Modern smartphones allow you to personalize every aspect of interaction with the device, and Xiaomi Mi 9 is no exception. Many users face a situation where when an incoming call is displayed only a miniature image or a standard stub on the display, which is not always convenient for instant identification of the caller. The solution to this problem lies in the correct setting of the gallery and phone book, and also in understanding the features of the MIUI shell installed on your device.
It’s important for Xiaomi Mi 9 owners to know that the default system can limit the display of an avatar to a round or square frame, but there are proven ways to get around this limitation. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at an algorithm that will allow you to install a high-quality image on the entire display during an incoming call. You’ll learn how to work with system tools and learn about nuances that are often overlooked when you set up contacts standardly.
Before you start manipulating images, you need to make sure that your contacts are synchronized and have attached files. The quality of the original photo is crucial: blurred or low-resolution images will look unaesthetic on the image. AMOLED-We'll look at a few methods, including using standard system tools and specialized applications, so you can choose the most suitable option.
Image Preparation and File Requirements
The first step towards perfect call personalization is to prepare the graphics file itself. The Xiaomi Mi 9 screen has a resolution of 2340×1080 pixels and an aspect ratio of 19.5:9, which dictates certain requirements for uploaded photos. If the image is too small, the system will stretch it, which will lead to artifacts and “grain” that spoil the overall impression.
It is recommended to use high-bitrate JPG or PNG photos. The best solution is to pre-fracture the image in a vertical format so that the person’s face is in the center of the composition. Horizontal shots will be cropped at the edges when installed on the full screen, and you can lose important image details, so vertical orientation is preferable.
Note the file size: images that are too heavy (over 5-10 MB) can take longer to process when initializing a call, although on a powerful Snapdragon 855 processor this is rarely a problem. However, for stable operation, it is better to optimize the photo to reasonable limits while maintaining visual quality.
💡
Use AI upscaling apps before you place them on your call so that the image looks as clear as possible on the bright Mi 9 screen.
Basic installation of photos through the system gallery
The easiest and most common way to connect an image is to use the built-in Gallery app, which requires no additional software installation and works consistently on all versions of MIUI firmware. The algorithm is intuitive, but has its own features that are worth knowing for the best result.
Open the Gallery app and select the photo you want. Click on the "More" button (usually indicated by three dots or the word "More" at the bottom of the screen) and select Set as from the menu that appears. The system will offer several use cases for the image, and you will need to select "Contact Photo" or "Contact".
Then you'll see a list of your contacts, find the right person alphabetically, or search the right line. Once you've selected the contact, the system will automatically apply the image. It's important to note that in some versions of the shell, this method can only set the photo in a square or round frame, not on the entire screen, depending on the version of the Phone and the theme settings.
☑️ Installation of photos through the Gallery
Setup through the Contacts and Phone app
If the gallery method didn't work, or if you prefer to work directly with the phone book, you can use the standard Contacts app, which allows you not only to add a photo, but also to immediately check how it will appear in the call interface, in some cases, this gives you more control over the cropping of the image.
Run the Contacts app and find the subscriber you want, click on their name to open the card, and select the Change button (usually a pencil icon). In editing mode, you will see the current photo (or stub) — click on it to change.
The system will suggest you pick a source: take a picture with a camera, select from a gallery or delete a current photo. Select Gallery and specify the image you have prepared. After that, often a framing tool appears to shift the field of view so that the face is exactly where it is needed. Finish the process with the click of the "Done" button or the tick.
⚠️ Note: When editing a contact through the Contacts app, make sure that you save the changes specifically to your Google account or SIM-card, not just in the phone memory, so that the photo does not disappear after resetting the settings.
Use of third-party applications for Full Screen Caller ID
The Xiaomi Mi 9’s regular tools sometimes limit the user to the frames given by the theme of the design. If standard methods do not allow you to stretch the photo to the entire screen without fields and bezels, specialized applications from the Google Play Market come to the rescue. They intercept incoming calls and display their own window on top of the system.
One of the most popular solutions is the Full Screen Caller ID app or its analogues (for example, True Caller with theme function), and once you install it, you will need to give it a number of permissions: access to contacts, phone, microphone and, crucially, the right to display on top of other windows.
The advantage of these programs is flexible setting: you can choose how to crop a photo, add a background, change the font of the name or even put a video on the call. However, it is worth considering that using third-party "calls" can consume additional battery power and sometimes conflict with the system dial.
Comparison of image installation methods
To make it easier for you to choose the best option, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each method in the context of using the Xiaomi Mi 9 with its specific shell.
| Method | Display quality | Difficulty setting up | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through the Gallery | Depends on the topic. | Low. | Absent. |
| Through Contacts | Standard. | Low. | Absent. |
| Third-party annexes | Full screen (Full) | Medium | Elevated. |
| Video calls (topics) | Maximum. | Tall. | High. |
As you can see from the table, standard methods are the most energy efficient, but they can be inferior in visual terms. Third-party solutions give maximum freedom, but require resources of the system. The choice depends on your priorities: autonomy or maximum personalization.
💡
For most Xiaomi Mi 9 users, the best balance is to use a standard Gallery in conjunction with high-quality vertical photos.
Solution: Why the photo is not displayed or cropped
Often users are faced with a situation where seemingly everything is done correctly, but when calling, the photo does not appear or is displayed incorrectly. One of the common reasons is the active Design Theme. Some themes in the MIUI Themes store have a rigidly defined style of the call window that ignores the user settings for displaying avatars.
In this case, it is recommended to temporarily switch to the standard theme "Classic" or "No Limits" to check whether the behavior of the system will change. Also, the problem may be hidden in the cache of the "Phone" application. Clearing data and cache through the Settings menu → Apps → All applications → Phone → Memory → Cleaning often helps to reset the erroneous display settings.
Another important nuance is the format of the contact storage: If the number is written in +7... and the caller identifies it as 8... or without the country code, the system may not match the number to the contact and show the photo. Make sure that the recording formats are the same or use the contact merging function.
What do I do if the photo floats?
Additional opportunities for personalization of calls
Xiaomi Mi 9 owners are not only available static images. MIUI It allows you to set video calls, where you play a short video instead of a photo. It takes more resources, but it looks spectacular. To set a video call, you often have a separate tab or button on the image selection menu".
You can also customize different tunes for different contacts, which, when combined with a photo, will create a unique identifier for each caller, the combination of visual and audio signals allows you to instantly respond to important calls, even without taking the phone out of your pocket, but only by looking at the screen or hearing the beginning of the melody.
Remember to update your contacts and their images regularly, especially if you change your messenger avatars, which are often synchronized with your phone book.