How to change the background when calling Xiaomi: 5 ways for all models

The incoming call screen is the first thing your interlocutors see when calling Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO. The standard black background with the brand logo looks boring, but few know that it can be easily replaced with a personalized image, animation or even video. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the background when calling on smartphones with MIUI 12, 13 and 14, including hidden features and circumvention of restrictions.

Important: customization options depend on the firmware version and device model. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, animated backgrounds are available, and on the budget Redmi Note 10, only static images are available. We covered all options so that you find a solution for your gadget.

Before you start, check the MIUI version: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have outdated firmware (below MIUI 12.5), update the system first - some features may not be available.

1. Standard method: through phone settings

The simplest method, which works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12.5+, is suitable for changing the background to a static image from a gallery or standard wallpaper.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
• 🔧 Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Select Settings.
• 🎨 Go to the Incoming Call Screen (or Incoming Call Background on some models).
• 🖼️ Select Gallery to upload your image or Wallpaper for standard options.
• ✅ Confirm the choice by clicking Install or Ready.

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ No support for animations or videos (only on the MIUI 14 for flagships).
• ❌ The image is automatically cropped to the screen format - check the preview.
• ❌ Some wallpapers from the Wallpaper section may not display correctly on the call screen.

Choose a photo with a resolution of at least 1080×1920

Cut the important details in the center (the edges will be hidden by the interface)

Check contrast – light text should be read against a dark background

Save the image to the DCIM/Camera folder for quick access

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Tip: If the desired image does not appear in the gallery when selecting the background, move it to the DCIM/Camera or Pictures folder - the system scans these directories more often.

2.Use of MIUI themes to change background

MIUI themes allow you to change not only the wallpaper of the main screen, but also the design of the incoming call screen, a method suitable for those who want a comprehensive design, not just a change in the background.

How to apply the topic:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. In the Recommended or Categories section, find a topic marked Call Screen (usually noted in the description).
3. Click Apply - the background of the call will change automatically.
4. To return the standard look, select the default theme.

Where to look for the right topics:

• 🔍 In the section Lock screen – many topics change the background of the call.
• 🔍 Keyword search: call screen, incoming call, background call.
• 🔍 Check the theme rankings – often popular options have custom call screens.

Static image

Animation or GIF

Videophone

Dark minimalism (standard)

A photo of himself.

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Important: Some themes may contain advertisements or paid items. Before applying, check other users' reviews in the Comments section.

3. Installation of animated background (MIUI 14)

Since MIUI 14, flagship models (Xiaomi 13/13 Pro, 12S Ultra, MIX Fold 2) have been able to set dynamic backgrounds for the call screen, which can be animations, live wallpaper or even short videos.

How to turn on animation:

1. Go to Settings → Wallpaper → Incoming call screen.
2. Select the Dynamic or Live Wallpaper tab.
3. View the available options (e.g. Ocean waves, Starry Sky).
4. Click Apply and wait for processing (can take up to 30 seconds).

Limitations:

• ⚠️ The feature is only available on devices with a Snapdragon processor 8 Gen 1/2 and AMOLED-screen.
• ⚠️ Animations can increase battery consumption by 5-10% on frequent calls.
• ⚠️ Videophones support clips up to 10 seconds long in format MP4 permittingly 1080p.

On the POCO F4 GT and Redmi K50 Gaming, animated backgrounds only work after manually enabling the option in the engineering menu (code ##4636###).

4. Change background through third-party applications

If standard methods don’t work, you can use third-party utilities, such as Call Screen Changer or Custom Call Background, which allows you to install any image, including GIF and APNG, even on devices with outdated firmware.

Instructions for Call Screen Changer:

1. Download the app from Google Play (check reviews – some versions contain ads).
2. Open the application and grant permissions for storage and phone.
3. Select an image from the gallery or download from the built-in library.
4. Set the position of the interface elements (response/deflection buttons) with sliders.
5. Activate the option to Apply as a background call.

Pros of the method:

• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI, including MIUI 11.
• ✅ Support GIF transparent PNG.
• ✅ Ability to adjust transparency and effects.

Cons:

• ⚠️ Applications may conflict with system updates (after upgrade) MIUI background).
• ⚠️ Some utilities require root rights for full-fledged work.

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Before installing third-party software, back up your current call screen settings. To do this, export the theme through the Topics app (My Topics → Export section).

5 Manually modifying system files (for advanced)

This method is suitable for users with unlocked bootloader and root rights, and allows you to replace the standard background with any custom, including animations, without the restrictions of MIUI.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Root Explorer or Solid Explorer with root support.
2. Cross the path: /system/media/theme/default/wallpaper/call_background.jpg (for MIUI 14 path may differ: /product/media/theme/...).
3. Copy your image into this folder by renaming it in call_background.jpg (The permit must be the same as the original).
4. Change the file permission to 644 (r-w r--- r---).
5. Reset the device.

For animation:

• Place GIF or MP4 in the folder /system/media/theme/default/wallpaper/.
• Edit the file. call_background.xml (code example below).
• Use ADB to apply changes: adb shell chmod 644 /system/media/theme/default/wallpaper/* adb reboot

Example of code for call_background.xml (for GIF):

<wallpaper type="call">


<item name="background" type="gif" path="call_background.gif" />




<item name="loop" value="true" />




</wallpaper>

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Changing system files can cause the call interface to crash. Always back up the original files and check the changes on the firmware backup.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can cause bootloop.If the phone doesn't turn on after the changes, reflash it via Fastboot or Recovery.

6. Solving problems when changing backgrounds

Sometimes, after a change in the background, there are bugs: the image does not apply, is displayed incorrectly or resets after a reboot. Consider typical errors and their solutions.

If none of the methods worked:

• 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes changes apply after a reboot.
• 🔄 Check if there are restrictions in the settings → Special facilities → Simplified regime.
• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version (in some builds) MIUI function disabled due to bugs).

⚠️ Note: On enterprise firmware devices (e.g. Xiaomi for business), the change of the call background can be blocked by security policies, in which case only flashing to the standard will help. MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the background of the call to Xiaomi