Xiaomi smartphone owners often find that the standard background when calling in looks boring or does not match their style. Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not always provide obvious settings for this feature, especially on new versions of MIUI 13/14. But the ability to change the background still exists – both through built-in tools and with the help of third-party applications.
In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change the background of the call on Xiaomi, Redmi devices, POCO And Black Shark, from the official settings to the hidden tricks and workarounds, you'll learn which models support this feature out of the box and where you'll need additional software. MIUI and possible limitations.
Why can’t Xiaomi change the background of the call with standard tools?
Most Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later do not have a direct option to change the background of the incoming call in the settings, due to the company's policy of unifying the interface and limiting user settings for security reasons.
- 🔒 Limitations MIUI: In the latest versions of the shell, developers removed the possibility of customizing call screens, leaving only standard themes.
- 📱 Model Dependence: Flagship devices (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro or Black Shark 5) sometimes get advanced settings, while budget Redmis are deprived of this option.
- 🔄 Software updates: After major updates (for example, transition from MIUI 12.5 by 13) some functions disappear or move to other menus.
- 🛡️ Security: Xiaomi blocks deep customization of system screens to prevent fraud (e.g., changing a caller’s number).
Despite these limitations, there are workarounds, from using design themes to installing third-party apps, and we'll go into detail on each method.
Method 1: Change backgrounds through MIUI themes (official method)
The safest and easiest way is to use the built-in Themes app, which allows you to change not only the desktop wallpaper, but also some system elements, including the incoming call screen.
- Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
- Go to the section My profile → My subjects. → Local.
- Select any theme marked "Call Screen Enables" (e.g. "Ocean" or "Space").
- Click Apply and confirm the changes.
⚠️ Note: Not all topics support changing the background of the call. If the background remains the same after applying, try another theme or check its description for any mention of screen customization.
Search for themes marked "Call Screen" or "Call Screen" |Browse theme screenshots before install |Update the "Themes" app to the latest version |Check other users' feedback on the topic's work
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If the directory doesn’t have the right themes, you can try downloading them from third-party sources (e.g. miuier.com), but this requires manual installation of.mtz files and may not be secure.
Method 2: Use of third-party applications (for advanced users)
If the built-in themes don't work, you can use third-party apps from Google Play, which allow you to flexibly adjust the call background, but require additional permissions and can conflict with system processes.
| Annex | Functions | Wants a Root? | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call Background Changer | Replacement of background, setting transparency, animation | ❌ No. | MIUI 12–14, Android 10+ |
| Caller Screen Theme | Pre-made templates, support for GIF | ❌ No. | Redmi, POCO (not all models) |
| Xposed Framework + Module | Complete customization, changing fonts | ✅ Yes. | Only for the stitched devices |
| Hex Installer | Installation of patches for MIUI | ✅ Yes. | Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader |
⚠️ Note: Apps without Root rights may not work stable or reset after an update MIUI. Before installing, check reviews for your smartphone model.
How to install a theme in.mtz format?
For users with unlocked bootloader and Root rights, deeper settings are available through the Xposed Framework or system file editing (framework-res.apk).However, this is risky and can lead to a loss of warranty or a “brick” of the device.
Method 3: Manual editing of system files (for experienced)
This method is only suitable for users with Root rights and experience with Android system files, it allows you to replace the standard call background with any other, but requires accuracy.
- Install a file manager with Root support (such as Root Explorer or Mixplorer).
- Go to /system/priv-app/InCallUI/InCallUI.apk/res/drawable
- Find files with names incall_background.jpg or call_bg.png (names may differ).
- Copy them into a backup folder, then replace them with your images (the resolution should match!).
- Change the rights to the files: chmod 644 /system/priv-app/InCallUI/InCallUI.apk/res/drawable/incall_background.jpg
- Reboot your smartphone.
⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to a cyclical reboot or loss of functionality of the phone. TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.
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If the background has not changed after replacing the files, clear the cache of the Phone application in the settings (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Storage → Clear the cache).
Method 4: Use ADB-teams (no root)
For users who don’t want to get Root rights but are willing to work with ADB, there’s a way to change the background of the call through USB debugging.This method doesn’t work on all models, but it could work on Xiaomi with MIUI 13/14.
You'll need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to click to unlock the developer menu, then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🖼️ Prepared image in format PNG permittingly 1080×2340 (full HD+ display).
Steps:
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb devices (you should display your device).
- Copy your image to the system folder: adb push your image.png /sdcard/incall_bg.png
- Follow the commands to replace the background: adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/incall_bg.png /system/priv-app/InCallUI/InCallUI.apk/res/drawable/ chmod 644 /system/priv-app/InCallUI/InCallUI.apk/res/drawable/incall_bg.png reboot
If the background hasn’t changed since the reboot, your Xiaomi model is blocking such changes at the software level, leaving only options with third-party apps or Root.
Problems and Solutions: Why the Background Doesn't Change
Even after all the instructions have been followed, the background may remain the same when called.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The background has not changed since the application of the theme | Theme does not support call screen customization | Try another theme marked "Call Screen" |
| The background change app is not working | Conflict with MIUI or lack of permits | Disable battery optimization for the app |
| After editing system files, the phone does not turn on | File damage or incorrect rights | Restore backup through TWRP |
| ADB-commands not executed | No access to the Root or USB-debugging | Check the connection and AdB rights |
If none of these methods worked, your Xiaomi model may have hardware limitations, so you can wait for MIUI updates or consider alternative firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
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On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the probability of successful background change without Root is minimal - the manufacturer tightens control over system files.