How to Set Your Song to Call Xiaomi Mi 9: 3 Proven Ways

Xiaomi Mi 9 with MIUI shell offers users flexible audio settings, but setting your own tune on a call is not always intuitive. Unlike standard ringtones, adding a favorite song requires knowledge of the nuances of the file system and firmware limitations. This article will help you understand how to properly download an audio file, avoid possible errors and maintain sound quality.

The Mi 9’s feature is that MIUI limits ringtones to 30 seconds and does not support all audio formats.We will look at official methods through system settings, file manager workarounds, and alternative solutions for those who want to install a full-fledged song without cropping.

Preparation of audio file: requirements for format and duration

Before installing the melody, you need to prepare an audio file. MIUI in Xiaomi Mi 9 supports the following formats:

  • 🎡 MP3 β€” The most versatile option with a good ratio of quality and size
  • 🎡 M4A (AAC) β€” Provides better quality with less weight, but may not be reproduced in some firmware versions
  • 🎡 WAV β€” No loss of quality, but takes up a lot of space (not recommended for ringtones)
  • ❌ FLAC, OGG, WMA β€” Not supported by the system like ringtones

Key parameters of the file:

ParameterRecommended valueConsequences of non-compliance
Duration30 secondsThe system will cut the file automatically
Bitreit128–192 kbpsHigh bitrate can cause delays in playback
ChannelsMono or Stereo.Multi-channel sound will be reduced to stereo
File size5MBLarge files may not appear in the ringtones list

You can use the following to cut the song up to 30 seconds:

  • πŸ“± Smartphone apps: MP3 Cutter, Ringtone Maker
  • πŸ’» Programs for PC: Audacity, OCenaudio
  • 🌐 Online services: mp3cut.net, audio-trimmer.com

⚠️ Note: If you use online cropping services, download files only from trusted sites. Some resources add hidden ads or viruses to the audio.

πŸ“Š What audio format do you prefer for ringtones?
MP3
M4A (AAC)
WAV
Other

Method 1: Installation through MIUI system settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI functionality. It does not require additional applications, but has a duration limit.

Step-by-step:

  1. Place the prepared audio file in the phone’s memory (internal or microSD card).
  2. Open the Settings app β†’ Sound and vibration.
  3. Select the default call (or SIM 1/2 if you use two SIM cards).
  4. Press Local Ringtones at the bottom of the screen.
  5. In the list, find your file and select it. If there is no file, click Add and manually specify the path to it.

If your file does not appear in the list, check:

The right format (MP3/M4A)|

The file is located in the root folder or in Ringtones|

Duration not exceeding 30 seconds |

File name without Cyrillic and special characters-->

V MIUI 12–14 Xiaomi Mi 9 There is a bug: if the file name contains spaces or Cyrillic, the system may not display it in the list of ringtones, my_ringtone.mp3).

πŸ’‘

Create a Ringtones folder at the root of internal memory – the system automatically scans it for ringtones every time you turn on your phone.

Method 2: Using a file manager (for power users)

If the system method didn't work, you can manually put the file in the system folder of ringtones, which requires caution, as incorrect actions can lead to failures.

Instructions:

  1. Connect your phone to your PC or use a file manager on your smartphone (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
  2. Go to /storage/emulated/0/Media/Audio/Ringtones/ If you don’t have a Ringtones folder, create it manually.
  3. Copy the prepared audio file into this folder.
  4. Reboot your phone (required!).
  5. After rebooting, check for the file in Settings β†’ Sound β†’ Local Ringtones.

Alternative path (for some versions of MIUI):

/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/ringtone/

⚠️ Warning: Do not rename system files in the Ringtones folder or delete them - this may cause audio settings to fail. Always back up the original files.

If the file does not appear in the list after the reboot, check:

  • πŸ” Access rights to the folder (must be rw-r)--r--)
  • πŸ” Absence of hidden characters in the file name
  • πŸ” File format (reconvert to the MP3 128 kbit/s bitrate)
What if the Ringtones folder is not created?
If the system does not allow you to create a Ringtones folder in /Media/Audio/, try: 1. Use another file manager (for example, FX File Explorer with root access). 2. Connect the phone to your PC and create a folder through Total Commander or Windows Explorer. 3. Install the Zedge application - it will automatically create the desired directories.

Method 3: Party of the application for installing ringtones

If previous methods didn't work, you can use specialized applications that offer additional features like editing sound and setting ringtones to specific contacts.

Top.-3 applications for Xiaomi Mi 9:

AnnexAdvantagesDeficiencies
ZedgeLarge library of ready-made ringtones, automatic folder creationAdvertising requires registration for some functions
Ringtone MakerBuilt-in audio editor, support for cropping and sound normalizationThe interface may seem complicated.
MP3 CutterSimple interface, support for batch processingLimitation on the length of the file in the free version

Instructions for using Zedge:

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Open Zedge and go to the Ringtones section.
  3. Choose your favorite tune or upload yours through My Sounds.
  4. Press Set as ringtone and select Phone ringtone.
  5. Confirm your choice in the system window.

To install your song through Ringtone Maker:

  1. Import the audio file to the app.
  2. Cut it to the desired length (up to 30 seconds).
  3. Press Save and select Set as ringtone.
  4. Select Phone ringtone from the list of options.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g. Zedge) request access to contacts and storage. Denie access to unnecessary permissions to avoid data leakage.

πŸ’‘

Google Play apps are often updated and adapted to newer versions of MIUI. If the system method doesn't work, third-party utilities may be the only solution.

Problem Solving: Why the Melody is Not Set

Even with the right actions, Xiaomi Mi 9 users sometimes encounter errors.

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

  • πŸ”Ή Check the path to the file – it should be in /Media/Audio/Ringtones/ or /MIUI/ringtone/.
  • πŸ”Ή Rename the file in English without spaces (e.g, ringtone1.mp3).
  • πŸ”Ή Reboot the phone β€” MIUI scans ringtones at launch.

Problem 2: The sound is reproduced with distortion.

  • πŸ”Ή Reduce the bitrate of the file to 128 kbit/s.
  • πŸ”Ή Convert the file to MP3 (if he was in M4A or WAV).
  • πŸ”Ή Check the file on another device, it may be corrupted.

Problem 3: After the MIUI update, the ringtone reset.

  • πŸ”Ή Reset the melody through the settings.
  • πŸ”Ή Check if the Ringtones folder has been reset.
  • πŸ”Ή Use the Ringtone Scheduler app to automatically restore settings.

Problem 4: You can't create a Ringtones folder.

How to access system folders without root?
If the file manager does not allow you to create a folder, try it: 1. Connect your phone to your PC and create a folder through Windows/MacOS. 2. Use it. ADB-Command: Adb shell mkdir /storage/emulated/0/Media/Audio/Ringtones 3. Install FX File Explorer and enable Root Access (if the phone is rooted).

Additional settings: vibration and volume

Setting the melody is only part of the call setup. In Xiaomi Mi 9, you can fine-tune the associated settings for a better user experience.

Vibration setting:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Sound and vibration β†’ Vibration when calling.
  2. Choose one of the preset templates or create your own through Set up the vibration.
  3. For fine tuning, use intensity and duration sliders.

Volume control:

  • πŸ”Š Use physical volume buttons during the call for quick adjustment.
  • πŸ”Š In the settings Sound and vibration β†’ Volume can be divided into levels for call, media and alarm clock.
  • πŸ”Š Activate Smart Volume Mode for Automatic Adjustment Depending on Ambient Noise.

Set up for individual contacts:

  1. Open the Contacts app and select the contact you want.
  2. Click Edit β†’ Default Call.
  3. Choose a tune from the list or add yours through Local Ringtones.

For advanced users, settings are available through ADB:

adb shell settings put system ringtone /storage/emulated/0/Media/Audio/Ringtones/my_tone.mp3

Alternative solutions: cloud services and automation

If you change ringtones frequently or use multiple devices, it’s worth considering cloud solutions and automation.

Cloud services:

  • πŸŒ₯ Google Drive – upload the file and open it through Files by Google, then install it as a ringtone.
  • πŸŒ₯ Dropbox – similar but requires the installation of an official app.
  • πŸŒ₯ Telegram – send the audio file to yourself in β€œSaved Messages”, download and install through the file manager.

Automation with Tasker:

Tasker allows you to change ringtones according to a schedule or conditions (such as a quiet sound at night).

  1. Create a Set Ringtone task.
  2. Add the action Media β†’ Ringtone.
  3. Specify the path to the file (e.g. /storage/emulated/0/Media/Audio/Ringtones/morning.mp3).
  4. Set up a trigger (e.g. Time β†’ From 08:00).

Use of the NFC-tag:

With the NFC Tools app, you can program a tag to change the ringtone, for example, touching a tag on your desktop will set a quiet sound and a loud one at home.

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Cloud services are handy for syncing ringtones between devices, but keep in mind privacy – don’t upload personal audio recordings to public folders.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing ringtones on Xiaomi Mi 9

Can I play a song longer than 30 seconds?
Officially, MIUI cuts ringtones to 30 seconds, but there are workarounds: Use the Ringtone Maker app with the Loop option; install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) with long ringtones; root your phone and edit system files (risky); the best option is to crop the song up to 30 seconds while saving the most memorable snippet.
Why did my ringtone disappear after the MIUI update?
This is a typical problem with major updates. Solutions: Check if the file is still in /Media/Audio/Ringtones/. Reset the ringtone through settings. If the file is gone, restore it from the backup. To avoid loss, save copies of the ringtone in the cloud or on your PC.
Can you install different ringtones for two? SIM-map?
Xiaomi Mi 9 supports customization for each SIM-Maps: Go to Settings β†’ Sound and vibration. Choose the Call. SIM 1 or Call SIM 2 Set different tunes for each SIM, and you can adjust the vibration and volume separately for each card.
How to get back the standard MIUI ringtones?
If you have removed or replaced system ringtones, you can restore them by: Reset the sound settings to Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset the settings β†’ Reset the sound settings. Reset the firmware through System Update (without loss of data). Download standard MIUI ringtones in MP3 format from reliable sources (for example, xiaomi.eu). Do not download ringtones from dubious sites - they may contain viruses.
Does this work on other Xiaomi models?
Most of the instructions are suitable for all Xiaomi smartphones on MIUI 10–14, including: Mi 8/9/10/11 series, Redmi Note 8/9/10, POCO F1/F2/F3. Exceptions: On Xiaomi Mi A1/A2 (with pure Android) the path to the ringtones folder is different: /Ringtones/. On devices with MIUI for POCO, the option "Local ringtones" may not be available.