How to change the ringtone on Xiaomi Redmi 8: 5 ways + error solving

Changing the ringtone to Xiaomi Redmi 8 seems like a simple task — until you encounter the nuances of MIUI. The official firmware limits the choice to standard tunes, and trying to install custom sound often ends with the error “File is not supported.” In this article, we will analyze all the working methods from basic replacement through settings to bypassing the system restrictions with the help of a file manager and third-party applications.

Feature of Redmi 8 (codename Olive - work for MIUI 11/12 Android-shelled 9/10, where the path to the ringtones folder is hidden deep in the system directories. MP3-file /system/media/audio/ringtones And they were denied access, which is normal, because without root rights, the system blocks change, but there are workarounds, and we tested them on current versions of the software.

Important: The instructions below work for other Redmi models on MIUI (e.g. Redmi 9, Note 8 Pro), but file paths may vary. All manipulations are safe – they don’t require unlocking the bootloader or superuser rights unless you plan to install custom firmware.

1. Standard Rington Replacement Through Settings

The most obvious way is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable if you are satisfied with standard tunes or you downloaded a supported file in advance (MP3 format, bitrate up to 192 kbps, duration up to 30 seconds).

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 Open the Settings app (cog icon on the desktop).
• 🔊 Go to the section Sound and vibration.
• 🎵 Select the item Melody of the call.
• 📂 In the list opened tap on the desired melody (listen in advance).
• ✅ Press OK or Ready to Save.

If your file is not on the list, even after you copy it to the Ringtones folder on internal memory, it's a problem in the format. MIUI ignores files with a bitrate higher than 192 kbps or longer than 30 seconds. Exception: OGG files with the.ogg extension can play correctly, but their support depends on the firmware version.

2.Adding custom ringtone through Ringtones folder

MIUI It scans certain folders for sound files for ringtones. MP3-The file appears in the list of available tunes, it must be correctly placed and named.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (file transfer mode) MTP).
2. Open the internal memory of the device in the conductor Windows/macOS.
3. Create a folder (if not): Internal Storage → Ringtones For notifications and alarms, use Notifications and Alarms folders respectively.
4. Copy. MP3-file in the Ringtones folder. the file name should contain only Latin characters (for example, my_ringtone.mp3).
5. Reboot your phone, and it will force you to update your media library.
6. Check for the file in the ringtone settings (see section 1).

If the file didn't show up:

• ⚠️ Make sure the folder is called Ringtones (registration is important!).
• ⚠️ Check the file format: MIUI supportive WAV, FLAC or M4A ringtone.
• ⚠️ The length of the file should not exceed 30 seconds (optimum — 15-20 seconds).

Format — MP3|Bitrate - up 192 quid|Length up 30 seconds|The file name is Latin.|Folder - Internal Storage/Ringtones-->

3. Use of a file manager (without PC)

If you don’t have access to your computer, you can use the built-in Xiaomi File Manager or a third-party application (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Manager).

Instructions:

1. Open the file manager on your phone.
2. Go to the root directory of internal memory (click on internal memory or Device storage).
3. Create a new folder called Ringtones (if you don’t have one).
4. Copy the prepared MP3-file.
5. Restart your phone or execute a command in Engineer Mode (see Section 5).

To speed up the process of scanning media files:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find Media Storage and clear the cache.
• 📱 Reset the device.

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If the Ringtones folder doesn’t show up after you’ve created it, check the file manager settings: turn on the display of hidden folders and system files.

4. Installation of ringtones through third-party applications

If the system methods don’t work, Google Play apps will come to the rescue, allowing you to bypass the limitations of MIUI and assign any tune as a ringtone, even if it doesn’t appear in the standard settings.

Top.-3 tested applications:

How to use Ringtone Maker:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Choose. MP3-phone-memory.
3. Cut the track to the desired length (optimally - 15-20 seconds).
4. Click Save How → rington.
5. Assign a name to the file (Latin!) and confirm the save.
6. In MIUI settings, select a new tune from the list.

⚠️ Note: some applications (e.g. Zedge) require permission to access storage and contacts. Do not provide access to contacts unless the application is from a verified source - this may lead to data leakage.

5. Forced updating of the media library (for experienced)

If you copied a file to the Ringtones folder but it doesn't appear in the settings, the problem is the media scanner's cache.MIUI caches information about the audio files, and sometimes a forced update is required.

Ways to reset media cache:

• 🔄 Using Engineer Mode (engineering menu): Dial in the dialer: ##36446337##. Go to Hardware Testing → Audio → Media Scanner.Push Refresh Media Scanner.

Through ADB

adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MEDIA_SCANNER_SCAN_FILE -d file:///storage/emulated/0/Ringtones/

Through application settings

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find a media storage facility (Media Storage).
3. Clear the cache and data (Warning: This will remove thumbnails and metadata of media files!).

Problem 3: After the MIUI update, the ringtone reset.

⚠️ Attention: with major updates MIUI (For example, from version 11 to 12, system settings are reset. To avoid losing the custom ringtone, save it backup in the cloud (for example, Google Drive) and repeat the installation procedure after the update.

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If none of these methods worked, check if the sound is turned off in the Do Not Disturb profile or in the settings of a particular contact (a custom tune may be set there).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the ringtone to Redmi 8