Xiaomi: how to set a photo to a call - full instruction

Personalizing the smartphone interface is not just a way to stand out, but also the ability to instantly recognize the caller without even looking at the screen. Owners of Xiaomi devices often face a situation where standard settings seem too basic, and the desire to see a loved one when calling becomes an urgent need. Modern shells MIUI and HyperOS provide ample opportunities for customization, but the algorithms for working with contacts have their own nuances that must be considered for the correct display of images.

Contacting a photo is a process that seems trivial, but in practice, users often find that the image is not saved, cropped or displayed by the interlocutor (for video calls). It is important to understand that the system settings of the phone can block access to the gallery or sync with your Google account. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of settings, from basic methods to hidden features that will help you make the call process more informative and enjoyable.

Before we make any changes, it’s worth noting that the quality of the image you display depends on the resolution of the original file and the operating system version. If you plan to use video avatars or live wallpaper for calls, the resource requirements of the device may be higher. We’ll look at universal methods that are suitable for most models, from the old Redmi to the flagships of the Mi and Xiaomi series.

Basic configuration through the standard Contacts app

The easiest and most reliable way to install a photo is to use the built-in functionality of the Contacts app, which does not require installing third-party software and ensures that the image will be displayed correctly in all system services, including the number detector and messengers integrated with the system. First, open the Contacts app or go to the Phone and select the Contact tab.

Find the right person in the list or search. After opening the contact card, look at the round avatar at the top of the screen. If the photo is not already installed, it will display the initial or standard stub. Click on the camera icon or the avatar itself to start the editing process. The system will offer two options: take a picture right now or select an image from the gallery.

• 📸 Take a new picture: the camera will open in portrait mode, allowing you to immediately take a picture of the person.
• 🖼️ Choose from the gallery: access to the album will open, where you can pick up a ready-made, high-quality photo.
• ✂️ Frame: after selecting a photo, the system will suggest cropping the image so that it fits perfectly into the round circuit.

⚠️ Note: When selecting photos from the gallery, make sure you give the Contacts app permission to access media files, otherwise you won’t be able to select the image.

Once you've selected or taken a picture, a framing interface will appear. Move your finger to select the best composition, and zoom in with a pinch. Press "Done" or "Save" to apply the changes. Now, when you call in, you'll see the image you've installed.

Use of Google Contacts for Synchronization

Many Xiaomi users prefer the Google ecosystem for its stability and cross-platform, and setting photos through Google’s Contacts app has the important advantage of automatically syncing the image to your account, meaning that if you lose your phone or buy a new one, all your contact photos will be restored automatically after you sign in.

To get started, open the Contacts app (with a blue icon from Google). Find the contact you want and click on the Change button (usually the pencil icon). At the top of the screen, click on the circle with the initials. In the menu that appears, select Edit or Add Photos. The system will suggest you choose the source: camera, files or Google Photos.

Special attention should be paid to choosing the source of Google Photos, which allows you to use cloud storage and not clutter your phone with duplicate images. After choosing a photo, the framing process is similar to the standard method, the main difference is that after saving a photo, it can take several seconds to sync with the server.

• 🔄 Automatic synchronization: Photos will appear on all devices where you log in to this account.
• ☁️ Cloud storage: the original photo is saved in the cloud, taking up a minimum of space on the device.
• 👥 Group Contacts: It is convenient to edit multiple cards at once if they are combined.

If you use multiple phones or tablets, this is the preferred method, which eliminates the situation where one device has a photo and another does not. However, it is worth remembering that it requires a stable Internet connection to work. Without the network, the changes will persist locally, but will not update on other gadgets until the connection is made.

Setting up photo display for unknown numbers

Often, a stranger calls and the user wants to see not just a number, but a company logo or a thematic image, if the number is defined as spam or delivery. This is difficult to do with standard MIUI tools, but you can use the Number Definer function or third-party applications that integrate into the call system.

The built-in number detector in Xiaomi (often working with services like GetContact or its own MIUI databases) can upload photos of organizations. To activate this feature, go to the settings of the Phone application. Find the "Number Defineer" or "Antispam" section, where you need to enable data downloads and allow access to the network.

To manually place a photo on a group of unknown numbers (like Couriers), you can create a fake contact. Create a new contact, call it, like "Unknown Number" or "Delivery." Save all possible numbers in that contact or use it as a visual tag. Set the appropriate photo on that contact. Now, if you manually add the courier number to that record, you'll see the picture immediately.

⚠️ Note: Installing photos on unknown numbers through fake contacts requires manual work and will not work automatically for all new numbers without your intervention.

There are also special MIUI themes that change the incoming call interface, so you can set a single background image or video for all incoming themes, which partially solves the visualization problem, and you can download themes from the Topics app by searching for Call Screen or Video Call.

Display problems and their solution

Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users often face technical problems: the photo may not be displayed, be black and white or replaced by a standard stub. One of the most common reasons is the file format. The system may not properly process images in HEIC (standard for iPhone) or some types of RAW. It is recommended to convert such photos to JPG or PNG before installation.

Another common problem is the cache of the Contacts app. If you have installed a photo but it doesn't show up, try clearing the cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Contacts → Memory. Press Clear Cache. It's important not to confuse this with Clear All, as the local display settings may be deleted in the latter case, although the contacts themselves are usually saved in the cloud.

Also check your contact display settings. In the Contacts app, click on three dots (menu) and select Settings → Contacts to Display. Make sure you tick All Contacts or select the exact accounts (Google, Phone, SIM) where you saved your photo. If you select SIM only, the photos saved to Google will not be displayed.

Video avatars and live wallpaper on the call

Modern Xiaomi smartphones support video installation instead of static photos when incoming. This makes the interface more dynamic. To implement this feature, it often requires the use of the video call theme or built-in HyperOS capabilities. Unlike conventional photos, video requires more CPU and battery resources.

To set a video background, go to the Themes app. Search for "Video Call" or "Video Ringtone." Select a theme you like that supports this feature. Once you set the theme, call settings will allow you to assign a video to a specific contact or all incoming ones. Note that video duration is usually limited to 15-30 seconds.

• 🎬 Video format: Supported formats MP4 and GIF (narrowly).
• 🔋 Energy consumption: Video calls consume battery power faster than static images.
• 📱 Compatibility: Not available on all budget models.

If standard methods fail to install video, you can use third-party applications from Google Play, such as Video Ringtone for Android. Once installed, you must give it permission to "Over Other Windows" and access to the microphone / phone. Then select the video file in the application settings and assign it to the contact.

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To save battery life, use short video clips (up to 5 seconds) per cycle or static images with animations instead of long videos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Installing a photo on a call is not only aesthetics, but also an important security element that allows you to instantly identify the caller and avoid communication with scammers.