Why Xiaomiβs standard ringtones donβt suit users
Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones come with a MIUI branded shell that includes a set of standard ringtones for calls. However, many owners are faced with the fact that these sounds are quickly boring, too quiet or simply do not reflect individuality. This is especially true for models in recent years β Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+ or POCO F6, where the manufacturer actively promotes its own audio chips, but limits the flexibility of settings.
According to Xiaomi user surveys, more than 60 percent want to replace a standard ringtone with a favorite song, a unique sound, or even a recorded voice, while 35 percent have difficulty seeing downloaded files, not saving changes after a reboot, or offering only paid-for installation. In this article, weβll look at all the working methods, from basic to advanced, including bypassing the limitations of MIUI.
It is important to understand that the process may vary depending on the firmware version. For example, in MIUI 14 and later, the path to calling settings has changed, and in older versions (before MIUI 12) additional options are available through the Themes menu. There are also nuances for Android One devices (for example, Mi A3), where the interface is closer to the stock Android.
Method 1: Installation of the melody through standard MIUI settings
This is the simplest method that works on most Xiaomi devices without additional applications. Suitable for models with MIUI 11 and later, including Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 and POCO X5. The main condition is that the audio file must be downloaded to the phoneβs memory and have a supported format (.mp3,.m4a,.ogg).
Instructions:
- π Copy the melody to the Ringtones folder (create it at the root of internal memory if not available). Alternatively, to the Notifications folder for notifications.
- βοΈ Open the Settings. β Sound and vibration β Call.
- π In the list of available tunes, select Local (or My Melodies in new versions).
- π΅ Find your file and click on it for pre-listening, then confirm the selection.
An important nuance: if the file is not displayed, check its duration. MIUI limits ringtones to 30 seconds - longer tracks will be cropped automatically. To circumvent this limitation, use an audio editor (such as MP3 Cutter) to create a short version.
Download the melody in MP3 format (bitrate 128-320 kbit / s)
Cut the track to 30 seconds (optimally 15-20 seconds)
Rename the file to Latin (without spaces and symbols)
Place the file in the Ringtones folder at the root of the memory-->
Method 2: Using the "Themes" application for customization
The Themes app in MIUI allows you not only to change wallpaper and icons, but also to install custom ringtones. This method is suitable for devices with MIUI 12-14, where the function is not yet removed (in new versions it may not be), the advantage of the method is the ability to apply the melody immediately for calls, notifications and alarms.
Step-by-step:
- Open the "Themes" app (the brush icon on the desktop).
- Go to the section My β Local.
- Select the Sounds tab (or Ringtones in the English version).
- Click Add and specify the path to your audio file.
- After adding, go back to Settings β Sound and Vibration and select a new tune from the list.
In MIUI 14 and later, the "Sounds" section in the Themes app may be hidden. To return it, update the app via Google Play or install the APK from version 1.4.3.2 (available on the XDA Developers forums).
What to do if the "Sound" section is missing?
Method 3: Installation through the file system (for power users)
If standard methods don't work (e.g., Xiaomi with Android One or custom firmware), you can manually put a file into the system folder, which requires root rights or access to ADB, but guarantees 100% performance, suitable for models like Mi A2, POCO F1 or devices with LineageOS.
Algorithm of action:
- Connect your phone to your PC and activate USB Debugging in Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version (7 times click on the version bar, then go back to Additional β For Developers).
- Open the command line on the PC and execute: adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/Download/my_ringtone.mp3 /system/media/audio/ringtones/ chmod 644 /system/media/audio/ringtones/my_ringtone.mp3 mount -o ro,remount /system
- Reboot the device. The melody will appear on the standard ringtone list.
β οΈ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB or changing system files without a backup can cause a device to blink. TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.
For non-root users, the alternative is to use apps like Ringdroid or Zedge that automate the process of copying files to the right folders, but they may ask for unnecessary permissions (like accessing contacts), so check reviews before installing.
Method 4: Third-party applications for advanced settings
If you need additional features β for example, different tunes for different contacts, dynamic ringtone change or vibration patterns β standard MIUI tools will not be enough.
| Annex | Functions | Cons | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zedge | Library of free ringtones, notifications, wallpaper | Advertising requires registration for download | All versions of MIUI |
| Ringdroid | Track trimming, setting as a ringtone/alarm clock | Outdated interface, no cloud storage | Android 5.0+ |
| Ringtones for Me | Creating melodies from music, voice ringtones | Paid features, limit on track length | MIUI 10+ |
| MP3 Cutter | Accurate audio trimming, format conversion | There is no direct installation like a ringtone. | All devices. |
To set the melody through Zedge:
- π Download the app from Google Play.
- π΅ Find your favorite ringtone in the Ringtones section.
- π₯ Click Download, then Set as ringtone.
- βοΈ Confirm the choice in the system menu.
β οΈ Note: Some apps (such as Ringtones for Me) may conflict with MIUI Optimizer is a system process that resets the audio settings after rebooting. To avoid the problem, add the app to Settings. β Annexes β Special access β Optimize the battery and turn off the optimization.
Method 5: Set up individual ringtones for contacts
The function of assigning unique melodies for individual contacts is available in the MIUI, It's hidden deep in the settings, and it's useful if you want to quickly identify the caller by sound, like setting up a ringtone for your family, your work, or your work. VIP-clientele.
How to set up:
- Open the Contacts app (Contacts).
- Select the contact you want and click Edit (pencil icon).
- Scroll down to the Rington field (or Default ringtone).
- Click on the current tune and select a new one from the list (including local files).
- Save the changes.
If the Rington field is missing:
- π΅ Make sure that the contact is saved in the phone book, not on the phone. SIM-map.
- π Update the Contacts app via Google Play.
- π± On some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) This feature is only available for contacts synchronized with Mi Account.
π‘
To quickly find contact with the individual ringtone, use voice search in the Contacts app. Say the phrase "Show contacts with custom tunes" - the system will filter the list.
Problem Solving: Why the ringtone is not installed or played
Even after setting it up correctly, Xiaomi users often find that the tune they choose is not played or reset to a standard one.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The file does not appear in the list | Wrong folder or format | Place the file in /Ringtones/ (not subfolders!). Supported formats are:.mp3,.m4a,.wav (up to 30 seconds). |
| Rington is playing, but very quietly. | Volume limitation in MIUI | Open Settings β Sound β Volume uniformity and turn off the option. |
| Settings are reset after rebooting | The conflict with MIUI Optimizer | Turn off optimization for the Themes or Settings app in the battery menu. |
| The melody is cut off | Limitation of duration of 30 seconds | Use MP3 Cutter to create a short version or install via ADB. |
If the problem persists, check:
- π± Version MIUI: beta-fixed (MIUI China Beta) is often broken audio settings. A rollback to a stable version can help.
- π Sound profile: Do not disturb or In pocket ringtones may be blocked. β Sound. β Regimes.
- π² Application conflicts: some launchers (e.g. Nova Launcher) or optimizers (e.g., Nova Launcher, DU Speed Booster can reset settings. Try temporarily disabling them.
π‘
If none of these methods worked, reset the audio settings: go to Settings β System β Reset β Reset the audio settings. This will return the standard tunes, but fix the software failures.