How to change the call screen on Xiaomi: a guide to customization

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones offer users the most personalized interfaces to turn a standard device into a unique gadget. However, the standard incoming call screen in the shells of MIUI and the new HyperOS often looks utilitarian and boring, especially if you want to stand out or just change the scenery. Many owners wonder how to replace a static picture with a live video or completely change the style of display of the caller’s number.

The process of changing the call screen can range from simply changing the wallpaper in contacts to installing specialized applications. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods that work on current versions of the Android operating system, you will learn about the built-in features of the system, which are often hidden from the eyes of the average user, as well as about third-party solutions.

You need to understand that standard tools of the system are limited by the capabilities of the shell itself, so to create a truly spectacular visual often requires third-party software. We will consider the safe ways to install such programs and their proper configuration, so as not to disrupt the stable operation of your smartphone.

Use of built-in MIUI and HyperOS themes

The easiest and safest way to change the look of the interface, including the call screen, is to use an official theme. The MIUI shell and its successor HyperOS have a powerful theme engine that allows you to change system icons, fonts and, importantly for us, the lock and call screen, just open the preinstalled Themes app on the home screen.

When searching for an app, type in the call screen or call screen to filter out results. You'll see hundreds of options, from minimalistic black and white designs to complex animated parallax backgrounds. After selecting your favorite theme, click Download and then Apply. The system will suggest you choose which components of the theme to activate.

It's important to note that not all themes change the interface of the call, some only affect the desktop wallpaper, so when you use it, read the description carefully or watch the preview. If you want to return it as it was, just select the standard theme in your profile.

Consider that using a third-party theme can also change other interface elements, such as the notification bar or the settings menu. If you are only interested in a call, look for themes marked “Call only” or be prepared for global changes in the system design. In some cases, customization through themes works incorrectly on new versions of Android, requiring additional manipulation.

Set up video calls through the “Themes” app

Special attention should be paid to the video call feature, which is built into the system application "Themes" on many Xiaomi models. This allows you to set a short video as a background for an incoming call, which looks much more impressive than a static image. To implement this functionality, you do not need to download third-party software, it is enough to configure the system components correctly.

Go to the Themes app and go to the user profile (the person icon in the lower right corner). Find the Video Calls or Video ringtone section. Here is a catalog of short clips that can be installed on an incoming call for all subscribers or for specific contacts from the phone book.

• 🎬 Open the directory of video calls and select your favorite video from the proposed categories.
• 📥 Press the download button to save the video to the device memory for quick access.
• ⚙️ Select the “Apply” option and specify who this background will work for: for everyone or for a select few.
• 📞 Check the result by making a test call from another phone.

Video calls may vary depending on the region where your smartphone is released, but this section may be called differently or hidden on global firmware versions (Global ROM), so change the region in your system settings to India or Russia, but this may affect the operation of some system applications.

Video playback also depends on the power of your device’s processor. On low-memory, low-cost models of the Redmi or Poco series, animation can slow down, and then you’d better use high-resolution static images that don’t put too much strain on the GPU.

Installation of third-party applications for calls

If standard tools aren't enough, specialized apps from the Google Play Store come to the rescue, offering much more customization options, from completely changing the interface to integrating with instant messengers. One of the most popular solutions is the Truecaller app, which not only identifies numbers, but also has its own call theme.

Another powerful tool is the Call Screen + Call Widget app, or analogues like Call Screen - Video Caller ID. Once you install this software, you'll need to give it a number of permissions. Android, especially in conjunction with MIUI, will actively warn about the risks, but it is necessary for the call to work.

Permits required:


- Access to contacts




- Phone access (calls)




Display on top of other applications




- Auto-start.

Once you have access rights set up, the app will replace the standard caller, so you can select videos from your gallery, customize response buttons, and even add widgets directly to the call screen, giving you full control over what the caller sees or what you see when you connect.

⚠️ Warning: Installing third-party calls from unknown developers may leak your contact details.Use only proven high-ranking apps and a lot of reviews in the official Google Play Store.

Set up personalized wallpaper for contacts

The most elegant way to diversify the call screen is to set a unique photo for each important contact. When a loved one calls you, you will immediately see their picture on the full screen, even without using third-party software, which is built into the standard Android interface and works steadily on all Xiaomi devices.

To implement, open the Contacts or Phone app. Find the right subscriber in the list and click on their name to open the card. There's usually room at the top of the screen for an avatar. Click on it or the pencil icon to edit.

Select the option "Add a photo" or "Change a photo." You can take a picture right now or select an image from the gallery. After cropping the frame, save the changes. Now, when you call in from that person, the selected image will be displayed on the screen.

• 👤 Open the contact card in the phone book.
• 🖼️ Click on the camera icon or avatar to edit.
• 📸 Choose a high-quality photo from the gallery or make a new one.
• 💾 Save the changes to apply the photo to the call screen.

Unfortunately, standard means can't make the background dynamically change or be video, but for static but personalized calls, it's the best option, it doesn't consume battery and doesn't require the installation of additional software, which has a positive effect on the autonomy of the device.

Table of comparison of methods of customization

To make it easier for you to choose the right way to change the call screen, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each method depending on your needs and smartphone model.

As you can see from the table, for most users, the optimal balance between functionality and resource consumption is built-in video calls or themes. Third-party applications should only be used if you are willing to put up with increased power consumption for the sake of a unique design.

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Before installing a heavy calling app, check the amount of free RAM. If you have less than 4 GB of RAM, the system can often unload the call process, and you will not see a beautiful background, but only a standard black screen.

Solving problems with displaying the call screen

Often users are faced with a situation where after installing a theme or application, the call screen does not change, remains black or displays a standard interface. MIUI/HyperOS. The system kills processes that are not critical to save charge.

To fix this, you need to go to the battery settings, find your new call or theme app in the application list, go to Energy Saving and select No Limits mode, which will prevent the system from forcibly shutting down the process.

Also make sure the app has AutoRun permission.Without this right, after you reboot the phone, the custom call screen will stop working until you manually start the app again.These settings are in the Apps menu -> Permissions -> AutoRun.

⚠️ Warning: If after the change of call the phone begins to behave unstable or freeze when an incoming call, immediately delete the third-party application.

In some cases, the problem lies in the cache of the standard Phone app. Try clearing its data through the Apps menu -> All Apps -> Phone -> Clear. Don't worry, contacts and call history will not be deleted, only display settings will be reset.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The best way to change the call screen is to use the built-in video call directory in the Themes app, as it is guaranteed to be compatible with your version of the system and does not drain the battery.