How to install your sound on SMS in Xiaomi: all ways and life hacks

Getting a text message with unique audio is not only a way to stand out, but also a convenient tool for quickly recognizing important messages. Owners of Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI often face a limited selection of standard tunes, but the possibilities of customization are much broader than it seems. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install your own sound on SMS – from built-in functions to bypassing restrictions through third-party applications.

It is important to understand that the process may differ depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and the device model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.).We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions with the latest updates in 2026. If you have previously tried to change the sound of notifications, but without success, here you will find solutions for typical problems, including the lack of an option in the menu or reset after the update.

Why Xiaomi can’t just replace SMS sound with Settings?

Many users wonder why MIUI doesn't have a direct "Set Your Sound" option for SMS, as opposed to calls or alarm clocks, because of the system's architecture:

• 🔒 Security constraints: MIUI Blocks changing system sounds to prevent conflicts with applications.
• 📱 Separation of notifications: SMS and messengers (such as WhatsApp) use different notification channels, which complicates the universal setting.
• 🔄 Firmware updates: After major updates (for example, with MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) settings may be reset.

However, these limitations are bypassed. Next, we will look at both official methods (via Settings → Sounds) and alternative methods using a file manager or applications like Zedge. Importantly, on devices with an unlocked bootloader (for example, after firmware is flashed via Fastboot), some methods may not work stable.

Method 1: Install custom sound through standard MIUI settings

The safest and easiest method is to use built-in tools, which is suitable for most models (Redmi 10, POCO F4, Xiaomi 12 and later) on MIUI 12-14.

1. Download the audio file in.mp3,.ogg or.wav format (up to 30 seconds, up to 1 MB in size).
2. Place the file in the Ringtones or Notifications folder on the internal storage (create it manually if it is not available).
3. Open Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Notification sounds.
4. Select Other Sounds (or Local in some versions) – your file should appear in the list.

If the sound doesn't come up,

• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes MIUI Does not update the list of files in real time.
• 📁 Check that the file does not contain any special characters in the name (for example, my_tone.mp3, Not my tune!.mp3).
• 🔊 Make sure the volume of notifications is not set to a minimum in Settings → Sounds.

File format: MP3/OGG/WAV

Duration ≤ 30 seconds

Size ≤ 1 MB

File name without spaces and special characters

File is in a folder. Ringtones/Notifications-->

Method 2: Using the Zedge app to customize sounds

If the standard method didn't work or you want more options, the Zedge app (available on Google Play) offers thousands of free tunes and notifications.

1. Install Zedge and open the Notification Sounds section.
2. Choose the sound you like and click Set → SMS.
3. Confirm permissions for the application (access to storage and notifications).

The advantages of Zedge:

• 🎵 Library of sounds with preliminary listening.
• 🔄 Automatic update of the collection.
• 📱 Compatibility with MIUI 14 and Android 13.

⚠️ Note: Some sounds in Zedge may contain ads at the beginning of the file.

Alternatives to Zedge:

• Ringtone Maker – to cut their tracks.
• Notification Sounds is a minimalist app with basic tunes.

Method 3: Manually copy files through file manager (for advanced ones)

This is a method that works for users who are ready to work with system folders, and it allows you to set any sound, including those that are not displayed in the standard menu.

• 📱 File Manager with access to root folders (e.g. MiXplorer or Solid Explorer).
• 🔧 Developer mode enabled (activated via Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — press 7 times).

Instructions:

1. Copy the sound file (for example, custom_sms.mp3) device.
2. Open the file manager and follow the path: /system/media/audio/notifications/ (if the folder is missing, use /system/media/audio/ringtones/).
3. Insert the file into the folder and set rights 644 (read for all, write for the owner only).
4. Restart the device and check for sound in Settings → Sounds.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly changing system files can cause crashes.We recommend backing up your audio folder before editing.

Compatibility table with MIUI versions

Not all methods work on all firmware versions, and here is a compatibility summary table for popular models:

For MIUI 14 devices (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), we recommend combining Zedge with standard settings. If you use custom firmware (such as Xiaomi.EU), check for Custom notification sounds in the developer menu.

Method 4: Adjusting through ADB (for tech-savvy)

If previous methods have not worked, you can apply them. ADB-This method does not require root rights, but you need a computer with installed Xiaomi drivers and tools. ADB.

Step-by-step:

1. Download Google’s Platform Tools and unpack it on PC.
2. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings on your phone.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute on the command line: Adb devices (should display your device).
4. Copy the audio file to the system folder: adb push custom_sms.mp3 /sdcard/Ringtones/
5. Install it as notification sound: adb shell settings put system notification_sound /sdcard/Ringtones/custom_sms.mp3

Advantages of the method:

• 🔧 It works even on locked devices.
• 🔄 Doesn't require a reboot.

⚠️ Attention: When in use ADB Avoid commands that change system files directly (e.g., adb shell mv in a folder) /system). This can lead to bootloop (a looped boot load).

adb shell settings get system notification_sound

If the path is different from your file, repeat step 5 with the correct path.-->

Solving typical problems when installing sound on SMS

Even following the instructions, users are faced with common errors, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:

• 🔕 Sound does not appear in the list: Check the file extension (should be.mp3, not.mp3.mp3), Move it to the Ringtones root folder and reboot the phone.
• 🔊 The sound is played but quiet: Increase the volume of notifications in Settings → Sounds or normalize the volume of the file through an audio editor (e.g. Audacity).
• 🔄 After updating MIUI sound reset: This is standard system behavior.Repeat settings or use Zedge to automatically recover.
• 📵 Sound works, but not for all SMS: Check the settings of a particular contact - it may have a customized signal set up for it.

If the problem persists, try resetting the sound settings to standard:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Messages (or Messages) and select Warehouse.
3. Click Clear the cache and restart the device.

💡

On dual-devices SIM-For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G) The texting sound may differ for each card. Set it up separately in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Notification sounds.

FAQ: Frequent questions about SMS audio setup in Xiaomi