Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a problem: contact names in the phone book are displayed in too small font, especially on high-resolution screens (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra). This makes reading in bright sun or for visually impaired users difficult. Fortunately, there are several ways to increase the font size in the MIUI shell - both through standard settings and with hidden features.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including system-scale modification, configuration of the display in the Contacts app, use of design themes and even editing configuration files for advanced users. We will separately dwell on the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and models - from budget POCO M5 to flagship Xiaomi Mix Fold 3.
1. Enlarge the font through the MIUI system settings
The easiest way is to change the overall font size of the system, which will affect not only the names of the contacts, but also all the text elements of the interface, suitable for users who need to increase all the text information on the screen.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings → Screen.
- Select Text Size and Display (in older versions of MIUI - Font Size).
- Move the slider to the right to enlarge the font. Available values: Small to Very Large.
- Click Ready and confirm the changes.
⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X5 Pro, Redmi 10C) after changing the font size, the layout in third-party applications (for example, in Telegram or in the form of a new typeface) may be lost. VK}). In this case, the reboot of the device will help.
- ✅ Suitable for all versions MIUI (12–14).
- ✅ No need to root.
- ❌ Increases font everywhere, not just in contacts.
- ❌ On some devices, it can lead to cropping text in the menu.
2. Display setting in the “Contacts” app
If you only need to zoom in on the names in your phone book without affecting the rest of the interface, use the Contacts app settings itself, which works on MIUI 13/14 and is relevant for Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro and later.
How to change it:
- Open the Contacts app.
- Tap on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
- Go to the Contact Display section (or View in some firmware).
- Select the name font size and set the value Big or Very Large.
| Xiaomi model | Support for setting up | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | Yes. | There are 3 scale levels available on MIUI 14. |
| Redmi Note 12 | Yes. | The “Contacts” version of the app 12.5.4+. |
| POCO F5 | Partially. | Only 2 levels of increase (standard/large). |
| Xiaomi Pad 6 | No. | There's no setting on the tablets. |
💡 Useful tip: If the name font size option is missing, update the Contacts app via Google Play or App Gallery. In some regional firmware (e.g. India), this feature may be hidden.
Update the Contacts app to the latest version
Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)
Backup your contacts (Settings → Import/Export)
Reboot your phone after the changes-->
3. Use of large-printed design themes
The MIUI shell supports removable themes, including larger font options, which is suitable for those who want to not only resize the text, but also update the appearance of the interface.
How to apply the topic:
- Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
- In the search bar, enter a query: large font or large text.
- Choose your favorite theme (like Big Font Dark or Elderly Mode).
- Click Apply and wait for the installation.
⚠️ Note: Some themes from third-party sources may contain advertisements or modify system icons.
- 🎨 Mi Fan and Dark Mode Themes XL increase the font 20-30%.
- 🔍 You can also use keywords in search: senior, accessibility, large text.
- 📱 Nana POCO-Some themes may not be supported due to customized firmware.
How to return a standard theme if the new one doesn’t fit?
4. editing configuration files (for advanced)
If standard methods fail, you can manually change the font display settings through system files, which requires root rights or ADB and is suitable for advanced users.
Instructions for MIUI 13/14:
- Connect your phone to your PC and activate Debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap the version number → go back to Additional Settings → Developer Settings → Debugging by USB).
- Open the command line on the PC and type: adb shell settings put system font_scale 1.3 where 1.3 — The scaling factor (can be determined from the 1.0 before 1.5).
- Reset the device.
Critical: Do not set a value above 1.5 – this can lead to cropping text in the system menus and malfunctions in some applications (for example, Mi Fit or Xiaomi Cloud).
| Meaning font_scale | The effect | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1–1.2 | Moderate increase (by 10-20%) | Minimum |
| 1.3–1.4 | Notable increase (30–40%) | Possible problems with display in games |
| 1.5 | Maximum increase (50%) | Cutting the text in settings, interface lags |
💡
If, after the change, font_scale font in contacts has not changed, clear the cache of the "Contacts" application through Settings → Annexes → Application management → Contacts → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
5. Special features (for visually impaired users)
MIUI has a built-in visually impaired mode that automatically enlarges the font in all system applications, including Contacts, a method that does not require root rights and is suitable for Android 11+ devices.
How to activate:
- Go to Settings. → Special facilities.
- Select Text Enlargement (or Screen Size in MIUI 12).
- Turn on the option and adjust the slider to a comfortable size.
- Activate the large text in the same section.
🔹 Advantages of the method:
- 👍 It works on all Xiaomi models, including Redmi. 9A and POCO M4 Pro.
- 👍 It does not affect productivity.
- 👍 You can quickly turn off through the notification panel.
⚠️ Note: In Large Text mode, some interface elements (such as icons in Mi Home) may be displaced. To return the standard display, disable the option in the special features settings.
💡
Special Features is the only official way to increase the font without risk to the system, and is supported by Xiaomi at the firmware level and does not require additional manipulation.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
Each of these methods has its pros and cons, depending on your goals:
- 🔧 System settings – if you need to increase the font everywhere.
- 📇 Contact settings – if you only need to change the names in your phone book.
- 🎨 Design themes for those who want to update the interface design.
- 💻 ADB/root — Advanced users who are prepared for risks.
- 👓 Special Opportunities – Optimal for People with Visual Impairment.
📌 Recommendation: Start with the method №2 (Contact settings). If it didn't work, try the method. №5 (special features). Use ADB or root only in extreme cases, if other methods do not help.