How to change the background of the call on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all ways with pictures

Are you tired of the standard black screen when calling in your Xiaomi Redmi 9? Want to add brightness and personality by installing your own photo or animation? In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to change the background of a call - from the official settings MIUI to hidden functions that are not mentioned in the instructions.

Many users don't even realize that the background of a call on Redmi 9 can be changed without root rights or third-party applications. MIUI 12, 13 and 14 -- and we're ready to share working solutions. Importantly, some options depend on the shell version, so we'll show you where to look for the right menu items.

If you have already tried to find this setting through Settings β†’ Sounds but didn't find anything to do with it -- don't be surprised. Xiaomi specifically hides the option of changing the background of a call in the back of the system menus to reduce the load on the processor when there are frequent incoming calls. But it's legal to get around this restriction - read on.

Why can't Redmi 9 have a regular call background?

On most Android smartphones, the option to change the background of the call is in the theme settings or personalization. But the Xiaomi Redmi 9 (like other budget models in the series) runs on a lightweight version. MIUI, where many of the "beautiful" features are disabled by default:

  • πŸ“± Performance optimization: Background animation when calling requires additional Helio processor resources G80, Which can lead to lag on weak devices.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery savings: dynamic wallpaper or gifs on the call screen increase energy consumption 5-7% challenge.
  • 🎨 Uniform corporate identity: Xiaomi strives for minimalism in the interface of budget models, so as not to overload users with unnecessary settings.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Security: Custom background images may contain malicious code (e.g., in image metadata).

But that doesn't mean that the capability is completely blocked, but it needs to be woken up through hidden settings or third-party tools, and we'll show you how to do that without risking the system.

⚠️ Note: If you use a corporate phone with security policies (e.g., Microsoft Intune or Knox), changing the call background may be prohibited by the administrator, in which case no methods will work until the restrictions are lifted.

Method 1: Change the background through the theme settings (official method)

The safest way is to use embedded themes. MIUI. It works on all versions of the firmware, but it has a limitation: you can only choose from preinstalled wallpaper, not upload your image. Here's how to do it:

  1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
  2. Go to the Wallpaper section β†’ Lock screen.
  3. Select your favorite theme marked Supports the call screen (usually dynamic or static blur wallpaper).
  4. Click Apply and confirm the changes.

After that, the background of the incoming call will change to the selected option. 10-15 They are not always suitable for your style.

Theme is compatible with MIUI 12+|There's a note on the "Call Screen"|No watermarks on the wallpaper.|The colors don't blind your eyes.-->

If the desired theme is not in the standard set, try to download additional packages:

  • 🌐 Get into Themes. β†’ Online and type in a search call background or call background.
  • πŸ” Sort the results by ranking and select a topic with a score above 4.5 stars.
  • πŸ“₯ Download and use it – the background of the call will be updated automatically.

⚠️ Attention: Some topics from MIUI Theme Stores contain ads or collect data. Before installing, check other users' reviews and developer ratings.

Method 2: Use of third-party launchers (without root)

If you don't like the standard wallpaper, you can go for a trick - install an alternative launcher that supports customization of the call screen.

LauncherBackground support for the callRequirementsReference
Nova LauncherThe Nova Call Screen pluginAndroid 9+, 50 MB of memoryPlay Market
Action LauncherBuilt-in setupAndroid 10+, 60MBPlay Market
Microsoft LauncherLimited (static wallpaper only)Android 8+, 30MBPlay Market
Lawnchair 2Through the Lawnfeed moduleAndroid 11+, root notOfficial website

Let’s look at the Nova Launcher:

  1. Install Nova Launcher and Nova Call Screen plugin.
  2. Start the plugin and select Custom Background.
  3. Upload your image (recommended size: 1080Γ—2340 pixels 9).
  4. Set up the transparency and position of the interface elements (response/deflection buttons).
  5. Save the changes and make Nova Launcher the default launcher.

The advantage of this method is that you get full control over the appearance of the call screen, including fonts and animations. 100-150 MB in the background).

MIUI standard|Nova Launcher|Action Launcher|Lawnchair|Other|I don't know what it is.-->

Method 3: Manually modifying system files (for advanced)

If you're willing to dig a little bit through system files, you can replace the standard call background manually, which doesn't require root rights, but requires debugging. USB and work with ADB.

Warning: Incorrect actions can cause the call interface to crash. /system/media/audio/ui through ADB Adb pull team /system/media/audio/ui backup_ui.

Instructions:

  1. Connect Redmi 9 to your PC and enable Debugging USB In Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (Click 7 times on the line with the version to activate the developer mode).
  2. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
  3. Open the command line in the folder with ADB and perform: adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/your_background.png /system/media/audio/ui/call_background.png chmod 644 /system/media/audio/ui/call_background.png mount -o ro,remount /system Here. your_background.png β€” Your image, pre-copied into your phone memory.
  4. Reset the device.

Image requirements:

  • πŸ“ Size: 1080Γ—2340 px (for exact matching with Redmi screen resolution) 9).
  • 🎨 Format: PNG Transparent (if you need semi-transparent elements).
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Weight: no more than 500 KB, otherwise lags are possible when calling.

⚠️ Attention: After update MIUI To avoid this, create a task in Automate or Tasker, which will automatically restore the file after the update.

What if the call screen turned black after the change?
This means that the system was unable to load your image. Return the standard background command: adb shell su cp /system/media/audio/ui/call_background_bak.png /system/media/audio/ui/call_background.png chmod 644 /system/media/audio/ui/call_background.png reboot If there is no backup, download the original file here (replace the link to the current one).

Method 4: Applications for customizing the call screen

If the previous methods seemed too complicated, you can use specialized applications that run on top of the standard call interface and allow you to set any background images.

  • πŸ“ž Call Screen Themes – over 1000 templates, GIF support, but there are ads.
  • 🎨 Calls Blacklist & Call Screen – allows you to customize the background for different contacts.
  • πŸ”„ Truecaller – in addition to the number determinant, has built-in themes for the call screen.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Call Background Changer – a simple tool to replace the background without unnecessary functions.

Let’s look at the Call Screen Themes example:

  1. Download the app from the Play Market.
  2. Open it and grant permissions to Calls and Warehouse.
  3. Select My Backgrounds and upload your image.
  4. Set the position of the response/deflection buttons in the Layout section.
  5. Activate the app as the default call handler.

The advantages of this method:

  • βœ… No need to root or manipulate the system.
  • βœ… You can set different background images for different contacts.
  • βœ… Animations and GIFs are supported.

Cons:

  • ❌ The application runs on top of the standard interface, which can cause delays in response (up to 0.5 seconds).
  • ❌ Some functions (such as recording conversations) may conflict with MIUI.

πŸ’‘

If after installing the application for customization calls began to come with a delay, disable the option β€œSmooth animation” in its settings and reduce the quality of the background image to 70%.

Problem Solving: The background doesn’t change or artifacts appear

If after all the manipulations the background of the call remained standard or is displayed incorrectly, check the following points:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Von hasn't changed.System cache not updatedRestart your phone or clear the cache in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Phone. β†’ Warehouse.
Image stretchedIncorrect background resolutionUse the picture. 1080Γ—2340 px untrimmed.
Von blinks when the bell ringsConflict with the energy-saving regimeShut down the battery. β†’ Energy conservation β†’ Restrictions on applications.
No response buttons visibleToo dark or bright backgroundAdd a translucent substrate in the image editor.
The customization application is not workingThe conflict with MIUI OptimizationsPerform in ADB: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.powerkeeper.

If you've used ADB for manual background replacement, but after rebooting the changes reset, so the section /system It's mounted in read-only mode:

  1. Open up. ADB Shell and perform: su mount | grep system If the output has ro, (read only), rewire the section: mount -o rw,remount /system
  2. Repeat copying the background file.
  3. Record the changes with the team: chmod 644 /system/media/audio/ui/call_background.png

πŸ’‘

After the update MIUI The background of the call is reset, repeat the procedure of replacing the system file. To avoid this in the future, create a task in Tasker, which will automatically restore your background after each update.

Bonus: How to make an animated background call on Redmi 9

If you don't have enough static images, you can set a dynamic background, a GIF or a video.

  1. Download Deez Call or Call Screen Video.
  2. Prepare a GIF or video (permission) 1080Γ—2340, length 5 sec. 3 MB).
  3. Upload the file to the application and set up the playback loop.
  4. Activate the application as a call handler by default.

Important nuances:

  • 🎬 Video backgrounds strongly planted battery - for 1 minute of conversation the expenditure increases 1-2%.
  • πŸ”Š The sound from the video will be played along with the ringtone (turn it off in the GIF settings).
  • πŸ“± On Redmi 9 with 3GB of RAM, animation can slow down when multitasking.

To create the perfect GIF, use:

  • πŸŽ₯ CapCut – for clipping and optimizing video.
  • πŸ–ŒοΈ Ezgif – to convert video to a GIF with settings FPS.
  • 🎨 Canva – to add text elements (e.g., contact name).
How to remove lags with an animated background?
1. Reduce. FPS gift 15-20 staff. 2. Convert your video to WebP instead of GIF (less weight with the same quality). 3. In the settings of the application for calls, disable "Smooth transitions". 4. Add the app to battery optimization exceptions (Settings) β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the background of the call on Redmi 9

Can I put different background images for different contacts?
Yes, but only through third-party apps like Call Screen Themes or Truecaller. MIUI To set up: Open the app and go to Contacts. Select the contact you want and click on Set up the background. Download the individual image. Limit: For each contact, the background will only be displayed if the call comes from a stored number (not from a hidden or unknown number).
Why did the response/deflection buttons disappear after the background change?
This is due to a background that is too dark or bright, which merges with the buttons. Solutions: Add a translucent substrate under the buttons in the customization application settings. Use a background with contrasting colors (for example, dark buttons on a light background). Manually edit PNG-background file in Photoshop or GIMP, adding dimming at the edges If the buttons are missing after changing the system file through ADB, Return the standard background and check that your image is in the correct format (PNG-32 alpha-channel).
Will the custom background work after resetting the phone to factory settings?
No, in hard reset, all changes to system files (including manual background replacement through the system’s ADB) To save the settings: Back up the file. /system/media/audio/ui/call_background.png Repeat the replacement procedure after reset (see Method) 3 If you have used a third-party application (for example, Nova Launcher or Call Screen Themes), you will need to reinstall it and apply the settings.
Can I make a transparent background call to be visible to the wallpaper of the desktop?
Technically yes, but with reservations: ADB: substitute call_background.png fully transparent PNG (1Γ—1 However, this can lead to graphical glitches. Through the launcher: in Nova Launcher or Lawnchair, you can adjust the transparency of the background, but the response buttons will remain on a translucent substrate. 9 s MIUI 12-14 A fully transparent background can conflict with system animations, which will cause the screen to flash when an incoming call is made.
How to return the standard background of a call if something went wrong?
Depending on the method of change: If you use the topics MIUI: Go to Settings. β†’ Topics and choose a standard theme. ADB: Execute the command: adb shell su rm /system/media/audio/ui/call_background.png reboot The system will automatically restore the standard file. If you used a third-party application: delete it or reset the settings in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ [Title of the annex] β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data.