Changing the standard horn is the first step to personalizing the Xiaomi Mi 9, which allows you to instantly recognize the incoming call amid the general noise. Owners of this flagship device often encounter features of the MIUI shell, which hides some settings deeper than in pure Android. However, the process of replacing an audio file remains simple enough if you know the correct sequence of actions in the system menu.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available ways to replace audio, from using built-in themes to installing your own tracks from the device’s memory. You will learn to customize unique ringtones for different SIM cards and specific contacts, which is especially important for business users.
Preparation of audio files for installation
Before you start setting up your system, you need to make sure that your music file is in the right format and located in an accessible folder. The optimal format for ringtones is MP3 or M4A, as they are guaranteed to be supported by the MIUI system player. If you downloaded a track from the Internet, it can be in the Download folder, but for convenience it is better to move it to the root of internal memory or a special directory Ringtones.
It is important to consider the length and size of the file, as too long songs can be cropped by the system or play incorrectly when an incoming call. The ideal length of the melody is 15 to 30 seconds, which allows you to hear the beginning of the track and not annoying with waiting for a response.
Check the audio quality before installing, as the Xiaomi Mi 9 speakers are highly detailed and can highlight compression defects. If the file is damaged or has non-standard bitrate, the system can ignore it when selecting. Make sure the file is not digitally protected (DRM) otherwise it won't open as system sound.
⚠️ Note: Do not use files with extremely high bitrates (above 320 kbps), as this can cause a playback delay when the load on the processor is sharply surged during an incoming call.
Installation of ringtones through system settings
The most reliable and standard way to replace a tune with a Xiaomi Mi 9 is through the main operating system settings menu.This method ensures that the sound is assigned correctly and does not disappear after the device is restarted. First, unlock the screen and find the Settings icon, usually located on the home screen or in the notification curtain.
Once you log in, you need to go to the audio section, which may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but most often it looks like this: Settings → Sound and vibration. Here the user will see several categories, including volume, vibration and choice of tunes for different events.
☑️ Pre-installing check
In the menu that opens, you'll find the Call Melody item, which is responsible for the overall sound of the incoming call, and clicking on it, the system will offer a list of preset songs, as well as a "Select Melody on the Device" button or similar option at the top of the screen. Select this item to open the file manager and find your prepared track.
- 🎵 Click on the "Call Melody" item in the sound section.
- 📂 Select the option to add a local file from the device.
- 🔍 Find the right track in the list and confirm the choice.
- ✅ Click “OK” or tick to apply the changes.
Once confirmed, the system will immediately apply the new sound, and you can hear the test playback. If the sound hasn't changed, check if Do Not Disturb or Silent Mode is on, which take precedence over the user settings, and make sure you choose the right SIM card if you have two.
Customization of individual melodies for SIM-map
Xiaomi Mi 9 owners often use two SIM cards, and it is critical for them to distinguish which number a call is coming to. MIUI shell allows you to assign unique ringtones to each SIM card separately, eliminating the need to look at the phone screen. This is especially convenient in situations where the phone is lying down screen or in the bag.
To adjust, go back to the Settings → Sound and Vibration menu. At the top of the screen, you'll see switches or tabs for "SIM 1" and "SIM 2." Switching between them, you can independently select audio files for each number, which means one contact can ring classics and the other can ring modern hits.
What to do if the SIM tabs are not displayed?
When you select a tune for the second SIM card, the algorithm is the same as the first one: you pick the sound source, you find the file in memory and you apply it, and the system will remember this choice separately for each slot, and this allows you to create a personalized sound map of your communications.
| Parameter | SIM 1 (Main) | SIM 2 (Worker) | General settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loudness of the call | Separately configured | Separately configured | Slide on the sound menu |
| Vibration. | Individual pattern | Individual pattern | Vibration on touch |
| Melody. | Any file from memory | Any file from memory | Only standard ones. |
| Priority | High-pitched | Medium. | Depends on the script. |
Using different tunes helps you respond instantly to important calls without being distracted by secondary ones, such as a strict, short signal for work, and a long and pleasant composition for loved ones, and this differentiation greatly improves the efficiency of attention management during the day.
Personalization of calls for specific contacts
The unique ringtone function to a single contact is one of the most useful features of the Xiaomi Mi 9. It lets you know who is calling before you even look at the screen, and it is implemented through the Contacts or Phone app integrated into the MIUI system.
To set up, open a contact list and find the subscriber you want. Click on their name to open the card, and select the default or music note icon next to the phone number. From the menu that opens, select Call Melody and select the desired file from the device's memory.
- 👤 Open a contact card in the phone book.
- 🎼 Click on the current melody name or note icon.
- 📁 Select the source of Files or Device Memory».
- 🎶 Specify the desired audio file and save the changes.
It's worth noting that if a contact is synced to a Google account, settings can be applied with a slight delay or require re-saving. Local contacts saved only on the phone respond to changes instantly, and this setting works even if the SIM card with the contact is not active at the moment, as long as the call arrives at this number.
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Use short and recognizable snippets of songs for important contacts to identify the caller in the first 2 seconds without taking the phone out of your pocket.
Using theme and theme store for calls
Xiaomi’s ecosystem offers a huge store for themes where you can find not only visual designs, but also ready-made sets of sounds. This is a great option for those who do not want to waste time searching and cropping tracks on their own.
To use this method, open the Themes app on your desktop. Search for Ringtones or Sounds, and the system will give you many options. Many of them are free, but some may require payment in internal currency or subscription. Once you download the theme, you can only apply the sound package without changing the wallpaper and icons.
Inside the theme store, there's a separate Sounds tab, which collects all the audio effects available, and you can listen to them before downloading, and once you install the set, it automatically appears in the list of available tunes in the basic audio settings, which simplifies the process and ensures that the format is compatible with your version of MIUI.
⚠️ Warning: When downloading themes from third-party sources (not through the official store), be careful, as they may contain malicious code or lead to unstable interface operation.
The Solution: Why the Melody Doesn't Work
Despite the ease of customization, users of Xiaomi Mi 9 can face a situation where the installed melody is not played or replaced by a standard one. Most often the problem lies in access rights or energy saving features. The system can “kill” the process responsible for media files if they are located in secure directories.
One common reason is Do Not Disturb or Activated Sleep profile, in which the system forces all calls to silent mode, ignoring user settings. Check the status of these features in the notification curtain and make sure the sound slider is not zeroed.
It’s also worth checking the permissions for the Themes or Music app if you use them to select a call. If they don’t have access to storage, they won’t be able to transfer the audio file to the system call. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find the one you want and check the Permissions section.
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If the melody is reset after the reboot, try moving the audio file to the /MIUI/ringtone/ system folder through the root-righted file manager or simply copy it to the root of the internal memory without subfolders.
In rare cases, the problem may be caused by damage to the media service cache. Cleaning the cache of the Media Service or Media Storage app can help. Go to the application settings, find the system service, and select Clear Cache. Don't confuse it with clearing the data so you don't lose settings.