How to take a full screen photo when calling on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: 5 proven ways

Are you tired of small photos of contacts that are barely visible on the lock screen during an incoming call? On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 with the MIUI shell, you can configure the display of a subscriber’s photo in full screen mode – but this process is hidden from the user deep in the system settings. Unlike the newer Xiaomi models, where the feature is available out of the box, the Redmi Note 8 (released in 2019) requires either the activation of hidden parameters or the installation of third-party applications.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including official and alternative solutions. MIUI Show a full-screen photo of the contact without cropping, why the standard settings don't work on all firmware versions, and what to do if the function resets again after the system update. MIUI 12.5, which only makes a full-screen photo appear on the first call after the reboot — and how to fix it.

Why is the Redmi Note 8 photo of the contact not taking up the entire screen?

The problem lies in the MIUI shell architecture for 2019-2020 models. Unlike the flagship Xiaomi Mi 9 or Redmi K20 Pro, where full-screen call mode was implemented at the kernel level, the budget Redmi Note 8 received a stripped-down version of the feature.

• 📱 Hardware platform limitations: Snapdragon 665 processor and 4 GB of RAM did not allow smooth rendering of full-screen animation without slowing down (according to the developers) MIUI formal).
• 🔄 Version. MIUI: firmware MIUI 12.0.3 function was simply not in the code, and in newer ones it is disabled by default for saving resources.
• 🖼️ Contact Photo Format: The system correctly scales only images with resolution 720×720 pixels or higher: If the contact photo is smaller or has an unsquare format, MIUI trims it to a round icon.
• 🔒 Security policy: on some regional firmware versions (for example, India or the EU), full-screen call mode is blocked due to the requirements for displaying information about the caller.

Interestingly, in lab tests, Xiaomi found that 63% of Redmi Note 8 users are unaware of the possibility of enabling this feature, and requests for full-screen mode are regularly received on MIUI forums – especially after the release of Redmi Note 9, where it works out of the box.

Method 1: Enable via hidden MIUI settings (without root)

This method works on MIUI 11-14 firmware and does not require superuser rights. We will activate the hidden setting through the test menu (CIT) that Xiaomi leaves for debugging.

1. Open the Phone app and dial the combination: ##4636## If the code didn't work, try the alternative: ##6484###
2. In the menu that appears, select Testing → Phone Information (if there is no item, then your version of MIUI hides it - go to Method 2).
3. Scroll down to the Modem Settings section and find the Fullscreen Incoming Call bar. tap it 3 times in a row.
4. Reset the phone. Check that when you call in, the photo of the contact should stretch across the screen (if the contact is saved with the photo).

⚠️ Attention: Some firmwares may lose the screen unlock animation after activating this setting. To return it, reset the settings to Settings. → System system → Resetting settings → Reset the interface settings.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Make sure the contact has a photo with a resolution of ≥720×720

Make a backup of contacts (export to VCF)

Close all background applications before typing code-->

Method 2: Use of the "TrueCaller" application (alternative method)

If the hidden settings don’t work, you can bypass the limitations of MIUI with a third-party application called TrueCaller, which not only shows full-screen photos, but also adds information about unknown numbers.

• 📲 Install TrueCaller from Google Play and provide all the permissions you have requested (contacts, calls, SMS).
• 🔧 Configure the display: Open TrueCaller → Settings → Incoming calls. Activate Full-screen mode. In Screen Style, select MIUI Style (this is important for the correct work on Xiaomi).
• 🔄 Make TrueCaller the default app for calls: Go to Settings → Annexes → Default application management → Phone. Choose TrueCaller over the standard app.

💡 Pros of the method: works on any version MIUI, Adds spam call identification, supports animations. ⚠️ Cons: TrueCaller consumes an extra battery (up to 5% per day) and requires constant internet access to update the number database.

💡

If contact photos are not displayed after you install TrueCaller, clear the Contacts app cache in your phone settings. This will cause the system to resynchronize the data.

Method 3: Editing system files (root required)

For advanced users who are ready to get root rights, there is a way to make changes directly to MIUI system files. This method provides a 100% guarantee of full-screen operation, but requires caution.

🔧 Essential tools:

• 📱 Smartphone with unlocked bootloader and Magisk rights (instructions for getting root for Redmi Note 8 here).
• 💻 PC fitted ADB and drivers for Xiaomi.
• 📂 Backup copy of section /system (necessarily!).