How to change the sound of SMS on Xiaomi: 5 ways + error solving

Getting a text message with an unusual or annoying sound is like waking up to your neighbor’s alarm. Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer flexible notification settings, but finding them is not always easy: menus are hidden behind several layers of the interface, and newer versions of the firmware change paths. This article will help not only replace the standard signal with a melodic one, but also set custom sounds, adjust vibrations and solve typical problems – from the lack of an option in the menu to resetting settings after an update.

We tested the instructions on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (MIUI 14), POCO X5 Pro (MIUI 13) and Xiaomi 13 Ultra (HyperOS), but the methods are universal for most models of the brand. If your phone runs Android One (for example, Mi A3), some of the features may not be available — we will warn you about this in advance. Also in this article we will discuss why sometimes SMS is reset to standard after a reboot and how to fix it without resetting.

Why is the standard sound of SMS annoying?

Xiaomi manufacturers use universal notification signals for all regions, but do not always take into account cultural preferences, for example, in Europe, neutral peeps are popular, and in Asia, melodic jingles are popular, as a result, users are faced with:

• 🔊 Too loud or harsh sounds that frighten you in silence (especially at night).
• 🎵 Non-informative signals: it is impossible to distinguish SMS from notification from messenger.
• 🔄 Resetting settings after updating MIUI — The system returns the standard sound.
• 🚫 No menu options on some models (e.g. POCO F3 global-fixed).

According to a survey of Xiaomi owners, 68% of users change the sound of SMS in the first two weeks after buying a phone, while 23% face difficulties due to the non-obvious location of settings or limitations of MIUI.

Method 1: Replacement with standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use built-in tools, which is suitable for most models on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, but may not be available on Android One devices or custom firmware.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the section Sound and vibration (on some models – Sound).
3. Select Default Notifications or Notification Sound.
4. Scroll down to the SMS (or Messages) block.
5. Click on the current sound and select a new one (e.g. Bamboo, Drop, Reflection).

If there is no SMS item on the menu, try an alternative route:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Select Notifications → The sound of notifications.

⚠️ Attention: POCO M3 redmi 9A In India, the option may be hidden, in which case use Method 3 (castom sounds).

Method 2: Using MIUI themes to change sounds

The themes in MIUI change not only wallpaper and icons, but also system sounds, a technique that is suitable if you don't like standard tunes, but you don't want to download files manually.

How to apply a theme with sounds:

1. Open Settings → Themes.
2. Select the section "Sounds (or Melodies)".
3. Listen to the available sets (e.g. Nature, Piano, Electronic).
4. Click Apply – the sounds of notifications, including SMS, will change automatically.

The main advantage of the method is automatic synchronization: if you update the theme, the sounds will also change. ~15 sets in a standard gallery).

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If you like the theme is paid, check it in the "Free" section - often sound sets appear there during promotions.

Method 3: Installation of custom SMS sound

If standard tunes don’t work, you can download your sound, and you’ll need a.mp3,.wav, or.ogg file that lasts up to 5 seconds (optimal 2-3 seconds).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the audio to your phone (e.g., from zedge.net or mobil9.com).
2. Place the file in the Ringtones or Notifications folder on the internal drive (create it if it is not available).
3. Open Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Default notifications.
4. Select Add Sound (or Local) and specify your file.

If the option to add sound is not available:

• 📁 Use a file manager (such as Mi File Explorer) to move sound to the folder MIUI/ringtone.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone and a new sound will appear on the list.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi 12T and newer with HyperOS folder MIUI/ringtone It can be hidden. To see it, turn on the hidden files in the file manager settings.

Method 4: Configure through the Messages app

In some versions of MIUI, the sound of SMS is customized directly in the messenger, which is true for the Redmi Note 11, POCO X4 Pro and other models from 2022-2023.

Algorithm:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Tap it on three points. → Settings → Notifications.
3. Activate the Sound switch (if switched off).
4. Click on the current sound and select a new one from the list (including custom ones).

If there is no audio change option in this menu, check:

• 📱 Messages version of the app (update to Google Play if available).
• 🔧 Access settings: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Communications → Permits (notices and storage should be included).

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On POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13 Lite, SMS sound can be duplicated in the Google Messages notification settings if it is installed as the default app. In this case, configure both messengers.

Method 5: Using Third-Party Applications

If system methods don't work, third-party software will help. We tested 3 MIUI-compatible applications:

How to set up through Zedge:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Select the Notification Sounds section.
3. Download your favorite sound and click Set as SMS tone.
4. Confirm your choice in the system window.

⚠️ Note: Apps like Ringtone Maker require permission to change system settings. Don't give it to unknown programs, which can compromise security.

Solution: Why does the sound of the text message not change?

Even after following the instructions, the sound may remain the same, and let's look at the typical causes and ways to address them:

• 🔇 Do Not Disturb: Check if it is active (Settings) → Sounds and vibrations → Do not disturb.:: exclude the Messages app from the rules.
• 🔄 Reset after update: MIUI 14 automatically resets custom sounds when major updates. To avoid this, back up your Ringtones folder via Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
• 📵 Messenger conflict: If you use Google Messages or Truecaller, they can block the settings of the standard application.
• 🚫 Firmware limitations: On some global versions MIUI (For example, for Redmi 10 in India, the option is blocked. → Additionally. → Region (risky!).

If the sound is gone,

1. Check the volume of notifications (slider in Settings → Sounds).
2. Make sure that Settings → Applications → Messages → Notifications are enabled with the Sound switch.
3. Restart your phone – sometimes it helps to reset the cache of system sounds.

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On Xiaomi 12S Ultra and other flagships, SMS sound can be duplicated via speakers and a 3.5mm connector (if headphones are connected). To disable duplication, go to Settings → Sounds → Audio Dual App and deactivate the option.

FAQ: Frequent questions about SMS sounds on Xiaomi