How to install downloaded music to Xiaomi call: all working ways

Want your Xiaomi or Redmi to play your favorite tune when you call, not the standard ringtone from the phone. MIUI? Many users face a problem: the downloaded track does not appear in the list of tunes or the system simply does not see it. MIUI, which by default blocks access to user files in the call menu.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to install your music on a call, from simply moving a file to the right folder to bypassing system restrictions through a file manager or third-party applications. We’ll focus on the nuances for different versions of MIUI 12-14 and POCO/Redmi models, where the algorithm may differ. You’ll also learn what file formats are supported, how to trim a track to the right length, and why some tunes may not play.

If you've tried to add your music but have not been successful, don't rush to reset your phone. 90% of the time, the problem is solved in 5 minutes with the right actions. And for owners of older models (for example, Redmi Note 5 or Mi A2), we have prepared separate recommendations based on the features of their firmware.

Before you go to the instructions, check two key points:

1. The format of your audio file is MP3 or M4A (others may not be supported).
2. The length of the track is optimally up to 30 seconds (long MIUI files are cut automatically, which spoils the sound).

1. Audio file preparation: formats and cropping

The first step is to make sure your track meets MIUI requirements.The system supports a limited set of formats, and even if the file is played in a player, it does not guarantee it will appear in the ringtones list.

Supported formats:

• 🎵 MP3 (Recommended bitrate up to 320 kbps)
• 🎵 M4A (AAC-coding)
• 🎵 WAV (without compression, but takes up a lot of space)

OGG, FLAC, or WMA will likely not appear in the call menu, even if the phone plays them in other apps.

If your file is in the wrong format, convert it through free services:

• 🌐 Online-Convert (supports batch processing)
• 📱 Audio Converter app (available on Google Play)

The clipping of the track is a critical moment, and MIUI automatically cuts down on tunes longer than 30 seconds, which can lead to a cliff in the middle of a word.

1. Use apps like Ringtone Maker or MP3 Cutter.
2. Select the most memorable fragment (usually the chorus or the beginning of the track).
3. Export the file with the name in English (Cyrillic may cause errors).

💡

If you crop a track on a PC, save it at 192-256 kbps bitrate. Higher quality won’t improve sound through the phone’s speaker, but will increase file size.

2. Where to move the file: the correct folders in MIUI

The most common mistake is saving music to the Download or Music folder. MIUI only looks for ringtones in certain directories, and if the file is not there, it simply won't appear in the list.

Official folders for ringtones in Xiaomi:

How to move the file:

1. Open Files (standard MIUI manager)
2. Find your audio file (usually in Downloads or Music).
3. Click on three dots next to the file → Move.
4. Select the Ringtones folder (if you don’t have one, create it manually).
5. Restart your phone (sometimes MIUI doesn’t update the list of tunes without a reboot).

The file name in Latin|Format MP3/M4A|Length to 30 seconds|The Ringtones folder exists.-->

Important: If the Ringtones folder is missing, create it at the root of internal memory (not inside other folders!). MIUI ignores user directories created nested (e.g. /Music/Ringtones/).

Method 1: Installation via "Sound settings" (for MIUI 13-14)

In recent versions of MIUI, the algorithm for adding ringtones has been simplified, but there are nuances.

1. Move the prepared file to the Ringtones folder (as described above).

2. Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Call.

3. Slap on the current tune (for example, "Default").

4. At the top of the screen will appear tab Local - select it.

5. Your file should appear in the list. If not, see the "Problem Solving" section below.

What to do if the file does not appear:

• ⚡ Check the extension: sometimes files are downloaded as.mp3.mp3 (rename.mp3).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone — MIUI caches.
• 📁 Make sure that the file is in the /storage/emulated/0/Ringtones/, Not in the subfolder.

Redmi Note 10/11/12|POCO X3/X4/X5|Mi 11/12/13|Redmi 9/9A/9C|Another model-->

Method 2: Using a file manager with root rights (for experienced)

If the standard method didn't work, and you have root rights, you can manually write the path to the file in the system settings, which is suitable for advanced users and requires caution.

Instructions:

1. Install Root Explorer or Solid Explorer (with root access enabled).
2. Go to /system/media/audio/ringtones/.
3. Copy your file into this folder (change permissions to 644) if necessary.
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️

Note: Incorrectly changing system files can cause MIUI to crash.We recommend that you back up /system/media/audio/ first.

Alternative without root:

If there is no superuser license, but you need to add a file to the system folder, use the ADB-team:

adb push your file.mp3 /sdcard/Ringtones/


adb shell chmod 644 /sdcard/Ringtones/your file.mp3

After that, the melody should appear on the list.

5. Method 3: Applications for installing ringtones

If manual methods don't work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, which bypass the limitations of MIUI and allow you to assign any music to a call in literally 2 clicks.

Top.-3 apps:

How to use Zedge (Step-by-step):

1. Install Zedge from Google Play.
2. Open the application and allow access to the files.
3. Go to the section My files → Choose your track.
4. Click Set How → Call.
5. Confirm the selection in the system menu.

6. Problem Solving: Why the Melody Is Not Set

If you’ve completed all the steps but the music never appeared on your call list, check out these points:

Checklist for diagnosis:

• 🔍 File format: only MP3/M4A, without DRM-defense.
• 📌 Location: The file must be in /Ringtones/, Not in the subfolder.
• 📛 File name: no Cyrillic, spaces or special characters (e.g, my_ringtone.mp3).
• 🔄 Cash. MIUI: Clear the application data Settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Settings → Warehouse → Clear the data).
• 📱 Version. MIUI: firmware (MIUI 10 and below) manual folder creation may be required media/audio/ringtones.

Common mistakes and decisions:

⚠️

Note: Some POCO models (e.g., the POCO X3 NFC) will lose the Ringtones folder after upgrading to MIUI 14, in which case, recreate it and restart the device.

7. Features for older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1, Mi A2)

Smartphones running on Android One (Mi A1/A2) or older versions of MIUI (MIUI 9-10) have their own nuances.

For the Mi A1/A2 (Android One):

For the Redmi 4X/5A (MIUI 9-10):

💡

On older Xiaomi models (until 2018), it often helps to reset the Music app settings (Settings → Apps → Music → Clear data) and force the media base to be updated.

8 How to Get Back Standard Melodies If Something Goes Wrong

If, after experimenting with your ringtones, standard MIUI tunes are lost or the phone stops playing the sounds of a call, follow these steps:

Recovery of standard ringtones:

1. Delete all user files from Ringtones, Notifications, Alarms folders.
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
3. Find the Settings app → Storage → Clear the data.
4. Reboot the phone.

If that didn't help:

• 🔧 Install. MIUI Cleaner and clean up garbage files → System cache.
• 📥 Download the standard ringtones MIUI from forums (e.g. xiaomi.eu) and place them in /system/media/audio/ringtones/ (root).

⚠️

Note: Some firmware (e.g. custom) store standard tunes in /system/media/audio/ui/Twilight.ogg. Don't delete it - it's the screen lock sound!

FAQ: Frequent questions about ringtones on Xiaomi