How to put a photo in contact with Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: 5 ways + problem solving

Getting a photo to contact in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro seems like a simple task, but many users face unexpected difficulties, from the lack of a “Add Photo” button to sync errors with Google. In this article, we will examine all possible ways, from standard MIUI tools to workarounds through third-party applications.

It is important to understand that the Redmi Note 9 Pro (M2003J15SC model for the global market) process may vary depending on the firmware version: MIUI 12/13/14 makes changes to the interface of the Contacts application. We tested all methods on current versions of the software and collected unique data on compatibility with the latest updates of 2026. If you use custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience or LineageOS), some steps may require adaptation.

1. Standard method: through the MIUI Contacts app

The most obvious method is to use Xiaomi’s built-in Contacts app, but there are nuances: depending on the regional firmware (Global, EEA, India or China), the interface may vary slightly.

1. Open the Contacts app** (an icon with a person’s silhouette on the home screen or in the app menu).
2. Find the contact you need in the list and tap it to open the card.
3. In the upper right corner, click on the Edit icon** (pencil).
4. Slip on the round camera icon next to the contact name (or on the caption “Add a photo” if the image is not already installed).
5. Select the source: 📸 Take a photo – activates the camera for instant snapshot. 🖼️ Gallery – allows you to select an existing image. 🎨 Avatars – offers standard icons from Xiaomi (available not in all firmware).

Ready.

Once saved, the photo should be displayed in the contact card as well as incoming calls, but in MIUI 14, some users note a bug: the photo disappears after the device restarts, and we will discuss the solution to this problem in the error section.

Contact saved in the phone book (not on the phone) SIM-map)|Sync with Google (if necessary)|Photos have permission at least 300×300 pixel|Contacts app updated to the latest version-->

2. Through Google Contacts: Sync and Cloud Storage

If you use a Google account, installing a photo through Google Contacts has two key benefits:

1. Photos are automatically synced between devices (for example, with the Redmi Note 9 Pro on a tablet or PC).
2. The image is saved in the cloud and does not disappear when the phone is reset.

Instructions:

1. Open Google Contacts in your browser or through an app on your phone.
2. Select the contact you want and click Change (pencil icon).
3. Slip on the camera icon in the upper left corner (near the name).
4. Download a photo from the device or take a new picture.
5. Save the changes. Synchronization can take up to 5 minutes.

On your phone, update your contact list by pulling the screen down in the Contacts app. If no photo appears, check your sync settings:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and Sync → Google.
2. Make sure the Contacts switch is active.
3. If necessary, click on “Sync Now”.

Through the standard "Contact" application»|Through Google Contacts|I use third-party apps.|Don't add photos to your contacts.-->

Alternative methods: third-party applications

If the standard methods don't work (for example, due to bugs in MIUI or the absence of the Add Photo button), you can use third-party applications. We tested 5 popular options and selected the two most reliable ones:

Instructions for Contacts+:

1. Install and open the application, provide access to contacts.
2. Find the right contact and tap it.
3. Click on “Edit” → the camera icon next to the name.
4. Select the source of the photo (gallery, camera or standard avatars).
5. Edit the image (if necessary) and save it.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications, photos may not appear in the standard call interface MIUI. To fix this, go back to method 1 or 2 after you have installed the photo.

4. Problem Solving: Photos are not displayed or disappear

If the photo does not show up in calls after installation or disappears after rebooting, check the following points:

• 🔄 Sync is disabled: Go to Settings → Accounts. → Google → Contact and enable synchronization.
• 📱 Contact saved on SIM-map: Move it to your phone memory or Google account (in the contact editor, select Move to...»).
• 🔍 Contacts app cache: Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Contacts → Memory. → Clear the cache.
• 📲 Update MIUI: In some versions of the firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5.7) was a photo display bug. Update the system to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

If the problem persists, try resetting the Contacts app settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts.
2. Select “Storage” → “Reset settings”.
3. Reboot the phone.

5. Optimization of photos for contacts: sizes and formats

For the perfect display of photos on contacts in Redmi Note 9 Pro, follow these recommendations:

• 📏 Permission: Optimal size — 512×512 pixel. MIUI Cuts the photo to a circle, so the central part of the image is important.
• 🖼️ Format: Supported JPEG, PNG and WEBP. Avoid. GIF and BMP — They may not show up.
• 🎨 Color profile: Use sRGB for correct color reproduction (photo in Adobe) RGB may look dull).
• 🔍 Contrast: High contrast images (dark background) + bright object) is better visible on the lock screen during the call.

To prepare a photo:

1. Open the image in the Gallery app.
2. Tap "Edit" → "Pruning" and select square format (1: 1).
3. Scale up so that the face or key object is in the center.
4. Save a copy and use it for contact.

💡

If you often add photos to your contacts, create a separate folder in the Gallery (for example, Avatars) and use it as a source, which will speed up the process and eliminate the search for the desired image in the total mass of files.

6. Features for different versions of MIUI

The interface of the Contacts app has changed depending on the MIUI version, and the key differences for the Redmi Note 9 Pro are as follows:

To find out the MIUI version on your Redmi Note 9 Pro, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have custom firmware installed (e.g. Xiaomi.eu), some features may work differently, in which case we recommend using the method with Google Contacts (section 2) as the most versatile.

💡

In MIUI 14, contact photos are automatically optimized to save space, but this can degrade quality. To disable compression, go to Settings → Memory → Cleanup → Settings → Disable Image Optimization (not available in all regional firmware).

7. Additional Chips: Animated Avatars and Themes

MIUI allows you to install not only static photos, but also animated avatars (in some firmware).

1. Open the contact card and click “Edit”.
2. Slip the camera icon next to the name.
3. Select "Avatars" (if this item is missing, your firmware does not support the function).
4. Scroll to the left to the section "Animation" and select the option you like.

You can also use thematic icons from the MIUI Theme:

1. Go to Settings → Themes.
2. Select the "Avatars" section and download the favorite pack.
3. When editing the contact, new avatars will appear in the list of available ones.

⚠️ Warning: Animated avatars may not appear in the standard call interface on some versions MIUI. In this case, they will be visible only in the contact card.

FAQ: Frequent questions