The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is still one of the brand’s most popular smartphones due to its balanced specs and support for updates. But even after years of use, many owners face a basic problem: how to put your tune on a call if standard options in MIUI do not suit. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods, from obvious to little-known, including bypassing the system’s limitations.
You will learn how to download a tune through Settings → Sounds, why some files don’t appear in the ringtones list, and what to do if user tunes are lost after the MIUI update, and how to use third-party apps without risking security, and why the file format is more important than its name.
Preparation: what files are suitable for the ringtone of the call on Redmi Note 8
Before you set a melody, you need to make sure your audio file is MIUI compliant.The system doesn't support all formats, and an incorrect file name or structure can make it invisible in the selection menu.
The basic criteria for a ringtone file:
- 🎵 Format:.mp3,.m4a,.ogg,.wav (preferably) MP3 bitrate 128-320 kbit/s).
- ⏱️ Duration: optimally 20-40 seconds (MIUI Cuts melodies longer than 30 seconds when playing).
- 📁 Location: The file should be in folders /Ringtones/, /Notifications/ or /Music/.
- 🔤 File name: no special characters (e.g, my_ringtone.mp3 instead of my tune!!!.mp3).
If your file doesn't match at least one item, the system will ignore it, for example,.flac or.aac won't show up in the ringtones list, even if it's in the correct folder.
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To check the bitrate of a file, use the free MediaInfo app (available on the Play Market) that will show all the technical parameters of the audio, including format and duration.
Method 1: Installation of the melody through standard MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for tunes that are already in the phone's memory or on the memory card.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings → Sounds and vibration → Call melody.
- At the top of the screen, select the Local tab (if not, tap the three dots in the upper right corner).
- Scroll down to My Melodies and see all compatible files from /Ringtones/ and /Music/ folders.
- Select the desired file and press OK.
If your tune doesn’t appear on the list, check out:
- 🔍 The folder in which the file is located (must be) /Ringtones/ or /Music/).
- 📌 File format (see section above).
- 🔄 Restart your phone - sometimes MIUI Does not update the list of tunes immediately.
File in format MP3/M4A/OGG|The file is in the Ringtones or Music folder.|File name without special characters|Duration no longer 30 seconds-->
Method 2: Using a file manager for manual installation
If the standard method didn't work, you can manually transfer the file to the desired folder, and any file manager, such as embedded Files or Solid Explorer, will do.
Algorithm of action:
- Download or copy the audio file to your phone (for example, in the Downloads folder).
- Open the file manager and find the downloaded file.
- Click on the file, select Move or Copy.
- Go to /Ringtones/ (if it is not, create at the root of the internal memory).
- Insert the file and restart the phone.
Once you reboot, the melody should appear in Settings → Sounds → My Melodies. If the Ringtones folder is not available, create it manually — MIUI will automatically scan it the next time you run it.
What if the Ringtones folder doesn’t appear in the file manager?
Method 3: Applications for setting tunes (if MIUI blocks files)
In some versions of MIUI (especially on Redmi Note 8 with firmware older than 12.5), the system can ignore user files even if they are in the correct folder, in which case third-party applications will help.
Top.-3 Proven utilities for installing melodies:
| Annex | Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|
| Ringtone Maker | Audio cutting, converts formats, sets as ringtone/alarm clock | Advertising in the free version |
| Zedge | Large library of ready-made tunes, support for MIUI | Requires registration for downloading |
| MP3 Cutter and Ringtone Maker | Simple interface, trimming tracks by time | There is no built-in library of tunes |
How to use Ringtone Maker:
- Install an app from the Play Market.
- Select an audio file from your phone’s memory.
- Cut the track (optional) and press Save as a ringtone.
- The application will automatically place the file in /Ringtones/ and prompt you to install it.
Important: some applications (like Zedge) require permission to access files and microphones. Don't give unnecessary permissions - just allow access to storage.
Method 4: Using ADB for forced installation (for advanced)
If none of these methods worked, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) as a way to use command line devices.
Instructions:
- Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times on version, then go back to Additional settings → For developers).
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm debugging.
- Download ADB Tools and open the command line in the folder with adb.exe.
- Enter the command to copy the file to the system folder: adb push C:\path\to\file\melody.mp3 /sdcard/Ringtones/
- Reboot the phone.
This method is guaranteed to work, but it requires caution: the wrong ADB commands can disrupt the system.
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ADB is a powerful tool, but only use it if other methods have not worked. Always check commands before executing.
Method 5: Bypassing MIUI restrictions through the Topics app
Little-known life hack: MIUI allows you to set tunes through the Theme app, which works even on older versions of firmware.
How to do this:
- Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
- Go to the Sounds section (at the bottom menu).
- Choose My sounds → Add.
- Specify the path to your audio file and save it.
- Go back to Settings → Sounds and select a new tune.
This method bypasses the limitations of the file manager, since the Themes application has extended rights to work with system folders.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after setting the melody correctly, there can be failures, and let's look at typical situations and ways to fix them.
Problem 1: The melody is set, but the standard signal is played when the call is made.
⚠️ Note: This happens if the file is corrupted or has an incompatible bitrate. MP3 192 kbps via Online-Convert.
Problem 2: After the MIUI update, all user tunes are gone.
MIUI sometimes resets the audio settings for major updates.
- 🔄 Reboot the phone.
- 📂 Check if the files are still in the folder. /Ringtones/.
- 🔧 Reset the melody through Settings → Sounds.
Problem 3: On SD-The map contains melodies, but they are not displayed.
⚠️ Attention: MIUI default scanner SD-You can transfer the files to the internal memory to the folder. /Ringtones/.