How to Set Different Melodies on Two SIM-Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: 3 Proven Ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 remains one of the most popular smartphones with support for two SIM-But many users are faced with the problem: how to make each SIM has its own unique ringtone? MIUI They're not always intuitive, and some firmware has a hidden option. In this article, we'll look at all the working methods, from built-in tools to circumventing restrictions through third-party applications.

It's important to understand that the ability to assign different tunes depends on the MIUI version and regional firmware. For example, in global versions, the option is often available out of the box, and in Chinese (CN) you may need additional customization. We tested all methods on the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 12-14 and prepared step-by-step instructions with nuanced consideration.

If you're tired of confusing which SIM is ringing, or if you want to assign different ringtones for work and personal contacts, this article will help you figure it out, and we'll also show you how to get around the restrictions if your version of MIUI doesn't directly support the function.

Why Redmi Note 9 can’t have different tunes SIM-map?

The problem lies in Xiaomi’s policy and the features of the MIUI shell. In some regional versions of the firmware, the option is deliberately disabled – for example, in Chinese assemblies (CN ROM), it is not available due to local telecommunications standards. In global and European versions (EU/Global ROM), the feature is usually available, but can be hidden in an obscure place.

Another reason is MIUI updates. After major updates (for example, when you switch from MIUI 12 to MIUI 13), the audio settings sometimes reset or change the location. If you used to have different ringtones assigned and disappeared after the update, this is not a bug, but a feature of the new version.

  • πŸ“± Regional firmware: in CN-ROM Option disabled, in Global/EU β€” available.
  • πŸ”„ Updates MIUI: After the updates, the sound menu may change.
  • πŸ› οΈ Xiaomi sometimes limits functionality in budget models.
  • 🎡 System Limitations: Android 10+ He sets his own rules for sound management.

On the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 14 (Android 12) The function of individual ringtones for SIM It only works if the settings include the "Double" option. SIM Always active" (Settings) β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ If this item is disabled, the system ignores individual melodies.

πŸ“Š What firmware are you using on the Redmi Note 9?
Global ROM (Global ROM)
European (EU ROM)
Chinese (CN ROM)
LineageOS (Pixel Experience)
I don't know.

Method 1: Assigning melodies through standard MIUI settings

If your Redmi Note 9 is running on global or European firmware, the easiest way is to use built-in tools.

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Go to the section Sound and vibration.
  3. Select item Sound. SIM-cards (or a call melody for the SIM newer).
  4. Click on SIM 1 or SIM 2 and select the tune from the list.
  5. Repeat for the second SIM.

If the item Sound SIM-No map, try an alternative path:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ SIM-cards and mobile networks.
  2. Choose the right one. SIM-map, SIM 1).
  3. Slip on the Call Sound or the Melody.

Important: in some versions MIUI Melodies are not assigned for SIM-So you can assign a unique ringtone to a number in the phone book, not a SIM, but a unique ringtone, which is not exactly what you need, but partially solves the problem.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings β†’ About the phone

Make sure both of you SIM-card-activated

Download the desired tunes to the phone memory (MP3 or M4A format)

Restart your phone if the settings do not apply-->

Method 2: Use the Dual Ringtone application

If the standard settings don’t work, the third-party Dual Ringtone for Dual app will help. SIM (It's available on Google Play. It creates virtual audio profiles for each of them. SIM-maps and circumvents restrictions MIUI. The app is free but contains advertising.

Instructions for setting:

  1. Install Dual Ringtone from Play Market.
  2. Open the application and grant permissions to access Contacts and Phone.
  3. Select SIM 1 and assign a tune from the library or download yours.
  4. Repeat for SIM 2.
  5. Activate the option to turn on double ringtone (toggle at the top of the screen).

The app works even on Chinese firmware (CN ROM), but there are nuances:

  • πŸ”Š The sound can be played with a delay of 1-2 seconds.
  • πŸ“΄ Some tunes are cut (resolved by converting to a MP3 128 kbit/s bitrate).
  • πŸ”„ After updating MIUI You may need to re-configure.

⚠️ Note: Double ringtone apps require permission to overlay over other windows (Settings) β†’ Special facilities β†’ Overlaying. Without it, the function will not work.

What to do if the app does not see the second SIM-map?
If the Dual Ringtone does not detect the second SIM, check: 1. β†’ SIM-2. Are there any restrictions from the operator (some virtual operators block the change of sounds). 3. Restart the phone and reset. If the problem persists, try the alternative application Sim Ringtone Changer (also in the Play Market).

Method 3: Manual assignment via file system (for advanced)

This is a good method if you're willing to work with system files, it requires root rights or ADB, but it gives you 100% control over ringtones, and you're not going to do it right, you can crash the system!

Algorithm of action:

  1. Download the desired tunes in.ogg format (Android is better at this format for system sounds).
  2. Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version – tap 7 times, then go back to Additional β†’ For Developers).
  3. Use it. ADB-commands to copy files to system folders: adb push ringtone1.ogg /system/media/audio/ringtones/ adb push ringtone2.ogg /system/media/audio/ringtones/
  4. Assign sounds through Settings β†’ Sound and vibration β†’ Call melody.

If root rights are not available, you can do without ADB:

  • πŸ“ Put the tunes in the folder. /sdcard/Ringtones/ (Make it if you don't).
  • πŸ”„ Reboot the phone.
  • 🎡 Now the sounds will be available in the standard menu of selection ringtones.
MethodNeed root?Works for CN ROM?Difficulty
Standard settings of MIUI❌ No.❌ No, only. Global/EU)⭐Easy
Dual Ringtone appendix❌ No.βœ… Yes.⭐⭐Medium
Manual copying of filesβœ… Yes. ADB)βœ… Yes.⭐⭐⭐Hard
Appointment through contacts❌ No.βœ… Yes.⭐Easy

⚠️ Attention: When in use ADB or root, make sure that the tune files have the correct access rights (chmod 644), otherwise the system will not see them.

πŸ’‘

If you change tunes frequently, create a folder /sdcard/Media/Ringtones/ and store all the sounds there. MIUI automatically scans this directory and adds files to the selection list.

How to assign different tunes for specific contacts

If separate ringtones are for SIM-The alternative is to assign unique sounds to individual contacts, which is useful if you want to distinguish calls from colleagues, family or spammers.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Contacts app.
  2. Select the desired contact and tap on Edit (pencil icon).
  3. Scroll down to Call Melody (or Notification Sound).
  4. Select a tune from the list or upload yours.
  5. Save the changes.

This method works regardless of the version. MIUI The only downside is that you have to manually adjust each contact, but you can assign unique sounds not only to make calls, but also to make them. SMS or notifications from messengers.

Tip: Use short, easily recognizable tunes for important contacts, like a classic call for your boss, a fun ding-dong for your family, and a quiet signal for spam.

πŸ’‘

Assigning tunes through contacts is the only reliable way that works on all versions of MIUI, including Chinese firmware (CN ROM).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after you set it up properly, you can have failures, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

  • πŸ”• Melodies don’t change: restart your phone or check if your settings have reset after the update. MIUI.
  • 🎡 The sound is not playing the same: make sure the tune files are not corrupted (check on PC).
  • πŸ“΅ Second second SIM Not calling: check if it is active in Settings β†’ SIM-map.
  • πŸ”Š Quiet sound: Increase the volume in Settings β†’ Sound and vibration β†’ Loudness.

If after all the manipulations ringtones do not work, try to reset the sound settings to the standard:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ System and device β†’ Reset settings.
  2. Select Resetting Sound Settings.
  3. Reboot your phone and reset the tunes.

On the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 13 and newer after resetting the sound settings may disappear item "Sound" SIM-To return it, upgrade to the latest version of the firmware or use the method with the Dual Ringtone application.

Can I assign different tunes for calls and SMS?
Yes, but only through third-party apps like Dual Ringtone or manually through contact settings. Standard MIUI tools allow you to change only the ringtone of the call, and the SMS sound is customized separately in Settings β†’ Sound and vibration β†’ Notification Sound.
Why did all the tunes drop after the MIUI update?
This is a feature of the system: with large updates (for example, with the MIUI 12 on MIUI 13) Custom audio settings are reset. To avoid the problem, back up the folder before updating. /sdcard/Ringtones/ and restore it after rebooting.
Does this method work on the Redmi Note 9 Pro or Note 9S?
Yes, the instruction is relevant to the entire Redmi Note 9 lineup (including the Pro, Pro Max and 9S), as they run on similar versions of the MIUI. The exception is the Chinese market model (CN ROM), where additional customization may be required.
Can I use my own tunes instead of the standard ones?
Sure! Just put MP3, M4A or OGG files in /sdcard/Ringtones/. Once rebooted, they will appear in the available tunes list. The optimal duration is 15 to 30 seconds, otherwise the sound may be cut off.
What to do if the settings do not include "Sound" SIM-map"?
This means that your version of MIUI does not support the function directly. Use one of the solutions: Install the Dual Ringtone app. Assign tunes through Contacts. Update the firmware to the latest global version (if you use CN ROM).