Personalization of a mobile device is not just a tribute to fashion, but a way to make interaction with a gadget more comfortable and enjoyable. Xiaomi Redmi 9A, being a popular budget smartphone, provides users with ample options for customizing the interface and sound, but the standard shell MIUI has its own characteristics. Many owners face difficulties when trying to replace the standard melody with their own track, as the algorithms of the file system and theme manager are different from pure Android.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can install ringtones, from simple methods through settings to advanced file manipulation. You will learn how to properly prepare an audio file, where to put it, and what to do if the system refuses to display your music in the list of available tunes. Understanding the folder structure in MIUI is the key to successful audio customization.
Before you start settings, make sure you have the audio foil itself in the right format. Most often, Xiaomi devices work seamlessly with MP3, M4A, and WAV. If you plan to use high-quality lossless formats, make sure they are supported by the built-in player, otherwise the system may ignore the file when you install it on the call.
Preparation of an audio file and file system
The first step to personalizing sound is to properly prepare the file. Don't immediately try to put the track through the settings if it's in the download folder or hidden in the back of the archives. The MIUI system installed on Redmi 9A scans certain directories to search for media files. If your ringtone is outside these zones, you just won't see it in the list of available tunes.
The best solution is to use the built-in Explorer app or a third-party file manager, and you need to move the downloaded track to the root folder of the device or to a dedicated Ringtones directory, which ensures that the operating system immediately recognizes the file as a potential ringtone.
Pay attention to the length of the track and the volume, because the system cuts the tracks too long, and the silent recordings are not audible in a noisy place, and it is recommended to use tracks that last from 15 to 30 seconds for comfortable perception.
⚠️ Note: Do not use copyrighted files (DRM) streaming services as ringtones, which the system cannot play outside the player application, and the installation will end in error.
For easy file management, create a separate folder with the name My_Ringtones It's a way of finding the right tracks quickly, and not getting lost in the system files, and it's a way of organizing data that's especially useful if you like to change the soundtrack a lot.
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Use online services to crop tracks before downloading to your phone so as not to install unnecessary editorial apps.
Installation of the melody through standard settings
The most obvious and safe way to change the sound of a call is to use the built-in settings menu, which does not require a computer connection or third-party software, but as mentioned earlier, the file must already be loaded into the device's memory and located in a folder that is accessible to the system.
To start, open the Settings app on your Xiaomi Redmi 9A. Scroll down to the Sound and Vibration section. This is where all the main audio options of the device are concentrated. In this menu, you will see the Call Melody or Rington item, clicking on which will open the list of available songs.
In the list that opens, scroll down to the All Melodies or Local Melodies section, and the system will prompt you to select the source of the file. If you prepared the file correctly in the previous step, you will see it in the list. Select the track you want and press the confirmation button.
- 🎵 Open Settings and go to Sound and Vibration».
- 📂 Click on “Call Melody” and select “All Melodies».
- 🎶 Find your prepared file in the list and click on it.
- ✅ Confirm your choice by clicking the “OK” button or the tick in the corner of the screen.
Once you have done this, a new ringtone will be installed for all incoming calls, and if you want to check how it sounds in reality, ask someone to call you or use the testing feature if it is available in the audio menu.
☑️ Pre-installing check
Customization of individual melodies for contacts
One of the most useful features of a smartphone is the ability to assign unique tunes to specific subscribers. This allows you to know who is calling you without looking at the screen, which is especially convenient when the phone is in your bag or in another room. On Redmi 9A, this feature is implemented through a standard phone book.
To set a personal ringtone, open the Contacts app or go to Phone and select Contacts tab. Find the right person on the list and click on their name to open their subscriber card. In the contact card, look for Call Melody or Music Note icon.
Clicking on this item will get you into the same tune list as the general settings. Choose a track that will be associated with that person. It can be a friend's favorite song or just a distinctive sound that you immediately recognize.
| Type of setup | Where to find out. | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Common ringtone | Settings → Sound | Low (for all) |
| Contact ringtone | Contacts → Subscriber Card | Tall (interrupts general) |
| rington SIM-map | Settings → SIM-map | Depends on the SIM choice |
If you have your own tune set for contact, the overall ringtone will not play, which allows you to flexibly control the sound space of your smartphone.
What to do if your contact is synced with Google?
Working with two SIM-maps on the Redmi 9A
Xiaomi Redmi Model 9A often used with two SIM-So you can set up the call to be strictly on your SIM card, and make it more relaxing on your personal SIM card, so you can instantly identify the call source.
To set up, go to the Settings menu and select Sound and Vibration. At the top of the screen, you'll see switches or tabs for the SIM-1 and SIM-2. By clicking on the settings of each individual, you can assign unique tunes.
If you don't see the separation, make sure both SIM cards are active and inserted into the device.The system won't allow you to assign a ringtone to a slot that's missing a card or that's disabled in the software.
- 📱 Make sure both of you SIM-Cards are active in settings.
- 🔊 Go to "Settings» → «Sound and vibration».
- 🔀 Choose the right one. SIM-map (1 or 2) at the top of the menu.
- 🎼 Set up a unique tune for each of them.
This detailing of settings greatly improves the usability of your smartphone in everyday life, and you will no longer confuse important work calls with advertising or calls from friends.
Setting the ringtone on the alarm and notifications
In addition to incoming calls, app notifications and alarms are an important element of the audio, and waking up to your favorite music is much more enjoyable than a standard squeak. However, the installation process has its own nuances, as these functions are responsible for different applications.
To set the alarm, open the Watch app. Select the specific alarm clock you want to change, or create a new one. In the time settings, you'll find "Sound" or "Melody." By clicking on it, you can select a track from the device's memory, similar to setting up a call.
Notifications are more complicated. There is no global switch for all notifications, as each application (WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS) manages its own sounds independently, so you need to go to the settings of each application separately or to the general settings of Android notifications.
⚠️ Note: When you update some applications, their audio settings may be reset to standard. Periodically check the notification settings of important messengers.
To change the sound of an SMS, go to the Messages app, click three dots in the corner, select Settings → Notifications → Notification Sound. You can also select any file from your phone's memory here.
The solution: why not put a ringtone
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, Xiaomi Redmi 9A users face problems, the most common of which is that the system does not see the file in the list of available tunes, which is almost always due to the wrong location of the file or its format.
Check if the file is in the Android/media folder or other system directories that are restricted in newer versions of Android. Move the file to the root of internal memory or to the Ringtones folder. Also make sure the file is not corrupted and playable in a standard player.
Another reason could be the Do Not Disturb feature or Quiet Mode feature, in which case the phone will vibrate but not make sounds, creating the illusion of a ringtone malfunction. Check the sidebar control or audio settings.
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If the file is not visible, move it to the Ringtones folder at the root of the internal memory – this solves 90% of the display problems.
In some cases, cleaning the cache of the Themes or Sounds app helps. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find the system app responsible for sounds, and click Clear Cache. This will cause the system to re-scan the media files.
Using third-party applications to set up
If standard methods seem inconvenient or limited, third-party apps from the Google Play Store come to the rescue. There are many utilities specifically designed to manage ringtones on Android that have advanced functionality.
Popular apps like Zedge or Ringtone Maker not only provide access to huge databases of tunes, but also allow you to edit tracks directly on your phone. You can cut out the desired snippet, add damping effects and immediately set the result on the call.
However, be careful when installing these applications, many of which are advertising or require extra permissions, and carefully read the terms of use and access rights before installing them.
- 🛠 Zedge – a huge catalog of ringtones and wallpaper.
- ✂️ Ringtone Maker – Built-in audio file editor.
- 🎵 MP3 Cutter is a simple tool for cutting tracks.
- 📱 Files by Google – a convenient file manager for sorting.
Using specialized software can greatly simplify the customization process, especially if you like to change the design of your smartphone often.