manager or music player) and find your file.
Once you select a track, it will automatically become the primary ringtone, and the system will remember that choice even after you reboot the device. If the file doesn't show up, check its format and make sure it's not hidden in a secure folder.
Customization of individual melodies for contacts
One of the most useful features is to set a unique call for a particular caller, which lets you know who is calling without taking the phone out of your pocket. In Redmi 7A, this is done through the Contacts app or Phone.
Open the contact list and select the person you want to know. Click Change (usually a pencil or three dots on the menu) and find the Melody or Rington field in the menu that opens.
| Type of setup | Where to find out. | Features |
|---|---|---|
| General call | Settings → Sound | It works for anyone who does not have an individual setting. |
| Contact | Contact card → Change. | Overrides the overall call for that person |
| Group | Contacts → Groups → Select a group | Comfortable for colleagues or family (requires group formation) |
| Unknown | Settings → Blocking | Separate sound for hidden numbers |
If the Melody field is inactive or absent, it is possible that the contact is not stored in the memory of the phone or account. Google/Xiaomi, on SIM-Contacts on the map. SIM-The map has limited editing functionality.
Why is the sound of contact not changing?
Installation of sound on SMS and notifications
The setting of the sounds for messages is similar, but requires you to move to another section of the menu. Standard notifications can merge with the system sounds of other applications, so replacing them greatly improves the comfort of use.
Go to Settings → Sound and Vibration. Find Notifications. Here you can select standard system sound or download yours by clicking on +. For SMS messages, the path may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI: sometimes you need to go to the Messages application itself, click three dots in the corner, and select Settings → Notifications.
It is important to distinguish between system and application notification sounds. The global setting in the Sound menu changes the default sound for most programs. However, a particular application (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) may have its own audio settings inside its menu.
⚠️ Note: If you set a silent ringtone on notifications, you may miss important messages from banks or delivery services. SMS quips.
Solution: If the ringtone doesn't work
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where after all the manipulations the phone is silent or plays a standard tune. Most often the problem lies in the profile "Do not disturb" or "No sound." Check the side volume swing and make sure that the call slider is raised up.
Another common reason is that the file has been moved or deleted, and if you ringtone a file that was in the browser download folder and then clear the cache or delete the downloads, the system will lose its way to the file, and then the standard MIUI sound will return.
Also worth checking is the media settings. In rare cases, after a firmware update, permissions for audio applications are reset. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Sound and Vibration (or “Themes”) and make sure they have access to the device’s memory.
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If the sound is gone after the system update, just re-select the file in the call settings - the path to the file could be lost.