How to set a photo on the contact in Xiaomi Redmi 9S: detailed instructions with nuances

Getting a photo to contact in Xiaomi Redmi 9S seems like a simple task, but many users face unexpected challenges: From the standard Contacts app doesn’t save changes, to photos that get distorted when cropped, to synchronizing with Google resets avatars, in this article we will analyze all the working methods, from the basic installation through the phone book to bypassing typical errors.

Feature of Redmi 9S (model M2003J15SC) It's that it works on a shell. MIUI, It's a tool that modifies standard Android functions, like, you don't have a separate gallery app to select your photos, but instead you use a built-in file manager. SIM-maps, contacts can be duplicated, which makes editing difficult.

Important: the manual is relevant for MIUI 12-14 (including the global and Chinese versions).If you have older firmware, some menu items may differ, we will warn you about this separately.

1. Installation of photos through the standard application "Contacts"

This is the most obvious way, but it doesn't always work because of the timing.

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette on the home screen).
2. Find the contact you want in the list or use the search (lap in the upper right corner).
3. Slip on the contact, then click the Edit button (pencil in the upper right corner).
4. Tap the camera icon next to the contact name: 📷 Take a photo directly through the phone camera; 🖼️ Select from the gallery - upload an existing image; 🗑️ Delete the photo – if you need to reset the current.

Once you've selected the photo, the system will suggest that you cut it into a round shape.

⚠️ Note: If the contact is synced with Google Account, the changes may not be saved. №3 (via Google Contacts).

Selected image with a resolution of at least 300×300 pixels|

Contact is not duplicated (check the "Contacts Unite" menu)|

Autosynchronization enabled in Google | account settings

Photo saved in format JPEG or PNG (WEBP may not be supported)-->

Alternative method: through the "Phone" app

If the standard "Contacts" are buggy, try editing through a call:

1. Open the phone application (green handset).
2. Go to the Contacts tab in the lower menu.
3. Choose the right contact and tap it.
4. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) → Edit.
5. Next, the algorithm is the same as in the first method: click on the camera icon, select a photo, trim.

The advantage of this method is that it sometimes bypasses MIUI bugs when changes through Contacts are not saved, and it is also easier to find duplicate records, the system suggests combining them automatically.

⚠️ Warning: If the photo disappears after editing, check if the option to Show Contacts Only from Phone in the display settings is enabled. It can hide changes synced with Google.

Through the "Contact" app |

Through the bell.|

Through WhatsApp/Viber|

Through Google Contacts on PC|

Don't add a photo.-->

3. Install photo via Google Contacts (for synchronized accounts)

If the contact is linked to a Google Account, it is better to edit it through the web version:

1. Open contacts.google.com on your computer or phone and log in.
2. Find the right contact on the list.
3. Click on the camera icon in the mug next to the name.
4. Download a photo from the device or make a new one through the webcam.
5. Cut the image (the interface allows you to more accurately configure framing than in MIUI).
6. Save the changes – they sync with the phone for 1-2 minutes.

A critical feature for Redmi 9S: if your Google account settings are deactivated autosynchronize, your photos won’t be updated. To enable them, go to Settings → Accounts → Google → Account Sync and activate the switch opposite Contacts.

4. How to make a photo contact via WhatsApp (and other messengers)

If you want your photo to be displayed only on WhatsApp or Viber, do the following:

1. Open the chat with the contact in the messenger.
2. Slip the name of the interlocutor at the top of the screen.
3. Click on the camera icon next to its avatar.
4. Choose a photo from the gallery or make a new one.
5. Cut the image (in WhatsApp you can zoom and rotate the photo).

If the problem persists, try resetting the Contacts app settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Contacts → Storage.
2. Click Reset settings (not “Clear Data” – this will delete all contacts!).
3. Reboot your phone and re-set the photo.

6. Optimal photo settings for contacts in Redmi 9S

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

• 📏 Permission: minimum 300×300 pixels, optimally — 500×500 or 1000×1000.
• 🎨 Format: JPEG or PNG (WEBP may not be supported in MIUI 12).
• 🔄 The aspect ratio is 1:1 (square) If the photo is rectangular, the system will cut it down the center.
• 🖼️ Background: monochromatic or with a contrasting object in the center (face, logo). Complex background drawings will not be easy to read in miniature.

To crop the appropriate photo directly on the phone, use the Gallery app:

1. Open the photo in the gallery.
2. Click Edit (pencil icon).
3. Select the Trimming tool and set the ratio 1:1.
4. Adjust the position of the frame and save it as a new copy.

Professional life hack: if you want to set a photo on the contact of a company or brand, use their logo on a transparent background (PNG), so the avatar will look neat even in a small size.

💡

For business contacts (clients, partners), it is better to use neutral photos without emotions - this adds professionalism when calling.

7. How to transfer photos of contacts when changing the phone

If you plan to change the Redmi 9S to another smartphone, save your contact avatars:

• 📱→💻 Exporting through Google: All photos installed through Google Contacts will automatically be transferred to the new phone when you log in.
• 📱→📱 Local backup: in MIUI You have a photo contact backup. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset → Local backup and select Contacts.
• 📎 Manual transfer: if photos are not synced, take screenshots of avatars (hold Power) + Volume Down, then manually assign them to the new device.

⚠️ Note: When you move your contacts over vCard (.vcf file), photos may not be saved, and to avoid this, export your contacts through Google Account or use apps like My Contacts Backup (available on Play Market).

For root-righted Redmi 9S owners, contact photos are stored in /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db. It can be copied through Root Explorer, but it is risky – it is better to use standard methods.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing photos on contacts