How to set your tune to a call in Xiaomi smartphones: all ways 2026

Why Xiaomi’s standard ringtones don’t suit users?

Xiaomi smartphones come with a set of standard ringtones that quickly become boring. Many users want to personalize the device by setting a favorite song, sound from a movie or a unique signal. However, not everyone knows how to correctly add a downloaded tune to the list of available ringtones.

Complicating the problem is that MIUI (Xiaomi firmware) has its own features for working with audio files. For example, not every format is supported, and some files may not appear in the selection list. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to set custom tunes on the call, alarm and notifications, from simple to advanced.

Important: the manual is suitable for all modern models of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO based on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS. If you have an older version of the firmware (before 2020), some menu items may differ.

File Preparation: What format and parameters should a melody have?

Before you set the melody, you need to make sure that the file meets the requirements of the system. MIUI supports the following formats:

• 🎵 MP3 — The most universal option recommended for ringtones.
• 🎵 M4A (AAC) — Good quality with small size.
• 🎵 WAV — without loss of quality, but takes up a lot of space.
• ❌ FLAC, OGG, WMA — They may not appear on the list of melodies.

The optimal parameters for ringtones:

• 🔊 Bitrate: 128-192 kbps (enough for a call).
• ⏱️ Duration: 20-40 seconds (the system can cut long files).
• 📏 Size: Up to 5MB (large files can inhibit melody selection).

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If your file is FLAC or OGG, convert it to MP3 through online services like Audio-Converter or the MediaConverter app from the Play Market.

Where to download the ringtone?

• 🌐 Zedge – a popular app with free ringtones.
• 🎶 YouTube – you can cut a piece through services like YTMP3.
• 💿 Local Files – Move your tracks from a PC or other device.

Method 1: Installation of the melody through standard MIUI settings

This is the simplest method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones without any additional apps.

1. Put the downloaded file in the phone's memory. The best way to do this is to use the Ringtones folder (if you don't have one, create it in the root directory).
2. Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Call melody.
3. In the list, select Local Melodies or Add Melody (depending on the MIUI version).
4. Find your file in the list and click on it.

If the file is not displayed:

• ⚠️ Check the format (should be) MP3/M4A).
• ⚠️ Make sure the file is in the Ringtones, Music, or Notifications folder.
• ⚠️ Restart your phone – sometimes the system doesn’t immediately scan new files.

Method 2: Using a file manager for manual installation

If the standard method didn't work, try manually pointing the path to the file through the file manager.

1. Open any file manager (e.g. Files by Google or standard Explorer from Xiaomi).
2. Find your audio file and hold your finger on it to create a context menu.
3. Select Set as → Call Melody (or Rington).
4. Confirm the selection – the file will be automatically added to the list of available tunes.

In MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the Install As feature may not be available in a standard conductor, and use third-party managers like Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ It works even with files in non-standard folders.
• ✅ No need to reboot your phone.
• ✅ You can quickly assign a melody to a specific contact.

Method 3: Assigning unique tunes to individual contacts

Do you want important contacts to have their own unique ringtones? MIUI It's done this way:

1. Open the Contacts app and select the contact you want.
2. Click Edit (pencil icon).
3. Scroll down to the Melody of the Call block and select Add.
4. Specify the path to your file (it should be in one of the folders: Ringtones, Music, Notifications).

Limitations:

• ❌ You can’t assign a tune to a contact group (only for each individual).
• ❌ Some versions MIUI Resetting custom ringtones after the update.

Tip: If you want a tune to be played without being cropped, make sure it doesn't last more than 30 seconds, otherwise the system can only play the beginning of the track.

Table: Comparison of ways to install tunes on Xiaomi

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the added melody:

• 🔇 Do not play back – check the file format (should be) MP3/M4A) and integrity.
• 🔊 Plays with distortions – reduce bitrate to 128 kbit / s.
• 📱 Not displayed in the list – move the file to the Ringtones folder and restart the phone.
• ⏳ Cuts when playing – shorten the file to 30 seconds.

⚠️ Note: If you are using HyperOS (the new firmware of Xiaomi), some old methods may not work.In this case, update the Settings app via Play Market or use the file manager.

Another common problem is resetting tunes after the MIUI update, to avoid this:

• 📁 Save backup files in the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
• 🔄 After the update manually transfer the files back to the Ringtones folder.
• 📱 Use apps like Ringtone Saver that automatically restore settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing tunes on Xiaomi