Do you want your Xiaomi phone to play not a standard ringtone but a favorite video with animation or music video? This is possible – even though the feature is not provided in MIUI by default. In this article, we will discuss three proven methods that work on most Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi models (including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 and others) running MIUI 14/15.
Before you start, consider that installing video instead of a ringtone requires bypassing system restrictions. In some cases, you will need super-user rights or third-party apps. We will describe in detail each method, from the simplest to the most advanced, so you can choose the best option for your needs.
Important: not all video formats are suitable for this purpose: the optimal file parameters are 720p resolution, up to 30 seconds long and MP4 format with H.264 codec.
1. Method: Using the Video Ringtone Maker app (without root)
The most affordable method is to use the specialized Video Ringtone Maker app (available on Google Play), which converts the video to a system ringtone-compatible format and sets it as a call melody. Suitable for Xiaomi on MIUI 12-15 without the need for rooting.
Algorithm of action:
- 📥 Install Video Ringtone Maker from Google Play.
- 🎬 Select a video from the gallery or record a new one directly in the application (maximum duration – 30 seconds).
- ✂️ Cut the fragment that will be played when you call (the first 5-10 seconds are recommended).
- 🔊 Click Save as a Rington and select the option “Install for incoming calls».
The app automatically converts the video to an audio file (retrieves the audio track) and saves it to the /Ringtones folder. On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 14+, the video will not appear on the lock screen - only sound, but this is the only way without root rights.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) They can block the installation of ringtones from third-party applications. → Annexes → Application management → Video Ringtone Maker → Permissions and enable access to storage and audio settings.
2. Method: Manual replacement of system files (root required)
If you have a superuser (root) right, you can replace the standard ringtone with a video file manually, which allows you to play a video with an image on the lock screen when you call, but you need to be careful that you can crash the system if you do something wrong.
Instructions:
- Download and install a root-enabled file manager, such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer.
- Prepare a video file in MP4 format with a resolution of 720×1280 (vertical orientation) and rename it ringtone.mp4.
- Move the file to the system folder: /system/media/audio/ringtones/ (if the folder is not available, create it manually).
- Set access rights 644 (rw-r----).
- Reboot the device and select a new ringtone in Settings → Sound → Call melody.
This method works on Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), but stock MIUI may require additional customization.
⚠️ Warning: Changing system files without backup is fraught with a device brik. Create a backup through the backup before you start TWRP Mi Flash Tool on some models (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) The system can automatically restore standard ringtones after the upgrade.
Create a backup copy through TWRP
Download Root Explorer
Prepare video in MP4 format (720p)
Check the access rights (644)
Disable automatic updates MIUI-->
3. Method: Using Tasker + AutoNotification (for advanced)
If you don’t want to root your device but are willing to take the time to set up, use a combination of Tasker and AutoNotification apps, which allows you to play video when you call in through a notification, but requires fine-tuning.
Step-by-step:
- 📲 Install Tasker and AutoNotification plugin.
- 🔧 Create a new profile in Tasker with the condition “Event” → Phone. → Incoming challenge».
- 🎥 Add the media challenge → Play the video" and specify the path to the file (for example, /sdcard/Download/my_ringtone.mp4).
- 🔔 Configure AutoNotification to display video on top of the call notification (use the Custom Layout option»).
This method works unstable on MIUI 15 due to application background limitations, but on MIUI 13/14 it does well.
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If the video is not playing, check the permissions for Tasker in Settings → Special Features → Tasker and enable the option to “Show over other windows”.
How to prepare a video for a ringtone: technical requirements
Not every video is suitable for installation as a call melody. To avoid playback problems, follow these guidelines:
| Parameter | Recommended value | Why is it important? |
|---|---|---|
| Format | MP4 (H.264) | MIUI only supports this format for system ringtones. |
| Permission | 720×1280 (vertical) | Coincides with the resolution of the lock screen of most smartphones |
| Duration | 5-30 seconds | Long videos can be cut or cause delays |
| Bitreit | Up to 2 Mbps | High bitrate increases the load on the processor |
| Audio track | AAC or MP3 | Other formats may not be reproduced |
To convert video, use HandBrake (PC) or Android Video Converter (mobile app). Example commands for FFmpeg:
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "scale=720:1280,setsar=1" -c:v libx264 -crf 23 -c:a aac -b:a 192k -movflags +faststart output.mp4If the video contains important subtitles, embed them into the file using the parameter. -c:s mov_text. On Xiaomi, subtitles will only appear when played via Tasker.
Why is the video not playing on the lock screen?
Frequent problems and their solutions
When installing video on a call, Xiaomi users encounter typical errors. Here's how to fix them:
- 🔇 No sound in the video: Check that the audio track is not disabled in the cropping app settings. VLC separately-extract.
- 🖼️ Video not displayed: On stock MIUI Video is played only by sound. You need root or Tasker to display the image.
- ⚡ Hanging up when calling: Reduce video resolution to 480p or bitrate up to 1 Mbps. the problem is typical for budget models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3).
- 🔄 Rington resets after update: MIUI It overwrites system files, and the solution is to use Magisk to protect the folder. /system/media.
If you are using a double SIM (Dual SIM), The video ringtone can only work for the main card, so you can apply it to the second card. SIM, Repeat the settings in the settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → A challenge melody for SIM2.
⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (new shell from Xiaomi, which came to replace the new model) MIUI) Video ringtones may not work due to the changed media architecture.
Alternatives: If the video is not suitable
If none of these methods worked, consider alternatives:
- 🎵 Animated GIF-ringtones: Apps like GIF Ringtone Maker lets you set GIFs as melodies. On Xiaomi, they show up in the call notification.
- 📱 Widgets on the lock screen: Use KWGT or UCCW to create animations that start when you call.
- 🔊 Sound effects: Add to the standard ringtone sounds from video via Zedge or Audacity.
For Xiaomi models with Always-On Display (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K50 Pro), you can configure the display of a static frame from the video on a locked screen.
- Create a screenshot of the desired frame from the video.
- Install it as wallpaper for Always-On Display in Settings → Screen → Always-On Display.
- Turn on the option to “Show at incoming calls”.
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On devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) animation on Always-On Display will consume up to 5% charge per hour.Switch off feature if battery runs out too fast.