How to install music to call Xiaomi Redmi 9: a step-by-step guide with pictures

Changing the standard ringtone to Xiaomi Redmi 9 is a challenge that every new smartphone owner faces. MIUI's built-in ringtone quickly gets boring, and the desire to stand out among other users pushes you to search for unique soundtracks. However, not everyone knows that the process of installing custom tunes on Redmi 9 has its own nuances, from the limitations on the file format to hidden settings in the firmware.

In this article, we will analyze three proven methods: through the standard Settings application, using a proprietary player. MIUI Music and third-party utilities, and we will focus on the technical requirements for audio files (resolution, bitrate, duration) so that your Redmi 9 plays the melody without distortion. MIUI The length of the ringtone and why some MP3-Files are not displayed in the list of available tunes.

Preparation: What music formats support Redmi 9

Before downloading music to a call, it is important to understand which audio formats the Xiaomi Redmi 9 works with. Official MIUI documentation indicates support for the following file types:

  • ๐ŸŽต MP3 โ€” the most universal format, but with a bitrate limit (optimally 128-320 kbit / s).
  • ๐ŸŽถ M4A/AAC โ€” format with the best quality/size ratio, recommended for short tunes.
  • ๐Ÿ”Š WAV โ€” No loss of quality, but takes up a lot of space (suitable for ringtones up to 5 seconds long).
  • โŒ FLAC, OGG, WMA โ€” not supported by the default system (requires conversion).

Critical settings for ringtones on Redmi 9:

ParameterMinimum.Optimum.Maximum
Duration1 second10-15 seconds30 seconds!
Bitrate (MP3)64 kbps192 kbps320 kbps
File sizeโ€”<5 MB10MB
Frequency of sampling22 kHz44.1 kHz48 kHz

Note: MIUI cuts tunes longer than 30 seconds automatically, but files up to 15 seconds are recommended for stable operation.

โš ๏ธ Attention: If yours MP3-The file does not appear in the ringtones list, check its metadata. MIUI ignores files with broken tags (for example, an empty Artist field or Title). MP3Tag metadata-cleaning.

๐Ÿ“Š What format do you prefer for ringtones?
MP3
M4A (AAC)
WAV
Other
I don't know.

Method 1: Installation of the melody through standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in tools of Xiaomi Redmi 9. It does not require the installation of additional applications and works on any version of MIUI (including MIUI 12/13/14).

  1. Put the audio file in the phone's memory. Recommended folders: ๐Ÿ“ /Internal Storage/Music/ โ€” scanner. ๐Ÿ“ /Internal Storage/Ringtones/ โ€” System folder for ringtones (create manually if it is not available).

Settings โ†’ Sound and vibration โ†’ Melody of the call

"Locals"

Find your file in the list and tap it for pre-listening.

"OK."

Check format (MP3/M4A/WAV)|Shoot track to 15 seconds|Delete metadata (tags)|Put file in Ringtones |Reboot phone-->

If the file does not appear in the list, follow the following steps:

  1. Make sure the file is not hidden (check through Explorer or ES File Explorer).
  2. Move the file to the root folder /Internal Storage/ (sometimes MIUI does not scan attached directories).
  3. Use Media Scanner (available on Google Play) to force your media library to be updated.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some Redmi 9 firmware (especially global ones) may not have a Local tab, in which case use Method 2 or install the Ringtone Maker app.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you want to use a snippet of a song, crop it up in advance in an audio editor (like Audacity or MP3 Cutter). MIUI doesn't provide cropping tools right in the settings.

Method 2: Use the MIUI Music application

The proprietary MIUI Music player (formerly Mi Music) allows you not only to play tracks, but also to set them as ringtones, a method suitable for files that do not appear in standard settings.

  1. Open the Music app** (note icon on the home screen or menu).
  2. Find the track you want to use as a ringtone and tap it.
  3. In the player that opens, press three points (โ‹ฎ) top-right.
  4. Select "Set as ringtone"** (or "Set as ringtone" in English).

Important: MIUI Music only supports files added to its media library. If the track doesn't appear in the player, move it to /Internal Storage/Music/ and wait for the automatic scan (or restart the phone).

Advantages of this method:

  • ๐ŸŽฏ Works with files that are not visible in standard settings.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Allows you to quickly change tunes without searching folders.
  • ๐ŸŽง Supports preview before installation.

Disadvantages:

  • โŒ Not all versions. MIUI Music has a ringtone installation function (depends on regional firmware).
  • โŒ Track trimming is not available โ€“ you will have to edit the file in advance.
What if MIUI Music doesnโ€™t have a โ€œSet as a Ringtonโ€ option?
This feature can be disabled in some regional firmware versions. Solutions: 1. Install a global version of MIUI via Fastboot (risky for beginners). 2. Use alternative players, such as VLC or Poweramp, that support export to ringtones. 3. Download the Ringtone Maker app from Google Play - it integrates into the system's melody selection menu.

Method 3: Third-party applications for flexible settings

If the first two methods didnโ€™t work or you need advanced features (for example, setting different tunes for different contacts), use third-party utilities.

AnnexAdvantagesDeficiencies
ZedgeLarge library of ready-made ringtones, pruning supportAdvertising requires the internet to download
Ringtone MakerTrack trimming, support for all formats, export to system settingsInterface in English, restrictions in the free version
MP3 Cutter and Ringtone MakerPrecise trimming by seconds, format conversionDifficult for beginners

Letโ€™s look at the Ringtone Maker example:

  1. Install the app from Google Play and open it.
  2. Select an audio file from your phoneโ€™s memory (all formats, including FLAC, are supported).
  3. Use sliders to trim the fragment (optimally 5-15 seconds).
  4. Click Save and select Set as ringtone.

To set individual tunes to contacts:

  1. Open the Contacts app (or Google Contacts).

โš ๏ธ Attention: Redmi 9 with firmware MIUI 12 and below, customized contact tunes may be reset after a system update.To avoid this, use Google Contacts instead of the standard Xiaomi app.

Problem Solving: Why the Melody is Not Set

Even after completing all the steps, Redmi 9 users may encounter errors, and consider typical scenarios and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: The file does not appear in the list of ringtones

Possible causes and solutions:

  • ๐Ÿ” Wrong folder: Move the file to /Internal Storage/Ringtones/ or /Internal Storage/Music/.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Media library not updated: Reboot your phone or use Media Scanner.
  • ๐Ÿ“Œ Unsupported format: Convert the file to MP3/M4A bitrate 192 quid.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Damaged Metadata: Clean Tags with the Help of MP3Tag.

Problem 2: The melody plays with distortions

It's because of:

  • ๐ŸŽ›๏ธ Too high bitrate (over 320 kbit/s) โ€“ convert to 192 kbit/s.
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Incompatible sampling frequency (e.g. 96 kHz) โ€“ use 44.1 kHz.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Hardware Limits Dynamics โ€“ Try another file.

Problem 3: The melody resets after the reboot

Guilty:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Cache error MIUI: Clear the cache of the Settings app (Settings) โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Application management โ†’ Settings โ†’ Clear the cache).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฅ Damaged firmware: check for updates in Settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Updating the system.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Optimizer conflict: disable battery and performance โ†’ Optimization for the Music application.

๐Ÿ’ก

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the sound to the standard: Settings โ†’ System โ†’ Resetting โ†’ Resetting the sound settings. This will bring all the settings back to factory settings, but will allow you to reset the custom tune.

Additional chips: how to make a call unique

Do you want your Redmi 9 to stand out not only for its melody, but also for its other sound effects?

1 Vibration by rhythm of music

MIUI allows you to create custom vibration patterns synchronized with the ringtone:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Sound and vibration โ†’ Vibration when calling.
  2. Select โ€œAdd Vibrationโ€** and record your template by tapping the screen into the rhythm of the melody.
  3. Save and apply to the selected contact.

2. Different tunes for SIM-map

If your Redmi 9 has two SIM-Set up unique ringtones for each card:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Sound and vibration โ†’ Call melody.
  2. Slip on the line "SIM 1" or "SIM 2".

3. Seamless looping of the melody

To play the ringtone without pause on a long call:

  • ๐Ÿ“ Save the file in format M4A โ€” It's better for looping.

๐Ÿ’ก

To create professional ringtones, use the service Ringdroid (free) or Audacity with the Lame MP3 Encoder plugin. They allow you to precisely trim the track and normalize the volume.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up ringtones on Redmi 9

Can I install music on a YouTube call?
Yes, but you need to: Download audio from YouTube through a service like YTMP3 (Use a browser, as download applications are often blocked. MP3/M4A bitrate 192 kbit/s (e.g., via Online Audio Converter) Place the file in a folder /Internal Storage/Ringtones/ and follow the Way 1. โš ๏ธ Caution: Downloading music from YouTube may violate copyright. Use only legal sources.
Why did my tune disappear after the MIUI update?
This is a well-known problem with Redmi 9 when switching to the new firmware version. Solutions: Check if the file is still in the /Internal Storage/Ringtones/ folder. If not, copy it again. Clear the Settings app cache (Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Settings โ†’ Settings โ†’ Clear the cache). If the melody is reset for a specific contact only, open Google Contacts and reassign the file.
How do you make the ringing melody gradually grow?
MIUI does not support the native smooth ringtone volume feature, but there are workarounds: Edit the audio file in Audacity by adding the "Fade In" effect at the beginning of the track. Export the file to M4A format and install it via Method 2 or Method 3. Alternative: Use the Volume Ringtone Ramp Up app from Google Play (requires rights on some firmware).
Can I put music on the alarm clock in the same way?
Yes, but with reservations: For the standard Watch app, go to Alarms โ†’ Settings โ†’ Alarm Melody โ†’ Local and select a file. If your file doesn't show, put it in the /Internal Storage/Alarms/ folder (create it manually). Third-party alarm apps (e.g. Sleep as Android) support any audio files without restrictions.
How to get back standard Xiaomi tunes if I have deleted them?
Standard MIUI ringtones are stored in the system folder /system/media/audio/ringtones/, and their removal requires root rights. If you accidentally erase them through the file manager: Reset your phone settings (Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ Settings Reset) or download original MIUI tunes from forums like XDA Developers (Redmi 9 Themes & Apps section).