How to set a photo on the contact in Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: 5 proven ways

Want to personalize your address book on your Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 by adding photos to your contacts? Not only will it make the interface more convenient — you will immediately know who is calling, but it will also add personality to your smartphone. However, many users face difficulties: somewhere the Add Photo button is inactive, somewhere the image is not saved after synchronization, and sometimes the system does not allow you to edit contacts at all because of account settings.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can set up a photo to contact on the Redmi Note 9, from the standard method through the Contacts app to bypassing MIUI restrictions with a Google account, and how to fix it, and whether you’re using MIUI 12, MIUI 13 or a newer version, the instructions are relevant for all firmware.

1. Standard method: through the "Contacts" application

The most obvious method is to edit the contact directly in the standard Contacts app** (also known as Contacts or Mi Contacts depending on the version). MIUI). This method works for local contacts and those who are tied to the MI-account, but may not work for synced through Google.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

• 📱 Open the Contacts app** (a person’s silhouette icon on a blue background).
• 🔍 Find the contact you want in the list or use the search bar at the top.
• ✏️ Click on the contact, then tap on the Edit icon** (pencil in the upper right corner).
• 🖼️ Tap the camera icon next to the name field – this is the “Add Photo” button»**.
• 📸 Select the source: 📷 Take a photo - straight from the camera; 🖼️ Gallery - choose from existing; 🎨 Avatars are standard pictures MIUI.
• ✅ Confirm the changes with the Save button»**.

Contact is not “read-only” (synchronized with Google?)

Do you have enough rights to edit (not a work account?)

Is the Contacts app version updated on Google Play?

Storage problems (at least 100MB free?)-->

If the photo is not displayed in the calls after saving, restart the phone or check the display settings in Settings → Apps → Contacts → Contacts Display. Sometimes changing the order of sorting from “Name, Surname” to “Family, Name” helps.

⚠️ Note: If the contact is synced with a Google account, the standard editor MIUI It can block the change in the photo. In this case, use the method. №3 of this article.

2. Install photo via Google Contacts (for synchronized contacts)

If your contacts are stored in a Google account (not in your phone’s memory or in your phone’s memory) MI-It is not always possible to edit them through the standard Contacts app, in which case it is easier to do this through the web version of Google Contacts or the mobile application.

Method via browser:

1. Open a browser (like Google Chrome) and go to contacts.google.com.
2. Sign in with the same account as on your phone.
3. Find the contact you need in the list and click on it.
4. Click on the camera icon in the mug (or plus if the photo is missing).
5. Download the image from your computer or select from Google Photos.
6. Save the changes – they sync with the phone for 5-10 minutes.

The method through the Google Contacts mobile application:

• 📱 Install the app from Google Play if it is not available.
• 🔍 Open the contact and tap "Change»**.
• 🖼️ Click on the profile icon → «Change»** → select the source.
• ✅ Save the changes.

In the memory of the phone

V MI-account

On Google account

I sync with multiple accounts.

I don't know.-->

After you edit through Google, wait for the sync. If the photo doesn't appear on your phone, check:

• 🔄 Is Contact Synchronization enabled in Settings → Accounts. → Google → Synchronization.
• 📶 Is there an internet (synchronization only works online).
• 🔄 Try to manually update contacts by pulling the list down.

3.Use of the Phone app (for quick editing)

Few people know, but the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 can edit contacts right during a call or through a call log. This is convenient if you need to quickly add photos for a frequently used number.

How to do this:

• 📞 Open the phone application** (green handset).
• 🕒 Go to the "Journal" section and find the number you need.
• ℹ️ Tapping the icon “i”** (information) next to the contact.
• ✏️ Click "Edit»** → Add a photo in the standard way.

If the contact is not saved in the phone book, the system will suggest you create a new one.

1. Click "Create contact"**.
2. Select an account to save (phone, MI or Google).
3. Fill in the name and add a photo.

💡

If you call the same person frequently, add them to Favorites** in the Phone app. To do this, keep your finger in contact in the call log and select Add to Favorites.

4.Why is the photo of the contact not displayed or disappearing?

Redmi Note 9 users often find that the contact photo is set:

• ❌ Not shown on incoming call;
• ❌ Disappears after rebooting;
• ❌ Replaced with a standard icon.

Causes and solutions:

If the problem persists, try resetting the Contacts app settings**:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Contacts.
2. Press "Storage» → «Drop it».
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting the Contacts app will delete all local data, including unsynchronized contacts. VCF through settings → System system → Imports/Exports → Exports of contacts.

5. Alternative methods: third-party applications

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party contact management apps, which often offer more customization options, including setting up animation avatars or high-resolution photos.

Top.-3 Apps for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9:

• 📌 Truecaller -- it identifies numbers and allows you to set photos even for unsaved contacts. SMS contact.
• 📌 Sync.ME – synchronize photos from social networks (VK, Facebook, WhatsApp and automatically updates avatars.
• 📌 Contacts+ — Advanced editor with themes and widgets for quick access.

How to install a photo via Truecaller:

1. Download the app from Google Play and register.
2. Allow access to contacts and calls.
3. Open the contact you need in Truecaller.
4. Slip on the camera icon → select the source → save.

Advantages of third-party applications:

• ✅ Automatic update of photos from social networks;
• ✅ Support for animated avatars;
• ✅ Backup of contacts to the cloud.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Consume additional memory;
• ❌ They can collect call data;
• ❌ Some functions are paid.

6.Photo optimization for contacts: sizes and formats

To ensure that the contact photo is clearly displayed and not cropped, it must meet the MIUI technical requirements.

• 📏 Size: 720×720 pixels (minimum) or 1080×1080 (recommended).
• 🖼️ Format: JPEG or PNG (transparently).
• 🎨 Aspect ratio: 1:1 (square).
• 📱 File weight: up to 5 MB (otherwise it may not load).

How to prepare a photo:

1. Open the image in the Gallery**.
2. Click "Edit" → "Pruning".
3. Select the square format (1:1).
4. Save a copy with a resolution of 1080×1080.

💡

MIUI automatically crops the contact photos in the center, so if you want to save a specific part of the image (like your face), cut it manually in advance.

If the photo is still displayed blurry:

• Check that the original image was not compressed when sent via the messenger;
• Use specialized applications to increase resolution (e.g. Remini)
• Try to set up photos through Google Contacts – there are fewer quality restrictions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing photos on contacts in Redmi Note 9