Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones offer users a wide range of options for personalizing the interface, turning standard system functions into unique tools for self-expression. One of the most popular options is to install a high-quality image on an incoming call to immediately see who is calling you, even if the phone is lying upside down or in the bag. However, standard settings often limit the display of the avatar to a small circle in the center, cropping the edges of the photo without giving the desired visual effect.
In order for a photo to occupy the entire screen during an incoming call, you need to consider not only the actions in the phone book, but also the features of the installed shell MIUI or the new HyperOS. Different versions of the firmware can interpret user commands differently, and some system applications-callers have hidden settings that block full-screen display by default. Understanding these nuances will avoid disappointment and get exactly the result you expect.
In this detailed guide, we’ll take a look at all the ways you can do this, from basic techniques to the use of customized contact editing apps, how to prepare your image correctly, what resolutions are best for you, and what to do if the standard means are not working. The key is the aspect ratio of the original image, which should fit the vertical screen format of your smartphone.
Image preparation and technical requirements
Before you start directly setting contacts, you need to properly prepare the source file. Android system algorithms and MIUI shells often automatically crop the image, cutting important details around the edges if certain proportions are not met. The ideal option is to use the photo in a vertical orientation with a resolution equal to or exceeding the resolution of the screen of your device.
Most modern Xiaomi smartphones have screens with aspect ratio 19.5:9 or 20:9, It's a lot longer than a standard square avatar, if you try to set a horizontal photo or a picture with a ratio. 4:3, It will either leave black fields on the sides or it will cut the center part very hard. It is recommended to pre-process the image in any editor, setting a size, for example, 1080×2340 pixel.
Also worth paying attention to is the file format and its weight. Although the system supports JPG and PNG formats, the latter provides better quality while saving details, but can take up more space in the contact database. Excessively heavy images (more than 5 MB) can take longer to load on incoming calls, creating a delay in the display of the picture.
- 📐 Use vertical photos with an aspect ratio of at least 19:9 for full screen coverage.
- 💾 The optimal weight of the file should be from 500 KB to 2 MB for fast download.
- 🖼️ Format PNG preferably for the graphics, and JPG — photo-photograph.
☑️ Checking the readiness of the photo
It's important to understand that the quality of the display depends not only on the file, but also on the pixel density per inch (PPI) of your display. On high PPI screens, the compression artifacts will be more noticeable, so the source should be as clear as possible. You shouldn't expect the system to improve the quality of the small image itself - zoom algorithms often blur details.
⚠️ Note: Do not use images with transparent background (alpha channel) in format PNG without prior review. MIUI transparent areas may be displayed in black instead of missing wallpaper or theme background.
Standard method of installation through the Contacts application
The easiest and most reliable way to install a photo is to use the built-in Contacts app, which is preinstalled on all Xiaomi devices, which ensures that the image is compatible with the system and syncs with your Google or Mi Cloud account, which will allow subscribers to see your photo when calling, if they also use compatible services.
To start, open the Contacts app and find the right subscriber or create a new contact. Click on the camera icon or avatar at the top of the screen. The system will suggest you choose the source of the image: take a picture, select from the gallery or delete the current photo. Select from the gallery and find the pre-prepared image.
When you select a photo, you'll see a framing interface, and at this point, many users make the mistake of confirming the choice right away. Pay attention to the zoom or tweak icon -- some versions of the shell have a full screen switch or the ability to stretch the highlight area. If you don't have one, manually expand the selection frame to the maximum limits available by the interface.
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If the interface offers two options when choosing a photo: “Profile Photo” and “Call Photo”, be sure to choose the second option or make sure that the image installed is applicable to all types of display.
Once the changes are confirmed, the system will save data, so to check the result, you can ask someone to call you or use the test call feature if it is available in the engineering menu, and if the photo is still displayed in a small circle, it may be a limitation in the current design topic.
Configure the display in the application Phone
Often the problem lies not in the contact itself, but in the settings of the Dialer app, which handles incoming calls. Depending on the region and the firmware version, Xiaomi smartphones can use a standard Google call or a proprietary MIUI Dialer.
In the Google Phone app, you need to go to the settings via the menu (three dots in the corner) and find the Incoming Calls section. There may be an option called "Full screen photos" or "Show contact photos." Make sure that sliders are activated. In some cases, cleaning the app's cache helps if the settings are not applied instantly.
If you use MIUI Dialer, the algorithm is similar, but the menu can be hidden deeper. Go to Settings → Visual Effects (or similar). Here you can find the call style settings. Some design themes force the size of the avatar, ignoring the contact settings, so changing the theme to the standard one can solve the problem.
| Type of caller | The path to adjustment | Key option |
|---|---|---|
| Google Phone | Settings → Incoming calls | Full-screen photos |
| MIUI Dialer | Settings → Visual effects | Incoming call style |
| Third-party (Truecaller) | Settings → Appearance | Theme of the call |
It is worth noting that updating system components through Google Play Services can change the behavior of the call interface. If after the next update, the photo no longer appears correctly, try to remove the Contacts and Phone app updates through the application management menu, returning them to the factory version.
Use of themes and third-party launchers
MIUI and HyperOS are known for their visual flexibility, and themes play a key role here. Some themes, especially those created by third-party designers, have their own incoming call screens that completely replace the standard interface, in which case the system settings of the photo may not work.
To check the impact of the theme, go to the Themes app and select a standard Classic or Default theme. Apply it and check the incoming call. If the photo is full-screen, then the previous theme blocked this feature. In the theme store, you can use the keywords "Full screen caller" or "Big photo" when searching to find themes that support this mode.
Third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher don't usually affect the lock screen and call screen, because these features are controlled by the system layer. However, there are specialized caller apps that you can install from the Play Market, which allow you to customize the call background for each contact individually with high accuracy.
When using third-party call apps, it is important to provide all the necessary permissions, including access to contacts, microphone and phone. Without these permissions, the application will not be able to intercept the incoming call and display your image.
⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party calls from unverified sources, there is a risk of leaking your contacts and calls. Use only popular apps with high ratings and a lot of reviews.
Advanced Methods: Contact Editors and EXIF
For users who lack standard functionality, there are specialized tools for editing the contact database. Applications like Contact Photo Editor or EXIF Editor allow you to embed an image directly into the contact file with the desired metadata, forcing you to specify the display parameters.
One of the most effective methods is editing. EXIF-Some systems read orientation and framing from the file metadata. Using a computer or an advanced editor on your phone, you can tag the orientation of Portrait and make sure that the file does not contain conflicting cropping instructions.
There is also a method of editing a database via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), but it requires a computer and certain technical skills, which allows you to direct a database file of contacts, but it is not recommended for ordinary users due to the risk of data loss or disruption of the phone book.
Risks of database editing
If you are syncing with Google Contacts, changes made by local editors can be overwritten with data from the cloud the next time you sync, in which case it is recommended to first edit the contact in the web version of Google Contacts by uploading a high-resolution photo there, and wait for sync with the smartphone.
Solving common problems and errors
Even if all instructions are followed, users may find that the photo is not displayed or looks incorrect. One of the common causes is a crowded cache of the Contacts app or Contact Store. The accumulation of temporary files can lead to errors when reading graphic data.
To solve the problem, go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find Contacts and Contact Store. Select Clear Cache. If that doesn't work, you can try Clear all data, but remember that this will remove local display settings, although the contacts themselves should be saved if they are synced to the cloud.
Another reason could be the formatting of the phone number: If the number is stored in an international format (for example, +7...), and the incoming call is in a city format (for example, 8... or no plus), the system may not match the call with the contact and show the photo.
- 🔄 Perform a smartphone reboot after setting new settings or themes.
- 📞 Check if Do Not Disturb mode is enabled, which can change the call interface.
- 📂 Make sure the photo is undamaged and opens in the gallery without errors.
In rare cases, the problem lies in the bug of a particular firmware version. If nothing helps, it makes sense to check for system updates in the About Phone section. Xiaomi developers regularly release patches that correct interface and media errors.
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Systematic check of the number format and cleaning of the cache of the "Contacts" application solve 90% of problems with displaying avatars.
⚠️ Warning: If all contact photos are missing after resetting or updating your firmware, don't panic. log into your Google account on your computer, check for a backup, and start syncing on your phone again.