How to put your music on the alarm clock in Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: all working methods

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is still one of the most popular smartphones among users who value balance of price and functionality, but even such a time-tested device has its own features, such as the non-obvious procedure for changing the standard alarm melody to their own music. Unlike the flagship models with MIUI 14+, where this feature is integrated into the system, owners of the Redmi Note 8 (with MIUI 10-12) have to use workarounds.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to set your music on an alarm clock, from standard MIUI tools to third-party apps and manual editing of system files. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances that arise on Redmi Note 8 — for example, restrictions on track duration or audio file formats.

Why can’t Redmi Note 8 just select your music from the alarm settings?

Owners of modern Xiaomi smartphones (such as the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5) can easily replace the standard alarm melody through the menu of the Watch app. However, this option is missing in the Redmi Note 8 for two reasons:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: The device was originally supplied with MIUI 10 (based on Android 9 Pie), where the alarm clock customization function was limited. MIUI 12 (maximum possible for this model) the interface remained unchanged.
• 🎵 License restrictions: Xiaomi has removed the option of choosing arbitrary tracks due to problems with the licensing of audio content in some regions (for example, in the EU).
• 🔧 System architecture: In Redmi Note 8 The alarm clock melodies are stored in a secure folder /system/media/audio/alarms, Where the user can not write files without root rights.

This is not to say that the task is impossible, but that alternative methods will be used, and we will look at each of them from the simplest to the most advanced.

Method 1: Use of the standard “Clock” application (limited functionality)

While Redmi Note 8 doesn’t have a direct option to choose your music, the Watch app can expand the list of available tunes a little.

1. Open the Watch app → go to the Alarm tab.
2. Press the badge. ➕ (Select an existing alarm clock) → Melody.
3. At the top of the screen, tap on Other Melodies (or All Melodies, depending on the MIUI version).
4. Scroll down the list and tracks from the Ringtones or Notifications folder may appear if you’ve previously added music to it.

⚠️ Note: This method only works for files in format.mp3,.m4a Or.ogg, which was pre-copyed into one of the system folders. If your track doesn't show up, check its format and location.

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To ensure that the track is displayed in the list, rename it in Latin (for example, morning_alarm.mp3) and put it in the Internal Storage folder. → Ringtones.

Method 2: Third-party alarm clock applications (most reliable option)

If standard means MIUI They don't like it, but the best way to do this is to install a specialized application.-3, Which are stable on the Redmi Note 8:

🔹 How to set up:

1. Install one of the applications at the link above.
2. When you first start, provide access to Warehouse and Notifications.
3. In the alarm menu, select the option to Select Music (or similar).
4. Specify a folder with your track (for example, Music → MyAlarms).
5. Save the alarm clock and check it in test mode.

Turn off the standard alarm clock in MIUI|Add the app to battery optimization exceptions|Check the volume of the media (not system-based!)|Make sure the track is played in the player-->

Method 3: Manual System File Replacement (for Advanced Users)

This method is suitable for those who are ready to work with the Android file system, it allows you to replace the standard alarm melodies with your root-free tracks, but requires a connection to a PC.

🔹 What's the matter:

• 🖥️ Computer installed ADB (setup instruction here).
• 📱 Initiated Debugging Mode USB on Redmi Note 8 (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → return to → For developers).
• 🎵 Audio file in.ogg format lasting up to 30 seconds (optimum - 10-15 seconds).

🔹 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and execute a command to check the connection: Adb devices must display the serial number of your Redmi Note 8.
2. Copy your track (for example, my_alarm.ogg) folder /system/media/audio/alarms: adb push my_alarm.ogg /sdcard/ adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/my_alarm.ogg /system/media/audio/alarms/ chmod 644 /system/media/audio/alarms/my_alarm.ogg mount -o ro,remount /system exit
3. Reboot your phone. Once you turn on, your track will appear on the list of standard alarm clock tunes.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop ( looped boot).Before you start, backup your data via adb backup or MIUI Backup.

Method 4: Using automated tasks (Tasker or MacroDroid)

If you don’t want to install a separate alarm clock app, you can automate music playback through Tasker or its free-to-play analog MacroDroid, a method that’s suitable for those who are already familiar with creating macros.

🔹 Algorithm of configuration in MacroDroid:

1. Install MacroDroid and provide all the permissions you request.
2. Create a new macro with a time/date trigger → specify the time of the alarm clock.
3. Add Multimedia action → Play audio file → Select your track.
4. Set up additional actions: 🔊 Volume up to 100% (Audio) → Set the volume). 🔄 Replay every 30 seconds (Tasks) → Repeat the action). ⏻ Stopping by clicking on the notification (UI → Show notification with button).

Save the macro and activate it.

Important: MacroDroid has a limit on playback time in the free version (up to 1 minute).To keep the alarm clock running longer, break the track into pieces or use the paid version.

Method 5: A workaround through Google Assistant

Little-known life hack: Google Assistant can play music on a schedule, simulating an alarm clock, which does not require the installation of additional applications, but has limitations:

• ✅ It works without root and ADB.
• ✅ You can choose any track from YouTube Music or Google Play Music.
• ❌ Requires an active connection to the Internet.
• ❌ Volume depends on media settings (not system-specific).

🔹 How to set up:

1. Open Google Assistant (hold the Home button or say “OK, Google”).
2. Say or type in a command: Remind me to wake up at 7:00 and play [song title] For example: Remind me to wake up at 7:00 and play Grieg's Morning Mood.
3. The assistant will create a reminder to play the track, so that it repeats every day, add to the team every day.
4. Check that the Google Assistant settings include options: Reminders → Musical Reminders and Play through the speaker.

⚠️ Note: If you have Google Assistant notifications disabled, the alarm won't work. → Annexes → Google → Notifications.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when set up correctly, the alarm clock may not work or play the wrong track, and we've collected typical problems and ways to fix them:

🔹 Additional advice:

• 📁 If you use the Ringtones or Notifications folder, restart your phone after adding files — MIUI Scans media only when launched.
• 🔋 Before bedtime, charge your phone to at least 30% – with a low charge, the Redmi Note 8 can turn off background processes.
• 🔄 If the alarm goes off but the music is not playing, check if the phone is in Do Not Disturb mode with an exception for alarm clocks.

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The most reliable way is to use third-party applications (for example, Alarmy), as they do not depend on the limitations of MIUI and allow you to flexibly configure playback.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions