How to set a photo for contact in Xiaomi Poco M3: 3 proven ways + error solving

Xiaomi Poco M3 is a popular smartphone with a shell MIUI, which offers flexible contact settings, including the ability to add photos. However, many users face difficulties: the menu does not open, the photo is not saved, the contact is duplicated. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to install avatars on contacts, including hidden MIUI chips, and also solve typical problems from synchronization failures to editing errors.

It is important to understand that the process may differ depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14) and the source of contact (Google, SIM-We tested the instructions on Poco. M3 latest-update 2026 So, all the steps are relevant if you're using custom firmware or beta. MIUI, Some menu items may be shifted – we will also talk about this.

Before you start, check:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI
• 📇 Source of contact: Google, phone or SIM (This is critical for method 2)
• 🔄 Synchronization: Is it included in Settings → Google accounts → Synchronization

Method 1: Install photo through the standard “Contact” application

The most obvious method is to edit the contact directly in the Contacts app (a human silhouette icon), which works for local contacts and those that are synced with the Google account, but may vary depending on the version of MIUI.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Contacts app**.
2. Find the right contact in the list and tap it.
3. In the upper right corner, click on the Edit icon** (pencil).
4. Slip on the camera icon (or human silhouette) next to the contact name.
5. Select the source of the photo: 📸 Take a picture - activates the camera. 🖼️ Gallery – allows you to select an existing photo. 🎨 Avatars – will offer standard icons from MIUI.

"Ready."

"Save"**

⚠️ Note: If the Edit button** is inactive, check if the contact is duplicate or tied to the SIM-map. MIUI Blocks the editing of contacts with SIM without prior copying to the phone memory.

Method 2: Add photos via Google Contacts (for synchronized accounts)

If your contacts are synced to your Google account, it’s easier to edit them through the web version of Google Contacts, a method that ensures that the photo is displayed on all devices where sync is enabled (including Poco M3).

How to do this:

1. Open your browser on your PC or phone and go to contacts.google.com.
2. Sign in with the same account as the Poco M3.
3. Find the right contact and click on it.
4. Click on the camera icon in the top left corner (near the name).
5. Upload a photo from the device or take a picture through the webcam.
6. Cut the image and save the changes.
7. 🔄 If the contact is duplicated (for example, there is a SIM, and Google, combine it: Open contact → «More» → «Join contacts. Select duplicates and confirm the merger.

Problem 2: Photos are not saved after editing

This is a bug of some versions of MIUI associated with the cache of the Contacts app**.

Decision:

• 🧹 Clear the cache: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Contacts → Memory. Click "Clear cache"** (not data!) Reboot your phone.

"Contacts"**

Google Play

1. In the same menu (Settings → Applications → Contacts), click “Reset Settings”**.
2. ⚠️ This won’t delete contacts, but it will reset sorting and display settings.

Problem 3: Photos are not displayed in all apps

Sometimes the avatar is visible in Contacts**, but does not appear on an incoming call or WhatsApp.

Decision:

• 📞 For the standard Phone app**: Go to Settings → Annexes → By default. → Phone App. Select the standard Phone app** (not Truecaller or other).

WhatsApp

1. Open the chat with the contact → tap on the name → “Edit”**.
2. Add the photo directly to WhatsApp (it will be visible only in this messenger).

💡

If the photo doesn't show up in calls, check if a third-party phone call app (like Truecaller) is installed. Return the standard Phone app** to the default settings.

Optimization of photos for contacts: size, format, cropping

To make the avatar look clear and not cut crooked, follow these recommendations:

Photo requirements:

• 📏 Size: optimal 512×512 pixels (maximum — 2048×2048).
• 🖼️ Format: JPG or PNG (transparently).
• 🎨 Color gamut: avoid dark backgrounds – they do not show the name of the contact.
• 👤 Person must occupy at least 60% of the area (otherwise) MIUI It will automatically cut the photo to a circle and the details will be lost).

⚠️ Note: The.vcf file only saves photos if they were added through Google Contacts or the standard app. MIUI. Photos from third-party applications (for example, Truecaller) will not get into the backup.

Method 3: Third-party applications for backup

For reliability, use specialized tools:

• 🔄 Super Backup & Restore – Keeps Contacts, SMS and a photo in the cloud.
• ☁️ Contacts Backup – Exporting contacts to the XML or VCF photo.