How to install your ringtone on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Are you tired of the standard ringing melodies on your Xiaomi and want to install your favorite song or unique sound? In this article, we will examine all possible ways, from simple MIUI settings to advanced methods using a file manager and third-party applications. No matter what smartphone you have – Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Xiaomi 14 flagship, the manual will be suitable for all devices based on MIUI 14/15.

Note that the process may vary slightly depending on the firmware version and the phone model. If you're using Xiaomi with a global or Chinese version of MIUI, some menu items may be called differently, and we've taken these nuances into account and provided universal solutions.

Preparation: What file format is suitable for ringtones

Before installing your ringtone, make sure your audio file meets the system's requirements. MIUI supports the following formats:

• 🎵 MP3 — The most universal format recommended for ringtones
• 🔊 M4A (AAC) — Good quality with a small file size
• 📁 WAV — without loss of quality, but takes up a lot of space
• 🎶 OGG — It is rarely used, but it is also supported.

The optimal parameters for ringtones:

If your file does not meet these requirements, use any audio editor (such as Audacity or mp3cut.net) to convert. MIUI does not support DRM-protected files - such tracks will not appear in the list of available ringtones.

⚠️ Note: Do not use files with extension.m4r (iPhone ringtones – they won’t be recognized by Xiaomi.

Method 1: Install ringtones through standard MIUI settings

It is the simplest method that requires no additional applications, and is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 12 and later.

Steps:

1. Place the audio file in the phone’s memory (internal or on the phone) SD-map).
2. Open the Settings app.
3. Go to the section Sound and vibration.
4. Press the ringing melody.
5. In the upper right corner, select Local Music.
6. Find your file in the list and click on it.

If your file is not displayed:

• 🔍 Make sure it is in the root folder or in the Ringtones folder.
• 📂 Try moving the file to the folder MIUI/ringtone (Create it manually if it doesn’t exist)
• 🔄 Reboot your phone after copying the file

File in MP3/M4A/WAV format

Duration up to 30 seconds

The file is copied to the phone memory

The folder for ringtones is created (if necessary)

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On some models (such as Xiaomi 13T), you may need to additionally click Add or Select from files in the tune menu.

Method 2: Using a file manager for manual installation

If the standard method didn't work, you can manually put the file in the ringtones system folder, which requires a little bit more action, but works on 100% of the devices.

Instructions:

1. Open any file manager (e.g. Files by Google or standard MI File Manager).
2. Go to the root directory of internal memory.
3. Create a Media folder (if not), and inside it is an Audio folder.
4. Inside Audio, create folders: Ringtones for Notifications ringing tunes – for Alarms notifications – for alarm clocks

Place your audio file in the appropriate folder.

Reboot the phone.

Once you reboot, your ringtone will appear in the standard tone list, which works because MIUI automatically scans those folders when you start.

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If folders are not displayed, turn on the display of hidden files in the file manager settings (usually in the Settings → Show hidden files menu).

For Android 13+ models (such as Xiaomi 14), you may need to provide permission to access files. If the system requests permission, select Allow Media.

Method 3: Installation through the Music app

Many users are unaware that the standard Mi Music app (or Google Play Music on global versions) can be used to install ringtones.

How to do this:

1. Open the Music app.
2. Find the track you want to use as a ringtone.
3. Click on the three dots next to the track and select Use as.
4. In the menu that appears, select the Melody of the Call.

How to install ringtone through Zedge:

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. Open Zedge and find your favorite ringtone.
3. Click on it and select Set as ringtone.
4. Confirm the installation in the window that appears.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (especially from unknown sources) may request excessive permissions. SMS or ringtone contacts.

Xiaomi users with Android 12+ may need to manually allow the app to change system settings. This is done in Settings → Applications → Special Access → Change system settings.

Standard settings of MIUI

Zedge

Ringtone Maker

Other appendix

I don't set up custom ringtones.-->

Method 5: Using ADB for Advanced Users

This is a method that's suitable for those who want to install the ringtone as a system file, and it requires a computer connection and knowledge of ADB commands, but it allows maximum customization.

What you'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools
• 📱 Included debugging by USB phone-on
• 🔌 USB-plug-in

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to your computer and allow debugging over USB.
2. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
3. Copy your audio file to the system folder: adb push your file.mp3 /sdcard/MIUI/ringtone/
4. Set file rights: adb shell chmod 644 /sdcard/MIUI/ringtone/your file.mp3
5. Reboot the phone.

After the reboot, your ringtone will be available in the standard tone list, a technique that is especially useful if you want the ringtone to be available after resetting.

Problem Solving: The ringtone is not installed

Sometimes, even after all the manipulations, the ringtone doesn't appear on the list or get installed, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🔄 Update MIUI last-minute
• 🧹 Clear the application cache Settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Settings → Clear the cache)
• 📱 Reset the sound settings (Settings) → Sound and vibration → Resetting settings)

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If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS), the process of installing the ringtone may be different, in which case use the /Media/Audio/ folder method or third-party apps.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing ringtones on Xiaomi