Brand smartphones Xiaomi, including sub-brands Redmi i POCO, are famous for their functionality and affordable price. However, users are often puzzled by the non-standard logic of the operating system MIUI or the new HyperOS. Unlike “pure” Android, here the process of replacing a standard ringtone with your own composition has its own characteristics, which are not always obvious at first glance.
Many owners are faced with a situation where downloaded music is simply not displayed in the list of available melodies in the sound settings. This occurs due to the specific folder structure and library scanning algorithms of the shell. To avoid unnecessary nerves and loss of time, you need to clearly understand where exactly audio files should be moved and what formats are supported by the system.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the ways to install custom ringtones: from the classic method through a file manager to using third-party applications. You will learn how to bypass interface limitations and make your gadget truly individual by choosing a unique sound for incoming calls, notifications or alarm clocks.
Preparing an audio file and format requirements
Before you start setting up, make sure that you have a suitable audio file. The system Android on devices Xiaomi works most correctly with the formats MP3, WAV and OGG. If your melody is saved in a rare codec, the phone may simply ignore it when trying to install it or play it with distortion.
It is also recommended to trim the track to the optimal length. Songs that are too long may be cut off automatically by the system or sound incorrect when called back. The optimal ringtone duration is from 15 to 30 seconds. For trimming, you can use the built-in voice recorder or specialized editor applications.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid using DRM (digital rights) protected files downloaded from streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music. Such tracks cannot be installed as a system call without removing the protection.
It is important to remember the volume of the source. If the file is recorded quietly, even the maximum volume of the speaker will not make the call audible in a noisy place. Use sound normalization before installation.
Use applications like "MP3 Cutter" to quickly trim a track directly on your smartphone before installation.
Classic method through system settings
The easiest way to change the melody is to use the standard settings menu if the file is already recognized by the system. To do this, go to section Settings, then select item Sound and vibration. In the menu that opens, find the line Ringtone and click on it.
A list of preset songs will open. To select your file, scroll the list to the very top or bottom (depending on the firmware version) and click on the icon plus or button Select a melody on the device. The system will prompt you to select an audio file from the internal memory.
- 🎵 Make sure that the file is in the root folder or folder
Music. - 🔊 Check if the file is in a hidden folder with a dot at the beginning names.
- 📂 Restart your phone if the file is not displayed immediately after copying.
If the desired track does not appear in the list, it means it is in the wrong directory. In this case, proceed to the next section of the instructions, where we will look at working with the file system.
Manual installation via a file manager
This method is the most reliable and universal for all models Redmi and Xiaomi. It allows you to force a file into the system folder, from where the shell is guaranteed to pick it up. You will need a standard application Explorer (File Manager), which is pre-installed on each brand device.
First, copy or move your audio file to a special directory. Open File Explorer, go to internal storage and find a folder called Ringtones. If there is no such folder, create it manually in the root directory. This is where you should place files for calls.
/storage/emulated/0/Ringtones/After moving the file to this folder, return to the sound settings. Your track should automatically appear in the list of available ringtones. If this does not happen, try clearing the cache of the Media Service application or simply restarting your smartphone to update the media file database.
☑️ Manual installation algorithm
Setting individual ringtones for contacts
Functional MIUI allows assign unique ringtones to specific callers from your phone book. This is extremely useful so that you can understand exactly who is calling you without taking your phone out of your pocket. The procedure is slightly different from setting up a general call.
Open the application Contact and select the desired person from the list. Click on the edit button (usually the pencil icon) or find the item Ringtone right in the contact card. The system will open the same playlist, where you can select both the standard and your own file from the folder Ringtones.
| Setting type | Where to change | Features |
|---|---|---|
| General call | Settings → Sound | Applies to all unknown numbers |
| For contact | Contacts application | Requires a saved number in memory |
| For SIM card | Settings → SIM cards | Relevant for phones with two SIM cards |
| Alarm clock | Clock application | Separate file selection for each alarm |
Please note that if the subscriber has several numbers saved, the melody can only work for the main number specified in the profile. Some firmware versions require synchronization of contacts with your account Mi Account or Google for this function to work correctly.
Custom ringtones only work for saved contacts. For unknown numbers, a common melody always plays.
Using third-party applications for installation
If standard methods seem inconvenient to you or do not work correctly, you can use specialized software from Google Play Market. There are many applications that automate the process of assigning ringtones, notifications and alarms.
One of the most popular solutions is the application Zedge or Songs To MP3 Ringtone. They have built-in ringtone databases, but also allow you to work with your local files. After installing such an application, you just need to select a track and press the button Set as Ringtone (Set as call).
- 📲 The application requests permission to access files and sound settings.
- ⚙️ Some utilities may require special rights via ADB.
- 🎧 Allows you to preview the track before installation without going to the player.
The use of third-party software is especially important on new versions Android 11-14, where access to system folders is limited by security policies (Scoped Storage). Helper applications know how to correctly bypass these restrictions.
⚠️ Attention: When installing third-party applications, carefully read the requested permissions. Do not provide access to SMS or calls to apps that are designed only to work with sound.
What to do if the application does not see the files?
In the phone settings, go to “Applications” → “All applications” → find your ringtone maker → “Permissions” → enable access to “Music and audio" and "Files".
Solving problems with two SIM cards
Smartphone owners Xiaomi often use two SIM cards, which adds another level of settings. You can set different ringtones for calls on the first and second SIM cards to distinguish them by sound.
To do this, go to Settings → Sound and vibration. Find the section dedicated to SIM cards (often called SIM card settings or located immediately below the general melody selection). There will be separate items Ringtone (SIM 1) and Ringtone (SIM 2).
The principle of selecting a file is similar to that described above: you select a track from the list or upload your own through the file manager. Make sure you don't mix up the cards, especially if you use different plans for work and personal communications.
It is important to note that in Do Not Disturb mode or when silent mode is on, these settings are ignored. Also, when switching the "In a meeting" profile, the sound may be blocked regardless of the selected ringtone.
Name your SIM cards in settings (for example, "Work" and "Personal") so as not to be confused when choosing a ringtone for each of them.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Why is my file not showing up in list of melodies after copying?
Most likely, the file is in the wrong folder. Check that it is located in the directory /Ringtones/ in the internal storage, and not in the folder Downloads or Music. Also try rebooting the phone.
Is it possible to set a video as a call on Xiaomi?
Standard system tools MIUI you cannot set up a video call, only audio files are supported. To implement video calls, third-party launchers or special themes are required that work through the “Video calls” service in the “Themes” application.
How to return the standard ringtone if it is missing?
Go to the sound settings, select the ringtone and find the item in the list of system ringtones Mi Remix or Classic. If the list is empty, the audio profile may have been reset, try resetting the audio settings in the Advanced Settings menu.
Does the file format affect the ringer volume?
The format itself does not affect the maximum volume of the hardware, but it does affect the encoding quality. Files with low bitrates (less than 128 kbps) may sound quieter and worse at maximum speaker volume.