How to install ringtones on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all the ways from standard to hidden

Installing a custom ringtone on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 seems like a simple task, but many users face unexpected difficulties: standard tunes get bored quickly, and downloaded files do not appear in the selection list. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change the ringtone, from basic MIUI settings to little-known tricks with the file system.

The peculiarity of Redmi 9 (codename lancelot) is that it works on a custom shell. MIUI, It restricts access to some system folders, which means that you can just copy it. MP3-The file in the memory of the phone is not enough – you need to know which folder to place it in and how to circumvent the restrictions MIUI We tested all the methods on firmware. MIUI 12-14 and identified those that work stably.

Important: If you are using Redmi 9A, Redmi 9C or Redmi 9T, the instructions will be adjusted for the MIUI version (these models may have different paths to system folders). To check your version, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

1. Installation of the ringtone through standard MIUI settings

The most obvious way is to use built-in tools, which is suitable if you are happy with standard tunes or you have already uploaded files to the correct folder.

Steps:

• 📱 Open the Settings app** (cog icon).
• 🔊 Go to the section Sound and vibration.
• 🎵 Click the Call Melody (or Rington in some versions) MIUI).
• 📁 At the top of the screen, select the Local tab (for custom files) or MIUI (standard).
• ✅ Select the right tune and press OK.

If the Locals list is empty, you haven't put the files in the correct folder.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI caches media files. If you just added a ringtone but it doesn't appear on the list, restart your phone or clear the Media Storage app's cache in Settings. → Annexes → Application management.

2.Where to save ringtones on Redmi 9: the right folders

MIUI searches for custom ringtones in strictly defined folders, and if you just copy a file to Downloads or desktop, the system won't see it.

Create a phone on internal memory (not on the phone) SD-The following folders (if not available):

• 📁 /Ringtones/ — ring-melodies;
• 📁 /Notifications/ — notice-in;
• 📁 /Alarms/ — alarm-box.

The folder names should be in English exactly as stated above (with capital letters, no spaces).

1. Copy them into them. MP3-files (maximum size – 5 MB, optimal bitrate – 128-192 kbit / s).
2. Reboot the phone.
3. Check the presence of files in Settings → Sound → Call Melody → Local.

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If folders are not displayed in the file manager, turn on the display of hidden files: open Files → ⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files.

3.Use of a file manager to install a ringtone

If the standard method didn’t work, try installing the ringtone through Xiaomi’s Files manager** or a third-party app (like Solid Explorer).

Instructions:

1. Open the Files app.
2. Go to the folder where yours is stored. MP3-file (e.g., downloads).
3. Long press on file → Cut out.
4. Go to the root directory of internal memory (click on it) ↑ top-screen).
5. Create a Ringtones folder (if it doesn’t exist) and paste the file.
6. Reboot the phone.

After the reboot, the file should appear in Settings → Sound → Call Melody → Local. If not, check:

• 🔍 File format (should be) MP3 or M4A);
• 📏 Size (not more than 5 MB);
• 📛 Name (without Cyrillic and special symbols, for example, my_ringtone.mp3).

4. Installation of ringtones through third-party applications

If MIUI persists in not seeing your files, third-party utilities will come to the rescue. We tested 3 reliable applications:

1. Files by Google (for file search): 🔍 Quick search for all folders; 📁 Easy file management; 🔄 Built-in cache cleaning.

How to install ringtone through Zedge:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open Zedge and find your favorite ringtone.
3. Click Download, then Set as a ringtone.
4. Select the Melody of the Call and confirm.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (e.g, MP3 Cutter) save ringtones to your own folders. Once you create the file, manually move it to your own folder. /Ringtones/, otherwise MIUI He'll never see it.

5. Hidden method: manual editing of the MIUI database

This is a method for power users, and it works if MIUI, for whatever reason, ignores the files in the Ringtones folder, despite the proper design, and you need to access the system files through Root or ADB.

Instructions (without Root, via ADB):

1. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC and enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times click on the build number → Return to Additional → For Developers).
2. Download ADB Tools and unpack.
3. Open the command line in the folder with ADB Enter adb shell content insert --uri content://media/external/audio/media --bind name:"my_ringtone" --bind is_ringtone:1 --bind is_music:0 --bind data:"/storage/emulated/0/Ringtones/my_ringtone.mp3" --bind size:1024000 --bind mime_type:"audio/mp3" Replace. my_ringtone.mp3 in the name of your file.
4. Reboot the phone.

If the command is executed without error, the ringtone will appear in the list, which bypasses the MIUI cache and forcibly adds the file to the media base.

6.Problems and Solutions: Why the Ringtone Is Not Installed

Even after completing all the steps, Redmi 9 users sometimes encounter errors.

If none of these methods helped, reset the sound settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Settings (app) → Storage → Clear the data.
3. Reboot the phone and reset the ringtone.

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On Redmi 9 with MIUI 13+, the /Ringtones/ folder may not be automatically created. Always check for it manually through the file manager.

FAQ: Frequent questions about ringtones on Xiaomi Redmi 9