Modern Xiaomi smartphones provide users with a wide range of options for customizing the interface, turning a standard device into a unique gadget. One of the most noticeable elements of personalization is the call screen that we see every time we call. The standard MIUI or HyperOS interface may seem boring, but it is easy to replace it with a brighter, functional or minimalist design.
Changing the style of calls doesn't require root rights or complex code manipulation, it allows you to change the visual component through built-in tools or third-party applications, and it's important to understand that changing the theme affects not only the appearance, but also the location of the call control buttons.
In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to personalize call screens, you will learn how to use the official store with the ones where to look for quality designs and what nuances should be considered when installing third-party shells for calling.
Using the Topics app to change style
The easiest and safest way to change the look of an incoming call is to use the Themes app, which is the official tool from the developers of MIUI, which guarantees compatibility with your version of the operating system. The catalogue contains thousands of designs created by both the company and independent designers.
To get started, you need to launch the app and go to Profile or click on the person icon in the lower right corner, and that's where you hide the personalization settings that you can't see on the store's homepage. Find Setting theme and select Inbound Call, and you'll see a list of styles you've already installed, as well as a button to download new ones.
β οΈ Warning: Some topics may only change the wallpaper, but not change the location of the response buttons. Carefully study the preview before installation to make sure that the style of the call is suitable for you.
When selecting a new theme, the system will suggest that you apply the changes immediately. If the standard directory does not offer the desired result, you can search for keywords such as "minimalism", "anime" or "neon". Once installed, the theme applies to all system elements, including the lock screen and desktop, unless you choose a selective application option.
Search and installation of third-party design themes
The official theme store is sometimes limited to regional settings or language barriers, and many users prefer to search for.mtz themes on third-party sites like the 4PDA forum or specialized sites like MIUI Themes, which allows access to exclusive designs that are not available in your region.
To install the downloaded file, you need to open the Topic app, go to Profile and select Import theme from the file. The system will automatically find the downloaded archive and prompt you to use it. After applying, remember to go back to the theme settings and make sure that the call style is activated, since the import sometimes resets individual components to standard ones.
- π Look for topics marked βGlobalβ to avoid font compatibility issues.
- π₯ Download files only from trusted sources to avoid malicious code.
- π Check regularly for updates if the author has released a new version for your version of Android.
Using third-party files opens up access to complex animations and interactive elements, but itβs worth remembering that heavy graphics themes can slightly increase battery consumption during a conversation due to the active work of the processor to render graphics.
βοΈ Checking before setting the topic
Configure via the Google Phone app
On global firmware versions and many smartphones sold outside China, the standard βcallerβ is the Google Phone app. It has its own customization mechanism that differs from the MIUI system themes. Here, the style change often comes down to changing the theme within the app itself or using the βNumber and Spamβ features.
To change the look, open the Phone app, click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings. Next, go to Appearance or Themes. If your operator or region supports this feature, you can choose from one of the suggested styles that change the color gamut of buttons and backgrounds during a conversation.
| Function | MIUI System Theme | Google Phone | Third-party Dialer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depth of change | Full (background, buttons, fonts) | Limited (colors, background) | Maximum |
| Complexity of installation | Low. | Low. | Medium |
| Impact on the battery | Average. | Minimum | High. |
| Stability | Tall. | Very high. | Depends on the app. |
It is important to note that the functionality of Google Phone may vary depending on the version of the application and the region, and in some cases, the option to change the theme may not be available, and then the interface will strictly conform to the material design of Android.
Use of third-party calls (Dialer)
If standard tools don't meet your needs, you can install an alternative call app, programs like Truecaller, CU Dialer, or Simple Dialer completely replace the standard call interface, and offer their own sets of themes, skins, and customization options.
Once you install this app, Android will ask permission to use it as the primary call app, and you need to confirm that choice, otherwise the new style will not be displayed. Inside the third-party dialer settings, there is usually a "Look" or "Skin" section where you can choose the finished design or download your own.
β οΈ Note: When installing a third-party call, you may lose integration with some Xiaomi system features, such as recording conversations (in some regions) or smartly identifying contacts from the site. MIUI.
Some advanced users choose this path for functionality, such as Truecaller, which offers a great spam database and a user-friendly interface that looks more modern than the standard one, but be prepared for the fact that such applications may request more permissions and access to contacts.
How do you get a standard call back?
Creating your own style of calling
For those who want complete uniqueness, there is the possibility of creating their own theme, a more complex process that requires the use of the MIUI Theme Editor tool on a computer, and allows you to edit graphic elements such as the background of the call screen, response and reset button icons, and fonts.
The process starts with decompiling a basic theme or creating a new one from scratch. You'll need the skills of working with graphic editors (Photoshop, GIMP) to render elements in the desired resolution. After preparing the graphics, they are packaged into the theme structure and compiled back into the.mtz file.
- π¨ The basic resolution for interface elements is usually 1080x2400 pixel.
- π The folder structure must strictly comply with the requirements of documentation MIUI.
- π§ To test the theme, it is not necessary to reboot the phone every time, you can use the preview mode.
Creating your theme is a great way to be creative, and you can make the background dynamic, add logos to your favorite teams, or use photos of loved ones as a backing for control buttons.
π‘
Use semi-transparent PNG-images for call buttons so that they blend harmoniously with any selected background and do not create visual noise.
Solving problems when changing topics
With active customization, users may face various problems, such as the theme may fly off and return to its standard look after a system update, which is normal behavior, as major Android or MIUI updates often reset modified files to avoid conflicts.
Another common problem is that text or buttons are not displayed correctly, and if the Accept and Reject buttons are shifted and cannot be accessed, the topic should be deleted, and sometimes there is a conflict between the desktop theme and the theme of calls, which leads to desynchronization of color schemes.
To solve most problems, just clear the Topic app cache. Go to Settings β Apps β All Apps β Topics β Memory β Clear the cache. After that, try to reuse the theme. If the problem persists, check if the system blocks the installation from unknown sources if you use third-party files.
β οΈ Warning: If after installing the theme, the phone starts to work unstable or reboot when an incoming call is made, immediately delete the last installed theme through Safe Mode or the standard theme manager.
The stability of the call interface is critical, because it is the main channel of communication, so before installing complex animated themes from unknown authors, it is worth weighing the risks and making sure the source is reliable.
π‘
The most stable way to change style is to use official themes from the built-in store, tested for compatibility with your model.