Xiaomi’s smartphones, which run MIUI shells and the new HyperOS, are famous for their extensive personalization capabilities. One of the most commonly used interface elements is the incoming call screen that users see every time someone calls them. The default design offered by the manufacturer may seem boring or not informative enough for experienced owners.
Fortunately, Android, in conjunction with branded add-ons, allows you to change the appearance of this interface almost beyond recognition. You can replace a static photo with a video, change the font of the display number, move the response buttons or add useful widgets directly to the lock screen, it's not only a matter of aesthetics, but also a matter of usability of the device in everyday life.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to modify the call interface, we will touch on the work with the built-in theme store, set up system fonts, and also look at third-party applications for advanced customization. Understanding these settings will allow you to make using your smartphone more comfortable and visually enjoyable.
Using the built-in “Themes” application to change the design
The easiest and safest way to change the design of the call screen is to use the regular Theme app, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi devices. This method does not require superuser rights (Root) and guarantees stable operation of the system, since all themes are tested for compatibility. The catalogue has thousands of design options created by both designers and independent authors of the community.
To get started, run the app and go to the Topics section or search. The search bar recommends you type in queries like “Call Screen,” “Incoming Call,” or “Dialer.” The system will offer a list of options where you can preview exactly what the lock screen and call window will look like. Pay attention to the theme ranking and the number of downloads to avoid bugs.
Once you have selected the appropriate option, click Download and then Apply. The system can suggest that you apply the whole theme or select the individual components. It is important to choose the Call Screen or Inbound Call component if you do not want to change the icons and desktop wallpaper. Once you apply the changes, the call interface will change instantly.
- 🎨 Thousands of free and paid designs are available at the official Mi Store.
- 🔄 Ability to preview the theme before installation without risk to the system.
- ⚙️ Flexible setting: you can only use the call screen, leaving the old wallpaper.
- 🛡️ Security: all topics are checked by moderators for the absence of malicious code.
⚠️ Note: When installing themes from third-party authors from unofficial sources (not through the Themes app), there is a risk of disruption to the stability of the interface. Always check that the theme is compatible with your version of Android.
It is worth noting that some themes may not display correctly on screens with a cutout (“ bangs”) or a hole under the camera. In such cases, part of the interface may overlap with elements of the system. If you encounter a similar problem, try to choose a different theme or ask the author to update the design.
Set up fonts and text size on the call screen
Readability of the phone number and contact name is critical, especially for visually impaired users or in situations where the phone is at a distance. On Xiaomi devices, you can independently adjust the font size and style, changing these parameters affects not only the call screen, but the entire system, which ensures the visual integrity of the interface.
To resize, go to the Settings menu and select Screen. Here you are interested in the Text Size section. Moving the slider, you will see in real time how the text display changes to the preview. For the incoming call screen, this is especially important, since large numbers are easier to distinguish without bringing the phone to your face.
To change the style of the font, you need to go to the Themes app and switch to the Profile tab (the human icon in the corner), and then select Fonts. There is a font store where you can download and install new headsets. Once you install the new font, it will automatically apply to all interface elements, including the phone number numbers.
There is also the option to adjust the font boldness and further readability improvements. In some versions of MIUI, in the "Alternatively inside the font menu" section, there is the option "Thickened Text" that activates the characters to be more contrasting, which has a positive effect on the perception of information in bright sunlight.
Installation of video and GIF-animations
Static images on the lock screen have long been commonplace. Xiaomi smartphone owners can bring the interface to life by installing a video or animated GIF-This feature makes the phone unique and allows you to instantly recognize the caller not only from the photo, but also from the characteristic animations.
There are two main ways to do this: One is to use specialized themes in the Themes app that already contain video backgrounds; the second, more flexible method is to use the Video Wallpaper feature or third-party live wallpaper apps that integrate into the call system; however, native full-screen video support when calling may depend on the shell version.
If your version of HyperOS or MIUI supports video wallpaper on the lock screen, you can set any video from the gallery. To do this, open the video recording, click the "More" button (three dots) and select Set as video wallpaper. In the video wallpaper settings, be sure to tick the lock screen. Now, any incoming call, if the phone is locked, your video will play.
- 🎥 Video wallpaper supports format MP4 permission before 4K for maximum quality.
- 🔋 Animated backgrounds can slightly increase battery consumption.
- 📱 On screens with a high refresh rate (120 Hz), the animation looks particularly smooth.
- 🎞️ For installation GIF-You may need to convert files to video format. MP4.
⚠️ Attention: Use of heavy video files (4K, 60 FPS) as wallpaper lock screen can lead to slowing the interface when unlocking the device on models of the medium and budget segment.
For users who want to install video on a dialing window or an active conversation screen (when the phone is at the ear), this is more difficult to do with standard means. Here come the video calling apps from Google Play, which replace the standard interface, but they require permanent permissions to work on top of other windows.
Configure widgets and information about the caller
Modern smartphones allow you to display much more information on the incoming call screen than just a name and number. In Xiaomi shells, you can configure widgets that show data from messengers, call history or even weather, which turns the call screen into an information bar.
First of all, check the settings of the Phone app itself. Open it, click three dots in the corner, and select Settings. This is the Incoming Calls (or Display) section. This menu allows you to activate a full-screen photo of the contact, which is especially true for large-format displays. It also adjusts the screen behavior when calling: whether to go out or stay on.
Widgets on the lock screen provide additional functionality. MIUI 14 and HyperOS now allow you to add widgets directly to the lock screen (left or right of the clock), although they are not built directly into the call window, they are visible when you pick up the phone before you answer, and you can set them up with a long tap on the lock screen in editing mode.
☑️ Checking the display settings
The smart notification feature deserves special attention: if you receive a call from a number that is not in your contacts, the system can show information about a company or possible spam using a database.
Solving Display and Full Screen Mode Problems
Users often face a situation where the call interface is cut off, buttons are too close to the edges or, conversely, do not overlap the entire screen. This is especially true for devices with cutouts (" bangs") or holes for the front camera. Android system and the MIUI shell have special settings to adapt old applications to new screens.
To solve the problem of black bars or incorrect zoom, go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Full-screen mode (the path may vary depending on the OS version). In the list, find the Phone app or Google Play Services (as they are often responsible for the call interface) and try changing the display mode from “Default” to “Full screen” or “Original”.
Another common problem is that there is no photo of the caller, even if it is added to contacts. This is often due to access restrictions. The Phone application must have permission to access Contacts and Memory. You can check this in the Apps menu → All Apps → Phone → Permissions.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision-making |
|---|---|---|
| Black stripes on the sides | Wrong scaling mode | Settings → Full screen mode → Select “Full screen” |
| No photo of the caller. | No access rights to contacts | Application settings → Phone → Permissions → Contacts |
| The screen goes out when you ring. | Operation of the proximity sensor | Check the protective glass or setting “Switch off the screen when lifting” |
| Small print of the room | System settings of font | Settings → Screen → Text Size / Font |
If the proximity sensor is not working properly and turns off the screen too early to respond, try calibrating. Enter ##6484## to log into the engineering menu, select Proximity sensor and follow the instructions on the screen for calibration.
Third-party applications for advanced customization
The regular tools aren't always enough to implement bold design ideas. There are many apps in the Google Play store that completely replace the standard incoming call interface, which allow you to add quick response buttons with messages, change the location of items, add blurred backgrounds, and even change the topic depending on the time of day.
One popular solution is the Truecaller app (with call theme feature) or special call launchers like Calls - Phone Dialer & Contacts. These apps require broad permissions, including access to a phone book, call log and display over other windows, without which permissions they won't be able to intercept an incoming call and show their interface.