Changing the standard notification sound is one of the first steps to personalize a new smartphone. Xiaomi Redmi 9 owners often find that factory ringtones seem too quiet or just annoy with their monotony. Fortunately, the MIUI operating system on which the device is based provides ample customization opportunities, allowing you to turn your gadget into a truly personal device.
The process of installing a melody on an SMS is different from setting up an incoming call, although at first glance the paths may seem similar. Many users confuse these settings, which causes the desired music to not sound at the right time. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions that is guaranteed to help you install any audio file as a message signal.
It's worth noting that for custom sounds to work properly, the file must be of the appropriate format and preferably not too long duration. Android is optimized for short signals, so long music compositions can be cropped or not played completely. Let's take a look at all the nuances of preparation and installation.
Preparation of an audio file for notifications
Before you go to your phone settings, you need to make sure that the audio file itself is ready to use. The file format plays a key role: the system works best with MP3, AAC or M4A. If your tune has a rare extension, it is better to convert it in advance to avoid playback errors.
The most important parameter is the length of the track. For SMS notifications, the optimal length is from 3 to 15 seconds. If you try to install a full song that is 3-4 minutes long, the system can only play the beginning of the song or ignore the file altogether, leaving a standard squeak.
The file must be stored in the phone's memory. You can download it from the Internet, get it via messenger or transfer it from your computer. The main thing is to know the exact path to the file, because in the standard menu of selecting Redmi 9 tunes, you sometimes have to search for the track manually through the file manager.
- 🎵 Make sure the file has an extension MP3 or M4A for maximum compatibility.
- ⏱️ The optimal audio duration for SMS should not exceed 30 seconds.
- 📂 Save files to the Music or Ringtones folder for quick access.
- 🔊 Check the volume of the file on the third-party player before installing.
⚠️ Attention: Files DRM-Protected music from streaming services (such as offline tracks by Spotify or Apple Music) cannot be set as a ringtone due to copyright restrictions.
Standard installation through sound settings
The most obvious and reliable way to change the sound is to use the built-in menu system. On Redmi 9, the path to settings is a little hidden in the depth of the menu, but following the instructions, you will quickly get to the goal. Open the Settings app and find the Sound and Vibration section.
Inside this section, scroll down to the Notification Sounds block, and that's where the global tone is set for all messages coming to the device. Click on the current version, and the system player with the selection of preset tunes opens.
To play your track, the select box that opens will have to click on the plus icon or the All Melodies button (location may depend on the MIUI version). The file manager will open, where you will need to find the previously downloaded audio file.
⚠️ Note: If the sound is not applied after selecting the file, check if the Do Not Disturb profile should limit the reproduction of notification sounds.
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Changing the sound in the general settings changes the tone for all applications that use the system sound of notifications, including SMS, mail and some messengers.
Setting up the sound of SMS in the application Messages
Sometimes global settings can be overridden by the internal settings of the app itself. Xiaomi uses the standard Messages app, which has its own setting priority. If one tune is in the general settings and another is chosen in the app, the latter will play.
To check, open the Messages app. In the upper right corner, click on three dots or profile icon to enter the menu. Select Settings, then find the Notification option. This will be the Sound, which is responsible for signaling incoming SMS.
Clicking on this, you'll see a list of available tracks. If your file isn't in the Recommended list, select "Select Music on Device" or a similar item that will take you to the file system, find the file you want and confirm the selection.
☑️ Checking the SMS settings
This approach allows you to manage notifications flexibly, for example, you can leave the overall sound of the system quiet, and for SMS to put a louder and more noticeable signal to avoid missing an important message from the bank or delivery service.
Individual Melodies for Different Contacts
One of the most useful features of Redmi 9 is the ability to assign unique sounds to specific subscribers, which allows you to know without taking your phone out of your pocket who is texting you: your boss, spouse or delivery service.
To implement this functionality, open the Contacts app or Phone and go to the contact list. Find the right person and open their card. Click Change button (usually a pencil icon or three dots).
In the editing menu, scroll down and find the ringtone or the notification sound field. Click on it and select a unique track from the list. Now, when that person textes you, you'll hear that particular sound, even if the others are squeaking.
- 👤 Open the contact card in the phone book.
- 🎼 Click on “Rington” or “Notification Sound».
- 🎹 Select a unique track from the list or download a new one.
- 💾 Save the changes by clicking the tick or the “Done” button».
This feature is especially relevant for those who expect important messages from certain people, and you can instantly respond to emails from key contacts without being distracted by spam or store mailings.
Use of themes and shop Topics for sounds
Xiaomi’s ecosystem offers another interesting way to diversify sounds, through the Tem store. In the Sounds section, you can find entire packages of quality notifications created by professionals. Some of them are free, others require payment or Mi Credit coins.
To use this method, open the Themes app on your desktop. In the bottom panel, select the Sound tab. Here are the categories: nature, electronics, retro, and others. You can listen to a preview of each sound before downloading.
Once you download the audio set, it automatically appears in the available tunes list in your system settings, a great way to get quality, optimized sounds without having to search and convert files online.
Where to find hidden sounds in MIUI?
| Sound source | Complexity of installation | Audio quality | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| System ringtones | Low. | Standard. | Always available. |
| Your files (MP3) | Medium | Depends on the file. | Any file |
| Tham's shop | Low. | High. | Internet is required |
| Rington appendices | Tall. | Different. | Software installation required |
Solving the Notification Sound Problem
There are times when everything seems to be right, but the phone is silent. On Redmi 9, it's often associated with an aggressive MIUI power saving system or a conflict of profiles. If text messages come in but there's no sound, first of all check the sound profile.
Make sure the Notifications volume slider (separate from the call volume and media) is not dimmed to zero.Pushing the volume buttons on the case, tap three dots or a gear on the screen to unfold all sliders, and raise the notifications sound level.
The problem may also be in the resolution of the application. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps → Messages → Notifications. Make sure the Sound switch is active. Sometimes, after system updates, these settings may get lost.
⚠️ Warning: If Do Not Disturb (moon in notification curtain) mode is enabled, SMS sounds are blocked even at high volume.
Another common case is the use of third-party launchers or memory cleanup applications, which can kill the notification process. Try to fix the Messages app in memory so that the system does not shut down its background process.