How to change the avatar in WhatsApp on the phone Xiaomi Redmi: instructions with pictures and life hacks

The WhatsApp avatar is your face in the messenger that all contacts see. On Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, the process of changing a profile photo has its nuances due to the features of the MIUI shell and the application versions. Many users face problems: the edit button is not active, the photo is not saved or the application gives an error “Failed to update the avatar.” In this article, we will analyze all the working ways to change the avatar on the Redmi Note 12/11/10 Pro, Redmi A2/A1 and other models – from the basic method to bypassing typical bugs.

If you’ve recently upgraded MIUI or reinstalled WhatsApp, the algorithm may be different from the standard one. We’ve tested the instructions on current versions of the app (2.24.8.76) and MIUI 14/13 firmware to ensure it works, and you’ll learn how to put an avatar without cropping, why WhatsApp might not save the changes, and what to do if a profile photo is reset after a phone restart.

At the end of the article is an FAQ with answers to frequent questions, including Google Photos issues, WhatsApp restrictions, and Redmi compatibility on Android 13/12. Don’t miss the hidden feature that allows you to install an avatar from the gallery without compressing quality (only works on the latest versions of MIUI Global).

Why Xiaomi Redmi can’t change the avatar on WhatsApp?

Problems with changing your profile photo to Xiaomi Redmi are usually due to three factors: the MIUI version, the app’s permissions, or the bugs of WhatsApp itself.

• 🔄 Outdated version of WhatsApp: Apps older than 2.23.10.72 do not support new avatars with effects (for example, animated stickers as profile photos).
• 📱 Limitations MIUI: Xiaomi’s shell blocks access to Storage for some apps unless explicit permissions are given.
• 🚫 Failed to update the avatar: This occurs when the Internet is weak or if the photo file weighs more than 5 MB (WhatsApp automatically compresses images, but sometimes it crashes).
• 🔒 Blocking Google Play Services: Some Redmi firmware (especially Chinese) have Google services disabled, which prevents the synchronization of the avatar.

Another common reason is the app's cache, and if you've tried to change your avatar before and the process is interrupted, WhatsApp can hang on the old photo, so cleaning the cache (instruction below) helps, and check if the mode is on "Saving Traffic" in the MIUI settings, which can block the download of new avatars.

⚠️ Note: If you use WhatsApp Business, the avatar change algorithm is different! in the business version, the profile photo is tied to a Facebook account, and changing it may require additional verification.

Preparing Xiaomi Redmi phone before changing avatar

Before you change your WhatsApp photo, follow these steps to avoid mistakes:

1. Update WhatsApp to the latest version via Google Play or the official website. Redmi with Chinese firmware (MIUI China) may require manual APK installation.
2. Check permissions: Go to Settings → Apps → WhatsApp → Permissions and enable access to Warehouse, Camera and Contacts.
3. Clear the cache: In the same WhatsApp settings, click Storage → Clear the cache.This will delete temporary files that may interfere with updating the avatar.
4. Connect to Wi-Fi: WhatsApp is better at uploading profile photos over a stable connection. On mobile Internet (especially 3G), the process can be interrupted.

If you plan to use photos from Google Photos, make sure the app is synced. MIUI 14 Sometimes there is a conflict between the Xiaomi Gallery and Google Photos – in this case, select a photo from the folder. DCIM/Camera.

Update WhatsApp to the latest version

Give all permissions to the app

Clear WhatsApp cache

Connect to Wi-Fi or 4G/5G

Choose a photo up to 5 MB in size-->

Method 1: Standard change of avatar through WhatsApp settings

This is the basic method that works on most Xiaomi Redmi models (including Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 10C, Redmi A2+).

1. Open WhatsApp and tap on the three dots in the upper right corner (menu).
2. Select Settings → [Your name] (the first item with your avatar).
3. Click on the camera icon 📷 near the current profile photo.
4. Select the source: 📸 Take a photo if you want to take a new one. 🖼️ Gallery – to select an existing photo. 🎨 Avatar – to create a sticker profile (available from 2.23.15.78).

Ready.

Save.

If the button 📷 Inactive (grey), which means WhatsApp has no access to the storage:

1. Shut down WhatsApp.
2. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → WhatsApp → Permissions.
3. Turn on the Warehouse and the Camera.
4. Restart the app.

💡

On Redmi with MIUI 14, you can hold your finger on the avatar in the chat to quickly change it - a context menu will appear with the option to Change profile photos.

Method 2: How to put an avatar without cropping (hidden function)

WhatsApp cuts the profile photo to square by default, but Xiaomi Redmi with MIUI 13/14 has a life hack to keep the original proportions. This method only works for photos with a 1:1 or 4:5 aspect ratio:

1. Prepare your photo in advance: Cut it in any editor (such as Snapseed or Xiaomi Gallery) to a size of 500×500 pixels.
2. Save your photo to DCIM/WhatsApp Profile Pictures (manually create it if not).
3. On WhatsApp, click on the camera icon → Gallery → select your photo.
4. Don't touch the trim frame -- just press Ready. WhatsApp will automatically scale to the original proportions.

2.The avatar is reset after rebooting

This problem is typical of the Redmi with MIUI 13 and is related to battery optimization.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Battery.
2. Select No Limits (turn off Battery Optimization).
3. Also turn off Auto Cleanup in Settings → Storage.

3. profile photo is not displayed at contacts

If you see your avatar but it is not visible to other users:

• 🔄 Update WhatsApp to the latest version (older versions had a sync bug).
• 📞 Ask the contact to update your card: let him open the chat with you and pull the screen down (update gesture).
• 🌐 Check if you are using it. VPN Proxies or Proxies – They can block the download of avatars.

Additional chips: animated avatars and hidden settings

On Xiaomi Redmi with the latest versions of MIUI and WhatsApp, advanced profile features are available:

1. Animated avatars (stickers as profile photos)

To put a GIF or sticker instead of a regular photo:

1. Open the Settings. → [Your name] → Avatar.
2. Choose Create an Avatar and follow the instructions.
3. At the stage of selecting the background, tap on the Gallery and select the GIF (the file should be in.gif format and weigh up to 3 MB).

Animated avatars are only supported on WhatsApp version 2.23.17.74 and later.

2. Hiding the avatar from individual contacts

If you don’t want someone to see your profile picture:

1. Open the contact chat.
2. Put it on his name at the top. → Viewing the contact.
3. Click three points → Remove from your favorites (this won’t remove the contact, but will restrict access to your avatar).

3.Restore the old avatar

WhatsApp stores your profile history to return your old photo:

1. Go to Settings. → [Your name].
2. Slip on the current avatar → Gallery.
3. Scroll down to the section Previous profile photos and select the desired one.

💡

On Redmi with MIUI 14, you can use dynamic avatars that change depending on the time of day (for example, dark theme at night).

FAQ: Frequent questions about WhatsApp avatars on Xiaomi Redmi