The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 remains one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but its MIUI firmware does not always offer users the flexibility to configure the interface. One of the common problems is the inability to stretch a photo of a contact to the full screen when calling or viewing a profile. In this article, we will analyze all working methods, including hidden system functions, third-party applications and bypassing manufacturer restrictions.
It’s important to understand that the standard MIUI 12/13/14 settings on the Redmi Note 9 don’t include the “full-screen contact photo” option as usual, but there are workarounds, from editing system files to using alternative launchers, we tested each method on current firmware versions (including MIUI 14.0.8 Global) and selected only those that do not require root rights or complex manipulation.
If you want a subscriber photo to occupy the entire display during an incoming call or when viewing a contact, read on.Spoiler: The most reliable method involves replacing the standard Phone app, but there are simpler solutions for beginners.
Why does MIUI limit the size of a photo?
Xiaomi’s MIUI firmware was initially optimized for universal use, but some limitations are caused by:
- 📱 Adaptation to different screen resolutions. 9 permittingly 2340×1080 side-relation 19.5:9 Full-screen photo could be distorted or cropped.
- 🔄 Compatibility with the themes. MIUI Supports dynamic themes where interface elements (including contact photos) are customized to the color scheme.
- ⚡ Performance: Rendering highly detailed real-time images when calling can put a strain on the Helio processor G85.
- 🛡️ Full-screen images are easier to fake for phishing attacks (e.g., imitating a bank logo).
Newer models (like the Redmi Note 12) have some of these restrictions removed, but the Note 9 requires additional steps. Fortunately, you can get around them without losing warranty - the main thing is not to use methods that require unlocking the bootloader.
⚠️ Note: Modifying system files or installing modified files APK It can cause a phone or contact to crash. Always back up through Settings. → The phone. → Backup before experiments.
Method 1: Use of an alternative application "Phone"
The most reliable method is to replace the standard com.android.dialer app with a third-party app that supports full-screen photos.
- 📞 Truecaller – shows enlarged photos of contacts when incoming calls (set up in Profile) → Settings → Call screen).
- 📱 Google Phone (from Google Play) – has the option “Full screen mode” in the display settings.
- 🔍 Drupe – allows you to customize the size of photo contacts through Settings → Appearance.
Instructions for Google Phone:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Default → Phone App and select Google Phone.
- Open the application settings: ⋮ → Settings → Call screen. → Full screen mode.
- Activate the option and select the photo scale (the options "Fill the screen" or "Size") are available.
Important: Once the Phone app is replaced, standard MIUI functions (such as recording conversations or spam filtering) may not work properly. Check them manually.
Download backup of contacts in VCF
Check the compatibility of the alternative application with MIUI 12/13/14
Disable battery optimization for new app
Reboot the phone after changing the application by default-->
Method 2: Manually editing a photo of a contact
If you don't want to change the app, you can optimize the image of the contact to take up as much space as possible.
- Open the contact in the Contacts app and click on his photo.
- Choose Change. → Edit photos.
- Use gestures to maximize zoom in and crop the image (stick to the 9:16 aspect ratio for vertical display).
- Save the changes. Now the photo will be larger, though not on the whole screen.
For better results:
- 🖼️ Use the original images with a resolution of at least 1080×1920 (avoid pixelation).
- 🎨 Cut your photos in third-party editors (such as Snapseed or Lightroom) while maintaining proportions.
- 🔍 Check how the photo looks in call mode – sometimes MIUI automatically scale down.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Photo permission | 1080×1920 or higher | Minimum resolution for high-quality display on the Redmi Note 9. |
| File format | JPEG or PNG | WEBp may not be supported in some versions of MIUI. |
| Relationship of parties | 9:16 (vertical) | Optimal for displaying when calling. |
| Max. File size. | 5MB | Large files can slow down loading when calling. |
⚠️ Note: If after editing the photo contact it is displayed blurry, check the anti-aliasing settings in Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → Improving images. Sometimes MIUI Forced to apply filters to small images.
Method 3: Set up the MIUI theme to zoom in on photos
MIUI firmware has a hidden ability to resize interface elements through themes, which is not going to be 100% full-screen, but it's going to increase the photo of the contact by 30 to 40 percent.
- Go to Settings → Themes.
- Select the section My topics → Edit.
- Find a theme marked “Adaptive” or “Castomized” (e.g., “Dark Mode Pro”).
- Apply the theme and check the image display in contacts.
If standard themes don’t work, try:
- 🌙 Set the theme "Mi Fan Festival" (available in the official theme store) It increases the size of avatars.
- 🔧 Manually edit the theme files through MT Manager (requires root or ADB-access).
- 🎨 Use it. MIUI Theme Editor on PC to create a custom theme with large contact icons.
This method doesn’t work on all versions of MIUI, but on the Redmi Note 9 with firmware 12.5.3–14.0.8, it gives a noticeable result.
Use the alternative application "Phone"
Editing a photo of the contact manually
Set up the MIUI theme
Other (I will write in the comments)-->
Method 4: ADB-commands to change system parameters
For advanced users, there is a method using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) that allows you to change the MIUI limitations on the size of the photo.
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to press to unlock the developer mode, then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
Instructions:
- Connect the Redmi Note 9 to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
- Follow the command to check the connection: Adb devices must display the serial number of your device.
- Enter the command to scale up photo contacts: adb shell settings put global contact_photo_scale 1.5 (significance 1.5 can be increased 2.0, But it can lead to cropping of the image).
- Reboot your phone: adb reboot
If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative:
adb shell am start -n com.android.contacts/.activities.TwelveKeyDialer
adb shell settings put system contact_photo_size 100⚠️ Attention: Wrong ADB-If after executing commands, photo contacts disappear completely, reset the settings via adb shell settings delete global settings. contact_photo_scale.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 5: Use of Customization Support Launcher
Some launchers (like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) allow you to resize widgets and icons, including photos of contacts on the desktop. Although this will not affect the call screen, the visual contacts will look larger.
Instructions for Nova Launcher:
- Install a launcher from Google Play.
- Long tap on the desktop → Widgets → select the Contacts widget (from MIUI or Google).
- Place the widget on the screen and stretch it to the maximum size.
- In the widget settings (⚙️) Select the option "Large icons" or "Full screen mode".
For full-screen display when calling, combine this method with Method 1 (alternative Phone app).
- 📱 Install Nova Launcher for large desktop contact icons.
- 📞 Use Google Phone for full-screen photos when making calls.
The downside to this approach is the extra battery consumption (launchers run in the background), but on the Redmi Note 9 with a 5020 mAh battery, this is not critical.
💡
If MIUI icons (such as “Theme” or “Security”) are missing after installing the launcher, add them manually through Nova Settings → App & widget drawers → Hide apps.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When setting up full-screen photo contacts, Redmi Note 9 users encounter typical errors.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Photo of contact cut off at the edges | Incorrect aspect ratio of the original image | Cut the photo at 9:16 a.m. before uploading to contact |
| When you call, the photo is displayed small | Limitation of the standard "Phone" application | Install Google Phone or Truecaller |
| After ADB-commands, the photo disappeared. | Incorrect parameter value contact_photo_scale | Reset the settings with adb shell settings delete global contact_photo_scale |
| MIUI theme does not apply to contact photos | Conflict with custom settings | Restart your phone or reset the theme to standard |
If none of these methods worked, check:
- 🔄 Version MIUI. On some regional firmware (for example, MIUI EU) restraints are stricter.
- 📋 Special Options settings. Turn off Screen Enlargement in Settings → Special facilities.
- 🔒 Application permissions: Make sure the alternative phone app has access to contacts and storage.
💡
On the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI 14 firmware, the most stable result is given by the combination: Google Phone (for calls) + manual photo editing (ratio 9:16).