Installation of photos on the contact in the smartphone Xiaomi 11T It seems like a simple task – until you encounter the nuances of the shell MIUI. Unlike “pure” Android, the process here may differ depending on the firmware version, the source of contacts (Google, SIM-map, local) and even the chosen topic of design. This article will help you understand all the subtleties: from the basic method through the standard "Contacts" application to little-known chips that save time.
Xiaomi 11T features a hybrid contact storage system where data can be duplicated between Mi Account, Google Account and local memory of the device, so a photo installed in one way may not show up in messengers or incoming calls, we tested all the current methods on MIUI 12.5-14 firmware and identified those that work consistently.
It is important that you use Xiaomi. 11T Pro or other models of the series (e.g. 11 Lite) NE), The instruction will remain identical – only the differences in the location of some menu items due to different versions MIUI. All screenshots in the article are made on Xiaomi 11T last-stable.
Basic method: through the "Contacts" app
The most obvious method is to edit the contact directly in the standard app, which is suitable for most users, but has a limitation: the photo will only be visible in the phone book and when calling through the standard Phone app.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette on the home screen or in the app menu).
- 🔍 Find the right contact through search or scroll through the list.
- ✏️ Click on the contact, then tap the pencil icon ("Edit") in the upper right corner.
- 🖼️ Tap the contact initials (or current photo) → Select "Change photo".
- 📸 Select the source: Take a picture – activates the camera for a new photo; Gallery – allows you to select an existing image; Avatars – offers standard icons from Xiaomi.
- ✅ Confirm the changes with the "Done" button in the upper corner.
⚠️ Note: If a contact is linked to a Google Account, the photo will sync to the cloud and be visible on other devices.
The photo has permission at least 300×300 pixel|Contact is not duplicated (check in synchronization settings)|You have enough free space in the memory of the device.|The Contacts app has been updated to the latest version-->
2. Install photo via Google Contacts (for synchronization)
If you use Google Contacts as your primary source, the photo will automatically sync to other devices (e.g., a tablet or computer via contacts.google.com), a method that ensures that the image will show up on most instant messengers, including WhatsApp and Telegram.
Step-by-step:
- Open your browser on your phone or computer and go to contacts.google.com.
- Sign in with the same Google account that is linked to your phone.
- Find the contact you need in the list and click on it.
- Click on the camera icon in the initials mug → select “Upload photo”.
- Select an image from the gallery or take a new picture.
- Cut the photo in a circle (the tool will appear automatically) and save the changes.
After that:
- 🔄 Wait for synchronization (usually takes 1-2 minutes).
- 📱 On Xiaomi's phone 11T Open the settings. → Accounts. → Google and make sure that the “Contact Sync” option is active.
- 🔍 Check if the photo has been updated in the Contacts app. If not, restart the app or restart your phone.
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If the photo isn’t synced, try removing the Contacts app cache in Settings → Apps → App Management → Contacts → Storage → Clear the cache.
3. How to put a photo on the contact from the messenger (WhatsApp, Telegram)
Many users face a problem: a photo is in the phone book, but only initials are displayed in messengers, because apps like WhatsApp or Telegram use their own contact database, which is not always synchronized with the system, the solution is to install the photo directly in the messenger.
For WhatsApp:
- 💬 Open a chat with the right contact.
- 👤 Tap the name of the interlocutor at the top of the screen.
- 🖼️ Click on the camera icon next to the current photo (or initials).
- 📸 Select the source: "Photo", "Gallery" or "Avatars".
- ✅ Save the changes.
For Telegram:
- 📱 Open your contact profile (tap by name in the chat room).
- 🖼️ Click on the current photo (or an empty circle).
- 📷 Select "Change photo" → indicate the source.
- ✂️ Cut the image (Telegram requires round cropping).
- ✅ Confirm with the "Save" button".
⚠️ Note: Photos installed in messengers are not synchronized with system contacts Xiaomi 11T. If you delete the messenger or log out of the account, the image will disappear.
4.Use of MIUI-Tags: Quick Access and Themes
The MIUI shell offers several hidden opportunities to work with contact photos that few people use, such as as assigning unique live photos (animated avatars) or linking the image to quick access on the lock screen.
How to make a live avatar:
- Open Contacts and select the profile you want.
- Tap "Edit" → click on the current photo.
- Select Live Photos (available only for motion photos, such as Live Photos from iPhone).
- Cut the frame and save it.
Display of contact on the lock screen:
- 🔒 Go to Settings. → Lock screen.
- 👤 Select "Contacts for an Emergency Call".
- ➕ Add the contact you want (the photo will automatically show up if it is installed in the phone book).
How to return standard contact icons
5. Solving the Problem: Why the Photo Is Not Shown
If the photo does not appear despite all the actions, the problem may lie in one of the following points:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Photos are in Contacts, but not visible when calling | Disabled option "Show photos" in call settings | Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Display Contacts and Enable “Show Photos” |
| Photos are not synced with Google | Contact saved in local memory, not in Google Account | Export Contact to Google: Open Profile → Export → Select Google Account |
| Photo clipped incorrectly | MIUI automatically centers the image on the face | Before saving manually drag and drop the photo, holding your finger to set the desired center. |
| Photo disappears after MIUI update | Resetting the settings of the "Contacts" application | Go to Settings → Applications → Contacts → Storage → Resetting Settings |
🔹 The critical feature of Xiaomi 11T: if the contact is saved SIM-The map, a photo can not be added to it — SIM-Maps do not support image storage. Move the contact to your phone or Google Account.
In the phone book | When incoming call | In messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) | On the lock screen-->
6. Alternative methods: third-party applications
If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party contact management apps that offer advanced features like mass-setting photos or creating group avatars.
Top.-3 contact-based applications:
- 📌 Contacts+ — It allows you to install photos from social networks (Facebook, Instagram) and automatically update them.
- 📌 Sync.ME – synchronizes photos of contacts with their profiles in social networks (requires permission to access accounts).
- 📌 Truecaller – in addition to identifying numbers, offers a database of photos for business contacts.
⚠️ Note: Apps like Sync.ME or Truecaller request access to your contacts and personal data. → Annexes → Permissions and disable unnecessary (e.g. location access).
To install photos through these applications:
- Download and install the app from Google Play.
- Provide the necessary permissions (contacts, storage).
- Find the contact in the application interface and the infollowing instructions on the screen to add photos.
- Sync changes with system contacts (the option is usually in the application settings).
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The side of the application may conflict with MIUI. If after using them photos disappear – reset the settings of the application “Contacts” (Settings → Applications → Contacts → Reset settings).