How to put a photo on the contact in the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi: 5 proven ways

You want to personalize your contacts on your Xiaomi Redmi phone by adding photos to them, but you don't know how to do it correctly? This problem is familiar to many MIUI users — despite the intuitive interface, some features are hidden in an unobvious way. In this article, we'll look at all possible methods for installing contact avatars, including solutions for cases where the standard method does not work.

Note that the procedure may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12, 13 or 14) and the smartphone model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ vs POCO X5). However, the basic principles remain the same. If you encounter an error like “failed to save contact photos”, there is a section at the end of the article with solutions to such problems.

Before you start, make sure that the contact is saved in the phone book, not just in WhatsApp or Telegram – this is a key condition for successful installation of the avatar. Also check that you have the rights to edit the contact (especially if it is synced with Google Account).

Method 1: Standard Method through the Contacts app

This is the easiest and most versatile way that works on most Xiaomi devices running MIUI. Suitable for Redmi 10, Note 11, POCO F4 and others.

Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person's silhouette) and find the contact you want in the list and tap it. In the contact card that opens, click on the camera icon (or plus in the circle if the photo is not already installed), and the system will prompt you to select the source of the image:

• 📷 Take a photo – activates the camera for instant snapshot;
• 🖼️ Select from Gallery – Allows you to upload an existing image;
• 🎨 Create an avatar - available in MIUI 14 for generating stylized images.

Once you select a photo, you can crop it (use gestures to zoom in) and save it. Changes are applied automatically and will show up in calls, messages and other applications integrated with the phone book.

Open the “Contact” appendix»|Find the right contact in the list|Stick to the camera/plus icon|Select the source of the image|Cut and save photos-->

Method 2: Install photo through contact editing

If the first method didn’t work (e.g., the camera icon is inactive), try an alternative editing path, which is especially useful for contacts synced with Google or Mi Account.

Instructions:

1. Open the “Contacts” and select the contact you want.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → “Edit”.
3. Slip the contact icon (by default it is a gray silhouette).
4. Select the source of the photo (gallery or camera) and confirm the changes.

If the photo editing option is blocked, it means that the contact belongs to another account (for example, Google), in which case you either copy the contact to the local memory of the phone or change the sync settings.

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If a photo of the contact isn't showing up on WhatsApp or Viber, try updating the app or restarting your phone. Sometimes the cache interferes with the avatars being displayed correctly.

Method 3: Using Google Contacts to Sync Photos

If you use Google Account to sync your contacts, you can set a photo through the web version of the service and then sync the changes with your phone. This is handy if you have many Android devices.

How to do this:

1. Open contacts.google.com on your computer and log in.
2. Find the right contact and click on it.
3. Click on the camera icon in the top left corner of the contact card.
4. Upload a photo from your computer or take a picture through a webcam.
5. Save the changes and wait for the synchronization (usually takes 1-2 minutes).

On Xiaomi, check that sync is enabled: go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google → Contacts and activate the switch. If the photo doesn’t show up, try manually updating contacts by pulling the list down.

Using the Contacts app on my phone | Through Google Contacts on PC |Use third-party apps |I don't add photos to contacts-->

Method 4: Install photo through the application "Phone"

In some versions of MIUI (e.g., the Redmi 9 or POCO M4 Pro), the contact photo can be changed directly during a call or through a call log, a method less obvious, but sometimes works where standard methods fail.

Step-by-step:

• 📞 Open the phone application (green handset).
• 🔍 Find contact in the call log or through search.
• 🖼️ Tap the contact avatar (if any) or hold your finger on the contact name. → «Edit».
• 📸 Click on the camera icon next to the name and select a photo.

This method is especially convenient if you often call the same person and want to quickly assign him a photo without deep immersion in the settings.

Method 5: Third-party applications for contact management

If the built-in MIUI tools don’t work, you can use third-party apps from Google Play, which offer advanced contact editing features, including batch photo installation, collage creation, and even AI avatar generation.

Top.-3 Applications for working with contacts on Xiaomi:

Before installing third-party apps, check the permissions they request. For example, Truecaller requires access to contacts, calls, and SMS, which can be redundant if you only need a photo editing feature.

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Third-party apps are convenient for mass editing of contacts, but can duplicate data. Periodically check the phone book for duplicate entries.

Problem Solving: Why not get a photo on the contact

Sometimes Xiaomi Redmi users encounter errors when trying to add or change a contact avatar.

Problem 1: The photo button is inactive

⚠️ Note: If the contact belongs to a Google Account or Mi Account and editing rights are limited, the system can block the change of the photo. Solution: copy the contact to the phone's local memory (when editing, select Save as a new contact» → «Phone»).

Problem 2: Photos are not saved after pruning

• 🔄 Reboot your phone – it will reset temporary errors MIUI.
• 🧹 Clear the cache of the Contacts app: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Contacts → Clear the cache.
• 📥 Check if the device has enough memory (minimum 50-100 MB of free space is required).

Problem 3: Photos are displayed blurry or cropped

This is due to automatic scaling in MIUI, to avoid distortion:

• 🖼️ Use square images (for example, 512×512 pixel).
• 🔍 When pruning, leave your face in the center, avoiding the edges.
• 📏 Check the resolution of the photo - optimally 100-300 KB.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the Contacts app to factory settings (without deleting data). Go to Settings → Apps → Contacts → Storage → Reset settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about photos of contacts on Xiaomi