How to Put a Full Screen Photo When Calling Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a situation where the long-awaited contact image when incoming is displayed only as a small circle in the center of the screen, leaving the rest of the space filled with a blurry background or black. This is due to the features of the aspect ratio of modern displays and image processing algorithms in the shells of MIUI and the new HyperOS. Standard settings of the system often automatically crop the picture, cutting important details or not stretching it over the entire available area of the matrix.

But there are a few proven ways to get around these limitations and make sure that the subscriber's photo is all over the display while you're talking, and you don't have to be an expert in mobile photography or have root superuser rights to get the result you want, and you just have to know a few nuances of how to prepare the image and the right sequence of actions on the phone menu.

In this article, we’ll look at all the available methods, from the banal but important file preparation to the use of hidden system features and third-party utilities.We’ll also look at why some models, such as the Redmi Note or Xiaomi 13, may have different behaviors, and how to fix them.

Why the photo is not stretched: technical nuances

The main reason why the image does not occupy the entire screen is the difference in proportions: photos taken on the main camera usually have an aspect ratio of 4:3, while modern screens of Xiaomi smartphones are stretched to 19.5:9 or 20:9. The system tries to fit a square or rectangular photo into a narrow vertical format, leaving empty zones on the sides or above and below.

The second factor is the software constraints of the caller itself. The standard MIUI Dialer or Google Phone app (which is often pre-installed on global versions) has rigidly defined avatar display parameters. The pruning algorithm prioritizes the central part of the face, ignoring the edges of the shot, which often leads to an unaesthetic result.

⚠️ Note: Using modified system applications for calls can lead to unstable interface operation.Always back up before installing third-party launchers or dialers from unknown sources.

And you also have to consider the resolution of the original file. If you try to stretch the thumbnail size. 200x200 full-screen AMOLED-resolution-screen 2400×1080, The system just can't physically zoom in without losing detail, so it's going to prefer to keep the original size with the frames.

Image Preparation: The Key to Success

Before you get to the phone settings, you need to properly prepare the photo file itself, which is the most important step that users often ignore when trying to solve the problem with software methods. The ideal photo to be installed on the full screen should be vertical and have high resolution.

Use a built-in gallery editor or third-party framing apps. You need to change the proportions of the image to 9:16 or 9:19.5 to match the physical size of your smartphone screen. Don't be afraid to trim the extra, as long as the subscriber's face remains in the center of the composition and is not cut off at the edges.

• 📸 Open the photo in the gallery and select the Edit tool».
• ✂️ Select the “Cadrage” function and set the 9:16 aspect ratio.
• 💾 Keep a copy so you don’t lose the original.
• 📐 Make sure that the file resolution is at least 1080×2340 pixel.

Also worth paying attention to is the file format. Although the system supports JPG and PNG, the transparent background PNG format (if you're making a collage) can sometimes be incorrectly displayed in a standard call, turning the transparent areas black.

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To create the perfect background, try taking a screenshot of the incoming call screen, blurring it in the editor and using it as the basis for a new photo contact, which will create a harmonious visual style.

Basic installation via standard telephone book

The easiest and most reliable way that works on most Xiaomi devices is to use a standard contact interface. Despite its apparent simplicity, there are nuances to improve the display.

Open the Contacts or Phone app and find the right subscriber. Click the edit button (usually a pencil in the corner). There should be a button to add or change photos at the bottom of the screen or in the option menu (three dots).

When you select a photo from a gallery, the system will offer you a framing area. Importantly, don't agree with the first one. Stretching the selection frame as much as possible, capturing as much space as possible, even if part of the face goes over the edges. The system itself scales the image when it is displayed.

Once saved, make a test call from another number to check the result. If the photo still seems small, try clearing the Contacts cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Contacts → Memory and click Clear Cache. Contact data will not be affected.

Using the theme of the design to change the style of the call

The MIUI and HyperOS shells have a powerful personalization tool called thematics. Often, the problem with a small photo is not solved by changing the picture, but by changing the ringer itself within the theme. Some themes change the layout of the call screen, making the avatar the central and larger element.

Go to the Themes app and search for Big Avatar, Full Screen Call, or Minimalist Dialer. Download your favorite theme, but don't rush to use it in its entirety. In the theme preview menu, select Customize and check the Incoming Call Screen box.

Using only the call screen will save your desktop interface, but change the way the call is coming in. These themes often use dynamic scaling, which force the contact photo to stretch across the entire available background, ignoring standard system constraints.

It is worth noting that after updating the system, some third-party themes may stop displaying the call screen correctly, in which case you will need to find an updated version of the theme or temporarily return to the standard style.

Third-party applications for call management

If Xiaomi’s standard tools don’t work, Google Play’s specialized apps come to the rescue, completely replacing the incoming call interface, allowing you to customize the display of photos in any convenient way, including slideshows or video backgrounds.

One popular solution is the Truecaller app or the dedicated Dialer with Full Screen Photo. Once you install it, you will need to give it permissions to access contacts, phone and display over other windows. Without the last item, the app will not be able to intercept the incoming call screen.

• 📲 Download the app to set up calls from Play Market.
• 🔐 All permissions are required, especially “Over other windows».
• 👤 Import contacts or allow synchronization.
• 🎨 In the application settings, select the display mode “Full Screen».

Using third-party calls has its downsides: They can consume more battery power because they are constantly hanging in the memory waiting for a call. In addition, on some new versions of Android, the system can aggressively unload such applications from memory, which makes you see a standard Xiaomi screen instead of a custom one when you call.

⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party calls, read reviews carefully. Some may contain ads or transfer your call data to third-party servers. Choose only trusted high-ranking apps.

Specifics of HyperOS and new versions of MIUI

With the release of the HyperOS shell (based on Android 14), Xiaomi has changed the approach to personalization. Now many visual elements, including the lock screen and calls, are tied to a single system of widgets and deep settings. In new versions, it is possible to contact not just photos, but entire “Portraits” with the bokeh effect, which dynamically behave when calling.

To activate advanced features, make sure you have Mi Cloud sync enabled and the contacts indicate the image type “Portrait”.The system itself recognizes the face and creates a deep map that allows time and data widgets to beautifully overlap the image, creating a full-screen effect.

HyperOS also has a better Smart Framing algorithm, so if you upload a horizontal photo, it will now offer multiple vertical trimming options, using neural networks to determine the center of the composition, eliminating the need to manually edit each photo before installing it.

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HyperOS prioritizes dynamic portraits, and for better results, use original photos taken in Portrait mode on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO cameras.

However, if you upgrade to the new version and the photo is no longer displayed on the full screen, check the power saving settings. Sometimes battery optimization blocks the graphic effects of the call. Go to Settings → Battery → Find problems and make sure that the Phone application is not set strict restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)