How to put a photo in Xiaomi: all the ways to MIUI 14/15

Personalizing contacts in Xiaomi smartphones is not just a way to make a phone book more convenient, but it’s also a great tool to quickly find the right subscribers. When each contact has a unique photo, you immediately see who is calling without even looking at the name. However, many users have difficulty trying to add or change an avatar — especially if the contact is synced with a Google account or a Google account. MI-account.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to connect photos in Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14. You will learn how to add an avatar through the standard Contacts app, how to circumvent synchronization restrictions, and what to do if the photo is not saved, and also secret chips that are not written in the official instructions.

Why can’t I put a photo in Xiaomi?

Before you get to the instructions, it's important to understand why you might not be able to add an avatar, and here are the most common reasons:

• 🔄 Sync with Google – if the contact is saved in the Google account, MIUI Often blocks editing photos directly through the phone book.
• 📱 An outdated version MIUI — in old firmware (below) MIUI 12) the interface of adding a photo is different.
• 🚫 Restrictions of Rights – some system applications (e.g. com.android.contacts) may not have access to the storage.
• 🔒 Data protection – if the contact is imported from SIM-card VCF-file, its avatar may not be saved.

If you tried to add a photo, but it disappeared after the phone reboot, it's probably the sync problem, and we'll talk about this in detail in one of the following sections.

Method 1: Add a photo through the standard “Contacts” app

This is the simplest and most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the model.

1. Open the Contacts app** (an icon with a human silhouette).
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 round contact icon (the default is the first letter of the name).
5. Choose one of the options: 📸 Take a photo if you want to take a new avatar right now. 🖼️ Select from the gallery** - if the photo is already in the phone's memory. 🎨 Create an avatar** - generation of stylized image (not available on all models).

"Done."

"OK" in the upper right corner.

If after these actions the photo is not displayed in calls or messages, check the synchronization settings (for more on this in the next section).

Make sure that the contact is saved in the phone book, not on the phone. SIM-map

Check the permissions for the Contacts app (access to storage)

Update MIUI to the latest version (if available)

Restart your phone before editing-->

Method 2: How to Contact a Photo Synced with Google

If your contact is saved to a Google account, the standard method in the previous section may not work, because MIUI limits editing photos for synchronized contacts, which is a feature of integration with Google services, but there is a workaround:

1. Open your browser on your phone and go to contacts.google.com.
2. Sign in with the same account that your contacts are synced with.
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 photos from your computer or phone (if you use the mobile version of the site).
6. Save the changes.
7. Return to your phone and force sync updates: Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact Sync → Sync Now

Usually, the photo appears within 5-10 minutes, and if it doesn’t, check your internet connection or try to reboot your phone.

💡

If the photo in Google Contacts is cut curve, upload a square image (for example, 500×500 pixels) – so it will be displayed correctly.

Method 3: Using third-party applications to edit contacts

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party apps, such as Contacts+ or Truecaller, which let you add photos to even contacts that are blocked for editing in MIUI.

1. Install the Truecaller app from Google Play.
2. Register (a telephone number will be required).
3. Find the right contact in the application and tap it.
4. Click on "Edit"** (pencil icon).
5. Slip on the avatar and select “Change photo”.
6. Download the image from the gallery or make a new one.
7. Save the changes.

The advantage of this method is that Truecaller saves photos locally, and it will be displayed even if the contact is synced with Google. However, note that the application collects data about your contacts - if this is critical, use alternatives like Contacts+ or Simpler Contacts.

How to Cut and Edit Photos Before Installation

MIUI offers basic tools for editing avatars, but they're not always handy. Here's how to properly prepare a photo to make it look perfect:

• 📏 Size and proportions** – optimal size of avatar for contacts: 512×512 If you upload a rectangular photo, the system will automatically cut it in a circle, which can spoil the composition.

If you want to add effects or labels, use PicsArt or Canva before uploading photos to the contact. The built-in MIUI editor allows you to only crop, rotate and apply basic filters.

What to do if the photo on the contact is not saved or disappears

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the avatar disappears after a phone reboot or a MIUI update.

⚠️ Note: If you are using doubles SIM-maps, contacts can be duplicated, and the photo will only be saved for one of the copies. Check the contact list for duplicates and combine them through the menu More → Connecting contacts.

• 🔄 Synchronization conflicts** – disable the synchronization of contacts with Google/MI-Add a photo, then turn it back on: Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of contacts (disable) Add photos → Turn back the synchronization

If the problem persists, try using an alternative contact app (like Simple Contacts) or back up your contacts before experimenting.

💡

Local contacts (save only in the phone book) are less likely to lose avatars than those synced with Google or Google. MI-account.

Secret Chips: How to Make Contact Avatars Unique

If you want to highlight your contacts, here are a few life hacks that few people know about:

• 🎭 Animated avatars** - in some firmware MIUI (starting MIUI 13) Live Photos are supported as avatars. To activate: Take a short video (3-5 seconds) in the Camera app. When you add a photo, select this video, the system will automatically extract key frames and make it live».

WhatsApp

Telegram

MIUI 14+

Contacts → Select contact → Edit → Color tags

Xiaomi 13 Pro

) There's an AI-generated avatar function that analyzes a person's picture and creates a stylized portrait.

These chips don’t work on all devices, but if your smartphone supports MIUI 14 or later, be sure to try!

FAQ: Frequent questions about photos on contacts in Xiaomi