The standard ringing melodies in Xiaomi smartphones are boring quickly, and a favorite song or unique sound can make your phone really "your." But how to replace the factory tune with your own in MIUI 14/15? The methods differ depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) and the firmware version. In this article, 5 proven methods, including hidden system features, circumventing the limitations of MIUI and using third-party applications.
It's important to understand that Xiaomi artificially limits the ability to set custom tunes through standard settings. This is done to "optimize" the system, but in practice it annoys owners. We'll analyze not only the official paths, but also workarounds that work even on the latest versions of MIUI. If you tried to change the tune through Settings → Sounds and did not find the option to download your file - this guide is for you.
1. Standard method via MIUI settings (does not work on all models)
The easiest way is to use the built-in tools of the system. Unfortunately, Xiaomi is gradually removing this feature from new versions of MIUI, but on some devices (Redmi 10, POCO M4 Pro) it is still available.
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Sounds and vibrations → The ringing melody.
- 🔍 In the upper right corner, click on the icon «+» (if there is).
- 🎵 Select “Add from Files” and specify the path to your audio file (formats are supported.mp3,.m4a,.ogg).
- ✅ Click "Ready" - the melody will appear in the list of available.
If you don't have a + icon, your Xiaomi model doesn't support this. Starting with MIUI 13, the company removed the ability to add custom tunes through the standard menu on most mid-range and flagship devices, in which case move on to the following methods.
⚠️ Note: Some firmwares reset system tunes after updating. To avoid this, back up the folder. /MIUI/sound_recorder via file manager.
2.Use of file manager (manual method for experienced)
If the standard method didn't work, you can manually put the audio file into the system folder where MIUI picks up the tunes, which requires super-user rights or ADB, but works on all versions of MIUI. Here's a step-by-step instruction:
- Download or prepare an audio file in.mp3 or.ogg format (preferably up to 30 seconds long, up to 5 MB in size).
- Connect your phone to your PC or use a file manager (such as MiXplorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /system/media/audio/ringtones/ If you don’t have a folder, create it manually (root rights are required).
- Copy your file into this folder. Rename it in Latin without spaces (e.g, my_ringtone.mp3).
- Reboot the phone. The new tune will appear on the standard list.
Without root rights, this method won't work -- it will block the entry to the system folders. ADB-file-copying:
adb push my_ringtone.mp3 /sdcard/
adb shell su -c"cp /sdcard/my_ringtone.mp3 /system/media/audio/ringtones/"⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system folders can cause malfunctions in the phone. If you are not sure about your actions, use methods without rooting.
3 Third-Party Apps: Zedge, Ringtone Maker and Others
The most versatile and secure way is to use specialized applications from Google Play, which bypass the limitations of MIUI and allow you to set any tunes without root rights.
- 🎶 Zedge is the largest database of tunes, notification sounds and wallpaper.
- ✂️ Ringtone Maker – allows you to cut a fragment from any song and save as a ringtone.
- 🔊 Ringtone Set is a simple tool for assigning custom sounds to calls and notifications.
Instructions for Zedge:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Find your favorite tune or upload your own through Menu → My Sounds.
- Click on the track → select “Install as a call”.
- Confirm the choice – the melody will be applied automatically.
The advantage of this method is that you do not need to mess with system files, and applications are regularly updated and support the latest versions of MIUI.
File format: MP3 or OGG
Length - up to 30 seconds
Volume normalized (no jumps)
Latin name without spaces
The file is copied to the Download or Ringtones folder.-->
4. Hidden MIUI function: Ringtones folder on internal memory
Few people know, but Xiaomi leaves a loophole for custom tunes through a special folder. If you put an audio file in /storage/emulated/0/Ringtones/, it will automatically appear in the list of available calls. This method works on all devices without root and additional applications.
Step-by-step:
- Open any file manager (e.g. Files by Google or built-in Mi File Manager).
- Go to the root directory of internal memory (or connect the phone to the PC).
- Create a folder with the name Ringtones (if it is not available).
- Put your audio file (e.g. song.mp3) there.
- Reboot your phone (optional, but sometimes speeds up the appearance of a tune in the list).
- Go to Settings → Sounds → Call melody – your file should appear at the end of the list.
This method works on Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 12 Lite, POCO F4 and other models with MIUI 12-15. If the melody does not appear, check the file format (should be.mp3 or.m4a) and its length (optimally up to 40 seconds).
Why isn't the melody on the list?
5.For Advanced: Change the tune through ADB (no root)
If you're not afraid of the command line, you can change the system melody through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, but requires minimal knowledge of how to work with the console.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🎵 Audio file in.ogg format (MIUI This format is better understood for system sounds).
Instructions:
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
- Execute commands in order: adb devices adb shell su -c"mount -o rw,remount /system" su -c"cp /sdcard/Download/my_ringtone.ogg /system/media/audio/ringtones/" su -c"chmod 644 /system/media/audio/ringtones/my_ringtone.ogg" su -c"mount -o ro,remount /system"
- Reboot the phone.
After that, your tune will become system and will be available in the call settings, if the su command does not work, then your device has disabled access to root even through ADB (relevant to some POCO models with a locked bootloader).
💡
If ADB does not recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers or using another USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi).
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To make it easier for you to determine, we have compiled a comparative table of all methods with their pros and cons:
| Method | Root is required. | Difficulty | It's working at MIUI 14/15. | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard settings | ❌ No. | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No, on most models) | Available only on old firmware |
| File Manager (system folder) | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ✅ Yes. | Risk of system damage |
| Ringtones folder on internal memory | ❌ No. | ⭐ (simple) | ✅ Yes. | It does not work with some formats. |
| Third-party applications (Zedge, etc.) | ❌ No. | ⭐ (simple) | ✅ Yes. | Advertising, dependence on third-party software |
| ADB-team | ❌ No (but I need debugging) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅ Yes. | Requires PC and command line knowledge |
For most users, the best option is a Ringtones folder or third-party applications. If you're ready to experiment, try ADB. The root method is only suitable for advanced users who understand the risks.
💡
folder `Ringtones` It's the most reliable way to do it without root and extra software. It works on 90 percent of Xiaomi devices. MIUI 12–15.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When installing a custom tune on Xiaomi, there may be errors. Let's analyze the most common and ways to correct them:
- 🔇 Melody is not played: Check the file format (should be.mp3 or.m4a). If you use.ogg, convert it through an online converter. Also make sure the file is not corrupted (try playing it on your PC).
- 📂 File not displayed in the list: Delete the cache of the Settings app (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Settings → Warehouse → If it doesn't work, restart your phone.
- 🔕 Melody resets after update: This is a known issue MIUI. Solution: Copy your audio file into a folder MIUI/sound_recorder — And from there, the system takes backups of the sounds.
- 🎵 The sound is interrupted or played with distortion: Most likely, the bitrate of the file is too high. Use an audio editor (such as Audacity) to reduce the bitrate to 128-192 kbps.
If none of the methods worked, check if your phone has an ad blocking or optimization app (such as Xiaomi’s Security or Cleaner) that sometimes blocks access to system sounds. Turn them off temporarily and try again.