Personalizing a smartphone is not just a tribute to fashion, but a way to make the device truly yours. When you put your favorite track on a call, rather than the standard annoying ringtone, every incoming call brings a little more joy. However, owners of smartphones Xiaomi and Redmi often face a non-obvious problem: there is no “Crop” button in the standard ringtone selection menu. The system simply does not allow you to select the desired fragment of a song directly from the library.
This feature of the shell MIUI or the new HyperOS confuses many users who are accustomed to the more open architecture of the clean Android. In fact, the procedure for installing your own music is quite simple, but it requires one additional step - pre-processing the audio file. You don't need to be a professional sound engineer to highlight the chorus or intro of your favorite song.
In this guide, we will look in detail at all the available ways to create a unique ringtone. We'll look at built-in tools, third-party apps from Google Play and even desktop methods for those who prefer to work on a larger screen. The main thing is to understand the logic of the file system Redmiso that the phone correctly recognizes your file as a ringtone, and not as a regular song in the player.
Preparing an audio file: formats and system requirements
Before you start trimming, you need to make sure that the source file is compatible with the operating system. Smartphones Redmi work without problems with the most popular compression formats, however, there are certain preferences for system sounds. Most often, users deal with files MP3that take up little space and are supported by any player. This is the most universal option for creating a ringtone.
However, sometimes music is stored in FLAC, WAV or M4Aformats. Although the built-in player plays them, the system may not see them in the list of available ringtones if they are not converted properly. For calls, stereo or mono audio with a bitrate of 128 kbps or more is best suited. Too high audio quality, for example 320 kbit/s or lossless formats, may not be processed correctly by the system dialer in older firmware versions.
It is also worth paying attention to the duration of the track. System restrictions usually do not allow files longer than 30–40 seconds to be installed on a call, although technically it is possible to set a five-minute composition. However, this is irrational: you simply will not hear the beginning of the next verse, since the caller will either answer or drop the call. The optimal ringtone length is from 15 to 30 seconds.
⚠️ Attention: Copyrighted files purchased from official music stores (for example, old DRM-protected iTunes purchases) may not be trimmed or playable in third-party applications. Make sure you have rights to edit the file.
If your file has an extension other than .mp3, it is recommended to convert it in advance. This can be done directly on your phone using online converters or transforming applications. After conversion, make sure that the file is saved in a readable folder, for example, in the standard directory Download or Music.
Using the built-in voice recorder and Xiaomi editor
Many users do not know, but in the shell MIUI there is a hidden or non-obvious tool for working with sound, which can help with simple trimming. We are talking about the Voice Recorder application or system editor, which is sometimes called through the gallery (for video) or the music player. However, the most reliable built-in method is to use the screen or audio recording function and then process it, but this is too complicated. Let's look at a more direct path through standard tools, if they are available in your firmware version.
In some versions HyperOS a simple editor has appeared in the Music application. Open the desired track, click on the three dots in the corner of the screen and select "Edit" or "Crop". If there is no such option, do not despair - this means that the manufacturer has decided to outsource this function to third-party solutions. In this case, proceed to the next section.
However, there is a way to install music without trimming if you need the entire track. To do this, you need to place the file in a special folder. Create a directory named Ringtonesin the root of the internal memory. Copy your music file there. After rebooting the smartphone, it should appear in the list of standard ringtones in the sound settings. This method works flawlessly, but does not allow you to select a specific fragment of a song.
If you placed a file in the Ringtones folder, but it does not appear in the list, check its name. Remove special characters such as ?, *, /, \, as the Android system may ignore files with incorrect names.
For precise cutting down to the second, the built-in tools are most often not enough. Users who want to get the perfect result, where the call begins exactly with the first chord of the chorus, will have to use specialized software. This ensures that the sound transition will be smooth, without clicks and sharp breaks, which often occur with rough cutting.
The best applications for cutting music on Android
The store Google Play offers dozens of utilities for working with audio, but not all of them are equally convenient and safe. We have selected several proven solutions that work ideally on smartphones Redmi. These applications are lightweight, do not require superuser rights (Root) and have an intuitive interface.
One of the leaders is the application MP3 Cutter and Ringtone Maker. It allows you to visually see the sound wave, which is critical for accurate adjustment of the beginning and end of the fragment. You simply drag the sliders to the desired sections of the track. Another popular option is Lexis Audio Editor. This is already a full-fledged editor, where you can not only trim, but also apply fading effects (Fade In/Fade Out) so that the call begins and ends softly.
- 🎵 MP3 Cutter - a simple and fast solution for basic cutting without unnecessary functions.
- ✂️ Audio Editor & Music Editor - a combiner with the ability to glue tracks and change the key.
- 🎚️ Lexis Audio Editor —a professional tool with an equalizer and noise reduction function.
The process of working in such applications is almost identical. You upload a file, select an area, listen to the result and click the “Save” button. It is important to pay attention to the saving settings: make sure that the format is selected MP3 and the quality is not lower 128 kbps. Some applications by default offer to save the file in WAVformat, which takes up 10 times more space, which is impractical for a ringtone.
After saving, the new file usually ends up in a folder Music or in a special application folder. Remember this place, since we have to manually point the system to the new ringtone. Some advanced utilities even offer a “Set as ringtone” button, which automatically transfers the file to the desired system directory, saving you time.
Step-by-step guide: how to install a trimmed track on a call
When you have a ready-made file of the required duration, the most important stage comes - integrating it into the system. On smartphones Xiaomi i Redmi the path to the settings may differ slightly depending on the version MIUI, but the general algorithm remains the same. We'll use the standard settings menu as it's the most reliable method.
First, open the Settings app on your device. Find the Sound and Vibration section. In some firmware it may be called simply “Sound”. Inside you will see the “Ringtone” or “Ringtone” item. Click on it and a list of standard compositions from the manufacturer will open. At the bottom or top of the list (sometimes you need to click on the “+” or “From Import” icon) there will be an opportunity to add your file.
If the add button is inactive or missing, use the file manager. Open the Explorer app and find your trimmed track. Click on it and hold your finger until the context menu appears. Select "Use As" or "Assign" and then "Ringtone." The system will automatically move the file to the desired directory and apply the changes.
☑️ Setting a ringtone on Redmi
For subscribers from a specific contact list, the process is similar, but is performed through the Contacts application. Open the card of the person you want, click on the three dots or the “More” button and select “Assign a ringtone.” Here you can also select your unique file. This is very convenient to immediately understand who is calling without taking the phone out of your pocket.
| Action | Settings menu | Alternate path |
|---|---|---|
| General call | Settings → Sound → Ringtone | Explorer → File → Use as |
| Ring SIM 1/2 | Settings → Sound → SIM Ringtone 1 | Contacts → SIM settings |
| Specific contact | Contacts application → Card | Phone → History → Contact |
| Notifications | Settings → Sound → Notifications | Application settings → Messenger |
After installation, be sure to check the result. Have someone call you or use a second phone for the test. Make sure that the volume is sufficient and that the trimming is done correctly - without silence at the beginning or the music cutting off mid-sentence. If the result is not satisfactory, repeat the trimming procedure, adjusting the time sliders.
Setting different melodies for SIM cards and contacts
Owners of dual-SIM phones Redmi often want to distinguish between calls to different numbers. For example, a strict signal can play on a work SIM card, and a cheerful melody on a personal one. In modern versions Android this is implemented at the system level. In the “Sound and Vibration” menu you will see separate items for SIM 1 and SIM 2.
The installation procedure is identical to that described above: go to the appropriate sub-item and select the file. However, there is a caveat here: if you are using a third-party launcher or theme, the SIM card controls may be hidden or moved. In this case, the easiest way is to go to the “Phone” application, click on the settings (gear) and find there the management of SIM card melodies.
Individual settings for contacts allow you to create a personalized phone book. You can assign unique sounds for close relatives, boss or couriers. This improves the efficiency of interaction with the device: you know the priority of the call even before you look at the screen. Just open the contact, find the “Ringtone” field and select your file from the list.
⚠️ Attention: If you reset your smartphone to factory settings or change the theme to global, individual ringtone settings for contacts may be reset to standard. It is recommended to have a backup copy of contacts with associated data.
It is also worth remembering about the Do Not Disturb function. In this mode, all ringtones, including your unique ones, will be muted, except for calls from selected contacts. Set up an exception list in the Do Not Disturb menu so that important callers can reach you even when the phone is in silent mode.
Problem solving: why the phone doesn’t see music
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where a trimmed file is simply not displayed in the list of available ringtones. The most common reason is incorrect file location. The system scans only certain directories. If you saved a track deep in the folders of some application, for example, in Android/data/com.editor/files, the standard melody selector will not find it.
The solution is simple: move the file to the root of the internal memory or to the folder Ringtones, Music, Notifications. After moving, you may need to restart your device to allow the media scanner to update its file database. Another reason is a broken file. Try opening it in any player. If it doesn’t play, it means the trimming process went wrong and the file needs to be created again.
What to do if the file is visible but not installed?
Sometimes the problem lies in access rights. Try clearing the cache of the Media Storage application through Settings → Applications → All applications → Show system ones → Media storage → Clear cache. After that, reboot your phone.
Also check the file format. If you accidentally saved a crop as .m4a or .ogg, and the system expects strictly .mp3, it may ignore the file. Rename the extension manually through Explorer or convert the file again. In rare cases, renaming the file itself helps: remove the Cyrillic alphabet and spaces from the name, leaving only Latin letters and numbers.
If all else fails, try installing the ringtone via your computer. Connect the phone to the PC with a cable, copy the file to a folder Ringtones on the internal memory of the phone. Disconnect the cable and check your audio settings. This method often works where mobile applications fail due to restrictions on access to the file system in new versions. Android.
The main rule for successful installation: the file must be in an accessible folder (Ringtones/Music), have an MP3 format and a correct name without special characters.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to trim music without installing additional applications?
Yes, it is possible, but with limitations. You can upload the entire track to the folder. Also, some versions Ringtones entirely. Also in some versions MIUI have a basic editor in the Music application, but it is not available in all regions and firmware versions. To accurately trim down to the second, third-party applications are still required.
Why did the ringtone sound become quieter after trimming?
This may be due to incorrect export settings in the editor. Make sure that the volume (gain) was not reduced when saving. Also check the overall call volume in your phone settings and make sure that the “Absolute Volume” mode is not enabled in the Bluetooth settings if you are using a headset.
How to make the music fade out at the end of a call?
Use advanced editors like Lexis Audio Editor. They have a function Fade Out (smooth fading). Apply this effect to the last 2-3 seconds of your snippet before saving. This will make the transition to silence more natural if the subscriber does not answer.
Does a long ringtone affect battery consumption?
The influence is minimal and almost imperceptible. Playing a 30-second track instead of a 10-second standard signal consumes a negligible amount of energy. Much more battery is consumed by the operation of the screen and communication module during an incoming call.
Is it possible to set video to a call instead of music?
It is impossible to set video to an incoming call using standard means. However, the theme store Android You cannot install video on an incoming call. However, in the theme store Xiaomi has special themes that support the Video Call feature. There are also third-party applications from Google Playthat emulate this function, but they may work unstable and consume more battery.