How to change the ringtone on Xiaomi: 5 ways for all models (Redmi, POCO, Mi)

Changing the ringtone on a Xiaomi smartphone seems like a simple task — until you encounter the features of the MIUI shell. Unlike “pure” Android, here the audio settings menu is hidden deeper, and the choice of tunes is limited to system options. But this does not mean that you have to put up with a standard signal: in this article we will analyze all possible ways, from basic to advanced, including installing custom tunes through the file system and third-party applications.

It is important to understand that the process may differ depending on the version. MIUI (12, 13, 14 or 15 and phone models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 et al. We have taken these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will be suitable even for outdated devices on the market. MIUI 11 And if you want to not just change the ringtone, but also customize unique sounds for different contacts or SIM-maps - here you can find a solution too.

Warning: Some methods require access to the file system or install additional programs. On devices with MIUI 14+ and Android 13+, permission to access media files for third-party applications may be required – it must be issued manually in the security settings.

1. Standard method: through MIUI settings

The most obvious and safe method is to use the built-in system tools, which is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, but has a limitation: you can only select those tunes that are already loaded into the phone’s memory as system or added to the Ringtones folder.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Open the Settings app** (cog icon).
2. Go to Sound and Vibration (on some versions of MIUI it may be called Sound).
3. Slip on the item "Melody of the call" (or "rington").
4. In the list that opens, select your favorite tune. System ringtones are usually located at the top of the list, and custom ringtones (if any) are located at the bottom.
5. Click OK or Save to apply the changes.

If you don't have the right tune on the list, you can add your own.

• 📁 Download the audio file (formats.mp3,.m4a,.ogg on the phone.
• 📂 Move it to the Ringtones folder (create it at the root of internal memory if it doesn’t exist).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone or update the tone list in the settings (pull the list down).

Download the melody in MP3 or M4A format

Cut the file to 30 seconds (optional)

Rename the file in Latin (without spaces)

Move to Ringtones folder at the root of memory

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⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO F4, Redmi K50) The Ringtones folder can be hidden. To see it, turn on the hidden files in any file manager (for example, in the Explorer** from Xiaomi).

2. Installation of ringtones for individual contacts

MIUI It allows you to assign unique tunes to specific subscribers, which is convenient if you want to know who's calling without looking at the screen. SIM-map (but with limitations).

How to set up:

1. Open the Contacts app (or Phone).

If the option to install ringtone is not available:

• 📞 Check that the contact is stored in the phone’s memory, not on the phone. SIM-card (for SIM-Contact function may not be available).
• 🔄 Update the Contacts app** via Google Play.

Once a month

Six months

Only when buying a new phone

Never changed.-->

3. Use of third-party applications

If you don't have enough built-in tunes and you don't want to add files manually, you can use third-party programs.

• 🎵 Zedge is the largest database of ringtones, notifications and wallpapers. There is a Russian-language interface and categories by mood.
• 🔔 Ringtone Maker – allows you to crop songs and save them as ringtones.
• 🎶 MP3 Cutter and Ringtone Maker – Advanced Editor with Mixing Function.

How to install ringtone through Zedge:

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. Run Zedge and find your favorite tune (you can use a search by genre or artist).
3. Slip on the track and select Set as a ringtone.
4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ When you first use third-party ringtone apps, you may get permission to change system settings. You must provide it, otherwise the melody will not apply.

Advantages of third-party applications:

• 🌍 Access to millions of tunes (including exclusive tracks).
• 🎛️ Ability to cut songs and adjust volume.
• 🔄 Automatic update of the ringtones database.

Disadvantages:

• 📱 Additional battery consumption (background processes).
• 🛡️ Risk of installing advertising software (download only from official sources).

4. Manual Rington Replacement via File System (for Advanced)

This method is suitable for those who want to completely replace the system ringtones with their own. It requires access to the root folder /system/media/audio/ringtones and superuser rights (root), which on devices with a locked bootloader (most modern Xiaomi), this method will not work without unlocking.

Instructions:

1. Download the necessary audio files to the phone (.ogg format is preferred for system ringtones).
2. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
3. Go to /system/media/audio/ringtones.
4. Copy your files into this folder (replace existing ones if necessary).
5. Change the access rights to 644 (r-w r--- r----).
6. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: Incorrectly changing files in the folder /system This can cause your phone to crash. Before editing, back up your original files!

5. Set up different ringtones for two SIM-map

Many Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+, POCO X3 Pros support two SIM-map. MIUI It allows you to assign different tunes for each of them, which is convenient for separating personal and work calls.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Call melody.
2. At the top of the screen, select SIM-map, SIM 1 SIM 2).
3. Set a separate melody for each card.
4. For missed call notifications, you can set the vibration to: Settings → Sound and vibration → Vibration when calling.

If the option is SIM-card:

• 📶 Make sure both of you SIM-Cards are active and recognized by the system.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the option appears after the reboot.
• 📱 On some models, the Mi 10T, Redmi 9A) The function is only available in Double mode. SIM (microSD).

💡

If you travel frequently, make a second appointment. SIM-This will help to avoid inconvenience when roaming when calls to inactive SIM come late.

6. Problem Solving: The ringtone doesn't change or reset

Sometimes users find that the set ringtone is reset to a standard or not used at all. Let's consider the typical causes and ways to eliminate them.

If none of these methods helped, try resetting the sound settings to the standard:

1. Go to Settings → System and device → Resetting.
2. Select Resetting Sound Settings.
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

💡

On devices with MIUI 14+ and Android 13+, it is necessary to enable the "Change System Settings" resolution for the file manager or ringtone application to install custom ringtones.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the ringtone to Xiaomi