How to change the background of the call on Xiaomi: 5 ways for all models

Are you tired of the standard black screen when calling your Xiaomi? Want to add personality or just make the interface brighter? Changing the background of a call is one of those little things that radically transforms the perception of a smartphone. In this article, we will examine all the current ways to change the background during calls, including hidden MIUI features, third-party applications and even manual methods for advanced users.

Itโ€™s important to understand that the customization options depend on the firmware version and the device model. For example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14 has advanced options, while on the budget Redmi Note 10 some of the features may not be available. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal solutions that work on most of the brandโ€™s devices, including POCO and Black Shark.

Before you make any changes, make sure your smartphone is updated to the latest firmware version.This minimizes the risk of bugs and opens up new features. Check the current version in Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ MIUI version.

Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (without third-party applications)

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for most modern models, starting with MIUI 12 and later.

  1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
  2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
  3. Go to Call Background or Calling (the name may differ).
  4. Here you will see a few options: ๐ŸŽจ Background color - a choice from a palette or gradient. ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Image - uploading your picture from the gallery. ๐ŸŒƒ Dark/light theme โ€“ automatic change depending on system settings. ๐Ÿ”„ Animation โ€“ dynamic wallpaper (not available on all models).

If the call background is not in the phone settings, try the alternative path: Settings โ†’ Display โ†’ Call screen style. Some firmware has the option hidden there.

๐Ÿ’ก

If after changing the background, the changes do not apply, restart the phone or force the phone application to stop in the application settings.

Method limitations: Standard settings allow only static wallpapers to be changed. Animated backgrounds or advanced customization will require third-party solutions (see the following methods).

Method 2: Use MIUI (maximum customization) themes

Themes in MIUI are a powerful tool for changing the appearance of the system, including the call screen, and unlike standard settings, you can apply ready-made design solutions with unique animations and styles.

How to set a theme with a new call background:

  1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
  2. In the search bar, enter the query: call background or call screen.
  3. Choose your favorite topic from the results. Pay attention to the rating and the number of downloads.
  4. Click Apply and confirm the changes.

How to use:

  1. Download Call Screen Themes from Google Play.
  2. Open the app and provide all the permissions you request (especially Overlay over other windows).
  3. Select a background category (e.g. Live Wallpapers for animations).
  4. Use your favorite option and restart your phone.

2. Video Call Screen Changer

It specializes in video backgrounds, allows you to set your own videos or select from the application library.

  • ๐ŸŽฌ Support for video resolution up to 1080p.
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Setting the volume of the background video.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Possibility of random playback from the playlist.

Make sure it is compatible with the MIUI version

Download the application only from official sources (Google Play, APKMirror)

Provide all requested permits

Create a backup of current settings

Reboot the phone after the changes are applied-->

Warning: Third-party applications may conflict with system processes. If after installing a new background, the phone starts to brake or overheat, delete the application and return the standard settings.

โš ๏ธ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, some customization apps may not work due to tightened security policies. MIUI Optimization in the Developer Settings (Settings) โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Version. MIUI โ†’ 5 times to tap โ†’ Developer settings โ†’ MIUI Optimization โ†’ Turn it off).

Method 4: Manually modifying system files (for advanced)

This method is suitable for advanced users who are ready to work with system files. It allows you to set any background, including animations, without the restrictions of third-party applications, but requires root rights or an unlocked bootloader.

Instructions for root devices:

  1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
  2. Go to /system/priv-app/InCallUI/InCallUI.apk/res/drawable.
  3. Find files with names incall_background.jpg or call_bg.xml (names may differ).
  4. Create a backup copy of the original files.
  5. Replace them with your images (the resolution must match the original!).
  6. Set 644 (r-w-r--r---) rights for new files.
  7. Reset the device.

For rootless devices, you can use ADB (USB debugging), but the process is more complex and requires technical skills.

adb pull /system/priv-app/InCallUI/InCallUI.apk/res/drawable/incall_background.jpg


adb push your image.jpg /system/priv-app/InCallUI/InCallUI.apk/res/drawable/incall_background.jpg




adb shell chmod 644 /system/priv-app/InCallUI/InCallUI.apk/res/drawable/incall_background.jpg

โš ๏ธ Warning: Incorrectly changing system files can lead to a bootloop ( looped reboot) or loss of functionality of the phone. TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

If after the changes the call screen began to display incorrectly (stretched background, no buttons), return the original files from the backup.

Method 5: Hidden MIUI functions (for experimenters)

MIUI has hidden settings that are not officially dokumented, but allow for flexible interface configuration, and one of those is using Activity Launcher to access the internal menu.

How to enable hidden call background settings:

  1. Install Activity Launcher from Google Play.
  2. Open the app and find it in the list of com.android.incallui (call screen app).
  3. Slip on.settings.CallBackgroundSettings (the name may be different).
  4. In the menu that opens, select Custom background and upload your image.

This method doesnโ€™t work on all versions of MIUI, but on some devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 with MIUI 13) it opens up access to additional options that are not available through standard settings.

What if Activity Launcher doesnโ€™t find CallBackgroundSettings?
On some firmware, the path to settings may be different. Try searching Activity Launcher for the keywords: - InCallUI - CallScreen - Background - Theme If nothing is found, then your version of MIUI does not support this method.

Another hidden trick is using MIUI Hidden Settings (an app to unlock additional options), which can be installed in the phone settings, and a new section called Additional Call Settings, where advanced background settings are available, can appear.

Problem Solving: Why doesnโ€™t the background change?

Sometimes users find that background changes do not apply or are reset after a reboot. Consider the typical causes and ways to eliminate them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The background doesn't change.Phone app cacheClear the cache in Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ Phone โ†’ Memory โ†’ Clear the cache
Changes are resetThematic conflictApply the standard theme, then repeat the background setting
background stretched or blurredInappropriate image resolutionUse images with a resolution of 1080ร—2340 pixels (for Full HD+ displays)
No "Found of the Call" option.An outdated version of MIUIUpdate the firmware through Settings โ†’ System Update

If none of the methods helped, try resetting the settings of the Phone application:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management โ†’ Phone.
  2. Press Warehouse. โ†’ Delete the data.
  3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

โš ๏ธ Warning: App Data Reset Phone will delete call history! pre-export it through Settings โ†’ Google โ†’ Backup โ†’ Call history.

Bonuses: Creative ideas for the challenge background

Now that you know how to change the background, you have to choose the appropriate design.

  • ๐ŸŒ… Sunset gradients โ€“ create a calming atmosphere.
  • ๐Ÿ–ค Minimalistic black and white patterns โ€“ look stylish and not distracting.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Game themes โ€“ suitable for Black Shark or POCO F.
  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Personal photos โ€“ for example, your favorite place or pet.
  • ๐ŸŒŒ Space wallpapers โ€“ animated stars or galaxies.
  • ๐ŸŽจ Abstract drawings for lovers of modern art.

To create unique backgrounds, you can use:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Collage applications (PicsArt, Canva).
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Online Gradient Generators (cssgradient.io).
  • ๐ŸŽฅ Video editors for animated backgrounds (CapCut, Adobe Premiere Rush).

If you want the background to harmonize with the overall theme of the smartphone, use the color palettes from the MIUI app:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Display โ†’ Color scheme.
  2. Choose your favorite palette and copy it. HEX-code.
  3. Create a background in a graphics editor using these colors.

๐Ÿ’ก

For better visual perception, avoid too bright or colorful backgrounds โ€“ they can make it difficult to read information about the call (name of the subscriber, timer).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the background of the call to Xiaomi

Can I put a GIF or video on the background of the call without root?
Yes, but only with third-party applications like Call Screen Themes or Video Call Screen Changer. These utilities do not require root rights, but may require additional permissions (for example, Overlay over other windows). Playback quality depends on the performance of the device โ€“ on weak smartphones (for example, Redmi 9A) lags are possible.
Why did the background of the call drop after the MIUI update?
When major system updates (e.g., MIUI 13 to MIUI 14) reset many user settings, including the call background, due to a change in the structure of system files. To avoid losing settings, take a screenshot of the current background before updating and save it to the gallery.
How to return the standard background, if after experiments the call screen began to glitch?
There are three ways: Through Settings: Go to Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ Phone โ†’ Storage โ†’ Delete Data (call history will be deleted!) Through Topics: Apply the standard Default theme in the Themes app. Through Reset: Perform factory reset (Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ Reset), but this is the last resort. If the problem remains, system files may be damaged. In this case, only flashing through the Mi Flash Tool will help.
Do these methods work on POCO and Black Shark?
Yes, all of the methods described here are applicable to POCO and Black Shark devices, as they are based on MIUI (or its modifications like POCO Launcher).Exception is some Black Shark gaming smartphones with a branded JoyUI shell, where the path to settings may differ. For example, on Black Shark 5 Pro, the call background changes through Settings โ†’ Calls โ†’ Screenstyle.
Can I make different backgrounds for different contacts?
There is no such feature in standard MIUI settings, but it can be implemented using third-party applications: Contact Photo & Call Screen allows you to assign unique background images for each contact. Truecaller โ€” in addition to the number detector, has the option of customizing the call screen for individual subscribers. Please note that these applications require access to your contacts and call history. Before installing, check reviews and ratings in Google Play.