How to put a photo on the phone Xiaomi: 3 ways + error solving

Installing a photo on a Xiaomi smartphone is a simple but useful feature that helps quickly identify the caller. However, many users face difficulties: the menu is not located, the photo is not saved, then after the MIUI update, the interface has changed. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to add avatars to contacts on Redmi, POCO and Mi devices, including hidden nuances and solutions to typical problems.

It’s important to understand that the process can vary depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14 or HyperOS), the phone model, and even regional settings. We’ll look at the universal methods that work on most devices, and also focus on the features for new versions of the software. If you tried to add photos but failed, at the end of this article there is a section with solutions to the most common bugs.

1. Method 1: Through the standard "Contacts" application

This is the most obvious and quickest method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones, regardless of the firmware version. You do not need to install additional apps or use cloud services. SIM-map.

To add a photo:

1. Open the Contacts app** (an icon with a person’s silhouette on a green background).
2. Find the contact you want in the list or use the search bar at the top.
3. Slip on the contact to open his card.
4. In the upper right corner, click on the Edit icon** (pencil).
5. Touch the icon "Photo"** (a round silhouette with a plusic inside).
6. Select the source: 📷 Take a photo – immediately take a new image through the camera. 🖼️ Gallery – select an existing photo from your phone’s memory. 🎨 Avatar – create a stylized avatar (not available on all models).

"Save."

After saving the photo will appear in the contact card, and will also be visible when incoming calls and SMS. Please note: if the contact is synced with Google, changes can take several minutes.

💡

If you want your photo to be displayed in messengers (such as WhatsApp or Telegram), make sure that the contact is saved in the phone book, not just in the messenger account.

2. Method 2: Through the "Phone" application (during the call)

Few people know, but you can add a photo to a contact right while you're talking or when you're viewing your call history, and this is a handy method if you need to quickly assign an avatar to a frequent caller.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app** (pipe icon).
2. Go to the tab "Journal"** (clock with an arrow).
3. Find the number you want in the list and tap it.
4. In the contact card that opens, click on the “Add Photo” icon (or “Edit” if the contact is already saved).

This is especially useful if you call the same person often but haven’t added them to your contacts yet, and the system automatically prompts you to make a new contact or update an existing one.

3. Method 3: Through Google Contacts (for synchronized accounts)

If your contacts are synced with a Google Account, you can add or change a photo through the web version of Google Contacts, which is convenient if you are working at a computer or want to use a high-resolution photo.

How to do this:

1. Open your browser on your phone or computer and go to contacts.google.com.
2. Sign in with the same Google account that is linked to your Xiaomi.
3. Find the contact you need in the list and click on it.
4. Click on the Photo icon** (circular silhouette with camera) in the upper left corner of the card.
5. Download a photo from your computer or select from Google Photos.
6. Cut the image and save the changes.

After syncing (usually in 1-5 minutes), the photo will appear on your Xiaomi smartphone, which is also useful if you want to use the same photo to contact all your devices (for example, on your phone and tablet).

4.Why you can not add a photo to the contact: typical errors and decisions

Sometimes users find that the photo add button is inactive, the image is not saved or disappears after a reboot.

Important: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13), the interface of the Contacts app has changed, so to add a photo, you now need to click on the profile icon in the contact card, rather than looking for the Edit button.

Contact saved in your phone or Google memory

Photos with a resolution of at least 300×300 px

Contact sync enabled (if Google is used)

Contacts app updated to the latest version

-->

5 How to change or delete a photo of a contact

If you want to update an avatar or remove it altogether, the process is almost the same as adding it.

To change the photo:

1. Open the contact card in the Contacts app**.
2. Press "Edit"**.
3. Slip on the current photo and select a new source (camera / gallery).
4. Save the changes.

To delete the photo:

1. Open the contact editing.
2. Click on the current photo and select the option “Delete”** (basket icon).
3. Confirm the action.

On some models (such as the POCO X5 or Redmi 12), instead of the “Delete” button, there may be a cross in the corner of the photo. If the deletion option is inactive, try replacing the photo with another one first and then delete it.

💡

Changes to Google Contacts can overwrite local photos on your phone. If you want an avatar to remain only in your device’s memory, turn off sync for that contact.

6. Additional tips: optimizing photos for contacts

To make the photo of contacts look clear and not distorted, follow these recommendations:

• 📏 Permission: Optimal size — 500×500 Smaller images will be stretched and larger ones will be cut.
• 🎨 Format: Use PNG transparently or JPEG High quality (over 80%).
• 👤 Picture: The face in the photo should occupy at least 60% of the area, otherwise it will become illegible when pruning.
• 🌈 Colors: Avoid dark or too light photos – they are not visible on the lock screen.

If you want a contact photo to be displayed on the lock screen during a call, check your settings:

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen.
2. Select "Style of the Lock Screen"**.
3. Make sure that the “Call Information” or “Contact Photo” display is enabled.

On devices with Always-On Display (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro), contact photos may not appear in standby mode – this is normal system behavior to save battery life.

7. Alternative methods: third-party applications

If you don't like standard methods (for example, you want more photo editing options), you can use third-party apps. Here are some proven options:

• 📱 Truecaller: Automatically uploads photos for contacts from its database (there are privacy risks).
• 🖌️ Contact Photo Editor: Allows you to crop photos by templates and add effects.
• 🔄 Sync.ME: Synchronizes photos of social media contacts (Facebook, VK, Instagram).

Before installing third-party apps, check the permissions they request. For example, Truecaller requires access to contacts, call logs and SMS, which may not be secure. Alternatively, use Google Contacts with manual photo addition.

💡

If you're using MIUI 14 or HyperOS, try the built-in photo editor in the Gallery app, which allows you to quickly crop the image to a round contact avatar format.

FAQ: Frequent questions about photos of contacts in Xiaomi