Changing the standard call is the first step to personalizing a new smartphone, allowing you to instantly recognize the incoming call among dozens of other devices. Owners of devices based on the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS often face a non-obvious interface where familiar functions can be hidden in unexpected menus. The process of replacing an audio file does not require obtaining superuser rights or installing third-party software, but knowing the right navigation paths significantly speeds up the task.
Modern Xiaomi smartphones have powerful multimedia capabilities, but system restrictions sometimes block direct access to folders with ringtones. Melody installation can be done in several ways: through the built-in Music application, system settings or third-party file managers. Each method has its own characteristics, depending on the version of the Android operating system and the specific modification of the shell.
In this guide, we will discuss all the current ways to replace sound for incoming calls, SMS-You'll learn how to cook audio files properly, cut them to the right length and assign unique signals to different contacts, which will make the use of the gadget more comfortable and personalized.
Preparation of the audio file for installation
Before trying to embed a track into the system, you need to make sure that it is compatible with the phone's software. The most versatile and supported format is MP3, which is correctly reproduced by all components of the MIUI shell. Although the system can support WMA, WAV or OGG formats, using MP3 ensures that there are no errors when selecting a file in the settings menu.
The length and size of the track are important parameters: too long compositions can be incorrectly cut by the system or cause delays when the call is played, and the optimal ringtone duration is 15 to 30 seconds, which is enough to identify the call, but does not irritate the interlocutor while waiting for a response.
The file should be stored in the device’s memory, not on a cloud server, so that the system can instantly access it. If you downloaded music from the Internet, check that it is not protected by digital rights (DRM), which are often found in tracks from streaming services.
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For best compatibility, use files with a bitrate of 128-320 kbps and a sample rate of 44.1 kHz – this is the standard for mobile sound.
If the composition is too long, it must be pre-edited, you can use online services to trim audio or install a specialized editor application from the Google Play Store, and the finished file should be placed in the root of internal memory or in a clear folder, so that it is easy to find.
Installation of ringtones through the Music app
The easiest and most integrated way to replace sound is to use Xiaomi’s regular audio player, which doesn’t require finding hidden menus and works intuitively for most users. The algorithm is the same for all firmware versions, although the item names may vary slightly.
To start, open the Music app and find the file you want in the track list or in the tracks section. After you start playing, click on the More button (usually three dots in the corner of the screen or the menu icon).
- 🎵 The system will automatically prompt you to select the type of signal: for a call, alarm or notification.
- 📱 When you select a “Call” melody will immediately apply to all incoming calls.
- 🔔 If you select “Notification”, the sound will be used for messages from messengers and SMS.
- ⏰ Setting the alarm clock will allow you to wake up to your favorite composition.
In some cases, especially on global firmware versions, the application may request permission to change the system settings of the sound. You must confirm the action to save the ringtone. If the standard player does not see the file, make sure that the application settings include the display of tracks from the device's memory, not just from the online library.
☑️ Pre-installing check
It's worth noting that this method sets the default melody for all contacts, and if you want to assign unique sounds to different subscribers, you'll have to do it separately through the phone book, but the underlying file still has to be uploaded to the system in this or the following way.
Configure through the system menu Sounds
If the player seems uncomfortable or doesn't work, you can use the classic way through system settings, which gives you more detailed control over the types of audio events and allows you to control the volume separately for each type of alert.
Open the smartphone settings menu and find the Sounds and Vibrations section. Depending on the MIUI version, this item may simply be called "Sound." Inside you will find a list of all available system tunes. To add your file, you need to scroll down the list and click on the plus icon or the Add button.
⚠️ Note: On some versions of Android (11 and above), the first time you access your file selection, the system may ask permission to access your media files. Be sure to click "Allow" or you won't see your tracks.
When you click the add button, the file manager will open, and navigation may not be obvious: you often need to manually go to the Internal Drive section and find the folder where the audio file was saved (usually the Download or Music folder), after selecting the file, it will appear in the general ringtones list and be marked as a user file.
You can also set up a vibrator on the same menu to choose whether the phone will vibrate with the sound, and you can also use the "Silence in your pocket" or "Smart silence" feature, which mutes the call if you pick up the phone or put it down with the screen.
Using a File Manager for Advanced
For those who prefer full control of the file system, there is a method of copying files to special system directories, which is especially useful if standard methods do not work or if you want the melody to appear in the system list rather than in the Downloads section.
Using the built-in Explorer app or a third-party manager (such as Total Commander or FX File Explorer), you need to find the downloaded audio file. Next, copy it to one of the root folders of internal memory. Ringtones folder is for ringtones, Notifications is for notifications, and Alarms is for alarms.
Folders for file placement:
/Inner Memory/Ringtones (for calls)
/Inner memory/Notifications (for SMS and messengers)
Internal Memory/Alarms (for alarm clocks)If folders with such names are not at the root of your storage, they can be created manually, observing the register of letters (first capital). After copying the file to the appropriate directory, it is recommended to restart the device. Once the phone is turned on, the melody will be available for selection in the standard list of system sounds without the need to use the Add button.
What to do if folders are not created?
The good thing about this method is that it binds the file to the system, and even if you delete the original from the download folder, the ringtone will remain because it will be in the system directory, and it also helps to avoid problems when the phone returns to the standard horn after cleaning the cache or deleting the downloaded files.
Assigning melodies for individual contacts
One of the most useful features of personalization is the ability to assign a unique tune to a specific person, which allows you to know who is calling without taking the phone out of your pocket or even looking at the screen.
To implement this feature, open the Contacts or Phone app and go to the subscriber card. Click on the Change button (usually a pencil or three dots). In the editing menu, find the Melody or Rington field and click on it.
A standard audio selection window will open, where you can select both the system version and the previously downloaded user file. After saving the changes, the contact card will be updated. Now, when an incoming call from this number, the selected composition will play, ignoring the general audio settings.
| Type of setup | Where applicable | Priority | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common ringtone | All incoming calls | Low. | Low. |
| Contact ringtone | Only the number selected | High-pitched | Medium |
| Sound of the band | Contacts from the same group | Medium. | Tall. |
| Sound. SIM-map | Calls to a specific number | High-pitched | Low. |
Owners of two-symbol devices can also customize different tunes for each SIM-This is done in the "Settings" menu» → «Sounds and vibrations» → «Call sound, where you can select a card 1 or a card 2 and assign an audio file to each, which is especially convenient for separating personal and work contacts.
Solution and technical nuances
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users may face a number of technical limitations. Often the problem is not in the phone itself, but in the file format or access rights. If the selected track does not play or is reset to a standard, check the integrity of the file.
One common problem with newer versions of Android is limiting the application’s access to the file system. If you can’t select a file from the right folder, try moving it to a more public place, such as the Download folder. Also make sure the file isn’t hidden and doesn’t have a read-only attribute.
⚠️ Note: Files with high bitrate (Lossless, FLAC) Or an unusual codec may not be recognized by the system player of ringtones. MP3 before installation.
Another nuance is Do Not Disturb or No Sound mode. Make sure the call volume sliders are not turned to zero. Xiaomi has a separate volume setting for media and for call - check the Call option.
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If the phone resets the melody after rebooting, it means the file has been deleted or moved. Use the Ringtones system folder copy method for reliability.
In rare cases, a third-party call management app or theme may crash. If nothing works, try temporarily changing the theme to a standard one and checking the sound performance, and cleaning the Themes or Sounds app cache through the application management menu also helps.