How to Set a Call Melody on Xiaomi 4: 5 Proven Ways

Xiaomi Redmi 4 smartphones (including 4A and 4X modifications) are still popular with users due to their balance of price and functionality. However, many owners face difficulties in trying to change the standard ringtone of a call — especially if we are talking about firmware based on MIUI older than version 10. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install the ringtone, including bypassing system restrictions and working with the file structure.

The Xiaomi Redmi 4 is unique in that some versions of MIUI block the addition of custom tunes through the standard menu, which is due to the company’s security policy, but there are several legal ways to circumvent the restriction. We will look at both official solutions (through settings and file manager) and alternative ones (using third-party applications and manual file copying).

If you’ve tried to change the ringtone before and you’ve had an error like “It’s impossible to install this file” or just didn’t see your tune on the list of available ones, this is for you. All methods have been tested on current versions of MIUI 12/13 (including ported builds) and work even on devices with an unlocked bootloader.

⚠️ Important: Make sure your smartphone is at least 30% charged before starting work.Some methods require a reboot, and discharging the battery in the process can cause malfunctions.

1. Method: through standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in tools, and it's suitable for most users who have a MIUI stock firmware installed without any deep modifications.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).

2. Go to the section Sounds and vibrations → The ringing melody.

3. At the top of the screen you will see a list of standard ringtones.To add your file, click on the Local Melodies button (or Add depending on the version of MIUI).

If you don't have a local melody button, your firmware version hides it, and then move on to the next one.

⚠️ Note: on some versions MIUI 9-11 after selecting the custom tune, the sound may not change. In this case, reboot the phone - this will reset the cache of the audio system.

2. Method: Using Xiaomi File Manager

If the standard method didn’t work, try adding a tune through the built-in file manager, which bypasses the limitations of the MIUI interface, but requires strict adherence to the folder structure.

1. Open the Files app (the blue background folder icon).

2. Go to the internal memory of the phone (Device section).

3. Create a folder called media (if it is not), and inside it - subfolders:

- audio

- ringtones (for ringtones)

- notifications (for notifications)

- alarms (for alarm clocks)

4. Copy your audio file to the ringtones folder. the file name must be in Latin (for example, the file name must be in the ringtones folder, my_ringtone.mp3).

5. Return to Settings → Sounds and Vibrations → Call Melody. Your file should appear in the Local Melodies list.

⚠️ Note: if after copying the file it does not appear in the settings, check:

• 🔹 File format (should be.mp3 or.m4a).
• 🔹 Absence of spaces and Cyrillic in the file name.
• 🔹 folder media/audio It should be at the root of internal memory, not at the root of the SD-map.

3. Method: Third-party applications for ringtones

If the first two methods don't work, Google Play's specialized apps will come to the rescue. MIUI And we can set any tunes in one click.-3 tested utilities:

1. Zedge is the most popular ringtone and wallpaper app, and it contains a database of millions of free tunes, and it also lets you upload your files.

• 🎵 Pros: huge library, simple interface, support MIUI.
• ⚠️ Cons: Advertising in the free version.

2. Ringtone Maker is a utility for cropping and setting tunes from your music library.

• ✂️ Functions: trimming tracks, volume control, preview.
• 📱 Compatibility: Works on all versions MIUI, including Redmi 4.

3. MP3 Cutter and Ringtone Maker is an advanced editor for creating ringtones from any audio files.

• 🎛️ Features: Support for formats.mp3,.aac,.wav, export directly to system settings.
• 🔧 Customization: allows you to set the start/end time of a melody with millisecond accuracy.

🔹 How to install ringtone through Zedge:

1. Download and install Zedge from Google Play.
2. Open the app and go to the Ringtona tab.
3. Select your favorite melody and click Set → Call melody.
4. Confirm your choice in the system window.

Important: Some applications (such as Ringtone Maker) require permission to change system settings. If the melody does not apply after installation, check the access rights to Settings → Applications → Special Access → Change system settings.

💡

If the ringtone is not played through Zedge, try moving the file manually to /media/audio/ringtones using any file manager (e.g. Solid Explorer).

Method: Manual copying through ADB (for experienced)

This method is suitable for users who have unlocked a bootloader or have root rights. It allows you to manually prescribe a path to the melody in system files, bypassing all the limitations of MIUI. Be careful - incorrect actions can lead to system failures.

🔹 What's the matter:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to unlock the developer menu, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🎵 Prepared melody file in.ogg format (recommended for system files).

🔹 Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd in Windows or Terminal in macOS/Linux).
2. Check the connection command: Adb devices must display the serial number of your device.
3. Copy the melody file to the system folder: adb push my_ringtone.ogg /system/media/audio/ringtones/
4. The right access rights are set: adb shell chmod 644 /system/media/audio/ringtones/my_ringtone.ogg
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

⚠️ Note: This method requires root rights or modified firmware with support for writing in /system. On the stock. MIUI It won't work without unlocking the bootloader, and you can also note that after you update the firmware, your changes may reset.

5. Method: Replacement through TWRP Recovery (for custom firmware)

If your Xiaomi Redmi 4 runs on custom firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or MIUI by xiaomi.eu), you can replace system tunes directly through TWRP Recovery.This method is suitable for users who have already installed an alternative Recovery.

🔹 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Download the archive with tunes in.zip format (for example, with XDA Developers) or create your archive with files in the folder system/media/audio/ringtones.
2. Reboot the phone to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up).
3. In the main menu, select Install and specify the path to the archive with the melodies.
4. Swipe to confirm the installation.
5. Once completed, restart the device (Reboot System).

🔹 Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Ability to replace all system sounds (calls, notifications, alarms).
• 🛠️ It does not require root rights (enough). TWRP).
• 🔒 Changes will persist after firmware update (if you do not reset).

⚠️ Attention: Before working with TWRP Backup your current firmware (Backup in the main menu of the recovery) If you don't properly assemble your archive with your tunes, you can load your system endlessly.

💡

Using TWRP to replace melodies is the most reliable way for custom firmware, but requires preliminary preparation (recovery installation, backup).

Problem Solving: Why is the melody not set?

If none of these methods worked, check the following points:

1. Problems with file format

• 🎵 MIUI You may not recognize files with a bitrate above 192 kbps. Recode the tune to 128-192 kbps via Audacity or online converter.
• ⏱️ The best time is 15-30 seconds.Too long files may be truncated.

Firmware restrictions

• 🔒 On some versions MIUI (Especially Chinese) blocking the installation of custom ringtones, the solution is to change the firmware region to Global or EEA.
• 📱 If you have a Redmi 4 Prime (markw model), check the relevance of the firmware. MIUI 9) may not support modern formats.

3. Conflicts with other applications

• 🚫 Remove or disable audio management applications (e.g., Volume Booster, Sound Assistant) that can block changes to system settings.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone after setting the melody – it will reset the cache of the audio system.

4.Folder problems

• 📂 Make sure the folder is media/audio/ringtones It is created at the root of internal memory, not at the root of the SD-map.
• 🔍 Check the folder permissions: they must be drwxr-xr-x (you can use Root Explorer for this).

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing ringtones on Xiaomi 4