How to make a full-screen contact photo on Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

When a contact with a saved photo rings on Xiaomi, it's the default little circle at the top of the screen. But many users want to see a full-screen photo of a subscriber -- like on old button phones or in commercials -- it's not only stylish, it's practical, you can see who's calling right away, even from afar.

Unfortunately, the standard MIUI settings don't have this feature, because the manufacturer has hidden it behind the technical limitations of Android. However, there are 3 workarounds that will stretch the photo of the contact to the full screen. In this article, we will analyze each method with step-by-step screenshots, nuances for different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.) and solutions to typical problems.

Important: all methods are tested on MIUI 14 (Android 13) and work on 90% of the brand’s devices. If you have old firmware (MIUI 11 or lower), some features may not be available, which we’ll mention too.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t show full screen photos by default

The reason lies in Google’s policy and Android’s limitations: Starting with Android 9 Pie, the system prohibits apps (including the standard Phone) from overriding system notifications (time, battery icons, networks) during a call.

Xiaomi also uses its own call interface in MIUI, where:

• 📱 The screen of the incoming call is divided into zones: the upper panel (time, icons), the central (accept/deflect buttons), the lower (photo of the contact in miniature).
• 🔒 Security: Full-screen content can interfere with quick access to emergency call buttons or screen locks.
• 🎨 Design: In MIUI Minimalism is a priority, and large photographs are considered visual noise".

However, you can circumvent these restrictions – we will tell you how below.

Method 1: Use of a third-party application "Full Screen Caller ID"

The most reliable method is to install a specialized application that replaces the standard incoming call screen. Full Screen Caller ID (from developer Vinayak Tekale) supports all Xiaomi models and allows you to:

• 🖼️ Stretching the contact photo to the full screen (including the notification area).
• 🎨 Customize background blur, button transparency, animations.
• 📞 Show the name of the contact over the photo in large font.
• 🔄 Work in parallel with the standard phone application (does not require it to be disabled).

How to install and configure:

Download the app from [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vinayaktecale.fullscreencallerid)|Open the app and grant permissions to Contacts and Phone |Enable the option to Show over other windows in Android settings |Select the Full Screen Photo theme in the app menu |Tune button transparency and font to taste-->

One important caveat: once installed, the app may not work on the first calls, and this is due to the battery optimization in MIUI.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Full Screen Caller ID.
2. Select Battery Limitations → No restrictions.
3. Enable AutoRun and Secondary Start.

Example of work:

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If the contact photo is not displayed, make sure it is saved in Google Contacts, not just in Google Contacts. SIM-The application only reads data from synchronized sources.

Method 2: Configure through hidden MIUI settings (without root)

MIUI has hidden settings that allow you to increase the size of the photo contact to the maximum possible (not quite the whole screen, but close), this method does not require installing third-party applications and works on all devices with MIUI 12 and later.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Scroll down and select Additional settings.
4. Activate the option to show a photo of the contact (if it is turned off).
5. Enter ##4636## in the dialer, go to the Phone Information menu and find the UI Debugging option. Enable it.
6. Return to Settings → Additional settings → Incoming call screen and select Large photo size.

What this method does:

• 📸 Photo of the contact taking ~70% of the screen (instead of 20% by default).
• 🔍 The name of the subscriber is displayed under the photo in large print.
• ⚡ Does not require root rights or third-party applications.

Limitations of the method:

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI setting UI Debugging can reset. Repeat the steps 5-6, If the photo is small again.

Method 3: Install custom firmware (for advanced users)

If the first two methods do not suit, you can install an alternative firmware with a modified call screen.

• 📱 Pixel Experience - firmware based on pure Android with a call screen like on Google Pixel (photo on 90% of the screen).
• 🔧 LineageOS – supports plugins for customizing the call screen.
• 🎨 Havoc-OS – has built-in size settings for photo contact.

Advantages of custom firmware:

How to establish (briefly):

1. Unlock bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (you need a Mi Account and wait 7 days).
2. Install custom Recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
3. Download firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience for your model) from the XDA Developers website.
4. Swipe through the Recovery by doing wipe data.

⚠️ Warning: Inept firmware can turn your phone into a brick. If you're a beginner, you'd better go to Method 1 or Method 2.

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Custom firmware gives you maximum customization freedom, but requires technical skills. For most users, a third-party application (Method 1) is sufficient.

Solution: Why is the photo not displayed on the full screen?

If you followed the instructions but the photo is still small or not showing at all, check:

Photo of contact saved in high resolution (minimum) 500×500 px)|Contact synced with Google Account, not just on SIM|Full Screen Caller app ID all the permits|In the settings MIUI included photo display in Settings → Annexes → Phone.-->

Typical errors and decisions:

If the problem persists, try:

• 🔄 Reinstall the Full Screen Caller app ID.
• 📱 Reset the settings of the Phone application (Settings) → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse → Drop it).
• 🔧 Update MIUI Up to the latest version (new firmware sometimes adds hidden options).

Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

The choice of method depends on your skills and requirements:

Recommendations:

• 📱 For most users, the optimal method 1 (Full Screen Caller app) ID). It is simple, safe and gives maximum effect.
• ⚙️ If you don't want to install third-party software, try Method 2 (hidden settings.
• 🔧 Method 3 is only suitable for experienced users who are willing to sacrifice stability for the sake of complete customization.

Additional chips: how to make the call screen even cooler

If you have already set up a full-screen photo, you can go further and customize the call screen for yourself:

• 🎵 Individual tunes: assign a unique ringtone to each contact. → Change. → ringtone.
• 🌈 Color Themes: Full Screen Caller ID You can adjust the color of the acceptance / rejection buttons for the wallpaper style.
• 📹 Call screen video: Some custom firmware (e.g. Havoc-OS) supports short video instead of static photo.
• 🔋 Quick Actions: Add buttons to the call screen to record a conversation or send SMS (Configures in Full Screen Caller ID).

An example of advanced customization:

1. Install the Full Screen Caller ID application.


2. Select the theme "Modern Dark" in the settings.




3. Activate the "Blurred Background" option (Blurred Background).)




4. Assign your wife a high-resolution photo + Morning Light ringtone.




5. For colleagues, set a neutral photo + vibration "Double impulse".

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To prevent the contact photo from being cut, use square images (e.g. 1000×1000 px).

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up a full screen photo