Do you want your Xiaomi screen to display not a standard image, but your personal photo or logo? This not only adds personality, but also helps to identify the caller more quickly. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the current ways to install an avatar on a call for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on MIUI 14/15.
It may seem simple, but many users have a hard time: somewhere you don't see the changed picture, somewhere you reset the settings after the update, we took all the nuances and prepared step-by-step instructions for the latest firmware versions, and you will learn how to optimize the photo for better display and what to do if the avatar is not used.
Importantly, the methods vary depending on the MIUI version and the phone model. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro and Redmi Note 12, the path to settings may vary slightly. But don't worry, we've covered all the options!
Why doesn’t Xiaomi display an avatar when calling?
Before we move on to setting up, let’s look at the typical reasons why your photo might not show up:
- 📱 An outdated version MIUI — firmware MIUI 12 functionality is limited or not working properly.
- 🖼️ Inappropriate image format – the system may not support.png with transparency or files weighing more than 5 MB.
- 🔄 Contact cache not updated – after changing the photo, you need to restart the Contacts application.
- 🚫 Manufacturer restrictions on certain models (e.g, POCO F5) Avatars are only displayed for contacts from Mi Account.
If you’ve tried to install an avatar but it doesn’t apply, try clearing the Contacts and Phone app cache in the settings (Settings → Apps → Application Management) this solves the problem 70% of the time.
⚠️ Note: On devices with Global ROM (Some of the call personalization features may be disabled due to Xiaomi’s policy for the Western market, in which case switching the region to India or China in the phone settings will help.
Method 1: Install an avatar through standard contacts
This is the simplest method that works on all Xiaomi models with MIUI 11 and later, suitable for personalizing photos for both your contacts and other people’s numbers (if they are saved in the phone book).
Instructions:
- Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
- Find the contact you want to set up an avatar for and tap it.
- In the upper right corner, click on the pencil icon (edit).
- Touch the current avatar (or empty circle if it is not).
- Select the source of the photo: 📸 Take a picture - immediately from the camera; 🖼️ Gallery - choose from existing; 🎨 Emoji – Use a smiley face instead of a photo.
Cut the image in a circle (the system will automatically offer the optimal frame).
Ready.
After that, when an incoming call from this contact will show the picture you have installed, if the avatar does not appear immediately, restart the phone or call yourself from another device for verification.
Update the Contacts app to the latest version
Reboot the phone after the changes
Photo complies with the requirements (JPEG/PNG, less than 5 MB)
The contact is stored in the phone book, not in the phone book. SIM-map-->
Method 2: Using MIUI themes and styles
If you want to set a universal avatar for all incoming calls (including unknown numbers), this method works better. It works through Xiaomi’s design themes settings.
How to do this:
- Go to Settings → Themes.
- Select the Lock Screen or Call Screen section (depending on the MIUI version).
- Scroll down to the Call Screen Settings block.
- Slip on the option of background call or Avatar by default.
- Upload your image or select from the system.
- Confirm the choice and apply the topic.
This method allows you to set a single photo for all incoming calls, including hidden numbers, but note that on some firmware (for example, MIUI EU), this option may be hidden.
How do you get back a standard avatar?
Method 3: Special applications for customizing calls
If the standard methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities, which offer advanced features: animation, dynamic backgrounds, support for GIFs and even video avatars.
Top.-3 Proven applications for Xiaomi:
| Annex | Features | Link (Google Play) | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zedge | Large library of avatars, wallpaper and melodies; GIF support. | Download | MIUI 12+ |
| Ringtones & Wallpapers | Simple integration with contacts, optimization for AMOLED screens. | Download | All models. |
| Contact Photo & Ringtone | Allows you to assign different avatars for outgoing / incoming calls. | Download | Requires Android 10+ |
How to use such applications:
- Download and install the selected application.
- Open it and give access to Contacts and Warehouse.
- Select a contact and upload a photo through the program interface.
- Apply changes – this is usually done by the Set or Save button.
⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Zedge) may conflict with system settings MIUI. If after installing the avatars stopped showing, clear the cache of the Phone application and restart the device.
Through standard contacts
Use MIUI themes.
Third-party applications (Zedge, etc.)
I don’t use standard, I use standard.
Another option-->
Optimizing the image for the call avatar
To make your photo look clear and not cropped unsuccessfully, follow these recommendations:
- 📏 Size: Optimal resolution — 512×512 The system will automatically cut to a circle, so it's important that the main object is in the center.
- 🎨 Format: Preferably.jpg or.png (no transparency). Avoid.webp - it may not display correctly.
- 🔍 Contrast: On screens AMOLED (For example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra, dark photos blend in with the background. Use bright colors.
- 📱 Check: Before saving, look at the preview in the editor – sometimes the system cuts down on important details.
For quick optimization, you can use online services like ResizeImage or TinyPNG, which automatically adjust the photo to the desired parameters.
💡
If you want the avatar to be displayed on the lock screen when missed calls, activate the option to Show notifications on the locked screen in the Security → Lock screen settings.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even after you set it up properly, the avatar may not work, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The avatar is not displayed for a specific contact. | Contact saved on SIM-card, not in the phone's memory | Move the contact to Local Contacts via editing |
| Photo reset after MIUI update | Resetting theme settings when updating | Before updating, back up the themes in Settings → Themes → Backup |
| The avatar is displayed blurryly | Low resolution of the original image | Use a photo of at least 512×512 px |
| It does not work for unknown numbers. | MIUI Limitation for Unsaved Contacts | Install a universal avatar through Topics (Method 2) |
If neither method worked, check if the system permissions for Contacts and Phone applications are disabled.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select Contacts, then Permissions.
- Make sure all permissions are included, especially Warehouse and Contacts.
Additional chips: animation and video avatars
On devices with MIUI 14/15, support for dynamic avatars — animated images or short videos that play when an incoming call is available, but if your Xiaomi supports it, here’s how to use it:
Instructions for animated avatar:
- Download a GIF or video up to 3 seconds (e.g. via EZGIF).
- Open Contacts, select the contact you want and click Edit.
- Slip on the avatar and select Video or GIF (if the option is available).
- Download the file and cut it in a circle.
- Save the changes.
Limitations:
- 🎞️ Videos should be no longer than 3 seconds and weigh less than 10MB.
- 🔄 The animation works only on the incoming call screen, not on the lock screen.
- 📱 Supported only on flagships: Xiaomi 13/14 series, Redmi K60 Pro, POCO F5 Pro.
💡
Animated avatars significantly increase battery consumption when incoming calls. If you notice a quick discharge, turn off dynamic backgrounds in the theme settings.