How to put a video ringtone Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: all working ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is still one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its ability to customize multimedia notifications often remains underrated. Many users do not even suspect that this device can install video as a ringtone — instead of a standard sound signal when an incoming call will play an animated clip with a favorite tune, not only an original way of personalization, but also a great marketing ploy for brands or just a fun thing for friends.

However, unlike Xiaomi’s flagship models, where video ringtones are sometimes integrated out of the box, the Redmi Note 9 (codenamed merlin) requires little manipulation. In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways, from official MIUI solutions to third-party workarounds, and learn how to get around system limitations and why some videos may not play correctly.

Does Redmi Note 9 support video ringtones out of the box?

The standard MIUI firmware for the Redmi Note 9 (including MIUI 12/13/14) does not officially support installing video as a ringtone through phone settings. The Settings menu → Sounds and Vibration → Ringtone only available audio files of.mp3,.m4a or.ogg formats. This limitation is due to performance optimization and battery savings - video requires more resources for real-time decoding.

However, there are two workarounds:

• 📱 Using live wallpaper with sound is a semi-official method where the video is played as animation on the lock screen when the call is made.
• 🛠️ Third-party applications are specialized utilities that emulate the video ringtones function by overlaying on top of a standard interface.
• 🔧 Modification of system files for advanced users (requires root rights).

It's important to understand that none of these methods guarantee 100% stability, for example, when using live wallpaper, videos can stutter or play out of sync with sound if resource-intensive applications are running in the background, and third-party programs sometimes conflict with MIUI updates, which leads to crashes.

Method 1: Live wallpaper with sound (official workaround)

This method doesn't add video directly to the ringtone settings, but it creates a visual effect of an animated screen when the call is in.

1. Download the video you want to use in.mp4 format (resolution no higher than 1920×1080 for optimal performance).
2. Convert it to.gif or.mov using online services (e.g. EZGIF).
3. Install the resulting file as a live wallpaper through the Wallpaper application (included in the standard MIUI set).

Next, you need to turn on the "Animation on the call" option in the wallpaper settings.

1. Go to the settings → Wallpaper → Live wallpaper.
2. Select the downloaded file and activate the slider "Show animations at notifications".
3. In the Settings → Sounds and Vibration menu, set the audio track from this video as a standard ringtone.

The downside is that the animation will only play on the lock screen, not on top of the entire interface, and if the video is longer than 10 seconds, the system can crop it or play it late.

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For the best result, use a video with clear contrast and a minimum amount of detail - so the animation will look smoother on the screen. AMOLED-Redmi Note 9 screen.

Method 2: Video ringtone applications (top)-3 decision)

If you want a full video over the interface when you call, you'll have to go to third-party utilities, and we've tested dozens of apps from Google Play and selected the three most stable ones for the Redmi Note 9:

Instructions for setting up (for example, Video Ringtone Maker):

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. Import a video from the gallery or record a new one (maximum duration – 30 seconds).
3. Cut the video to the desired fragment (we recommend leaving 5-8 seconds for smooth playback).
4. Click "Install as a ringtone" and select "Video + sound".
5. In the application settings, activate the option "Show over other windows".

⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g. Zedge) require permission to "Overlaid on Other Apps." Without this, the video will not show when the call is in. To enable permission, go to Settings. → Annexes → Special access → Overlay over other applications and activate the slider for the selected program.

Method 3: Manual addition via file system (for advanced)

This method is suitable for users with unlocked bootloader and root rights. It allows you to embed video ringtones directly into MIUI system files, but requires caution - incorrect actions can lead to a bootloop (locked device reboot).

Procedure:

1. Download the video in.mp4 format (resolution no higher than 720p, bitrate up to 2 Mbit / s).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and use an ADB or root-access file manager (such as Root Explorer) to copy the file to /system/media/audio/ringtones/
3. Edit the file. media_profiles.xml file /system/etc/, line: <Ringtone name="video_ringtone" path="your_video.mp4" />
4. Restart the device and check for video in the ringtones list.

Critical: This only works on MIUI firmware 12 and below. In MIUI 13/14, Xiaomi has tightened control over system folders, and the video may not appear in the settings menu even after editing.

Why Video Ringtones May Not Work: Common Mistakes

Even if you do everything according to the instructions, the video may not play when you call, and here are the most common reasons and solutions.

• 🎵 No sound in the video -- make sure that the audio track is not separate from the video file. Use programs like this. VLC or Audacity for inspection.
• 🐢 Video Lags – Reduce resolution to 480p Or convert to.mkv with a codec. H.264.
• 🔕 Video does not show over the call – make sure that the app settings are overlayed (Display over other apps).
• 📵 It only works on the lock screen – this is a feature MIUI. Full-screen video is only possible through third-party utilities.

Another common problem is the conflict with the power saving mode. If the Redmi Note 9 activates the option "Ultra-Saving Mode" (c Settings) → Battery, the system can block video playback to save charge:

1. Turn off ultra-mode or add a ringtone app to exceptions.
2. In the battery settings, select "High Performance" for the application.

Video length of no more than 30 seconds

The file format is.mp4 or.mkv.

Resolution no higher than 720p

The soundtrack is not separate from the video

Ultra-Battery Saving Mode Disabled

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How to optimize video for ringtones: technical tips

So that the video is played smoothly and doesn't drain the battery, you have to prepare it properly.

• 📏 Permission: Optimal — 640×480 or 854×480 (ratio 16:9). Higher resolution won’t make any visual difference on Redmi Note screen 9 (pixel density — 399 PPI), It will increase the load on the processor.
• ⚙️ Codec: Video — H.264 (AVC), audio — AAC. Avoid. H.265 and VP9 — They require hardware decoding that may not be supported.
• 🎞️ Bitrate: Video - up to 1.5 Mbit / s, audio - up to 128 kbit / s. Higher values lead to lags.
• ⏱️ Duration: Perfect 5-10 seconds long videos can be cut or played with a delay.

For conversion, we recommend using HandBrake (free) or Adobe Media Encoder. Example commands for FFmpeg:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "scale=854:480" -c:v libx264 -crf 23 -preset fast -c:a aac -b:a 128k -movflags +faststart output.mp4

If the video is still slowing down, try to reduce it. FPS 24 frames per second (the default for most videos is 30 or 60) will reduce the load on the Helio processor. G85, installed in the Redmi Note 9.

Alternative ideas: how else to use video on a call

If the standard methods don’t work out, here are some creative alternatives:

• 🎬 GIF-Ringtones: Convert short videos to.gif and install them through apps like GIF Ringtone Maker. Minus - no sound, just animation.
• 🔄 Cyclical videos: Create a seamless loop from a 3-5 second snippet (such as a rotating logo or abstract animation) to reduce the risk of hanging out.
• 📱 Second screen: Connect the Redmi Note 9 to an external display via Miracast or USB-C → HDMI. The video will play on the big screen, and the phone will remain a standard ringtone.
• 🤖 Automation with Tasker: Set up a task that opens full-screen video when you call in. Requires Tasker skills.

For business users, an interesting option is a video with the company logo, for example, you can make an animated ringtone with corporate identity and contact information, which is not only original, but also useful for branding, the main thing is not to overload the video with details so that it loads quickly.

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On the Redmi Note 9, video ringtones are more of a "geek feature" than a stable feature. If you want a reliable solution, it's better to limit yourself to live wallpaper with sound or short. GIF-animation.

FAQ: Frequent questions about video ringtones on Xiaomi