The ringtone is the calling card of your smartphone, which not only notifies you of an incoming call, but also reflects your style. On devices Xiaomi (including series Redmi, POCO i Mi), the process of changing the ringtone may not seem obvious due to the features of the shell MIUI. Unlike “pure” Android, it has its own nuances: from hidden settings to restrictions on custom files.

In this article you will find 5 proven methods change the tune - from standard tools to advanced methods for users with root access. We will also look at why sometimes new ringtones are not displayed in the list, how to add your own audio files, and what to do if the settings are reset after the update. We will pay special attention to models MIUI 14/15 settings have been reset. We will pay special attention to models Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 i POCO F5, where the interface may differ from older versions.

Before you begin, make sure that the latest firmware version is installed on your device. Some features (for example, format support .m4a or .ogg) may be version dependent. If you are using custom firmware like MIUI. If you are using custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, some of the instructions may not work - in this case, go straight to the section about third-party applications.

📊 Which Xiaomi series are you using?
Redmi (Note, K-series)
POCO (F, X-series)
Mi (11/12/13/14)
Other model

1. Standard method: through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in shell tools. It is suitable for most models, including Xiaomi 13 Lite, Redmi Note 11 Pro and POCO X5 Pro. The main advantage: there is no need to install additional apps or delve into the file system.

Open the application Settings (gear icon) and go to the section Sounds and vibration. Here you will see several tabs - we are interested Melody call. Click on it and a list of available ringtones will open in front of you. They are divided into categories: MIUI 14/15 they are divided into categories: Standard, Downloaded and MIUI (branded ringtones from Xiaomi).

  • 🔍 To listen to a melody, tap on its name - playback will start automatically.
  • ✅ To select, click on the circle to the right of the name - a check mark will appear.
  • 🔄 If you want to return the standard sound, select Default melody (usually the first one in the list).
  • 📱 On some models (for example, POCO F4 GT) here you can also set vibration when calling - option Vibrate on call.

MIUI limitation: by default, the system shows only files in the format .mp3 or .m4a, located in the folder /MIUI/ringtone/. If you added your ringtones to another directory, they will not appear. The solution to this problem is in the next section.

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If there is no suitable melody in the list, try long pressing on any of them - in some versions of MIUI this opens a context menu with the option "Add your own melody."

2. Adding custom ringtones through the file manager

If you are not satisfied with the standard ringtones, you can upload your own. For this, files in the formats .mp3, .m4a, .ogg or .wav are suitable (the latter may not be playable on some models). The main rule: the duration of the track should not exceed 30 seconds, otherwise the system may cut it off or not display it at all.

Instructions for adding:

  1. Prepare the file: download or create a melody (you can trim the song in applications type MP3 Cutter or Ringtone Maker).
  2. Copy to the correct folder:
    • Open any file manager (for example, Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
    • Go to the root directory of the internal memory (not SD cards!).
    • Create a folder MIUI (if it does not exist), and inside it - a subfolder ringtone.
    • Place your audio file there.
  • Update the list: return to Settings → Sounds and vibration → Ringtone and wait until the system will scan for new files (may take up to 10 seconds).

    • Important: on some firmware (for example MIUI Global for European region) the folder should be called media, and inside it - audio/ringtones. If the melody does not appear, check both options.

    File in a supported format (.mp3, .m4a, .ogg)|

    Duration no more than 30 seconds|

    The file has been placed in the folder /MIUI/ringtone/ or /media/audio/ringtones/|

    The list of ringtones in the settings has been reloaded-->

    File format Support in MIUI Max duration Notes
    .mp3 ✅ Yes 30 sec The most reliable option
    .m4a ✅ Yes 30 sec Better quality with a smaller size
    .ogg ⚠️ Partially 20 sec May not work on older models
    .wav ❌ No — Not supported by the system
    .aac ⚠️ Rarely 15 seconds Only on MIUI 15+
    ⚠️ Attention: If you use Xiaomi with firmware for the Chinese market (MIUI China), some folders may be hidden. In this case, use the ADBcommand to create a directory: 
    adb shell mkdir /sdcard/MIUI/ringtone

    Or install a file manager with root access (for example, Root Explorer).

    3. Using third-party applications

    If the built-in MIUI tools seem limited, you can use third-party apps. They allow you to:

    • 🎵 Set ringtones longer than 30 seconds (with trimming).
    • 📂 Select files from any folders (including cloud storage).
    • 🔊 Set up different ringtones for SIM cards, contacts or groups.

    Top 3 applications for Xiaomi:

    1. Zedge (free, there are ads):
      • Large library of ready-made ringtones and notifications.
      • Automatic trimming of tracks to the MIUI standard.
      • Integration with Sound settings.
    2. Ringtone Maker (from Big Bang Inc):
      • Editor for trimming songs directly on phone.
      • Export to folder MIUI/ringtone in one click.
      • Format support .flac i .aac.
  • AudioManager (requires root):
    • Full control over system sounds.
    • Ability to replace standard MIUI notifications.
    • Backup ringtones.

      • To set a ringtone via Zedge:

      1. Download the application from Google Play and open it.
      2. Go to the tab Ringtones.
      3. Select the melody you like and click Install.
      4. In the window that appears, tap Ringtone.
      5. Confirm your selection - the system will automatically apply the settings.
      ⚠️ Attention: Applications like Zedge can request access to Storage, Contacts and Phone. These permissions are not recommended - without them the app will not be able to install ringtones. However, after setting the permissions, you can revoke it in Settings → Applications → Zedge → Permissions.

      4. Setting individual ringtones for contacts

      MIUI allows you to assign unique ringtones to individual contacts or groups. This is convenient if you want to immediately understand who is calling without looking at the screen. The function works on all models, including Xiaomi 12T Pro And Redmi K50.

      How to set up:

      1. Open the application Contact (or Phone → tab Contact).
      2. Find the desired contact and tap on it.
      3. In the upper right corner, click Edit (pencil icon).
      4. Scroll down to the block Ringtone and select Add melody.
      5. In the window that opens, select a standard ringtone or your file from the folder MIUI/ringtone.
      6. Save changes.

      For contact groups:

      1. In the application Contact go to the tab Groups.
      2. Select a group (or create a new one).
      3. Tap on the three dots in the upper corner → Group settings.
      4. Find an option Ringtone and set the one you need.

    If the individual melody does not work:

    • 🔄 Restart the phone - sometimes MIUI resets settings after updating.
    • 📞 Check if Is the contact on the black list (in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Black list).
    • 🔊 Make sure that in Settings → Sounds and vibration the mode Do not disturb for this contact is not activated.
      • Why does the individual melody for WhatsApp not work?

      Whatsapp and other instant messengers (Telegram, Viber) use their own notification settings that are not related to system ringtones. To change the melody. for calls via WhatsApp:

      1. Open WhatsApp → ⋮ → Settings → Notifications → Calls.
      2. Select Melody and set the desired sound.
      3. Make sure that sounds are not disabled in Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Notifications sounds are not turned off.

      5. root access

      If you are an experienced user and want full control over system sounds, you can use ADB or rights root. These methods are suitable for:

      • 🔧 Replacing standard MIUI notifications (SMS sounds, alarm sounds, notifications).
      • 📛 Setting melodies longer than 30 seconds.
      • 🔄 Automating the process through scripts.

      Method 1: Replacement via ADB (without root):

      1. Connect your phone to the PC and activate USB debugging in Settings → About phone → Version MIUI (tap 7 times on the version number, then return to Additional → For developers).
      2. Download ADB Tools and unpack it on your PC.
      3. Place your audio file (for example, my_ringtone.mp3) in the folder with adb.exe.
      4. Run the commands: 
        adb push my_ringtone.mp3 /sdcard/MIUI/ringtone/

        adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MEDIA_SCANNER_SCAN_FILE -d file:///sdcard/MIUI/ringtone/my_ringtone.mp3

      5. Reboot the phone.

      Method 2: Manually editing system files (requires root):

      1. Install Root Explorer or FX File Explorer with superuser rights.
      2. Go to /system/media/audio/ringtones/.
      3. Copy your file there (for example, custom_tone.ogg).
      4. Change file permissions to 644 (read for everyone, write - only for the owner).
      5. Restart the device.
      ⚠️ Attention: Editing system files without root can lead to bootloop (loop loading). If you are not sure of your actions, use the method with ADB or third-party applications. Also remember that after updating MIUI, all changes are in /system will reset.
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      For models with MIUI 15 and newer, replacing system sounds via root is not recommended - this may trigger Anti-Rollback and block the device. In this case, use only methods without rights. superuser.

      6. Solving problems: why does the melody not change?

      Sometimes, even after all the manipulations, the ringtone does not change or is reset to the standard one. Let's look at typical causes and ways to solve them:

      Problem Possible. reason Solution
      The melody does not appear in the list Wrong folder or file format Check the path /MIUI/ringtone/ and convert the file to .mp3
      After reboot it resets to standard MIUI cache error Clear cache in Settings → Applications → Settings → Storage → Clear cache
      Custom melody does not play The file is damaged or too large Check the file on another device, trim to 30 seconds
      No sound when calling The "Not" mode is activated disturb" Check Settings → Sounds and vibration → Do not disturb
      The melody plays, but very quietly Volume limit in MIUI Turn on Volume Boost V Settings → Accessibility → Sound

      If the problem persists, try:

      • 🔄 Reset settings sound: Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset sound settings.
      • 📱 Update MIUI: sometimes bugs with ringtones are fixed in new firmware versions.
      • 🛠️ Delete conflicting applications: some apps to save battery (for example, Security from Xiaomi) can block the playback of custom sounds.

      For models Xiaomi 13 Ultra i Redmi K60 Pro s MIUI 14+ yes one more feature: the system can ignore melodies if they are downloaded from unverified sources. In this case:

      1. Open the file manager.
      2. Find your audio file and tap on it.
      3. In the window that appears, select More → Details → Permissions.
      4. Make sure that the file has permission to Play.

      7. Features for different Xiaomi models

      The interface and ringtone settings may vary depending on the series and version of MIUI Below are the key differences for popular ones. lines:

      • 📱 Xiaomi 13/14 series:
        • Support .flac i .aac in MIUI 15.
        • Ability to assign different ringtones for SIM1 i SIM2.
        • Integration with Xiaomi Cloud to synchronize ringtones between devices.
      • 📱 Redmi Note 12/11 series:
        • Limitation on the duration of custom melodies - 25 seconds.
        • The default folder is missing - it must be created manually. MIUI/ringtone by default - it must be created manually.
        • Additional branded ringtones are available in some regions (India, China).
      • 📱 POCO F5/F4 series:
        • Support for ringtones (enabled in Settings → Sounds and vibration → Sound quality) Ability to set ringtones directly from the application (long press on the track → Dolby Atmos for ringtones (included in Settings → Sounds and vibration → Sound quality).
        • Ability to set ringtones directly from the application Music (long press on track → Set as ringtone).
        • There is no division into Ringtone and Notification sound in some firmware versions.
      • 📱 Xiaomi Pad 6:
        • Separate settings for calls and notifications in tablet mode.
        • Support for stereo sound for ringtones (when connected to a docking station).
        • The file size limit is no more than 2 MB.

      On models with MIUI for the global market (for example, Xiaomi 12T) there may be no folder MIUI/ringtone. In this case, use an alternative path:

      /storage/emulated/0/media/audio/ringtones/
      ⚠️ Attention: On devices with HyperOS (the new shell from Xiaomi, which replaced MIUI in 2026), the path to the folder with ringtones may be different. Check the latest information in the official manual for your model.

      8. methods: cloud services and automation

      If you are tired of manually copying files, you can automate the process using cloud services or tasks:

      • ☁️ Google Drive + Tasker:
        • Upload the melody to Google Drive.
        • Create a task in Taskerthat will download the file to the folder MIUI/ringtone When connected to Wi-Fi.
        • Add an action Media Scan to update the list of ringtones.
      • 🤖 Automation with MacroDroid:
        • Create a macro: Trigger → Connect headphones → Action → Set ringtone.
        • This will allow you to change the ringtone depending on the situation (for example, quiet sound at work, loud at home).
      • 🎵 Streaming services:
        • In Spotify or YouTube Music you can trim the track and download it as a ringtone (premium subscription required).
        • Use web services like Zedge Online or Mobile9 to download ready-made ringtones directly to your phone.

      For users Xiaomi s MIUI 14+ there is one more feature: you can assign dynamic ringtoneswhich change depending on the time of day. To do this:

      1. Install the application Automate or Tasker.
      2. Create a rule: 
        IF the time is between 08:00 and 20:00 → Install melody "ringtone_day.mp3"

        ELSE → Set melody "ringtone_night.mp3"

      3. Activate the task.

      If you often change ringtones, you should consider buying Xiaomi Smart Clock or another device with support Mi Home. In the Xiaomi ecosystem, you can synchronize ringtones between a smartphone, smart watch (Mi Band 8) and speakers (Mi Smart Speaker).

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the ringtone on Xiaomi

      🔊 Is it possible to set your music from Spotify as a ringtone?

      No, this is not possible directly due to DRM protection. However, you can: Find this track on YouTube and download it through a service like folder

      1. Find this track on YouTube and download it through a service like YTMP3 (make sure it doesn't violate copyright!).
      2. Crop downloaded file to Ringtone Maker.
      3. Place it in a folder MIUI/ringtone.

      Alternative: in Spotify Premium you can download tracks for offline listening, but they will be in encrypted format .ogg and are not suitable for ringtones.

      📱 Why did everything reset after the MIUI update? ringtones?

      This is the standard behavior of the system during major updates (for example, from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14). To avoid loss:

      • Save all custom ringtones to the cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
      • Use applications like Ringtone Backup for export. settings.
      • After updating, manually transfer the files back to MIUI/ringtone.

      If the ringtones disappeared after a minor update (for example, from 14.0.5 to 14.0.6), try clearing the application cache Settings.

      🔕 How to make did the ringtone gradually increase?

      MIUI does not have a built-in function for smoothly increasing the ringtone volume, but you can bypass this limitation:

      1. Download the application Gradual Ringtone from Google Play.
      2. Select your melody and set the increase parameters (for example, from 10% up to 100% volume in 5 seconds).
      3. Export the processed file and set it as a ringtone.

      For models with Dolby Atmos (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro), you can enable the effect Dynamic sound in the sound settings - this will soften the start of playback a little.

      🎶 Is it possible to set different melodies for calls and notifications?

      Yes, in MIUI these settings are separated:

      • Ringtone: Settings → Sounds and vibration → Ringtone.
      • Notification sound: Settings → Sounds and vibration → Notification sound.
      • Alarm sound: Settings → Sounds and vibration → Alarm sound.

      On some models (for example,