How to install video ringtone Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Video ringtones on Xiaomi smartphones are not just a fashion trend, but a way to personalize your device to your style. Unlike standard tunes, video ringtones allow you to see an animated image or clip on an incoming call, which makes the process even more memorable. However, not everyone knows that this feature is available not only on the iPhone, but also on most Redmi, POCO and Mi models - the main thing is to set up the system correctly.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to install video ringtones on Xiaomi in 2026, from standard MIUI tools to third-party applications with advanced capabilities. You’ll learn what formats are supported, how to circumvent system limitations and even how to create a unique video ringtone yourself. And if you’re faced with problems like β€œno sound playback” or β€œvideo lags”, at the end of the article there is a section with solutions.

What is a video ringtone and why it doesn’t work out of the box

A video ringtone is a combination of a video file and an audio track that is played when a call is made. Unlike a regular ringtone, it has two components: visual (animation or clip) and audio (melody), which is not as obvious on Xiaomi as it is on iOS, because MIUI does not support video as a ringtone directly.

The main reasons why video ringtones may not work:

  • πŸ“± Limitations MIUI: The standard "Sound" app allows you to select only audio files (MP3, M4A). Videos need to be converted or used bypasses.
  • 🎡 Incompatible formats: Xiaomi smartphones are best at understanding video in the video MP4 codeced H.264 audio AAC. Other formats can cause errors.
  • πŸ”§ Unenforceable: Some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root access (e.g., replacing system files).
  • πŸ“± Version. MIUI: On older versions (below). MIUI 12) video ringtones may not play due to lack of animation support in the call interface.

Important: On Xiaomi 13/14 and Redmi Note 12 models with MIUI 14+, video ringtones are more stable thanks to the optimization of the multimedia engine. If you have an older model (for example, Redmi 9 or POCO X3), you may need to use third-party apps.

πŸ“Š What kind of Xiaomi smartphone do you have?
Redmi Note 12/13
POCO X5/F5
Mi 11/12
Redmi 10/9
Other

Method 1: Installation via the "Themes" appendix (official method)

The easiest way to add video ringtone to Xiaomi is to use the built-in Themes app, which does not require root rights and works on most models with MIUI 12 and later, but there is a limitation: you can only select the videos that are available in the official theme library.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on the home screen).
  2. Go to the Ringtones section (bottom of the screen).
  3. Choose the category Video or Animated (the title may vary depending on the version of MIUI).
  4. View the available options and click on the one you like.
  5. Slip the button Apply β†’ Set as a ringtone.

If there is no section with video, update the Themes app via Google Play or check for system updates in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Update MIUI.

Update MIUI last-minute|Check the vacant space (minimum 500 MB)|Turn off the power saving mode|Close background annexes-->

Method 2: Using third-party apps (Video Ringtone Maker)

If you don't have enough built-in video ringtones, you can use third-party apps, and one of the most popular is Video Ringtone Maker (available on Google Play), which allows you to create video ringtones from any clip, crop them and customize the sound.

How to install video ringtone via Video Ringtone Maker:

  1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
  2. Open the application and allow access to files and contacts (necessary for ringtone operation).
  3. Click Create Video Ringtone and select the video from the gallery.
  4. Cut the clip (maximum duration - 30 seconds for ringtone, 10 seconds for notifications).
  5. Set the volume of the audio and save the file.
  6. Go back to the main menu of the app and select Set as Ringtone.

Advantages of this method:

  • 🎬 The ability to use any video from the gallery or the Internet.
  • πŸ”Š Editing the audio track (you can remove the original sound and add your own melody).
  • πŸ“± It works on all Xiaomi models, including POCO and Black Shark.

Disadvantages: Some users complain about ads in the free version, and to disable it, you can buy a premium version or use an ad blocker.

πŸ’‘

If the video ringtone is played without sound, check if the notification sound is turned off in the Sound settings of the application.

Method 3: Manual replacement of system files (for advanced)

This method is suitable for users who are ready to work with system files. It requires root access or unlocked bootloader, but allows you to install any video ringtone without restrictions.

Instructions:

  1. Download video ringtone in MP4 format (resolution is not higher than 720p, duration up to 30 seconds).
  2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and copy the file to /system/media/audio/ringtones (root rights required).
  3. Rename the file, for example, to my_video_ringtone.mp4.
  4. Change the file access permissions to 644 (readable for all, written only for the owner).
  5. Reset the device.
  6. Go to Settings β†’ Sounds and Vibrations β†’ Rington and select your video file.

Alternative option without root:

  • πŸ“ Use a file manager with access to system folders (e.g. MiXplorer).
  • πŸ”„ Replace the standard video ringtone in the folder /system/media (At the beginning, I made a backup!).
What if the phone doesn’t turn on after replacing the files?
If after manipulating system files Xiaomi stopped booting, try to go to Recovery Mode (press Power + Volume up) and restore the backup. If there is no backup, you will have to refashion the device through Fastboot.

Method 4: Use of Zedge or other ringtone libraries

Zedge is one of the largest libraries of ringtones, wallpaper and video for smartphones, and offers thousands of free video ringtones that can be downloaded and installed in a few clicks. The advantage of Zedge is that it automatically optimizes files for your Xiaomi model.

How to install video ringtone through Zedge:

  1. Download Zedge from Google Play.
  2. Open the app and go to the Video Ringtones section.
  3. Choose your favorite ringtone and click Download.
  4. After downloading, tap the Set as Ringtone button.
  5. Allow the app to access the audio settings (if a request appears).

Features of Zedge:

ParameterDescription
Free contentYeah, but with advertising.
Support for MIUIComplete (including Redmi and POCO)
CustomizationYou can cut the video and change the sound.
Length limitation30 seconds.
FormatsMP4, MOV, 3GP

If Zedge doesn't have the right video, try Ringtone Maker or Video Ringtone, which works the same way, but with different content.

Method 5: Manually create ringtone video (for creative users)

If you want a unique video ringtone, you can create it yourself with video editors, and both mobile applications (CapCut, KineMaster) and desktop programs (Adobe Premiere, Shotcut) are suitable for this.

Requirements for video ringtones for Xiaomi:

  • πŸŽ₯ Format: MP4 (recommended H.264).
  • πŸ“ Permission: up to 720p (1280Γ—720).
  • ⏱️ Duration: 5-30 seconds.
  • πŸ”Š Audio: codec AAC, bitrate not lower than 128 kbps.
  • πŸ“ File size: up to 10 MB (otherwise, there may be lags).

Instructions for establishment:

  1. Open the video editor and import the original clip.
  2. Cut the video to the desired length (optimally - 15-20 seconds).
  3. Add an audio track (you can take from another file or record your own tune).
  4. Export the project to MP4 with settings: Video codec: H.264 Audio codec: AAC Resolution: 720p Bitrate: 2000–3000 kbps (video), 192 kbps (audio)
  5. Move the file to the Ringtones folder on your phone (create it in the root directory if it is not available).
  6. Set the ringtone through Settings β†’ Sounds β†’ Rington.

You can use templates for convenience, like CapCut, which has ready-made ringtones with effects and transitions.

πŸ’‘

High bit rate video ringtones (>5000 kbps) can cause delays in playback, with an optimal balance of 720p at 3,000 kbps.

Problem Solving: Why Video Ringtones Are Not Working

Even after the video is installed correctly, the ringtone may not play, and let's look at the most common problems and their solutions:

Problem 1: Videos are played without sound

  • πŸ”‡ Check if the notification sound is turned off in Settings β†’ Sounds. β†’ Loudness.
  • 🎡 Make sure there is an audio track in the video (check in any player).
  • πŸ”„ Recode the video with the correct audio settings (AAC, 192 kbps).

Problem 2: Videos are lagging or slowing down

  • πŸ“‰ Reduce video resolution to 480p or 360p.
  • ⚑ Close the background applications that consume resources.
  • πŸ”„ Resave a file with a smaller bitrate (e.g., 1500 kbps).

Problem 3: Ringtones reset after reboot

  • πŸ“ Check that the file is in the Ringtones folder (not on the file). SD-map!).
  • πŸ”§ Update. MIUI Up to the latest version (the ringtones bugs were fixed in the MIUI 13+).
  • πŸ› οΈ Use the Ringtone Fix app to restore settings.

Problem 4: Videos are not displayed when you call

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) Video ringtones are played only in hands-free mode. To see the animation, turn on the speaker during the call.

FAQ: Frequent questions about video ringtones on Xiaomi

Can I put a video ringtone on Xiaomi without third-party apps?
Yes, but the options are limited. Themes app has built-in video ringtones, but there are few, and you'll have to use Video Ringtone Maker or analogues to customize it.
Why does video ringtone work only on certain contacts?
In MIUI, you can assign individual ringtones to your contacts. Check the settings of a particular contact: open it in the Contacts app β†’ Change β†’ Rington.
How to make a video ringtone from TikTok or Instagram?
Download the video from a social network (like Snaptube), then crop it to CapCut or Video Ringtone Maker for up to 30 seconds.
Will the video ringtone work after resetting?
No, when you reset to factory settings, all custom ringtones are deleted. To save them, back up the Ringtones folder on your PC or cloud.
Can I put a video ringtone on the alarm?
Unfortunately, the standard Watch app on Xiaomi doesn’t support video ringtones, and the alternative is to use third-party alarm clocks like Sleep as Android.