How to put a ringtone on Xiaomi Mi 8: 5 proven ways

Why is the installation of a ringtone on the Xiaomi Mi 8 raising questions?

The Xiaomi Mi 8, released in 2018, is still popular with users due to its balanced features and support for MIUI updates. However, many owners have difficulty trying to change the standard ringtone, the reason lies in the features of the MIUI shell, which limits access to system files and offers a less intuitive interface for working with sounds.

Unlike newer models (such as the Mi 11 or Redmi Note 12), where the process is simplified, the Mi 8 may need to use alternative methods, from manual file copying to installing third-party applications. In addition, after MIUI updates, the location of settings often changes, which makes it even more difficult. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install the ringtone, including hidden functions and bypassing system limitations.

We will pay special attention to compatibility issues: not all audio formats are supported by default, and some methods may require root permission or disable MIUI protection. If you have not previously worked with the Android file system, we recommend starting with the standard methods - they are safe and do not require additional knowledge.

Method 1: Install ringtones through standard MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use built-in shell tools, which doesn't require superuser rights and is suitable for most users, but there's a limitation: you can only select the tunes that are already uploaded to the system or in the Ringtones folder.

To set the ringtone through settings:

• 📱 Open the Settings app** (cog icon).
• 🔊 Go to the section Sound and vibration.
• 🎵 Select the Melody of the Call (or the Sound of Notifications if you need to change the signal to the Melody of the Call). SMS).
• 📁 In the list that opens, tap on Local Melodies - here you will see all available files from system folders.
• ✅ Select your favorite tune and click OK.

If your file is not on the list, you need to pre-copy it to the correct folder. To do this, connect the phone to your PC via USB (in File Transfer mode) and place the audio file in the Internal Storage → Ringtones directory. After the device is rebooted, the melody will appear in the list.

The file format is MP3, WAV or OGG (MIUI does not support M4A and FLAC)

The length of the track is no more than 30 seconds (otherwise it will be cut automatically)

Volume normalized (use Audacity for correction)

The file is renamed in Latin (Cyrillic may cause an error)

-->

⚠️ Warning: If the Ringtones folder is missing, create it manually. MIUI Hide system directories – enable the display of hidden files in the file manager.

Method 2: Using a file manager for manual installation

If the standard method didn't work, or if you want to use a tune from anywhere on your phone, you can get around the limitations of MIUI with a file manager, which doesn't require root rights, but involves working with system folders.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with access to root folders (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/media/audio/ringtones (this may require you to enable Root access in the manager settings).
3. Copy your audio file into this folder. Importantly, the file must have a.mp3 or.ogg extension and access rights 644 (rw-r----).
4. Reboot the phone.
5. After the reboot, the melody will appear in the list of standard ringtones.

If the /system folder is not available for writing, try the alternative path: /sdcard/MIUI/ringtone. Some versions of MIUI scan this directory as well. The main thing is to make sure that the file has the correct name without spaces and special characters.

Method 3: Applications for installing ringtones (without root)

If you don’t want to manually copy files, you can use third-party apps from Google Play, which automate the process and often offer additional features, such as cropping tracks or converting formats.

Top.-3 Proven applications for Xiaomi Mi 8:

• 🎧 Zedge is the largest database of ringtones and wallpapers, and it allows you to download tunes directly to the desired folder.
• 🔊 Ringtone Maker is a tool for cropping tracks and installing them as a ringtone. MP3, WAV, AAC.
• 📱 MP3 Cutter and Ringtone Maker is a simple pre-hearsal tool, perfect for creating ringtones from your favorite songs.

How to install ringtone through Zedge:

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. Run it and select the Ringtones section.
3. Find your favorite tune and click on it.
4. In the window that opens, tap Set as ringtone (or Set as ringtone).
5. Confirm your choice in a system dialogue.

Zedge

Ringtone Maker

MP3 Cutter

Standard settings of MIUI

Other-->

⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g. Zedge) request access to storage and audio settings. If you refuse permissions, you will not be able to install a ringtone. SMS or contacts – this could be a sign of malware.

Method 4: Install ringtones via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work and root rights don’t work, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your phone to a PC and basic command line knowledge, but bypasses MIUI restrictions without risking losing warranty.

Step-by-step:

1. Install. ADB-Drivers and Platform Tools on your computer (you can download from the Android developer website).
2. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode. Then go back to Settings → Additional → Developer Tools and enable debugging.
3. Connect Xiaomi Mi 8 to your PC via USB and select File Transfer mode.
4. Open the command line (or Terminal) on your PC and execute the command: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
5. Copy the audio file to the system folder: adb push C:\path\to\your\ringtone.mp3 /sdcard/Ringtones/ (replace the path with the current one).
6. Set file rights: adb shell chmod 644 /sdcard/Ringtones/ringtone.mp3
7. Reboot the phone.

Once rebooted, the melody will appear in the list of standard ringtones, a technique that is particularly useful if MIUI ignores files in the Ringtones folder for unknown reasons.

💡

If the adb device command doesn’t find your phone, try reinstalling drivers or using another one. USB-cable (preferably original) Also check if the firewall is blocking the connection.

Method 5: Install ringtones with Magisk (for root devices)

If your Xiaomi Mi 8 has an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed, you can use modules to adjust the sounds flexibly, which is suitable for advanced users, as it requires modification of system files.

Instructions:

• 🔓 Install Magisk Manager and make sure root access works (check through the Root Checker app).
• 📥 Download the Audio Modification Library* (available from Magisk repository).
• 🛠 Install the module via Magisk Manager and restart your phone.
• 🎼 After rebooting in the audio settings, you will be able to select any audio files from the device, including those in the Music or Downloads folders.

The advantage of this method is that there are no restrictions on the format, length or location of the file. However, be careful: incorrect installation of modules can lead to a bootloop. TWRP.

💡

Using Magisk to install ringtones is the most flexible method, but it voids the warranty and can disrupt the work. OTA-update MIUI.

Problem Solving: Why is the ringtone not installed?

Even if you follow the instructions, you may encounter errors, and let's look at the typical problems and their solutions.

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

• 🔍 Check the file format — MIUI supports MP3, WAV and OGG.
• 📌 Make sure the file is in the correct folder (Ringtones, MIUI/ringtone).
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the system doesn’t update the tone list without restarting.

Problem 2: When installing the ringtone, the error “failed to install” appears.

• 🛠 Check the file access permissions (should be 644).
• 🗑 Clear the Settings and Media Storage app cache.
• 📱 Update. MIUI until the latest version - in old firmware there are bugs with sounds.

Problem 3: The ringtone is cut off or playing with distortions.

• 🎛 Check the bitrate of the file – optimally 128-192 kbps.
• ⏱ Make sure the track length is less than 30 seconds (otherwise). MIUI cut it off automatically).
• 🔊 Try converting the file to another format (e.g., from a M4A into MP3).

If neither method worked, it could be a damaged firmware or conflict of Magisk modules, in which case resetting to factory settings or flashing through Fastboot will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing ringtones on Xiaomi Mi 8