How to install video on a call in Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

Do you want your Xiaomi to stand out from other smartphones? One of the most creative ways to personalize is to set a video to a call instead of a standard tune. When someone calls you, the video you choose will play on the screen, not the usual animation. It's not only stylish, but also practical: you will immediately see who is calling, even if the phone is lying upside down.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can install video on a call for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from standard MIUI features to third-party apps. You’ll learn what formats are supported, how to crop video under the screen, and why the feature may sometimes not work. And we’ll give you tips on how to make sure that the video on the call does not slow down or eat up battery power.

Can I put a video on a call to Xiaomi without root?

Yes, you can install video on a call in Xiaomi without root rights, but with some restrictions. Standard MIUI firmware (version 12 and later) has a built-in video on the call, but it does not work on all models. For example, on flagships like Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+, the option is available out of the box, and on budget devices (for example, POCO M5) it may not be available.

If your model doesn’t have a built-in feature, don’t be upset – there are workarounds:

  • πŸ“± Use third-party launchers (such as Nova Launcher or Apex Launcher) that support video calls.
  • 🎬 Install specialized apps from Google Play, such as Video Caller ID or Full Screen Caller.
  • πŸ”§ Manually replace system files (requires) ADB or TWRP, but without a full rut).

It's important to understand that video on a call can affect autonomy. If you choose a video that's too long or high-quality, the battery will go down faster, especially on the back of the phone. AMOLED-The best option is a video that is 5-10 seconds long in resolution. 720p.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi model do you use?
Xiaomi 13/14 Series
Redmi Note 11/12
POCO F/X series
Redmi 10/9 Series Series
Another model

Method 1: Built-in MIUI (for supported models)

If your Xiaomi smartphone supports video calls out of the box, this is the easiest way.

  1. Open the Contacts app.
  2. Select the contact you want to set the video for.
  3. Click Edit (pencil icon).
  4. Scroll down to the Call Melody section and select Video on the Call.
  5. Click Add Video and select a file from the gallery.
  6. Cut the video (if necessary) and save the changes.

If there is no video on the call, then your model does not support this feature at the firmware level, in which case move on to the next method.

Video should be in MP4 or MOV format

Duration not exceeding 15 seconds

Resolution no higher than 1080p (optimally 720p)

The file weighs no more than 10MB.

Cut off under the aspect ratio of your smartphone screen-->

How to cut video under the screen Xiaomi?

For a video to be displayed correctly on a call, it needs to be cropped to your screen's aspect ratio. For most Xiaomi, it's 20:9 or 19.5:9.

  • πŸ“± In the standard editor MIUI (When selecting video in the call settings).
  • πŸŽ₯ In apps like CapCut, InShot, or KineMaster (select Story 9:16 and trim the sides).
  • πŸ–₯ On your computer using Adobe Premiere Rush or Shotcut.

⚠️ Note: If the video is too heavy (for example, the video is too heavy, 4K 60 FPS), It can slow down when you play it on a call: 720p, 30 FPS, bitrate no higher than 5 Mbps.

Method 2: Applications for video calls (without root)

If your firmware doesn't have a built-in feature, the best option is to use third-party apps, and we tested a few and selected the most reliable ones:

AnnexSupport for MIUIFeaturesCons
Video Caller IDβœ… Yes, all models)Full HD support, customization for each contact, animationAdvertising in the free version, sometimes slows down
Full Screen Callerβœ… Yes (MIUI 11+)Minimalist design, low battery consumptionNo video clipping inside the app
Zedgeβœ… Yes (but more settings are needed)Large library of ready-made videos, support for live wallpaperNot all videos are optimized for calls

How to set up Video Caller ID (Step-by-step):

  1. Download the app from Google Play and open it.
  2. Provide access to Contacts and Warehouse.
  3. Select the video for the call in the main menu.
  4. Click Add Video and select a file (or download from the app library).
  5. Cut the video under the screen (if necessary) and save it.
  6. In the application settings, enable the option to Show video on incoming ones.
  7. Restart your phone (sometimes required to apply changes).

If the video is not played when you call:

  • πŸ”„ Reinstall the application and reset the settings.
  • πŸ“΅ Check if security is blocking. MIUI Application operation (allow auto-start).
  • πŸ”‹ Make sure that the Battery settings for the application have selected the mode No restrictions.

πŸ’‘

If the video on the call is played with a delay, try converting it to H.264 (MP4) format with a bitrate of 2-3 Mbps.

Method 3: Manually add video via ADB (for advanced)

This method works if you don’t want to install third-party apps but are willing to tinker with settings a bit.It works on most Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12-14, but requires a connection to a computer.

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
  • πŸ“± Included Debugging by USB smartphone.
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB Type-C (original so that there are no connection problems).
  • πŸ“¦ Installed drivers ADB and Fastboot.

Instructions:

  1. Download and install Google’s Platform Tools.
  2. On your smartphone, turn on USB Debugging (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version β†’ Press 7 times, then go back to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers).
  3. Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.
  4. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
  5. Download video to the call (format) MP4, length 10 sec) and rename it in call_video.mp4.
  6. Place the file in the folder with Platform Tools and execute the command: adb push call_video.mp4 /sdcard/MIUI/video/call/
  7. Set the video to contact through the standard Contacts menu β†’ Edit β†’ Video to call.

⚠️ Attention: If folders /sdcard/MIUI/video/call/ It doesn't exist, create it manually through the file manager, and make sure the video has the right permissions (e.g., file manager, 640x480 old-model).

What if the ADB can’t see the device?
If the adb device command doesn’t show your smartphone, try: 1. Reinstall drivers (use Mi). PC Suite for automatic installation). 2. Change the cable or USB-port. 3. Enable the debugging option in the developer settings USB (security parameters) and allow debugging ADB Charging mode. 4. Reboot phone and computer.

Why is the video on the call not working? (Error checklist)

If you have set up everything, but the video does not play when an incoming call is made, check the following points:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
No video is shown, only standard animationFunction disabled in settingsCheck the settings β†’ Sounds and vibration β†’ Video on the call
Video slows or twitchesToo high resolution or bitrateConvert video to 720p 30 FPS with a bitrate of 2-3 Mbps
Video is played without soundAudio track in an incompatible formatRecode the video with the AAC audio codec
The function disappears after the MIUI updateFirmware resettingRepeat the setting or use it ADB-method

There are a few other reasons that few people know:

  • πŸ”• Energy saving mode: If Ultra mode or Energy saving is enabled, MIUI It can block the playback of video on a call.
  • πŸ”’ Security MIUI: In some regional firmware (for example, China), the video call feature is disabled by default.
  • πŸ“± Operator shell: If the phone is purchased from the operator (for example, MTS or Beeline), the firmware can be modified.

πŸ’‘

If the video on the call is unstable, try turning off battery optimization for the Contacts and Phone app in the MIUI settings.

How to optimize video for a call: expert advice

To make the video on the call look perfect and not affect performance, follow these guidelines:

Correct format and permission:

  • πŸ“Ή Format: MP4 (codec H.264 or H.265).
  • 🎞 Permission: 720x1560 (for 20:9) or 1080x2340 (full HD+).
  • ⏱ Duration: 5-10 seconds (optimum for cyclic playback).

Sound optimization:

  • πŸ”Š Make sure the audio volume is not lower. -12 dB (otherwise the sound will be quiet).
  • 🎢 If a melody is more important than a video, make a mono audio track (not a stereo) – this will reduce the file size.

3. Testing before use:

  • πŸ“± Check the video on another device (like a computer) to make sure it plays smoothly.
  • πŸ”‹ Run the video in a loop on your phone (for example, via MX Player and see if the processor is warming up.

4. Alternative ideas for video calls:

  • πŸŽ₯ Animated wallpaper: You can use live wallpaper (e.g. from Zedge) and assign it to a call.
  • πŸ–Ό GIF-Animation: Some launchers support GIF Videos are easier (for the system).
  • πŸ“Ή Short clips from TikTok/Reels: Cut down your favorite video (check copyright!).

πŸ’‘

If you want the video to look professional, add a black frame of 0.5 seconds to the beginning of the video, which will eliminate the flashing of the screen when you transition.

FAQ: Frequent questions about video on a call to Xiaomi

Can I put a video on the phone for all contacts at once?
In standard MIUI firmware, video is customized for each contact, but in applications like Video Caller ID, you can set one default video for all incoming calls.
Why is the video on the call played without sound?
This can happen for two reasons: Video saved without audio track (check in file properties). MIUI blocks audio playback to save battery (try disabling Battery Optimization for Phone app). Solution: recode video with AAC audio codec or use another application.
Will the video on the call work if the phone is down?
No, video on a call is played only when the screen is on, if the phone is down or in your pocket, only the standard tune will be played, but some third-party applications (such as Full Screen Caller) may include screen highlighting when the call is incoming.
Can I put a video on a call for SMS or notifications?
Unfortunately, MIUI doesn't have a built-in feature for SMS video or app notifications, but you can use Tasker or MacroDroid to create automatic rules that play back videos when you receive a message.
How to delete video on the call and return the standard tune?
To remove video: Open Contacts and select the contact you want. Click Edit. Under Video Call, select Delete or Default. Save Changes. If the video was installed through a third-party app, delete it or reset the settings in the app itself.