How to change the background when calling Xiaomi: 3 working ways for all models

Are you tired of the standard black screen when calling your Xiaomi? Want to make the interface unique by adding a personal photo, a beautiful gradient or an animated picture? In this article, we will explore all possible ways to change the background when calling, from standard MIUI settings to hidden functions and third-party applications.

The manufacturer doesn't always make this option obvious: some firmware versions have a way to set up hidden in the menu depth, and some models (like the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12) have a different algorithm. We tested the instructions on devices with MIUI 12, 13 and 14 — all methods work, but there are nuances that you should know about in advance.

Important: changing the background of the call does not affect the performance of the phone, but may conflict with some design topics. If after changing the image, the screen slows down when you call, return the standard settings or try another method from our article.

Why can’t you change the background of a call on Xiaomi via the phone?

Many users try to find the option to change the background directly in the Phone app and fail, because in MIUI, the appearance of the incoming call is not the responsibility of the application itself, but the system theme of the design.

• 📱 The background of the call is tied to the topic – if you use a standard theme MIUI, The background will be standard (black or white, depending on the version).
• 🎨 Changes apply globally – changing the background in the theme, you will automatically change it for calls and to lock the screen (on some models).
• 🔧 There is no separate setting for calls – unlike Samsung or Huawei, where there is a separate section to customize the call screen.

This is not a flaw, it's a feature of the shell, and it makes it easier to synchronize the design, but it limits flexibility, but there are workarounds, and you can read more about them.

Method 1: Change backgrounds through system themes (official method)

The safest and most reliable way is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for all models, including the Redmi 10A, POCO M4 Pro and the flagship Xiaomi 13.

1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
2. Go to the section My topics → Local.
3. Select an active topic (click on its preview).
4. Scroll down to the block background of the lock screen and tap it.
5. In the menu that opens, select the Gallery and upload your image.
6. Save the changes and apply the theme again.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 Global) The background of the call may not change immediately, in which case, restart the phone or apply a different theme, and then return to your own.

Update the Themes app on Google Play

Make sure the image has a resolution of at least 1080×1920

Turn off energy saving for the Themes app

Restart your phone after the changes are made-->

If your version of MIUI doesn’t have a lock screen background option in themes, try an alternative path:

1. Open the Settings → Lock screen.
2. Select the Background of the Lock screen → Gallery.
3. Upload the image and save it.

In 70 percent of cases, this automatically changes the background for incoming calls, and if you don't, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Use of third-party launchers (for advanced users)

If the standard methods didn't work, you could do the trick of installing an alternative launcher that supports customizing the call screen.

• 🚀 Nova Launcher – allows you to change icons and background images for system windows, including calls (requires a Premium version).
• 🎭 Action Launcher – has built-in tools to change the design of incoming calls.
• 🖼️ Lawnchair is a free open source launcher that supports changing backgrounds for all system dialogues.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play and make it the main one.
2. Go to Settings Nova → Appearance → Desktop background.
3. Select a Background for system windows and upload your image.
4. Activate the option to apply to dialogues.

⚠️ Note: Some scalings may be in conflict with MIUI, You can also use the data backup system to slow down calls. → Additionally. → Backup.

💡

If the call background has not changed after installing the launcher, try disabling battery optimization for the launcher application in the MIUI settings.

Method 3: Manual editing of system files (for experienced)

This method is only suitable for users with unlocked bootloader and root rights. It allows you to replace the standard background call to any other, but requires caution - incorrect actions can lead to a system failure.

You'll need:

• 📱 Smartphone with root rights (for example, through Magisk).
• 🖥️ PC fitted ADB and drivers for Xiaomi.
• 📁 Backup copy of the system partition (required!).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the ADB terminal.
2. Enter the command to mount the system partition in write mode: adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system
3. Copy your background (resolution 1080×2340 for most models) to the folder: adb push your image.png /system/priv-app/InCallUI/InCallUI/res/drawable/
4. Rename the file to incall_bg.png (or incall_bg_dark.png dark-themed).
5. Reboot the phone.

Critical: on models with MIUI 14 and newer, the path to the file may be different. Before editing, check the current path through a root-access file manager (for example, Root Explorer).

What images are suitable for the background of a call on Xiaomi?

Not every picture will look good on the incoming call screen, but here are the key image requirements:

Where can I get the right images?

• 📸 Cut your photos in any editor (e.g. Snapseed or Lightroom) under the right permission.
• 🌄 Stock photos are free resources like Unsplash or Pexels (see “dark abstract background” or “minimalist wallpaper»).
• 🎨 Background Generators – services such as Cool Backgrounds or Gradient Hunt to create unique gradients.

💡 Useful tip: If you want to display information about the call (name, number), select an image with a free zone in the center.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful background changes, users are plagued by bugs, and we've collected some of the most common problems and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 Background resets after update → Use the theme again or roll back to the previous version MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🖼️ Image stretched or cropped → Check the background resolution (should match your model's screen resolution). For Redmi Note 11 it 1080×2400, Xiaomi 12T — 1220×2712.
• ⚡ The bell screen is slowing down. → Turn off animations in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then additionally → For developers → Scale of animation → Choose No Animation).
• 📵 The background doesn't change SIM-map → It's a bug. MIUI. Solution: Turn off second SIM-map in Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks, apply background, then turn back on.

If neither of these methods worked, your Xiaomi model may have firmware limitations, and there are two options left:

1. Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS).
2. Use call interception applications (such as Truecaller) that have their own incoming call screens.

💡

On MIUI devices for Russia (e.g. Redmi 10 2022), some customization options may be disabled due to localization, in which case changing the region in the settings to India or Global version will help.

Top.-5 call screen customization

If you don't like the built-in MIUI, try third-party apps, and we tested dozens of options and selected the best ones:

⚠️ Note: Call customization apps require permission to display over other windows and read call logs. Check reviews on Google Play before installing - some apps (like CallApp) are known for data leaks.

How to install and configure Cally:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open Settings → Applications → Cally → Permissions and enable all the necessary options.
3. In the application itself, go to Themes → Call background and choose your favorite option.
4. Activate Use as a system application for calls.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions