Individual melodies for two SIM-Xiaomi Redmi 9 maps: full guide

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 with two SIM cards often face the inconvenience: standard MIUI settings do not allow you to assign unique ringtones for each SIM. Calls from different operators are accompanied by one melody, which creates confusion - especially when one SIM is used for work and the second for personal contacts. Fortunately, the problem is solved: in this article we will analyze all the available methods - from hidden firmware functions to third-party applications.

It's important to understand that the customization options are different for the MIUI version. Some builds have a deep menu option for individual ringtones, and others don't. We've tested Redmi 9 with MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 13, so the instructions are relevant for most users. If your smartphone is running on an older version, some of the methods may not work, and we'll let you know in advance.

Before you go to settings, check if your carrier is blocking ringtone change. Some mobile networks (especially virtual operators) restrict access to these options at the level of the mobile network. SIM-Also make sure that the phone has the latest updates – sometimes the necessary features appear after the update.

Why is Redmi 9 not equipped with the SIM1/SIM2 Rington option?

The lack of direct customization of individual tunes in Redmi 9 is not an accident, but a feature of the MIUI shell. Xiaomi deliberately simplified the interface by removing rarely used options from the main menu.

  • πŸ“± Simplification of the interface: MIUI It is mass-oriented, so rare features are hidden or removed.
  • πŸ”„ Different versions of firmware: On global (Global) and Chinese (China) builds, the set of functions may differ.
  • πŸ“‘ Restrictions of operators: Some SIM-Cards block ringtones from changing through Android settings.
  • πŸ”§ Technical Limitations: On budget models (like Redmi 9), some features are disabled to save resources.

Interestingly, Xiaomi’s flagship models (such as the Mi 11 or Redmi K50) often feature custom ringtones out of the box, because top-end devices get more complete firmware versions with advanced settings, with Redmi 9 owners having to either look for workarounds or install third-party apps.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using MIUI China, some of the methods in this article may not work due to regional restrictions, in which case we recommend reflashing the device to the global version or using applications from third sources.

πŸ“Š What version? MIUI You're using Redmi 9?
Global Stable
Global Beta
China Stable
China Beta
I don't know.

Method 1: Hidden MIUI settings (works on MIUI 12.5 and later)

In some versions of MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 13, the option to assign different ringtones is hidden in the Sounds and Vibrations menu, but does not appear by default.

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Sounds and vibrations.
  2. Scroll down to the phone's Rington section and tap it.
  3. At the top of the screen will appear a small inscription SIM 1 or SIM 2 – click on it.
  4. Choose the right one. SIM-drop-down.
  5. Assign a unique tune to the selected SIM and save the changes.

If the SIM 1/SIM 2 is not written, try another way: in the phone's Rington menu, hold your finger on any ringtone for 2-3 seconds. In some firmware, this causes additional options, including choosing a SIM card.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for setting up ringtones

Done: 0 / 4

If this method doesn't work, don't worry, move on to the next one. Your firmware version probably doesn't support the hidden option, and you'll need to use alternative solutions.

Method 2: Applications for individual ringtones

When standard MIUI settings don't allow you to assign different tunes, third-party utilities come to the rescue, and we tested several apps and selected the most reliable ones:

AnnexSupport for MIUIFeaturesReference
Dual Sim Ringtoneβœ… Yes.Simple interface, MP3 support, vibration settingGoogle Play
Sim Ringtone Setβœ… Yes (requires permission)It works without root, but you need the rights to change system settingsGoogle Play
Ringo⚠️ Partially.Advanced settings, but may conflict with MIUIGoogle Play

The most stable solution for Redmi 9 was the Dual Sim Ringtone application, which requires no root rights and works correctly with MIUI 12.5+.

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Run it and provide all the permissions you have requested (access to contacts, calls, storage).
  3. In the main menu, select Set Ringtone for SIM 1 and assign a tune.
  4. Repeat step 3 for SIM 2.
  5. Restart your phone to apply the changes.

⚠️ Note: Ringtone change apps may conflict with system services MIUI. If after installing the utility, the phone began to brake or spontaneously restart, remove it and use another method.

πŸ’‘

Before installing third-party applications, back up your current ringtones. To do this, copy files from the /system/media/audio/ringtones folder to the cloud storage or to your computer.

Method 3: Configure through contacts (bypass)

If previous methods did not work, you can go another way - assign unique ringtones not for the purpose of the project. SIM-It's not going to give you complete freedom, but it's going to allow you to distinguish calls from the most important callers:

  1. Open the Contacts app.
  2. Choose the contact you want to set a unique tune for.
  3. Tap Edit (pencil icon)
  4. Scroll down to the Rington option and select the file you want.
  5. Save the changes.

This method has limitations:

  • πŸ”• You need to manually adjust the ringtone for each contact.
  • πŸ“ž It doesn’t work for unknown numbers (they’ll call with a standard tune).
  • πŸ“± Requires that the contact be stored in the phone book.

You can use applications like Contact Ringtones to automate the process, which allow you to assign tunes to groups of contacts, for example, all your colleagues at work can be assigned one ringtone and friends can be assigned another.

How to Assign a Ringtone for a Contact Group?
1. In the Contacts app, create a group (e.g., Work). 2. Add the contacts you need. 3. Install Contact Ringtones from Google Play. 4. In the utility settings, select a group and assign it a unique tune.

Method 4: Manual editing of system files (for advanced ones)

This method is suitable for root-rights or custom firmware users, and allows you to manually prescribe different ringtones for each SIM by editing system files.

Procedure:

  1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
  2. Go to /system/media/audio/ringtones and copy your tunes (MP3 or OGG format) to the folder.
  3. Open /system/csc/others.xml file in the text editor.
  4. Find the lines with the parameters SIM1_Ringtone and SIM2_Ringtone (If not, add them manually).
  5. Write down ways to your tunes, for example: <CscFeature_SimSetting_SIM1_Ringtone>/system/media/audio/ringtones/ringtone1.mp3</CscFeature_SimSetting_SIM1_Ringtone> <CscFeature_SimSetting_SIM2_Ringtone>/system/media/audio/ringtones/ringtone2.mp3</CscFeature_SimSetting_SIM2_Ringtone>
  6. Save the file, set the rights to 644 (rw-r--r---) and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: Editing system files without a backup can lead to a device "brick." Before starting work, create a backup through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool. If you don't have root experience, you better use other ways.

After the reboot, check if the changes have been applied. If the ringtones have not changed, make sure that:

  • πŸ“ Melody files have the right paths and formats.
  • πŸ”§ File rights are installed correctly.
  • πŸ”„ You have rebooted your phone (sometimes you need a double reboot).

πŸ’‘

Editing system files is the most powerful, but also the riskiest method, and only use it if other methods have failed and you are confident in your actions.

Problem Solving: Why don't ringtones change?

If the melodies remain the same after all the manipulations, check out the following points:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Ringtones are reset after rebootingMIUI resets the sound settingsUse the Dual Sim Ringtone app with the β€œStart-up on boot” option
No SIM option in the settingsAn outdated version of MIUIUpdate the firmware through Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ System update
Melodies play simultaneouslyConflict between system and user ringtonesRemove all third-party utilities for sound and set up again
The app can't see SIM-mapOperator restrictionsTry another SIM or contact the operator support

A common mistake is trying to assign a ringtone to SIM-a card that is currently inactive (e.g., the second SIM is disabled in the settings) Make sure that both cards are enabled and recognized by the system before setting up. β†’ SIM-Maps and mobile networks and check the status of each SIM.

Another possible cause is an application conflict, and if you have a utility installed to block calls, record conversations, or change sound (like Truecaller, Call Recorder), it can intercept ringtones, and try to temporarily disable those programs and reset them.

Alternatives: How else to distinguish calls?

If none of these methods worked, consider alternative methods to distinguish calls from different ones. SIM-map:

  • πŸ”” Vibration: Set up unique vibration patterns for each SIM in Settings β†’ Sounds and vibrations β†’ Vibration on the bell.
  • πŸ“± Color Indication: Use apps like Sim Info that illuminate the screen in different colors when an incoming call is made.
  • πŸ“ž Voice prompts: Install Announcer, which voices the operator's name before a call (e.g., "MTS is calling").
  • πŸ“Š Call log: B MIUI call-ups SIM marked SIM 1/SIM 2 β€” This will help identify the subscriber after a missed call.

For business users, a two-messaging solution is a good one, for example, you can link the first SIM to WhatsApp and the second to Telegram, so you can see which number the message came from, even if the calls sound the same.

πŸ’‘

If you travel frequently, set up an automatic switch. SIM-Roaming cards. Go to Settings for that. β†’ SIM-map β†’ Roaming settings and select priority SIM for different countries.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up ringtones on Redmi 9

Can I assign different ringtones without root rights?
Yes, in most cases, it is enough to use apps from Google Play (such as Dual Sim Ringtone) or hidden MIUI settings. Root is only required for manual editing of system files.
Why did the MIUI update disappear?
The firmware update resets some user settings, and after the update, you have to reassign the tunes, and if the option is gone, try reverting to the previous version of MIUI or using third-party utilities.
Can I install different tunes for 2G/3G/4G calls?
No, Redmi 9 doesn't have that feature. SIM-It's a card or a contact, but not a network type.
How to get back the standard MIUI ringtones?
Go to Settings β†’ Sounds and Vibrations β†’ Phone Rington and select Default. If you have used third-party apps, delete them and restart the phone.
Does this manual work on Redmi 9A/9C/9T?
Yes, all of the methods described are compatible with the Redmi 9 lineup (including the 9A, 9C, 9T models), as they run on similar versions of the MIUI. The exception is the Redmi 9 Pro, where step adaptation may be required.