How to change the background of incoming call on Xiaomi Redmi 9: 5 ways with pictures

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 often find that the standard interface of incoming calls looks boring: monotonous background or template wallpaper from MIUI quickly get bored. The good news is that you can change the background in just 5 minutes, and in several ways: from built-in tools to third-party applications. In this article, we will analyze all current methods, including hidden settings MIUI 12/13, which work even without root rights.

It’s important to understand that the Redmi 9 (M2003J15SC, M2003J15SS, etc.) is different from Xiaomi’s flagship — there’s no separate Call Themes section in the settings. However, there are workarounds, and we’ve tested them on firmware from MIUI 12.0.8 to MIUI 13.0.4. If you want to make the incoming call screen unique — with personal photos, GIFs, or even videos — read on.

Why the standard background of an incoming call cannot be changed directly

Unlike desktop wallpaper, the background of an incoming call in MIUI is blocked by default.

• 🔒 Xiaomi limits system elements to prevent crashes when calling.
• 📱 Performance optimization: Incoming call animation uses a separate interface layer that is not synchronized with the gallery.
• 🎨 Topics Marketing: Xiaomi promotes its own Topics app where the call background changes only through the purchase of a premium theme.

But there are life hacks! For example, in firmware based on Android 10/11 (and Redmi 9 works on them), you can trick the system by replacing the background through ADB or using applications like Zedge.

Method 1: Change backgrounds through the "Themes" app (official method)

The safest way is to use the built-in Themes app, which will not give you complete freedom, but will allow you to choose from hundreds of ready-made options:

1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
2. Go to the Calls tab (or Call Screen in English).
3. Select your favorite theme and click Apply.
4. Confirm the change in the pop-up window.

⚠️ Warning: Free themes often contain watermark ads (e.g., logo) MIUI To remove them, you will have to buy a premium version of the theme for 100-300 rubles.

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If the Themes app does not have a Call tab, update it via Google Play or download the latest version of the APK from the official Xiaomi website.

Method 2: Install custom background through ADB (for advanced)

This method requires connecting your smartphone to your PC and using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to replace your call background files with your own root-enabled images. Importantly, not all versions of MIUI support this trick, but it works stably on Redmi 9.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Press 7 times, then additionally → For developers).
• 🖼️ Picture for background in resolution 1080×2340 pixels (Redmi screen size) 9).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your Redmi 9.
3. Download the archive from XDA Developers (it has a script to replace the background).
4. Place your image in the input archive folder and launch the script change_bg.bat.
5. Restart the phone – the background of the incoming call will change.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This may cause a call interface to crash. Before experimenting, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.

Method 3: Using third-party applications (Zedge, Call Background Changer)

If ADB seems complicated, you can use apps from Google Play.The best options for Redmi 9 are:

• 🎨 Zedge is a wallpaper and melody database with a section for call screens.
• 📞 Call Background Changer – allows you to select photos from the gallery and adjust transparency.
• 🖼️ Video Call Screen - for installing a videophone (does not work on all firmware) MIUI).

How to set the background through Zedge:

1. Download Zedge and open it.
2. Go to the Wallpapers section → Call Screens.
3. Select your favorite background and click Apply.
4. In the pop-up window, confirm the replacement.

Method 4: Manual editing of system files (root only)

If you have root rights (like Magisk), you can manually replace the background, which is a method that gives you complete control, but it's risky.

The MIUI call background files are stored on the following path: /system/priv-app/InCallUI/InCallUI.apk/res/drawable-xxxhdpi/

Where xxxhdpi is the resource folder for the Redmi 9 screen.

What to do:

1. With Root Explorer or Mixplorer, find the file. incall_background.png (or jpg).
2. Copy it into a backup folder.
3. Replace the original with your image (required to have the same name and resolution!).
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to loss of functionality of the call module. If after replacing the incoming call screen turned black, return the original file and restart.

Method 5: Use an alternative call (Truecaller, Google Phone)

If nothing works, you can completely replace the standard call app with a third-party one.

• 📱 Google Phone – a minimalist interface with support for dark theme and custom backgrounds.
• 🔍 Truecaller – in addition to changing the background, blocks spam calls.
• 🎨 Drupe – a call with support for GIFs and video on the call screen.

How to install Google Phone:

1. Download APK with APKMirror (version for Android 10+).
2. Install the file by allowing installation from unknown sources.
3. Launch the app and assign it to the default call in Settings → Apps → By default.
4. In the Google Phone settings, select Themes → Call screen background.

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Third-party calls may not support all of the MIUI features, such as recording conversations or responding quickly to SMS directly during a call.

Redmi 9

Frequent problems and their solutions

When changing the background of an incoming call to Redmi 9, users encounter typical errors:

If after all the manipulations the background has not changed, check:

• 🔄 Version MIUI — In some beta builds, the function is blocked.
• 🛠️ Updates for the Phone app in Google Play.
• 📵 Conflict with other modifications (e.g., Xposed modules installed).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions