Smartphone personalization is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also a way to instantly distinguish an incoming call from a notification in a noisy environment. For owners of budget and mid-budget Redmi devices, this process can seem confusing due to the features of the MIUI shell. Unlike standard Android, here the file and audio profile management system has its own unique logic that requires attention to detail.
Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi 10 model often find that the standard gallery or conductor does not see downloaded tracks as potential ringtones, this is due to system protection and the specific structure of the folders. To avoid unnecessary movements and disappointments, you need to clearly understand where to move audio files and what formats the operating system supports without additional conversion.
In this guide, we’ll look at all the ways you can replace a standard call, learn how to use built-in tools, use third-party apps, and structure your device’s memory correctly, and let you enjoy your favorite music on every call you make, making Redmi 10 truly customized.
Preparation of audio file and format check
Before you start setting up your system, you need to make sure that your audio file is technically suitable for use as a call.The Android operating system on which MIUI runs natively supports MP3, WAV and OGG formats. If your tune is recorded in a rare codec, the system can ignore the file or play it with distortion.
Special attention should be paid to the duration of the track. Too long songs can be incorrectly displayed in the selection list or break in the middle. The optimal ringtone duration is from 15 to 30 seconds. You can use a built-in voice recorder or specialized editorial applications to accurately highlight the desired snippet of the song.
Sound quality also plays a role, although smartphone speakers don't require extra bitrates. A 128 kbps bitrate file will sound clear enough, while taking up minimal space in Redmi 10 memory. If the file is downloaded from the messenger, check if the composition is compressed to a state where it more resembles a set of digital noise than music.
⚠️ Attention: Files from DRM-Digital rights from streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music cannot be set as ringtones directly, and security will block access to such content for system calls.
It is also important to check the source of the file. If the melody was downloaded from dubious sources, it is not superfluous to pre-scan it with the built-in Security antivirus. Miner viruses are often disguised as popular tracks, and downloading such a file can lead to a quick discharge of the battery of your Xiaomi.
Use of the built-in “Themes” application
The easiest and most official way to change the tune on Xiaomi devices is to use the Themes system app, which is convenient because it does not require manually moving files through directories, although the choice of free content within the application can be limited.
To get started, open the Themes app on your desktop. In the bottom navigation bar, select the Ringtones tab. Here's a catalog of available tunes, from classic signals to popular tracks. You can listen to any option by clicking on the play button next to the title.
If you find a suitable option, click Download and then Apply. The system will automatically install the selected composition on all incoming calls, an ideal method for those who want to quickly change the sound without interfering with the file system of the device.
But there's a big downside to this, which is that it's tied to your Mi Account and the Internet. If you decide to reset your phone, custom ringtones downloaded through this app may disappear if they're not stored locally, so for persistent and unique tunes, you'd better use the file-moving method.
Manual installation through Explorer (File Manager)
The most reliable method, which gives full control over the sound design of your Redmi 10, is to manually move the file to the system folder.
First, find the downloaded audio file. It's usually in the Download or Bluetooth folder, depending on how you get it, select the desired track with a long press, then click the "More" button (three dots) in the lower right corner and select "Copy" or "Move".
☑️ Checklist for file preparation
Now you have to go to the root directory of internal memory, and in the conductor, click on the folder icon that says "Internal Drive." Here you have to find a folder called Ringtones, and that's the directory that the system accesses when you create a list of available tunes.
If there is no Ringtones folder (which happens on some firmware versions), you need to create it manually. Press the New Folder button, type in the Ringtones name (register is important, write with a capital letter) and confirm the creation. Then paste the previously copied file inside this folder.
Once you move the file, reboot your smartphone, which will update the MIUI media library, and the system will see a new track. Without rebooting or at least rebooting the interface quickly, the new ringtone may not appear on the selection list.
Configure via the “Sounds and Vibrations” menu
Once the file is in the correct folder, you need to activate it in the settings. Go to the Settings → Sounds and Vibrations menu. This section is the central node for managing all audio profiles of your Xiaomi Redmi 10.
In the menu that opens, select "Phone Call" and the list of available tunes will open. Scroll down to the bottom, and after the system sounds, the "All Melodies" section or the name of your folder should appear if you created it manually, find your track and click on it.
The system will choose which one SIM-This is the sound that you use if you have two of them on your phone, and you can assign a unique tune to each SIM card, which is very convenient for separating work and personal contacts. Once you select, just leave the menu, the changes are saved automatically.
💡
Tip: Assign different tunes to your SIM-cards, so that you do not look at the screen to understand what number you are calling - this is especially useful in roaming or when using tariffs of different operators.
You can also set up other options in the same menu, like this one where you can choose the vibration, and you can create your own vibration rhythm by tapping the right item and tapping the screen at the right rhythm, and that adds another level of personalization to the quiet modes.
Installation of music for individual contacts
One of the most useful features is to set up a unique ringtone for a specific person, which lets you know who is calling without taking the phone out of your pocket. On Redmi 10, this feature is implemented through a standard phone book.
Open the Contacts or Phone app and go to the Contacts tab. Find the person in the list and open the card. Click Change (usually a pencil icon or three dots in the corner).
In the editing menu, find the Ringtone field, and the default default is "Default"; click on it, and the standard audio selection window opens, and choose the same path as the general setting, and specify a unique track for that subscriber.
Remember to click the Save button (check or button "Done"), otherwise the changes will be lost. Now, when this person calls, you will hear exactly the music you chose for them, ignoring the general settings of the phone.
| Parameter | Description | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| Loudness of the call | Adjusts the sound level of the call | Settings → Sounds and vibrations |
| Vibration on the bell | Turns on/off the vibration response | Settings → Sounds and vibrations |
| SIM 1 tune | Sound for the first SIM card | Settings → Sounds → Phone Call |
| The SIM 2 melody | Sound for second SIM card | Settings → Sounds → Phone Call |
| Repeat the reminder | Repeat interval of the sound missed | Settings → Sounds and vibrations |
Solving problems and eliminating mistakes
Even if you follow all the instructions, you can have situations where the melody doesn't work, and one of the common reasons is that the Do Not Disturb mode is on. Check the notification curtain: if the moon icon or the crossed circle icon is activated, the sound of the call will be blocked by the system.
Another common problem is media volume is not enough. In MIUI, sometimes the volume of the call and the volume of the media files can become desynchronized when you plug the headphones in, and make sure the volume slider is twisted upwards for the "Call" category, not just the music.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone makes a quiet squeak instead of music after setting the melody, check the bitrate of the file. too high quality (for example, FLAC 320 kbps MP3) It may not be handled by a budget decoder when calling.
It’s also worth checking the permissions for the Explorer app. If you’re using a third-party file manager, make sure it has access to the device’s memory. Without that right, it won’t be able to transfer the file correctly to the Ringtones system folder.
What if the tune is gone after the update?
In rare cases, cleaning the cache of the Themes or Sound app helps. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find the system audio app, and select Clear Cache. This will not delete your files, but will force the system to re-scan the media library.
Use of third-party applications
If standard methods seem too complex or limited, there are many helper apps on Google Play, programs like Zedge or Ringtone Maker take over the technical work of finding files, cropping them and writing them into the right system paths.
The popular Zedge app has a huge database of free ringtones. Once installed, select your favorite sound, click the download button, and then select the "Install on a Call" option, and the app will request the necessary permissions and perform the installation.
However, using third-party software has its own risks: such applications often require extensive permissions to access your contacts and files, and may contain intrusive advertising.
💡
Using the built-in Xiaomi Explorer is the safest and most stable way to install ringtones, which does not require the installation of additional software and does not consume battery for background advertising processes.
If you do decide to use third-party software, prefer applications with high ratings and a lot of reviews. Avoid questionable "accelerators" and "cleaners", which often masquerade as tools for customizing the sound.