Replacing a profile photo in VKontakte via a Xiaomi smartphone (including Redmi models, POCO, Mi) may seem like a trivial task, but users often face unexpected challenges. MIUI, restriction VK This article will help you understand all the nuances, from choosing the right photo to solving typical loading errors.
We will consider current ways to change the avatar through the official VKontakte application, the mobile version of the site and even with the help of the Xiaomi file manager. MIUI 14 when the appendix VK The camera doesnβt see the phone gallery, but itβs a problem for owners of new models like Xiaomi. 13T Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+. You will also learn how to get around file size restrictions and why sometimes a new photo doesnβt show up with friends right after you upload it.
Preparation for changing photos: requirements and restrictions
Before changing your avatar, check that your photo meets VKontakte's technical requirements.
- π Minimum size: 200Γ200 pixels (at lower resolution, the photo will be automatically stretched, which will worsen the quality of the photo).
- πΌοΈ Maximum weight: 5 MB for JPG/PNG, 10 MB for GIF (Animated avatars are available only to users with VK Donut).
- π Format: supported JPG, PNG, GIF (No animation for regular accounts), WEBP.
- β³ Processing: After uploading, photos can be displayed with friends with a delay of up to 5 minutes.
On Xiaomi smartphones, additional complexity creates a shell MIUI. For example, in models with a Snapdragon chip 8 Gen 2 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra annex VK By default, it does not have access to the folder. DCIM/Camera. This is related to the privacy policy MIUI 14, where permissions for applications are divided into media file categories.
To avoid problems, in advance:
- Check the resolution of the photo in the gallery (with two fingers spread the image - if it pixelates, it is better to choose another).
- Make sure the file is not in the Mi Cloud cloud storage (app) VK I don't see any pictures).
- If you plan to crop your photo, use the built-in editor. VK β It is optimized for the square format of avatars.
Method 1: through the official annex VK (fastest)
This is the standard method that works on 90% Xiaomi devices. Instructions are relevant for the version of the VK app 8.0+ and MIUI 12-14:
- Open the VK app and go to your page (stamp the avatar at the bottom of the screen).
- Click on the current profile photo and the larger version will open.
- In the upper right corner, tap the icon. βοΈ (edit).
- Select βUpload photoβ (not βPhotosβ if you want to use an existing image).
- In the window that appears, select the source: π· Gallery - for photo from the memory of the phone; πΌοΈ Files β if the photo is saved in the download folder; π Image Search β to select images from the Internet (not available in all regions).
"Done."
If necessary, trim the image (drop the frame or zoom in with two fingers).
"Save."
If step 5 is the appendix VK It doesn't show a photo from the gallery, it's a typical problem. MIUI 14. Decision:
Open the Settings. β Annexes β Application management β VK
Tap "Permissions" β "Files and media"
Select "All Files" instead of "Photos and Videos Only"
Restart the application VK-->
On some Xiaomi models, for example, POCO F4 GT) After this action, you may need to restart the phone. MIUI.
π‘
If you often change avatars, create a shortcut for a photo folder on the home screen: a long tap on the desktop β "Widgets" β "folder" β select a folder DCIM/Camera.
Method 2: Using the mobile version of the website VK (bug)
The mobile version of m.vk.com is sometimes more stable than the app, especially on Xiaomi smartphones with custom firmware. This method is also useful if you have a stripped down version installed. VK (for example, VK Lite):
- Open your browser (Google Chrome or Mi Browser is recommended) and go to https://m.vk.com.
- Sign in to your account (if you do not save the login).
- Slip on your avatar in the top left corner, then select "Edit Profile."
- Click on the current profile photo and the download window will open.
- Select "Upload photos" and allow the browser to access the files (if you request).
- In the file manager, find the desired image and confirm the download.
- Cut the photo (if necessary) and save the changes.
The advantage of this method is that the mobile version of the site uses a standard input type.="File that is better integrated with MIUI. But there are downsides:
- β οΈ Downloading may take longer due to server-side image optimization.
- β οΈ In some browsers (for example, Mi Browser version 13.5)+) Photos are stored in cache, which can lead to artifacts when pruned.
If the photo has not changed after downloading, clear the browser cache:
- Open the Settings. β Annexes β Application management β [Your browser].
- Tap "Clear Cache" (not data!).
- Reload the page VK.
Method 3: via Xiaomi file manager (for power users)
This method is suitable if you want to upload a photo that is in a non-standard folder (for example, in Download or on the Internet). SD-map), or if the standard methods do not work due to bugs MIUI. Use the built-in files from Xiaomi:
- Open the Files app (Blue folder icon).
- Go to the folder with the photo you want (for example, Internal storage). β DCIM β Camera).
- Long tap on file. β "Share".
- In the list of applications, select "VK" (If he's not, pop "More").
- Annex VK Open on the photo upload screen β confirm the action.
This method bypasses access restrictions VK The file is transferred via Android Share Intent, but there are nuances:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| VK Not listed in the "Share" list" | The application is disabled or does not have permission to receive files | Check the settings. VK In Settings β Annexes β VK β Permits β Warehouse |
| Photo uploaded in low quality | MIUI Automatically compresses images when transmitting | In Files settings, disable Optimization when sending |
| You can choose several photos. | Limitation VK β Only one profile photo can be uploaded at a time. | Use alternative methods (see Method 1 or 2) |
On Xiaomi models with MIUI 13/14 (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra) when you send a photo through Share, you may experience an error "Can't open the file" due to the new Scoped Storage mechanism:
How to fix the error "Can't open the file"
Typical errors and their solutions
Even after successfully uploading photos, Xiaomi users face unexpected challenges.
β οΈ Note: If after changing the avatar, you have lost access to your account VK, This is when you upload a photo with metadata pointing to another device (for example, if the file is copied from an iPhone), so you can use photos taken directly on your Xiaomi, or clear the metadata through an app like this. EXIF Eraser.
Error 1: "I failed to upload a photo" (Error Code 14).
- πΉ Check your internet connection (VK Requires a stable connection to load).
- πΉ Make sure the file is not corrupted (try opening it in the gallery).
- πΉ If you use mobile Internet, turn off Traffic Savings in the settings MIUI.
Mistake 2: New photos are not displayed by friends.
- π It's caching on the side. VK. Wait. 5-10 For a minute or ask your friends to update the page (swipe down).
- π If the problem persists for more than an hour, check if your account is restricted (open Settings). β Security in VK).
Error 3: Annex VK flies off when trying to change the photo.
- π± Reinstall the app (remove) β Clear the cache in Settings β Warehouse β reset).
- π± Turn off optimization. MIUI for VK: Settings β Special facilities β Optimization MIUI β VK β Shut down.
On smartphones. POCO firmware MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO X5 Pro) there may be a bug when the photo is kept upside down after cropping, due to improper processing. EXIF-Data. Decision:
π‘
Before downloading, open a photo in the Xiaomi gallery, tap "Edit" β "Turn" β This normalizes orientation.
Optimizing photos before downloading
To make the avatar look clear on all devices, follow these guidelines:
- π Size: Optimal resolution β 500Γ500 pixels. Big pictures. VK compresses, loses detail.
- π¨ Format: Save in PNG, if transparency is important, or JPG 90% quality (in Xiaomi camera settings, this is the default value).
- π€ Composition: The person must occupy 60-70% frame β VK slashes the photo automatically.
On Xiaomi smartphones, you can quickly prepare photos using built-in tools:
- Open the photo in the Gallery, tap "Edit."
- Select "Pruning" β set the ratio 1:1 (square).
- Use "Correction" to improve brightness/contrast (but don't overdo it β VK photo-compress).
- Save a copy (βSave as a new fileβ) to avoid losing the original.
For models with 200 cameras+ MP (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro) is important to reduce the resolution before downloading. VK phototranslate 1080p, Use the image size option in the camera settings:
How to reduce the resolution of photos Xiaomi
Safety when changing the avatar
Uploading a new profile photo can be a privacy risk if you do not follow the following simple rules:
- π Geodata: Photos taken on Xiaomi by default contain GPS-Remove them before downloading:
- Open the photo at the Gallery β "Information".
- Slip "Delete location data."
- π΅οΈ Background Objects: Check if the photo contains personal data (document numbers, addresses) or unauthorized people without their consent.
- π History of change: VK It stores all previous avatars. To delete them, go to Photos. β Albums. β Avatars.
On devices with MIUI 14, we have a feature called Confidential Mode, which automatically hides sensitive data in the photo:
- Open the Settings. β Confidentiality β Confidentiality regime.
- Activate the option "Delete metadata when sending".
- Add an appendix VK trust-list.
β οΈ Note: If you are using Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader, do not download it to the user. VK Photos taken in Pro mode (RAW-These files may contain data about the phone model and firmware version, making it easier for attackers to target attacks.