How to change the contact photo in the phone Xiaomi: all the ways

Changing a contact photo on a Xiaomi smartphone is a simple but not always obvious task, especially if you are first encountering a MIUI shell or using sync with Google Contacts. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the avatar, from standard tools to bypassing the system’s limitations.

It’s important to understand that the process can vary depending on the firmware version (MIUI 14, MIUI 15 or HyperOS), the phone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) and even whether the contact is saved in the device memory or in the Google account.

If you've tried to change your photos through the Contacts app, but the edit button is inactive, don't get upset. Maybe the problem is sync settings or access rights. Then you'll find solutions for all the typical situations.

Method 1: Change your photo through the standard Contacts app

The most obvious method is to use the built-in Contacts app (or Phone in some versions of MIUI), which works for local contacts and those associated with a Mi Account.

To change the avatar:

1. Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's 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. Touch the current photo of the contact (or an empty mug if there is no avatar).
5. Choose one of the options: 📷 Take a photo – activates the camera for instant snapshot. 🖼️ Select from Gallery – Allows you to upload an existing image. 🎨 Create an avatar – generation of a stylized image (not available on all models). 🗑️ Delete the photo – remove the current avatar.

Ready.

Save.

If the photo editing button is inactive or missing, check if the contact is synced with Google, in which case you need to change the avatar through Google Contacts (for more on this in the next section).

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If you want to install an animated avatar (GIF), pre-cut it to square format in any graphics editor. MIUI supports animated images, but can automatically compress them to a static appearance.

Method 2: Editing through Google Contacts (for synchronized posts)

Many Xiaomi users sync contacts with a Google account for backup, in which case you will not be able to change the photo through the standard Contacts app - the system will redirect you to Google Contacts or block editing altogether.

To update the avatar for such contact:

1. Open your browser on your phone and go to contacts.google.com.
2. Sign in with the same Google account that is used for sync.
3. Find the contact you need in the list and click on it.
4. Click on the camera icon (📷) at the top left corner of the contact window.
5. Select the source of the image: 📁 Download - download from the device. 📸 Take a photo – if you use the mobile version of the site. 🔍 Google Photos Search – Choice from Cloud Storage.

Cut the photo as needed and save the changes.

After editing, wait until synced (usually takes 1-5 minutes). If the avatar hasn't updated on your phone, go to Settings → Accounts → Google → Contact Sync and force the data to be updated.

⚠️ Note: If a contact is duplicated (you can find it in Google and in your phone’s memory), the system can display different avatars. To avoid confusion, combine the entries through the menu. → Connecting contacts.

Method 3: Using the Truecaller app to change an avatar

Truecaller not only identifies numbers, but also allows you to edit contacts, including photos, which is handy if standard methods don't work or you want to add an avatar for a number that isn't saved in the phone book.

Instructions:

1. Install Truecaller from Google Play.
2. Open the app and allow access to contacts.
3. Find the right contact through your search.
4. Slip on it and select Edit (pencil icon).
5. Click on the current photo (or blank field) and select a new avatar from the gallery.
6. Save the changes.

Method 4: Manually add photos through file manager (for power users)

This method is suitable if you want to manually replace the contact avatar, bypassing the application interface, it requires access to system folders and is suitable for non-synchronized (local) contacts.

Important: Before performing the actions, back up your contacts through Settings → System and Device → Backup.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC or use a file manager (such as Mi File Manager or Solid Explorer).
2. Cross the path: /data/com.android.providers.contacts/files/ Note: folder /data hidden and requires root rights or ADB-Without them, this method won't work.
3. Find a file with the.jpg or.png extension that matches your contact (file names usually contain the contact ID).
4. Replace the file with a new image with the same name and extension.
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect editing of files in the folder /data This method can cause the Contacts app to crash. Use this method only if you are confident in your actions.

Why you can’t change your contact photo: typical problems and solutions

Sometimes users find that the avatar edit button is inactive or the changes are not saved. Let's consider the main reasons and ways to fix them.

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🔄 Clear the cache of the application Contacts in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
• 📥 Update MIUI Up to the latest version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📞 Reset the Contacts app settings (Warning: This will remove all local settings!).

Check out the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone

Make sure that the contact is not duplicated.

Make a backup copy of your contacts

Check the access rights for the "Contact" application-->

How to install an animation avatar (GIF) for contact

MIUI supports animated avatars (GIFs), but with limitations: the file should not exceed 5 MB, and the animation duration is 3 seconds.

Method 1 (via gallery):

1. Prepare. GIF-file: 🎬 Permission: no more 500×500 pixel. ⏱️ Duration: up to 3 seconds. 🗜️ File size: up to 5 MB.

Save the GIF to the phone gallery.

Contacts

“Gallery” and find your GIF.

Cut the animation (if required) and save it.

Method 2 (through third-party applications):

Use GIF Maker or Ezgif to create an optimized file, then upload it as a normal photo. Some users note that animation works more stable if you pre-convert the GIF to WebP.

⚠️ Note: Animated avatars may not appear in some system menus (e.g., call logs) or instant messengers, and they increase power consumption with frequent interface updates.

Tips for choosing a photo for contact

The quality of the avatar not only affects visual perception, but also the speed of downloading contacts.

• 🎨 Format: JPEG or PNG (for transparency. Avoid HEIC — It is not always correctly displayed.

For business contacts, you can use services like Canva or Adobe Express to create a professional avatar with a logo and name, which looks good on WhatsApp Business or Telegram.

If you want a contact photo to be displayed on the lock screen when an incoming call is made, check the settings:

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen.
2. Select the Lock screen style.
3. Make sure to turn on the setting Show photo contact.

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To better display avatars on all screens, use square images with minimal fine detail. The system cuts the photo in a circle, so important elements should be in the center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing photos of contacts in Xiaomi