Changing the default tone is the first step to making your smartphone truly personal. Owners of devices Xiaomi and Redmi often face the fact that pre-installed melodies in the shell MIUI or new HyperOS may seem too intrusive or simply boring during use. Fortunately, the Android system provides ample opportunities for customization, allowing you to install any audio file from the device’s memory.
The process of changing the ringtone on modern Redmi models is intuitive, but has its own nuances depending on the software version. You can choose a sound from the built-in library, download it from online services, or use your own track downloaded from the Internet or transferred from another device. Below we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various scenarios.
Setting a standard ringtone through the settings menu
The easiest way to change the sound for all incoming calls is to use the system menu. The interface may differ slightly on different firmware versions, but the logic remains the same. You will need to find the section responsible for sound profiles, where the database of preinstalled melodies is stored.
Go to the main menu and select Settings. Next, scroll the list down to the Sound and vibrationsection. In this menu you will see the option Ringtone or Ringtone. By clicking on it, the system will open a list of available tracks that are already in the phone’s memory. Listening is done by simply clicking on the name of the song.
Please note that at the top of the list there are often popular tracks or recommendations from service MIUI Music. If you want to choose the classic sound, scroll down to the "Local" or "System" section. After selecting the desired composition, confirm the action with the button OK or a checkmark in the corner of the screen.
If you cannot find the desired file in the list, check if it is hidden in the .nomedia folder. Creating an empty file with the same name in the music folder hides it from the system media scanner.
How to set your own melody from the phone memory
Using your own music files gives maximum creative freedom. However, simply copying an MP3 file to any folder is not enough - the system may simply not see it in the list of available ringtones. Correct organization of the file structure is a key point for successful integration.
To begin, connect your smartphone to your computer via a USB cable or use the built-in file manager Explorer. You need to place the audio file in a special directory. Create a folder named Ringtones in the root of the device’s internal memory. This is where the system automatically scans files when updating the media database.
If the folder Ringtones already exists, just move your track there. After that, return to the sound settings (Settings → Sound and vibration → Ringtone). Your file should appear at the very bottom of the list or in the "Local" section. If this does not happen, try rebooting the device so that the indexing process starts again.
☑️ Preparing files for installation
⚠️ Attention: The Android system does not support installation of copyrighted files (DRM) from streaming services as a ringtone directly. The file must be in an open format.
Individual settings for different contacts
One of the most useful features is the ability to assign a unique melody for a specific person. This allows you to understand who is calling you without taking your phone out of your pocket. The function works stably both in the standard Contacts application and in third-party dialers.
Open the application Contact and find the desired entry in the phone book. Click on the subscriber's name to go to the detailed information page. In the upper right corner or in the menu (three dots), find the item Edit or the pencil icon.
In editing mode, scroll down the page to the field Melody or Ringtone. By default it is set to "Default". Click on this field and a standard sound selection window will open. Select any track from the list or your file, then save the changes by clicking the checkmark.
| Setting type | Where is | Sound priority |
|---|---|---|
| General ringtone | Settings → Sound | Low (for everyone) |
| Contact ringtone | Contact card | High (interrupts general) |
| Group ringtone | Group settings | Medium (for group) |
| Do not disturb mode | Control center | Blocks everything sounds |
What to do if the contact's melody does not play?
Sometimes after updating MIUI, individual settings are reset. Check to see if Do Not Disturb is turned on for this contact in your advanced call settings. Also make sure that the file has not been deleted from the phone's memory.
Setting up notification and alarm sounds
In addition to incoming calls, it is important to set up other sound signals so that your smartphone reacts to events in the way that is most convenient for you. In the shell HyperOS i MIUI these settings are separated, but are located in one logical block.
To change the sound of notifications (SMS, instant messengers, system alerts), go to menu Sound and vibration. Find item Notification sound. Here you can also select a standard signal or your file, if it is placed in a folder Notifications in the internal memory.
Setting the alarm requires a separate approach, since it is tied to application Clock. Open the app and create or edit an alarm. In the time parameters, click on the field Sound. Unlike system ringtones, here you can even select music from your media library without folder restrictions.
Do not forget to adjust the volume for each type of sound separately. Hold the volume button on the case, click on the three dots or gear in the menu that appears on the screen. You will see separate sliders for media, call, alarm and notifications.
Separating the volume of channels allows you to make the alarm as loud as possible and notifications quiet, so as not to annoy others in the office.
Using MIUI themes and online libraries
Ecosystem Xiaomi offers a huge catalog of free and paid themes, which include not only wallpapers and icons, but also sound packs. This is a convenient way to change the audio content of your smartphone comprehensively, without searching for files all over the Internet.
Launch the application Themespreinstalled on your Redmi. In the bottom navigation bar, select tab Sounds or use the search. You can filter the results by categories: nature, electronics, pop music and others.
The pack you like can be downloaded and applied. Please note that applying a theme may not only change the ringtone, but also the screen lock, unlock and system click sounds. If you only need a melody, after applying the theme, go to the sound settings and manually change the other parameters back.
⚠️ Attention: When downloading themes from third-party sources or unofficial stores, be careful. Some packages may contain malicious code or require suspicious permissions.
Solving problems with sound and file formats
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the phone does not see the file, or the melody is cut off. Most often the problem lies in the audio format or bitrate. The Android system on Redmi is optimized for certain encoding standards.
The most compatible formats are MP3, M4A i OGG. Files in format FLAC or WAV High resolutions may not play as ringtones due to system player limitations, although they work fine in the music app. Converting to MP3 with a bitrate of 128 or 192 kbps solves the problem in 99% of cases.
If the melody does not play completely or is cut off, the file may be too long. The system limiter often cuts off tracks longer than 30-40 seconds for an incoming call. Use audio editors on your PC or applications like Ringdroid on the phone itself to cut out the desired fragment before installation.
Recommended audio file parameters:Format: .mp3
Bitrate: 128-192 kbps
Sampling frequency: 44.1 kHz
Duration: up to 30 seconds
Why is the sound quiet even at maximum?
Check the "Absolute volume" setting in the developer menu. If it is enabled, try disabling it. Also make sure that the speaker is not clogged with dust.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the installed melody disappear after a reboot?
This can happen if the file was saved on an SD memory card, which is sometimes mounted incorrectly when the system boots. Move the audio file to the internal memory of the phone in the folder Ringtones.
Is it possible to put video on a call instead of sound?
This cannot be done using standard MIUI tools. However, you can install the Video Ringtone app from Google Play, which uses the camera or screen to display video when there is an incoming call.
How to return the Xiaomi factory ringtone?
Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Ringtone. In the list, select the option MIUI or Over the horizon (depending on the firmware version), which is usually first in the list of system sounds.
Why does the melody not play when the phone is turned on? case?
Some thick cases can muffle the sound of the speaker, especially if the speaker is located on the bottom edge. Try removing the cover to check. If the problem persists, the speaker may be dirty.