Changing the standard call signal is the first step to personalizing your smartphone. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices often encounter MIUI or HyperOS interface, which has its own features in managing audio profiles. Unlike pure Android, there are a few nuances that you need to know about so that music plays when you are called, rather than when you receive a text or notification from the messenger.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to download and install audio files, learn how to get around the limitations of the system, where to get quality tracks and how to customize unique tunes for each contact from the phone book. Deep audio customization will make the use of the gadget more comfortable and personal.
It can only seem confusing at first glance, and we structured the information so that you could quickly find the right method, whether it's using embedded conductor or third-party software, the key is to prepare the file properly and put it in the right directory.
Preparation of the audio file for installation
Before you start setting up the system, you need to make sure that the file itself is ready to use. Not every audio format is supported by the default MIUI shell. The optimal choice is the MP3 format, which is readable on all devices without exception, and the system works correctly with the M4R formats (standard for iPhone, but readable on Android) and OGG.
Note the length of the track. Too long tracks may be cropped by the system or not appear in the ringtones list correctly. It is recommended to use fragments lasting from 15 to 40 seconds. You can use online services or editorial applications such as MP3 Cutter to edit.
💡
The ideal volume of the source file should be normal. If the track is quiet, the system may not raise it to the desired level, and you just miss an important call.
It is also important to consider the bitrate of the file. Too high quality (for example, lossless FLAC) may not be defined as a ringtone in the basic settings, although for a music player it will be fine. Convert to a standard MP3 with a bitrate of 128-320 kbit / s ensures compatibility with all versions of the firmware.
- 🎵 Download or create a copy of the track you want to use.
- ✂️ Cut the composition, leaving only the most recognizable fragment.
- 📂 Save the file in the phone’s memory, preferably in the root folder or Downloads folder.
Method of installation through built-in conductor
This is the most reliable and classic way to work on all versions of the shell, from the old MIUI 11 to the latest HyperOS. You don't need to access the Internet or install additional software. All you need is a file already in the device's memory.
Open the standard File Manager application. Find the downloaded audio file. It's usually in the Download or Bluetooth folder if it was transferred from another device. Press the file and hold your finger until the context menu appears.
In the menu that opens, select “More” (three dots) and find the “Call Set” option. The system automatically redirects you to the audio settings menu, where the selected track will already be activated. If there is no “Call” option, select “Copy” or “Move”.
☑️ Algorithm of actions through a conductor
Sometimes the system can request confirmation of storage permissions, allow all the requested actions, otherwise the installation mechanism will not work, and once confirmed, the melody will immediately play back when the incoming call.
Setup via the Sound and Vibration menu
If the automatic installation through the conductor didn't work, you can manually write the path to the file through system settings, which is useful when you need to select a track from a particular folder that the system doesn't see in the shared list.
Go to Settings → Sound and Vibration. Find Phone Call (or Call Melody). At the top of the list that opens, there is often a “Select Local File” button or a “+” icon. When you click on it, you open the built-in audio player selector.
⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. Europe or Russia) due to licensing restrictions of Google and Xiaomi, the local file selection point may be hidden. If you do not see this option, use the Explorer method or third-party applications.
In the window that opens, go down the path where your track is. Select it and press OK. Now this track will be on a general call. To tune the sound. SIM-cards in two-sim devices need to select a specific map (SIM 1 SIM 2) in the top menu of the sound settings before selecting the melody.
- 🔊 Go to the section "Sound and vibration».
- 📞 Click on "Phone Call».
- 📁 Select “All Melodies” or “Local File».
- ✅ Confirm the selection of the desired composition.
Use of Zedge App and Analogues
For those who don't want to search files manually, there are dedicated directories. Zedge is one of the world's most popular apps for personalizing smartphones. It contains millions of ringtones, notifications and wallpaper.
Once you install the app and you have the permissions you need, you can search for tracks by genre, popularity or title. If you find the right option, click the download button. Once you download it, the app will prompt you to set the track to the call.
Why can't Zedge work?
An analogy is the Audiko app or Xiaomi’s standard Themes if the audio section is available in your region, but third-party directories often offer more diverse content that is not tied to the manufacturer’s ecosystem.
The main advantage of these programs is that they have a cropping function right in the app, so you can pick a song from your library, cut the right piece and put it on the phone right away, without using separate editors.
Comparison of Ringtones Installation Methods
Each user chooses the method that they find most convenient, but each method has its own technical features, speed and resource requirements. Below is a table that helps them decide on their choice.
| Method | Difficulty | We need the Internet. | Flexibility of setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through the conductor | Low. | No. | Tall. |
| Through Settings. | Medium | No. | Medium |
| Annexes (Zedge) | Low. | Yes. | Tall. |
| PC and ADB | Tall. | No. | Maximum |
As you can see from the table, for most users, the best option is to work with a file manager, which does not require a connection to the network and gives full control over files. The PC and USB debugging (ADB) method should be used only by advanced users who need to replace system files en masse.
💡
The fastest way to install a single file is by long-term clicking on the file in the explorer, and to constantly search for new content, you better install a ringtone directory.
Set up a unique call to contact
One of the most useful features is the ability to assign a tune to a specific person, so you can see who's calling you without looking at the screen, and you can do that through a standard phone book.
Open the Contacts or Phone app. Find the right person in the list and open their card. In the top corner (usually at the top right or in the three-dot menu), find the "Set a ringtone" option. The system will suggest you select a track from a standard list or local files.
Once you select a composition, you'll see a note icon next to the contact name, which means that the setup has been successful, and now, even if the phone has a silent mode for everyone, you can make an exception for this contact through the Do Not Disturb feature.
- 👤 Open the contact card in the phone book.
- ⚙️ Click on the menu (three dots) or edit button.
- 🎼 Select the item "Set the ringtone».
- 💾 Save the changes.
Decision and expert advice
Sometimes users are faced with a file that is not visible or installed, often with access rights or file format, and make sure that the file is not copyrighted by DRM (for example, tracks from paid music subscription services may not work like ringtones).
Another common problem is the quiet sound of the ringtone, even at maximum loudness, which may be due to the normalization of the volume in the file itself, in which case you should use an audio editor to raise the level (gain) before installing.
⚠️ Note: Do not use files with extension.m4a From the iTunes Store, they're protected. Convert them to MP3 Also avoid Cyrillic files in the title if you have an older version. MIUI — This can cause a reading error.
If you upgrade to a new version of Android or MIUI, the audio settings can reset to factory. This is normal security behavior. Just repeat the installation procedure in less than a minute.
In conclusion, it should be noted that personalization of sound is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also a matter of convenience. A properly selected, not sharp and recognizable signal will help you stay in touch and avoid missing important calls in noisy environments.