Modern smartphones from Xiaomi and Redmi offer users not just standard communication features, but a multimedia platform for self-expression. One of the most popular features is replacing a static image or a standard melody with a dynamic video per call, which allows you to personalize the device and instantly recognize important contacts not only by sound, but also by visual range.
However, installing a video call on the MIUI or HyperOS shell can seem confusing due to the scattered settings and the lack of a single “make video” button. In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the available ways, from built-in system functions to using third-party applications and creating your own clips.
You will learn how to prepare the media file correctly, what formats the system supports, and what to do if the video is not played after installation. We will touch on the technical details of working with memory buffer and access rights, so that your personalization goes smoothly.
Preparation of video file: requirements and formats
Before you try to install a video on an incoming call, you need to make sure that the file itself meets the technical requirements of the Android operating system and the MIUI shell. Not every video file from the Internet is suitable for this purpose, since system calls have restrictions on the resolution, duration and weight of the file.
Short clips of 5 to 15 seconds are the best choice; longer videos may be cut incorrectly by the system or cause delays when a call is made, and longer videos take up more RAM, which can lead to slowdowns.
As for resolution, modern Redmi smartphones ideal format 1080x1920 (vertical orientation). Horizontal videos will be displayed with black fields on the sides or will be cropped in the center, which looks unaesthetic.
- 🎬 Container format: Recommended use MP4 or MKV, They are best compatible with Android system codecs.
- 📐 Strictly vertical (portrait) so that the video fills the entire screen without distortion.
- ⏱ Duration: Optimal range of 5 to 15 seconds for cyclic playback.
- 💾 Codec: Preferably H.264 or H.265 Balance between quality and file size.
⚠️ Note: If you are using video in the format 4K, The system can automatically reduce its quality or even refuse to play the file as a video call due to the high load on the decoder.
Using the built-in video call theme in MIUI
The easiest and most reliable way to install video on a call is to use the built-in feature of the Video Ringtone theme, which is pre-installed on most Xiaomi devices, which does not require additional software installation and guarantees stable operation of the feature.
To start, open the standard Themes app on your smartphone. At the bottom of the screen, look for the Profile tab or the person icon, and then go to the Video Call section, and here you will see a catalog of available videos that you can download and install.
If you want to use your video, click on the Local Videos button or the plus icon in the corner of the screen. The system will prompt you to select a file from the gallery. After choosing, you will be asked to edit the clip: crop it, apply a filter or add text.
☑️ Pre-installing check
After editing, click Apply.It is important to note that in some versions of MIUI, this feature may be hidden or require an update to the Video Call component via the theme store.
| Parameter | Standard ringtone | Video call (MIUI) | Third-party annexes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery consumption | Minimum | Medium. | High-pitched |
| Image quality | Absent. | High. | Depends on the app. |
| Difficulty setting up | Low. | Medium | Tall. |
| Stability | 100% | 95% | 70-80% |
Configure via the phone application and contacts
An alternative way to install video is through the standard phone app, which is convenient because it allows you to assign a unique video to a specific contact, rather than for all incoming ones at once.
Open the Phone app and go to the Contacts tab. Select the subscriber from the list. In the profile that opens, look for the Change button (usually a pencil icon) or immediately look for the Call Video/Ringtone item.
The ringtone selection menu often has a separate tab or button to select videos. If you only see a list of tunes, try clicking on the speaker or settings icon next to switch to visual mode. Here you can select videos from the gallery or from the Xiaomi library.
After selecting a file, remember to click Save. Now, when a call from that subscriber arrives, the selected video will be played on the screen. Please note that if the contact is synced with a Google account, the changes can be applied with a slight delay.
Why is the video not being made contact?
Application of third-party applications for video calls
If Redmi’s built-in tools don’t suit you or your firmware version doesn’t have a video calling feature, third-party solutions from the Google Play Store will come to your aid. There are many apps specializing in this feature, such as “Video Ringtone for Calls” or “Z Video Ringtone.”
The principle of their work is to create a layer on top of the lock screen and the call interface. When a call arrives, the application intercepts the event and starts playing the video, which gives more options for customization, but has its drawbacks.
The main disadvantage of these solutions is the increased battery consumption and the possible impact on the response rate of the system, and they require a number of permissions to work correctly, including access to phone calls and display over other windows.
- 📲 Compatibility: Works on most versions of Android, including new updates MIUI 13 and 14.
- ⚙️ Settings: Allows you to adjust the volume of the video separately from the system volume of the call.
- 🔄 Automation: Some apps can randomly change videos for different calls.
⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party calls, carefully check the permissions requested. Some unscrupulous developers may use access to contacts and calls to collect personal information.
Creating a video call from YouTube or TikTok
A popular user request is how to put a snippet from TikTok or YouTube on a call. There is no direct one-button way to do this in the system, since video platforms protect their content from direct copying to system settings.
The first step is to get a video file. TikTok can use Save Video if the author has authorized the download, or use online services to download videos without watermarks. YouTube will require the use of converters, respecting copyright.
Once you save the file to the gallery, it's likely to be horizontal and with extra interface elements. You'll need a video editor (e.g. CapCut, InShot or built-in MIUI editor).
Cut the frame to a vertical format of 9:16.
2. allocate the desired fragment (up to 15 seconds).
3. zoom in to remove unnecessary interface buttons.
4. Export the file in high quality.The finished file is uploaded to the phone and installed via the Topics or Contacts menu, as described in the previous sections.This process takes time, but the result allows you to have a unique video from your favorite source.
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Use the Clone feature in video editors to create a mirror image of the video if the original looks boring, which will add speakers and hide possible framing defects.
Solution: Video doesn’t work or black screen
Even if you follow all the instructions, Xiaomi users can face problems: video is not played, only a black screen is visible or sound is visible, and there is no picture, most often due to codec conflict or energy saving settings.
Check if the phone is in Power Saving mode, which restricts background activity and can block heavy video from starting when you call, and switch to Performance or Balanced mode.
You should also clear the cache of the Themes and Video Call app. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find the right services and select Clear Cache. Don't confuse it with Clear Data, or theme settings will fly out.
If the problem persists, try converting the video to a different format or changing the bitrade. Sometimes the system refuses to work with files that have a variable frame rate (VFR). Converting to a constant frequency (CFR) of 30 fps often solves the problem.
💡
90% of video calls on Xiaomi are solved by either changing the file format to the standard MP4 (H.264) or providing all the necessary permissions to the Theme app.