How to set your tune on the alarm clock Xiaomi Redmi 9A: 3 proven methods

The alarm clock on Xiaomi Redmi 9A can wake you up not only with a standard signal, but also with a favorite tune. However, many users face a problem: the alarm menu does not have the option to select custom ringtones. In fact, the possibility is there - it is just hidden in the non-obvious settings of the system.

In this article, you will find three working ways to set any tune to an alarm: through built-in MIUI tools, with a file manager, and using third-party apps. We will also discuss why some audio files may not appear on the selection list, and how to fix it.

Preparation: what files are suitable for the alarm clock

Not every audio file can be used as an alarm on Redmi 9A. MIUI has strict requirements for the format and parameters of audio tracks.

📁 File format: only.mp3,.m4a Formats like.wav or.flac are not supported.
⏱️ Duration: optimally 10 to 60 seconds. Files longer than 2 minutes may or may not be clipped.
🔊 Loudness: The sound level should not be lower. -16 DB, otherwise the alarm clock will be too quiet.
📱 Placement: The file must be in the Ringtones or Notifications folder on the device’s internal memory.

If your file doesn’t meet these parameters, you can convert it using free services like Audio-Converter or the MP3 Cutter app from Google Play. Please note that Redmi 9A does not support DRM-protected tracks (for example, downloaded from Apple Music or Spotify).

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To check the volume of the file before installation, use the Volume Booster app – it will show the current decibel level and help normalize the sound.

Method 1: Installation of the melody through standard MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in tools, but it only works for files already in the Ringtones or Notifications folders.

Copy your audio file (such as morning.mp3) to the Internal Storage → Ringtones folder via file manager or PC.
Open the Clock app (icon with dial).
Go to the Alarm tab and click on the + icon or select an existing alarm clock.
Slap the alarm clock sound (or Melody depending on the MIUI version) on the field.
In the list that opens, select Local Melodies – your file should appear here.

If the file is not in the list, check:

🔄 Whether the extension is correct (sometimes files are saved as.mp3.mp3 — rename him).
📂 Is the file in the Ringtones root folder and not in the subfolder.
🔇 Is the file larger than 5 MB (limitation) MIUI custom-ringtones).

File in MP3/M4A/OGG| format

The file is copied to the Ringtones| folder.

File name without Cyrillic and spaces |

File size not exceeding 5 MB-->

Important: Once you copy the file to the Ringtones folder, you may need to reboot the device so that it appears in the tone list.

Method 2: Using a file manager with root rights (without a PC)

If the first method didn't work, you could manually write the path to the file through system settings, which doesn't require superuser rights, but it does require accuracy:

Install a file manager with access to system folders, such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer.
Go to /system/media/audio/alarms (folder can be hidden – enable the display of hidden files in the manager settings).
Copy your audio file into this folder. If the system doesn't allow you to paste the file, use the Copy to... with proof of rights option.
Reboot your phone. After that, your tune will appear on the standard alarm clock list.

This method works because MIUI scans the system folders /alarms, /notifications and /ringtones every time you turn on the device.

What happens if you delete the standard files from /system/media/audio?

If you remove or replace the standard alarm clock tunes (e.g, alarm_classic.ogg), The system can restore them after updating. MIUI Or resetting, and at worst, it'll cause an alarm clock to play back.

⚠️ Note: Do not change the name of the standard files in the folder /system/media/audio — This can cause system sounds (notifications, calls) to crash. Always create copies of the original files before editing.

Method 3: Third-party applications for alarm clock customization

If the system methods don't work, there are specialized applications that can set any audio files, including music from Spotify or YouTube, and the best options for Redmi 9A:

Annex	Features	Cons	Reference
Ringtone Maker	Track trimming, volume normalization, support for all formats	Advertising in the free version	Google Play
Zedge	Ready-made ringtones library + upload your files	Registration is required for some functions	Google Play
Alarmy	Advanced alarm clock settings, support for Spotify playlists	Paid features (from $2.99)	Google Play

To install via Ringtone Maker:

Open the app and select Create Ringtone.
Download the audio file from the device or cloud memory.
Cut the track to the desired fragment (optimally 20-30 seconds).
Press Save and select Set as Alarm.
The application automatically copies the file to the system folder and prompts you to select it in the alarm settings.

The advantage of this method is that you can fine-tune the beginning and end of the melody, as well as increase the volume. However, note that some applications (for example, Alarmy) run on top of a standard MIUI alarm, which can lead to conflicts when you fire simultaneously.

Standard settings MIUI|

File Manager |

Third-party applications|

I haven't tried it yet.-->

Problem Solving: Why the Melody is Not Set

Even after you've completed all the steps, your tune may not appear on your alarm list, and here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:

🚫 File not supported: Check the format and bitrate (should be no higher than 320 kbps). Use a converter like MediaHuman Audio Converter.
🔒 No folder rights: Ringtones or Notifications folders must have read/write rights.
🔄 Cash not updated: After copying the file, clear the Cache of the Watch app in settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → The clock → Clear the cache).
📱 Limitations MIUI: Some versions of the firmware block the addition of files to the system folders. ADB-Teams (see next section).

If the problem persists, try an alternative method:

Connect Redmi 9A to your PC via USB (in file transfer mode).
Copy the audio file into the Internal Storage folder → MIUI → sound_recorder.
Rename the file to alarm_custom.mp3.
Restart your phone and check the alarm clock tune list.

⚠️ Attention: On versions MIUI 12.5 or later, protection against modifying system folders may work. If after copying the file, the phone starts to brake or gives an error com.android.systemui, delete the file and restart the device.

Additional settings: volume, vibration and repetition

Set the melody is only half the battle, so to make the alarm work effectively, set up additional settings:

🔊 Loudness: At Redmi 9A The volume of the alarm clock is adjusted separately from the total volume. Check it in the alarm settings or through the Settings. → Sound. → Loudness of alarm clock.
🔄 Repeat: Set the repetition interval (e.g. every 5 minutes) and the number of repetitions (maximum 10 times).
📳 Vibration: Activate the Vibration at the alarm if you want an additional alert.
🌙 Do Not Disturb: Make sure the alarm clock is not in the exception. → Don't disturb. → Allow alarm clocks.

For maximum reliability, use a combination of sound and vibration. On the Redmi 9A, the vibration motor is located at the top of the device, so place the phone upwards with the screen so that the vibration is more noticeable.

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On MIUI 13+ versions, the alarm may not work if the phone is under 5%.Always leave the Redmi 9A on overnight charge if you use an alarm clock.

Alternatives: Smart alarm clocks and automation

If the standard Xiaomi alarm clock doesn’t suit you, consider alternative solutions:

🤖 Google Assistant: Voice Assistant can set alarms on command (“OK, Google, set the alarm for 7:00 with the song” [name]").
🎵 Spotify/YouTube Music: Some apps (e.g. Sleep as Android) allow you to use tracks from streaming services.
🌅 Smart alarm: Apps like Sleep Cycle analyze sleep phases and wake up at optimal times.
🔄 Automation: With MacroDroid, you can create a rule that will include music through the player when the alarm clock is triggered.

To set the alarm clock through Google Assistant:

Make sure that the assistant is on (Settings → Google → Google Assistant settings).
Say, "OK, Google, set an alarm for my music."
The assistant will offer to select a track from Google Play Music or YouTube Music.
Confirm the creation of the alarm clock - it will appear in the standard app of the Watch.

The advantage of this method is that you can use any tracks from your library without manually copying files. However, note that playback will require an active Internet connection (unless the track is downloaded to the device).

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting the alarm clock on Redmi 9A

Can I put a song from Spotify on as an alarm clock?

Directly from Spotify, no, as the app is not integrated with MIUI system settings. However, there are workarounds: Download the track through third-party services (like Spotify bootloader) in MP3 format. Place the file in the Ringtones folder and select it in the alarm settings. Or use the Alarmy app, which supports Spotify integration (premium subscription required).

Why does the alarm go off but the melody doesn't play?

This is a typical Redmi problem. 9A on MIUI 12+. Causes and solutions: 🔇 An alarm clock is turned off: Check the volume slider in the alarm settings. 🔕 Do Not Disturb: Make sure alarm clocks are allowed in exceptions (Settings) → Don't disturb. → Allow alarm clocks). 🔄 Clock app failure: Clear the cache and app data in the settings. 📱 Firmware error: On some versions MIUI 12.5 The alarm clock sounds disappear after the update. The solution is to reset the sound settings to the standard. If the problem persists, try setting a third-party alarm (for example, Timely).

How to make the alarm ring longer than 1 minute?

Standard alarm clock MIUI limit the duration of the signal 60 To get around this, use the Alarmy app, which allows you to set the duration of the time. 10 Or create a playlist of multiple copies of your tune and select it as a signal (via Ringtone Maker). /system/media/audio/alarms/alarm_classic.ogg, If you replace it with a long track (root required), note that too long an alarm clock can quickly drain the battery.

Can I put different tunes on different alarm clocks?

Yes, Redmi. 9A It supports individual tunes for each alarm clock. To do this: Create multiple alarm clocks in the Watch app. For each alarm clock, select your own tune in the settings (Alarm clock sound) → Make sure that the files have unique names (e.g., local tunes, alarm_mon.mp3, alarm_tue.mp3). Limitation: If you use the same file for multiple alarm clocks, changes to it (such as renaming) will apply to all alarm clocks.

How to return the standard alarm clock tunes after experiments?

If you have deleted or replaced system sounds, you can restore them by resetting the Watch app settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Watch → Store → Reset). Or reset all audio settings (Settings → System → Additional → Resetting → Resetting the audio settings). In extreme cases, reinstall the firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (this will delete all user data!). Standard tunes are stored in the /system/media/audio/alarms folder - if you made a backup, just return the files.