Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the desire to personalize their device, starting with replacing the standard ringtone. Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 runs on the basis of the shell MIUI, which has its own features in navigation and media management. Standard set of ringtone can seem boring or too loud, so installing your own composition becomes a priority for many users.
The audio replacement process in this model does not require superuser rights or complex manipulation of system files. All the necessary tools are already built into the Android operating system with the MIUI 11 or 12 add-on, depending on the version of your firmware, it is only important to correctly determine the location of the audio file and choose the desired installation method.
In this guide, we will look at all the available methods, from simple selection from the gallery to fine-tuning through the theme manager.You will learn how to bypass the system limitations and set any track to a contact, message or alarm. The melody file should be in MP3 or M4R format and not exceed 30 seconds for correct display in some system menus.
Preparation of audio file and search in memory
The first step before installing is to have the melody file on the device. Often users download tracks from the Internet or transfer them from the computer, but forget which folder they were saved to. Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 uses the File Manager Explorer by default, which allows you to quickly navigate the directory structure.
For convenience, it's better to divide the system into logical blocks. If you downloaded a file through a browser, it's most likely in the Download folder. If you've been transferring music from a PC, check the Music root folder or MIUI/sound if you've already tried to copy system sounds. To work with files, you need to open the Explorer application and go to the Audio category.
Not all file formats are supported equally well. While Android is omnivorous, compressed formats are best suited for ringtones without loss of quality. Using heavy WAV or FLAC files can cause playback delays when an incoming call is made.
- 🎵 Make sure the file has an extension.mp3 or.m4r for maximum compatibility.
- 📂 Check that the file is not hidden or placed in a secure folder with a password.
- 🔊 Listen to the track in advance to make sure there are no compression artifacts.
⚠️ Note: If the melody file has DRM-protection (digital rights), for example, downloaded from a streaming service with a subscription, the system will not allow it to be used as a system call.
Installation of ringtones through standard settings
The easiest and most reliable way to change the sound of a call is to use the built-in settings menu, which ensures that the sound will play correctly in all modes of operation of the smartphone, first you need to unlock the screen and find the Settings icon that looks like a gear.
In the menu that opens, you should scroll through the list to the Sound and Vibration section. This is where all the options associated with audio notifications are concentrated. By clicking on Phone Call, you will be taken to the Melody Selection menu. Here, by default, the list of standard songs from Xiaomi is displayed.
To select your track, you scroll down the list and click on the + button or add icon, and the file manager will open to find the previously prepared audio file, and after selecting the track, the system will automatically cut it to the desired length if necessary, and install it as the main ringtone.
It is important to note that in the same menu you can configure individual profiles for different types of users. SIM-The Redmi Note 9 supports two physical SIMs, which allows you to assign a unique tune to each room, which is very convenient for separating personal and work contacts.
☑️ Pre-installing check
Using the Themes app to customize sounds
MIUI has a powerful customization tool called Themes, and many users underestimate it as a way to change wallpaper, but inside it, there's a full-fledged audio profile editor. Run the Themes app on the home screen.
At the bottom of the screen, find the user profile icon(s) and go to the Melodies section. This is a catalog of free and paid sounds, but we are interested in the Import or From Files button. The system will suggest selecting an audio file from the device's memory, similar to the standard method, but with the ability to pre-listen in the context of the topic.
The advantage of using the Theme app is that you can create whole design packages, you can associate a specific sound of a call with a specific visual theme, and when you change the theme, the ringtone will also change automatically, creating a unique user experience.
In addition, this section includes the Create a Melody feature, which allows you to cut a snippet from any song in your phone's memory, you can set the exact start and end times, add a fade in/fade out, and save the result as a new file.
- 🎨 Themes app allows you to synchronize sound with the visual style of the interface.
- ✂️ Built-in editor allows you to accurately trim the track without third-party programs.
- 🌐 Online catalogue with thousands of free sound effects available.
Why can’t the ringtone be defined in the Theme app?
Customization of individual melodies for contacts
One of the most useful features of a smartphone is the ability to assign a unique call to a specific person, which allows you to know who is calling without taking the phone out of your pocket. In the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9, this process is integrated directly into the Contacts app or Phone.
Open the contact list and select the subscriber you want. In the contact card, find the Still button (often indicated by three dots or the word "Menu") and select Assign a ringtone. If there is no such item right away, try pressing the edit button (pencil) and scroll down to the Melody of the Call field.
Once you select the action, the standard audio selection menu described above will open, you can select a track from the list or add a new one through the + button. Once you confirm the choice, a note icon will appear next to the contact name in the phone book, signaling a successful setup.
It is important to note that if the contact is maintained in several places (for example, in the SIM-The changes can only be applied to one of the records, and it is recommended to keep the main phone book in the Google account so that the sync works correctly when changing the device.
| Parameter | Standard call. | Contact call | Alarm clock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority | Low. | High-pitched | Maximum |
| Loudness | Adjustable by buttons | Adjustable by buttons | Separate slider |
| Vibration. | General settings | Individual | Customizable |
| Available formats | MP3, M4R, OGG | MP3, M4R, OGG | MP3, M4R, OGG, WAV |
Setting sound on messages and alarm
Personalization is not only about incoming calls, but also about notifications. The sound of an SMS or messenger message can be very different from the standard squeak. To set up, go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Notification Sound.
The file selection process is similar to ringtone settings, but for messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram, the settings are inside the apps themselves. Go to the chat settings, select the notification sound, and specify the file you want. MIUI allows applications to use any audio files from memory.
As for the alarm clock, it's important to choose a sound that's really capable of waking up. Standard tunes are often too soft. In the Clock app, click on the alarm clock you've created, select Sound, and add your energetic track.
Remember to check the volume level for each type of event separately. Xiaomi has volume separation: media, bell, alarm and system sounds. Make sure the Call slider and Notification are raised high enough to avoid missing an important call.
⚠️ Warning: When setting a loud ringtone on your alarm, make sure that Do Not Disturb mode does not block the sound at a given time.
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For an alarm clock, use tracks with a sharp intro, without smooth volume build-up, to ensure you wake up.
Troubleshooting and troubleshooting
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the set melody is not played or reset to a standard one after rebooting. Most often the problem lies in the permissions of applications to the file system. After Android updates, the security system becomes stricter.
If the sound is gone, try re-selecting the file through the settings. Make sure the file has not been moved or deleted. Also worth checking if the silent mode is enabled by physical buttons or software. In some cases, cleaning the sound cache and vibration through the application management menu helps.
Another common problem is quiet ringtone playback even at maximum volume, which may be due to the file encoding features: Convert the track to a standard MP3 with a bitrate of 128-320 kbps using online converters or applications on PC.
If nothing helps, you can use third-party apps from GetApps or Google Play, which specialize in ringtone management, which have extended rights and can forcibly register a file path to the registry.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone after installing a new ringtone to apply the changes.
- 📁 Do not store tune files in the depth of nested folders, use the root or folder Music.
- 🔇 Check if Pocket Mode is activated, which can jam the sound.
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In most cases, the ringtones problem is solved by checking the file format and re-selecting it through the system settings menu, rather than through third-party players.