How to set a full screen photo when calling Xiaomi Redmi: full instruction 2026

Are you tired of the standard blue screen with animation when calling in your Xiaomi Redmi? Want to have your favorite photo, meme or beautiful landscape displayed on the entire display? In this article, we will discuss all working methods, from built-in MIUI features to third-party applications with advanced settings. Importantly, the methods differ depending on the firmware version and smartphone model, so we covered options for MIUI 12, 13 and 14, as well as for the popular lines Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X/F and others.

By default, the system only shows a reduced photo of the contact at the top of the screen, but with hidden settings or additional utilities, you can stretch the image to the entire display. We tested all methods on current firmware (including HyperOS for new models) and selected only working solutions. If you previously tried to change the background of the call through standard settings and did not find this option, do not be surprised: Xiaomi specifically hides this feature in some regional versions of MIUI, but it can be activated bypasses.

Why Xiaomi Redmi doesn’t have a full screen background option in call settings?

Many users notice that the Settings menu → Sounds and vibrations → Call melodies does not have an item to change the background of the call screen.

• 📱 Regional restrictions: In global versions MIUI (For example, for Europe), the function is often disabled, whereas in Chinese firmware it is available by default.
• 🔄 Version. MIUI: V MIUI 12 and older, the algorithm for displaying calls has changed - now the background is tied to the theme of the design, not to a separate setting.
• 🛡️ Performance optimization: According to the developers, rendering a full-screen photo when calling increases the load on the processor, which can lead to delays on budget models (for example, Redmi). 9A or POCO M3).

But that doesn't mean that the capability is completely blocked. There are at least 3 working ways to get around the limitations: through hidden theme settings, third-party apps, or manually editing system files (for advanced users).

Method 1: Use MIUI themes (without root and third-party applications)

The safest and most versatile method is to activate the background through the themes of the design, which works on all models with MIUI 12-14 and does not require superuser rights, the point is that the system allows you to assign a separate background image for the lock screen, which will be automatically used when the incoming call.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
2. Go to the section My topics → Lock screen.
3. Select the Background Picture and upload your image (or select from the gallery).
4. Apply the changes and restart your smartphone (required!).

After rebooting the incoming call, the background will be stretched to the full screen. Note: if you have a dark theme set, the system can automatically darken the image. To avoid this, switch to a light theme before setting the background in Settings → Screen → Dark Mode.

Resolution of at least 1080×2340 pixels (for Full HD+ displays)

JPEG or PNG format (without transparency)

Contrast colors (dark tones can merge with the interface)

- Cut important details in the center (the edges of the screen are hidden by buttons)-->

Method 2: Third-party applications for customizing calls

If the built-in settings don't work, you can use specialized utilities. We tested 5 popular applications and selected the two most stable ones:

We recommend Full Screen Caller – it is the most optimized for Xiaomi and does not conflict with system calls.

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Launch and grant permissions to Overlay over other windows and Manage calls.
3. In the application settings, select Full Screen Mode → Custom Image and upload your photo.
4. Activate the Replace System Call Screen option.

⚠️ Note: After installing a third-party call app, the call recording function may stop working. MIUI. To return it, turn off the Replace System Call Screen option and only use the background setting.

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If after installing the application, calls begin to be delayed, try turning off animations in its settings or reduce the background resolution to 720p. This will reduce the load on the processor.

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

This method requires root or unlocked bootloader permissions, but it gives you maximum customization, and we don't recommend it for beginners, because doing the wrong thing can cause the system to crash, but if you're willing to experiment, here's a quick guide:

Background bell in MIUI file-stored /system/media/theme/default/wallpaper/caller_background.jpg. To replace him:

1. Download a file manager with root access (e.g., Root Explorer).


2. Go to /system/media/theme/default/wallpaper/.




3 Replace the file caller_background.jpg with your image (resolution must match the original!).




4. Set access rights 644 (rw-r--r---).




5. Reboot the smartphone.

If the background has not changed after the reboot, check:

• 🔍 Correctness of the path (in some firmware, the file may be called incall_background.png).
• 📏 Image resolution (should match your model’s screen resolution).
• 🔄 System cache (try to clear the cache of the Phone application in the settings).

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS models (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) The path to the background file may be different. Before editing, back up the original file so you can roll back if you crash!

How to make animated background for calls (GIF or video)

If the static image is small, you can set a moving background — GIF-It's an animation or even a short video:

• 🎬 Video Call Screen - Supports MP4-files up to 5 seconds.
• 🖼️ GIF Caller ID — Optimized for animations, but requires cropping to screen resolution.
• 🎭 Always On Display + — allows you to assign animation for the lock screen, which will be displayed when you call.

Important nuances when working with animation:

• 🔋 Moving background increases battery consumption by 10-15% on long calls.
• 📱 In the models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50) The animation looks smoother than the IPS (Like Redmi. 10C).
• 🎵 Some apps conflict with Google Phone (if you use it instead of a standard call). MIUI).

For better results, use animations with resolution 720p and frame rate 24-30 FPS. Avoid too bright or flashing. GIF-OK – they can cause discomfort during long-term viewing.

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The animated background is more stable on MIUI 14 and HyperOS, while MIUI 12 can be slowed down on the first call after the reboot.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after you set the full screen background correctly, we've collected some common errors and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📋 Version MIUI: On some beta versions of firmware, the background function is temporarily disabled.
• 🔧 Special Options Settings: Turn Off Settings → Special opportunities → Simplified regime.
• 🔒 Application rights: Make sure the caller is allowed access to storage and camera (for photo contacts).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions