How to set the ringtone on Xiaomi: all ways and life hacks

Tired of the standard ringtone on your Xiaomi and want to play your favorite tune? You're not alone - every second owner of a Redmi or POCO smartphone faces this task. It would seem that it could be easier? But the MIUI shell often hides obvious features in unexpected places, and restrictions on file formats and folder location add to the complexity.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to set a ringtone, from basic to hidden MIUI features that work even on newer models in 2026, how to get around system limitations, where to look for downloaded files, and why sometimes the ringtone is reset after an update, and also a unique lifehack using a file manager for Android 13+ models, which is not written in the official guides.

Preparation: what files are suitable for ringtones on Xiaomi

Before you set a tune, you need to make sure your audio file meets MIUI requirements.The system is capricious about formats and track lengths - this is a common reason why users don't see their file in the list of available ringtones.

The basic requirements for files:

• 🎵 Format:.mp3,.m4a,.wav,.ogg (best compatibility with the MP3 bitrate 128-320 kbit/s)
• ⏱️ Duration: optimal 15-40 seconds (files longer than 1 minute may be cropped or not displayed)
• 📁 Location: Ringtones, Notifications or Music folders in internal memory
• 🔊 Volume: The file must be normalized (without quiet areas), otherwise the call will be poorly heard

If your file doesn’t fit these settings, use free converters like Online-Convert or Audacity for editing, especially for tunes downloaded from TikTok or YouTube, which are often of poor quality or non-standard formats.

Method 1: Standard installation via Settings (for MIUI 12–14)

This is the simplest method that works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models with a MIUI 12-14 shell. Instructions are suitable for Android 10-14 smartphones, including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5.

Step-by-step:

1. Download or transfer the audio file to the Ringtones folder (if not, create it at the root of the internal memory).
2. Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Call melody.
3. At the top of the screen, click on Local Melodies (or My Melodies in newer versions).
4. Select the file you want from the list. If you don't have one, check the file format and location.
5. Press OK to save.

If your tune doesn't appear in the list, try rebooting your phone - sometimes MIUI doesn't update the media library right away. Also make sure the file isn't hidden (the title doesn't have a point before the extension, like.ringtone.mp3).

File in format MP3/M4A|The file is in the Ringtones folder.|Track duration to 40 seconds|File name without special characters-->

Method 2: Installation through file manager (for hidden folders)

On some Xiaomi models (especially Android 13+), the standard method does not work due to access restrictions to system folders, in which case manual copying of the file to the hidden directory /system/media/audio/ringtones will help.

Important: This method requires root access or a file manager with superuser rights (such as MiXplorer or Solid Explorer), and you can try ADB without root, but it's more difficult.

Instructions for users with root:

1. Download the ringtone file to your phone and remember its location.
2. Open MiXplorer, enable the display of hidden files in the settings.
3. Go to /system/media/audio/ringtones.
4. Copy your file into this folder. If necessary, change the permissions to 644 (read for all, write for owner only).
5. Reboot your phone and check the ringtones list in the settings.

If you are not ready to take risks, use the third method with the ringtone manager app.

Method 3: Applications for installing ringtones (without root)

For users who don't want to mess with system folders, there's an easy way out, specialized applications that automatically copy files to the right directories and update the media library.

• 📱 Ringtone Maker – allows you to crop tracks and set them as a bell or alarm clock.
• 🎶 Zedge – a huge database of ready-made ringtones and notifications (there is a Russian-language interface).
• 🔧 Files by Google – built-in file manager with ringtones installation function (does not work on all models).

How to install ringtone through Zedge:

1. Download the app from Google Play and open it.
2. In search, type in the name of the melody or select a category (for example, “TikTok Trends”).
3. Click on your favorite track → Set → Select the Melody of the Call.
4. Confirm installation in the system window.

The advantage of this method is that you don't have to manually copy files, but some apps (like Zedge) can display ads, so to turn it off, buy a premium version or use an ad blocker like AdGuard.

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If the ringtone doesn’t appear in the settings after installing through the app, restart the phone and check the Ringtones folder – sometimes files are saved there with a different name.

Solving the problem: why the ringtone is not installed or reset

Even after installing it correctly, Xiaomi users often face two problems: the melody doesn’t appear in the list or resets to a standard one after rebooting.

Problem 1: File not visible in settings

• ❌ Reason: File in the wrong folder or with the wrong format.
• ✅ Solution: Move the file to /storage/emulated/0/Ringtones/ (Rename the file to Latin without spaces (e.g., subfolders, my_ringtone.mp3). Check that the file is not hidden (in file manager properties).

Problem 2: Ringtones reset after MIUI update

• ❌ Reason: Update resets settings or clears media library cache.
• ✅ Solution: Before you upgrade, back up your Ringtones folder. After you update, restart your phone and re-select the tune in your settings. If it doesn't work, use the Ringtone Maker app to re-install.

Also on some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50) there is a bug when the user ringtones disappear after connecting the headphones.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting the audio settings will return all parameters to factory, including volume and vibration profiles. To perform the reset, go to Settings → System and device → Resetting settings → Resetting the sound settings.

Compatibility table: which Xiaomi models support custom ringtones

Not all Xiaomi smartphones work with custom tunes the same way, and the table below shows the data on popular models and their limitations (relevant to MIUI 14 on Android 13/14).

If your model isn’t in the spreadsheet, try the standard install method. Older devices (like Redmi 5 or Mi A2) may need ADB or root access due to an outdated version of MIUI.

Additional life hacks: how to make ringtone unique

Want to make your call stand out? Here are some non-obvious chips for Xiaomi:

• 🎚️ Setting Volume on Schedule: In Settings → Sound and vibration → Volume schedule can be set automatically to change the volume of the ringtone depending on the time of day.
• 🔄 Different ringtones for SIM-If you have two-symbol Xiaomi, in the call settings you can assign separate tunes for each SIM.
• 🎵 Creating a Vibrational Pattern: In Settings → Special facilities → Vibration when ringing can create a unique rhythm of vibration for different contacts.
• 📱 Using live tunes: Some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra) support “dynamic” ringtones that change depending on notifications.

For advanced users: If you know how to work with Tasker, you can set up an automatic ringtone change depending on the location (for example, a quiet call at work and a loud house).

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On models with MIUI 14 and later, custom ringtones may not work due to Google's security policy, in which case use apps from Google Play or copy files via PC.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing ringtones on Xiaomi