How to make a full-screen inbound call on Xiaomi Redmi 8: all ways

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 8 often face the inconvenience of not displaying incoming calls to the full screen, but with a small window at the top of the display. This is the standard behavior of the MIUI shell that can be changed — but not always in an obvious way. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, including hidden settings, third-party applications and workarounds for different versions of the firmware.

The problem is relevant for both the standard Phone app and alternative calls (like Google Phone).It is important to note that depending on the version of MIUI (10, 11, 12+ or HyperOS), the available options may differ. We tested the solutions on Redmi 8 with different builds - below only the proven options.

If you want your screen to fully light up when you call (with a photo of the contact, large buttons and no extra interface elements), follow the instructions below.

1. Configure the display of calls in the standard application “Phone”

In most cases, it is enough to activate the hidden option in the call settings, this method works on MIUI 10-12.5 without root rights:

Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
Tap the three-point menu (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
Go to Incoming Calls (or Display Incoming Calls in some versions).
Find the option Full-screen mode (may be called Full-screen) and turn it on.

If you don't have one, your version of MIUI doesn't support it, and then try an alternative way:

🔄 Restart your phone after changing your settings – sometimes changes only apply after a reboot.
📱 Check the version. MIUI: path of adjustment → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Redmi 8 is up to 12.5.7.
🔍 Clear the cache of the phone application: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Phone. → Warehouse → Clear the cache.

⚠️ Attention: Some firmware has the option Full-screen mode hidden behind developers. To see it, you first need to activate the developer mode (7 times tap the version). MIUI phone-setting).

📊 What version? MIUI you use?

MIUI 10 or lower

MIUI 11–12

MIUI 12.5

HyperOS

I don't know.

2. Use of alternative calls (Google Phone, Truecaller)

If the standard app doesn't give you the right option, install a third-party call.

Annex	Support for full screen mode	Additional chips	Cons
Google Phone	✅ Yeah (tuning in)	Spam filtering, integration with Google Contacts	Not all features work for Xiaomi
Truecaller	✅ Yes (in the premium version)	Number definition, spam blocking	Advertising in the free version
ExDialer	✅ Yes (flexible settings)	Design themes, T9-set	Outdated design

How to set up Google Phone:

Install the app from Google Play.
Launch and resolve all requests (contacts, phone, SMS).
Go to Settings → Calls → Display incoming.
Select Full Screen Mode and adjust the background transparency.
Make Google Phone the default call: Settings → Apps → Default → Phone app.

Important: MIUI 12+ may need to disable battery optimization for Google Phone, otherwise call notifications will be delayed.Way: Settings → Applications → App Management → Google Phone → Battery → No Limits

💡

If after installing an alternative call, calls are duplicated (the sound comes from two applications), turn off notifications in the standard Phone application in the notification settings.

3. editing system files (for advanced users)

If none of the above methods worked, you can manually change system settings through ADB or root-righted file manager, a method that is suitable for MIUI 11-12.5 and requires caution.

Method 1: Through ADB (without root)

Install. ADB-pc-tool.
Enable USB debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times tap), then Settings → Additional → For developers → Debugging over USB.
Connect Redmi 8 to your PC and execute the command:

adb shell settings put global incoming_call_fullscreen 1

After the phone is restarted, the calls should be displayed on the full screen.

Method 2: Through editing the build.prop file (requires root)

Install Root Explorer or Mixplorer with superuser rights.
Open the file /system/build.prop and add a line:

ro.telephony.call_ring.fullscreen=true

Save the file, restart the device.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop ( looped boot).Before changes, back up through TWRP or adb backup.

What if the phone is not turned on after building.prop editing?

If Redmi 8 is stuck on the logo after the changes to build.prop, try: 1. Log in Recovery Mode (clamp Power + Volume up). 2. Connect to your PC and through ADB perform: adb pull /system/build.prop Fix the file on your PC and return back: adb push build.prop /system/adb shell chmod 644 /system/build.prop 3. If you don’t have access to ADB, reflash your phone via Fastboot.

The Xiaomi Redmi 8 has a hidden engineering menu where you can change the settings of the display of calls. This method does not work on all firmware, but it is worth trying:

Open the phone app and enter the code: ##6484##
In the menu that appears, select Incoming Call Settings (or similar).
Find the Fullscreen Incoming Call option and activate it.
Save the settings and restart the phone.

If the code doesn’t work, try alternatives:

📞 ##4636## → Usage Statistics → Phone Information (sometimes there are phone settings here).
🔢 ##36446337## - Test mode where you can change the screen settings.

Note: Engineering codes can reset network settings. After using them, check mobile internet and Wi-Fi.

Make a backup copy of contacts

Record the current settings APN (Path: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points)

Check the battery charge (at least 50%)

Prepare the unlock code SIM-map (PIN/PUK)-->

5. Problems and Solutions: Why Calls Don't Become Full-screen

Even after all the settings, the calls can be displayed in a small window, and the reasons and ways to fix them are considered:

Problem.	Possible cause	Decision
Full screen option is not available in the settings	Outdated or custom firmware	Update MIUI to the latest stable version
Calls are displayed on the full screen, but without contact photos	Contact synchronization disabled	Check your Google/Mi Account settings in Settings → Accounts
Full-screen mode only works for some contacts	Conflict with the theme of MIUI design	Reset the theme to standard: Settings → Themes → My themes → Standard
After the MIUI update, the settings reset	Resetting the settings of the phone application	Repeat the full screen settings again

The Redmi 8 is a critical feature: if you use two SIM-maps, full screen mode can only work for the main (SIM To fix this, change priority SIM-maps in settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Priority SIM-call-card.

Another common problem is the black screen when you call in, and it's because of a conflict with energy saving settings.

Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management by Apps.
Find the Phone app and select No Limits.
Reset the device.

Alternative solutions: widgets and automation

If the software methods did not help, you can use workarounds:

🤖 Tasker or MacroDroid: Create a rule that, when an incoming call is made, opens the window to the full screen. MacroDroid macro example: Trigger: Incoming call. Action: Open the application → Phone (full screen mode) Restriction: Only if the screen is off.

Quick Settings Widget

Nova Launcher

Voice notifications

Google Assistant

Mi AI

For root-right users, there is another option: modify the TeleService.apk system application via Lucky Patcher or APK Editor, but this is risky and can cause the phone to fail.

💡

If none of the methods worked, the most reliable way is to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where full-screen calls work out of the box.

7. Frequent Questions and Myths About Full-screen Calls on Xiaomi

Let’s look at some common misconceptions and questions from Redmi 8 users:

Can I make full screen calls without root?

Yes, in most cases, standard settings or an alternative call setup (like Google Phone) are enough. Root is only required to edit system files, which is not necessary.

Why are calls small again after MIUI update?

Updates often reset application settings. After the update, check: Full-screen option in call settings. Permissions for Phone application (especially Display over other windows). No energy-saving restrictions.

Does full screen mode affect battery consumption?

Minimal. Full-screen displays include the entire display backlight, but the difference in battery consumption is ~1 to 2% per call. Much more energy is spent on the conversation itself.

Can you set different modes for different contacts?

Normal means, no. But with Tasker or MacroDroid, you can create rules, like, For contacts in the Work group, full-screen vibratory mode. For others, a normal window. That would require you to set the filter to numbers in an automatic script.

Why is there no full screen option on some firmware?

Xiaomi has removed this option in some regional versions of MIUI (e.g. Europe or India) due to local regulations, which are usually available in global and Chinese firmware, and the solution is to switch to another version.

The bottom line: which way to choose?

The choice of method depends on your version of MIUI and your willingness to experiment.

📱 For most users, install Google Phone and set up full-screen mode in its options.
⚙️ For the advanced: use ADB Or engineering codes, if you don't fear the consequences.
🛠️ For enthusiasts: custom firmware or editing build.prop will give maximum flexibility.