Saving photos of contacts on Xiaomi smartphones seems to be an easy task, but many users face unexpected difficulties. Depending on the version of MIUI (12 to 15), the phone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) and the source of contacts (SIM card, Google, phone book), the process can be radically different. For example, on some devices, the photo button is simply absent from the standard interface, and in other cases, the uploaded images disappear after synchronization.
In this article, we will look at all the current ways to set up photos for contacts on Xiaomi, from the basic method through the Contacts app to the workarounds for problem cases. We will focus on common mistakes: why the photo is not saved, how to transfer images when changing the phone and what to do if contacts are duplicated. You will also find a comparative table of methods showing their pros and cons for different versions of MIUI.
Why Xiaomi can’t add photos to the contact?
The problem with installing contact photos on Xiaomi is usually due to one of three reasons:
- 📱 Version. MIUI It's limited in function. MIUI 12.5 and below for some regions (e.g. global version for Europe) the feature of adding photos through the standard Contacts app may be disabled.
- 🔄 Contact is saved on a SIM card. Old-style memory cards (and many modern ones) do not support photo storage, only text data.
- ☁️ Synchronization conflict: If a contact is duplicated in Google Contacts and a local phone book, changes in one source may not be displayed in another.
Another nuance: on some models (POCO F4, Redmi 10C) after upgrading to MIUI 14, the ability to edit contacts through the system application disappears, in which case resetting the settings of the Contacts application or using alternative methods, which will be discussed later, helps.
⚠️ Note: If you try to add a photo to a contact that appears as “Read Only”, it means that it is synced with your Microsoft Exchange account (for example, via work mail). Editing such contacts is possible only through the Exchange web interface or with the permission of the administrator.
Method 1: Add a photo through the standard "Contact" application
This is the most direct method that works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 13/14/15. Instructions are relevant for models Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro, POCO X4 Pro and others with clean firmware (no custom shells).
- Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette on the home screen or in the app menu).
- Find the contact you want in the list and click on it to open the card.
- In the upper right corner, tap the pencil icon (Edit).
- Touch the camera icon (or human silhouette) at the top of the screen next to the contact name.
- Select the source of the photo: 📸 Take a picture – the camera opens immediately. 🖼️ Gallery – Selection of an existing image. 🎨 Avatars – standard icons from Xiaomi.
Ready.
Save.
If there is no photo editing button, check:
- 🔍 Contact saved in the phone book, not on the SIM card.
- 🔄 Sync with Google Contacts enabled (can block local changes).
- 📱 Is the firmware updated to the latest version (in) MIUI 12.5 were contact editing bugs).
Contact saved in the phone book (not on SIM)
Google sync is disabled (if you need a local photo)
Contact backup in case of failure
Free space in memory (minimum 50 MB)
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Method 2: Install photos via Google Contacts
If you use Google Contacts for sync, adding photos through the web interface is often more reliable than using the Xiaomi app, a method that is suitable for users whose contacts are automatically synced with a Google account (set by default when you first turn on your phone).
- Open your browser on your computer or phone and go to contacts.google.com.
- Sign in with the same Google account that is linked to your Xiaomi.
- Find the contact you need in the list and click on it.
- Click on the camera icon at the top of the contact card (near the name).
- Download photos from your device or select from Google Photos.
- Cut the image (if necessary) and save the changes.
After that:
- 🔄 Wait for synchronization (usually takes 1-5 minutes).
- 📱 On your phone, open the Contacts app and update the list (pull the screen down).
- 🔍 If the photo does not appear, check the sync settings in Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of contacts.
⚠️ Note: If you previously edited this contact through the Xiaomi app, you may create a duplicate. Before uploading a photo via Google, delete the local version of the contact on your phone, leaving only the synchronized version.
What if the photos in Google Contacts are not synced?
Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications
If the standard methods don't work, you can use alternative applications to manage contacts.
- 📇 Truecaller – identifies numbers and allows you to add photos to contacts, even if they are saved on the SIM card.
- 🔍 Contacts+ — convenient contact manager with photo and backup function. Supports export to.vcf.
- 📱 Simpler Contacts – a minimalist ad-free application compatible with MIUI.
Example of photo installation via Truecaller:
- Download and install Truecaller from Google Play.
- Register (you can use Google or phone number).
- Allow access to contacts.
- Find the contact you need in the list and open your card.
- Slip the camera icon next to the name and select a photo from the gallery.
- Save the changes – the photo will appear in the standard application “Contacts”.
Important: When using third-party apps, photos of contacts can be stored in their cloud, not locally. Before removing such an application, export contacts to a.vcf file so that you do not lose images.
| Method | Pluses | Cons | It's good for MIUI. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard annex “Contacts” | No additional programs are required, quickly. | It does not work on SIM cards, bugs in older versions of MIUI | 13, 14, 15 |
| Google Contacts | Synchronization between devices, reliable | Internet is required, double contacts are possible | Anybody. |
| Truecaller | Works with SIM cards, determines spam | Advertising requires registration | 12–15 |
| Contacts+ | Backup, group editing | Paid functions in the premium version | 12–15 |
Method 4: Transfer photos of contacts from another phone
When you change your smartphone (e.g. from iPhone to Xiaomi or Samsung to Redmi), photos of your contacts are often lost.
- 📱 Export/import via.vcf: On an old phone, export contacts to.vcf (via contact settings). Move the file to the new Xiaomi (via Bluetooth, email or cloud). Import the file via the Contacts app (Contact settings). → Imports/Exports → Import from the file).
Synchronization through Google
- On an old phone, add a Google account and sync your contacts.
- On the new Xiaomi, log in to the same account – photos will be automatically pulled up.
- 🔗 Portability apps (such as Copy My Data or Samsung Smart Switch for Android).
- 📱 Resetting the settings of the Contacts app: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Contacts → Memory. → Clear cache and data. Attention: this will delete all unsynchronized contacts!
- 🔧 Manual editing via.vcf: Export contacts to a.vcf file, open it in a text editor and check for a line with PHOTO. If it is not available, add it manually (requires vCard skills).
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A s MIUI 12.0.8) There is a bug that causes contact photos to be reset after a firmware update.The solution is to roll back the update or wait for a patch from Xiaomi.
How to make a photo of the contact round (trimming and editing)
Xiaomi by default cuts the photos of contacts in circles, but sometimes users want to change the shape or edit the image before saving.
- 🎨 Standard cropping: When you add a photo through the Contacts app, you'll see a crop screen after you select the image. Pull the corners of the frame to change the framing area. The round shape is fixed.
- ✂️ Edit before upload: Open the photo in the Gallery app, click Edit and trim it manually (use the "Figure cropping" tool for a circle.
- 📱 Avatar apps: Use Photo Editor or Canva to create the perfect round framed photo. 512×512 pixel.