Owning a modern smartphone means personalizing every aspect of its operation, and sound plays an important role here. Standard ringtones that come pre-installed by the manufacturer often seem boring or too loud, prompting users to look for replacements. Owners of a popular budget smartphone Redmi 9A based on the operating system Android may encounter some interface features MIUIthat hide simple settings.
The process of replacing sound may seem confusing due to the lack of the usual “Select from files” button in some menus, but the solution to this problem is lies in the correct sequence of actions. You don't need superuser rights or complex engineering codes; you just need to competently use the built-in tools of the system. In this article we will analyze in detail all available methods, from standard settings to working with the file system.
Particular attention should be paid to preparing an audio file, since system restrictions Xiaomi can ignore tracks of an inappropriate format or located in the wrong directory. Understanding the logic of the file manager MIUI will allow you to avoid common mistakes when a piece of music is simply not displayed in the list of available for installation. Let's take a closer look at each stage of the process.
Preparing an audio file and system requirements
Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure that your music file meets the technical requirements of the operating system. The most universal and supported format for ringtones on Android is MP3, which is guaranteed to be recognized by system components. Although modern smartphones can play FLAC or WAV, for system calls it is better to use compressed formats to avoid delays on an incoming call.
Sound quality also matters: files that are too heavy with a high bitrate may not be processed correctly by a budget processor Redmi 9A at the time of the incoming connection. The optimal solution would be to use tracks with a bitrate from 128 to 320 kbps, which will provide clear sound without unnecessary load on the device’s resources. If your file has the extension M4A or OGG, it is recommended to convert it first.
It is also important to take into account the duration of the track, since compositions that are too long may be cut off by the system or not played back completely. For an incoming call, excerpts from 15 to 40 seconds long are ideal, which will have time to play the main part of the melody before the caller answers.
⚠️ Attention: Some copyrighted files from streaming services may have DRM protection, which prohibits their use as system ringtones. Such tracks must first be converted to an open format.
Use online converters or editor applications to cut out the most recognizable part of the song, about 30 seconds long - this will make the call more pleasant for you and those around you.
Using the standard Sounds application
In the operating system MIUIinstalled on Redmi 9A, a special system application is responsible for managing audio content. It allows you not only to choose from a preset list, but also to upload your own compositions if they are placed correctly. To get started, open the settings menu of your smartphone and find the section responsible for sound.
Inside the settings menu, you will need to go to the subsection Sounds and vibration, where all the parameters related to audio notifications are concentrated. This is where the item Phone callis located, clicking on which will open a list of available melodies. Unlike pure Android, here the interface may be slightly changed by the manufacturer, but the logic remains the same.
If this is your first time trying to install your music, the system may offer you to download an additional package of sounds or go to the online catalog. However, we are interested in a local file, so we should carefully inspect the top or bottom of the screen for the presence of an add button. In some versions of the firmware, this control is indicated by a plus symbol or a folder icon.
- 🎵 Open settings and go to the “Sounds and vibration” section.
- 📞 Click on the “Phone call” item to view the list.
- ➕ Find and activate the add a new sound button (often in the form of “+”)
- 📂 Select your audio file from the list of available ones on the device.
After selecting the file, the system will automatically use it as the main ringtone for all incoming calls. It's worth noting that changing this setting will affect the default SIM card for voice calls if you have two. For the second SIM card, the procedure may have to be repeated by selecting the appropriate item in the menu.
Setting through the “Settings” menu without third-party applications
There is an alternative path to the same goal, which may be more familiar to users moving from other versions. Android. This method allows you to manage sound profiles in more detail and ensures that you are changing system settings and not launcher-specific settings. Go to the main menu of the smartphone settings by finding the gear icon.
In the list of parameters, scroll down to the item Sounds and vibration or use the settings search by entering the word “melody”. This method is good because it works even if the standard Sounds application has been deleted or damaged as a result of user actions. The interface here is more strict and contains fewer advertising elements.
In the window that opens, you will see a division into categories: call, notifications, alarm clock and system sounds. Select a category Call, and a list of tracks will open in front of you. If the desired track is not in the list, click on the plus icon or the “Add” button to open the file manager.
⚠️ Attention: The settings menu interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (12, 12.5 or 13). The location of the buttons may change, but the general navigation logic remains the same.
Once you have selected a file, do not forget to check the result by calling your number from another phone. The volume should be comfortable, and the playback quality should be free of distortion. If the sound is too quiet, check the volume settings in the same menu, making sure that the “Media” or “Ring” slider is raised to a sufficient level.
☑️ Checking the ringtone setting
Working with the file system and the Ringtones folder
The most reliable method, which works on almost all versions Android i MIUI, is to directly place the file in the system folder. This method requires the use of the built-in File Explorer application or any other file manager. The essence of the method is to place the audio file in a special directory, which the system scans first.
Open the application Explorer on your Redmi 9A and go to the root folder of the internal drive. You need to find a directory with the name Ringtones (or create it if it is missing, respecting the case of letters). It is to this folder that you need to move or copy your prepared music file.
After moving the file, it is recommended to restart your smartphone so that the system’s media service updates the database and detects the new track. This step is often ignored by users, which leads to confusion: there is a file in the folder, but it is not in the settings. The reboot takes less than a minute, but guarantees correct display.
If the folder Ringtones is not created or the system does not see the file, try placing it in the folder MIUI > sound > ringtone. The directory structure on Xiaomi can be specific, and sometimes the standard path does not work due to access restrictions.
| File system path | Content type | Availability after reboot |
|---|---|---|
| /storage/emulated/0/Ringtones | System ringtones | High |
| /storage/emulated/0/Notifications | Notification sounds | High |
| /storage/emulated/0/Alarms | Alarms | Medium |
| /storage/emulated/0/Download | Downloads (not always visible) | Low |
What to do if the Ringtones folder is hidden?
In some versions of MIUI, folders may be hidden by default. In the Explorer app, click on the three dots in the corner of the screen and make sure the “Show hidden files” checkbox is selected. Also check the settings for displaying system folders.
Setting an individual ringtone for a contact
One of the most useful features of a smartphone is the ability to assign unique ringtones to different callers. This allows you to know the importance of a call without taking your phone out of your pocket. On Redmi 9A this function is implemented through the “Contacts” or “Phone” application, and the setup process is quite simple.
Open the application Contact and find the desired subscriber in the list. Click on their name to open the contact card, and notice the edit button (usually a pencil icon). In editing mode, scroll down the page to the item Melody or "Ringtone".
By clicking on this item, you will be taken to the already familiar sound selection menu, where you can select both a standard track and a previously downloaded file. After making your selection, don’t forget to save your changes by clicking on the checkbox or the “Save” button. Now, when this particular person calls, the selected song will play.
- 👤 Open the “Contacts” application and select the caller.
- ✏️ Click on the edit button (pencil).
- 🎼 Find the “Melody” field and select the desired one track.
- 💾 Save the changes in the contact card.
It is worth considering that if the contact is linked to an account Google or MI Account, the settings can be synchronized between devices. However, in most cases, the melody is saved only in the memory of the current device. If you change your phone, you will have to repeat the setup.
Custom ringtones only work for contacts saved in the phone memory or synchronized with the current Google account.
Solving common problems and errors
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users Redmi 9A may encounter various technical difficulties. One of the most common problems is when the selected file does not appear in the list of available files for installation. This is often due to the fact that the file is in the wrong folder or has an unsupported encoding format.
Another common error is a “silent” ringing when a melody is selected, but there is no sound. In this case, you should check not only the overall volume, but also the Do Not Disturb mode, which may block the sounds of incoming calls. Also make sure that the speaker is not covered with a case or dirty.
If the problem lies in the file format, the system may simply ignore it when scanning. In this case, converting the track to standard MP3 using computer apps or mobile converter applications will help. It is important that the file is not copy protected.
⚠️ Attention: After major updates to the MIUI system, sound settings may be reset to factory settings. If your melody disappears after updating the software, you will have to repeat the installation procedure again.
In some cases, clearing the cache of the Sounds or Themes application helps. To do this, go to application settings, find the appropriate service and select “Clear cache”. This action is safe for your data, but may solve the problem with displaying the list of tracks.
Why is the beginning of the melody cut off?
The Android system has a slight delay before the ringtone starts playing. If you want the sound to start instantly, leave 1-2 seconds of silence at the beginning of the audio file when creating it.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is my ringtone not shown in the list, although the file is in the folder?
Most likely, the file is in an unsupported format (for example, AAC without a container) or is in a hidden folder. Try moving the file to the Ringtones root folder and restarting your phone. Also check if the file has the “Hidden” attribute.
Is it possible to install music from VK or Telegram directly?
You cannot install a track for a call directly from social network applications. First, you need to download the audio file to the device’s memory (usually in the Download folder), and then move it to the Ringtones folder through Explorer.
How to return the standard Xiaomi ringtone if mine is missing?
Go to the sound settings, select “Phone call” and at the very top of the list find the “Default” or “Mi Default” item. This will return the factory settings.
Does setting your own ringtone affect the Redmi 9A warranty?
No, changing the ringtone is a standard user function of the Android operating system and does not affect the manufacturer's warranty in any way. This is a software change of settings.