How to change the background of a call on Xiaomi: all the ways for MIUI 14 and 15

When your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO rings, the first thing that catches your eye is the background image on the incoming call screen. Standard wallpaper quickly swells, and a poorly matched background can even interfere with the perception of information about the caller. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to change the background of the call, from standard settings to hidden MIUI functions.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for modern firmware versions (MIUI 14/15), including nuances for different models, learn how to install a static image, animated wallpaper or even a videophone (on supported devices), and how to avoid common errors that may cause new settings to fail.

Important: the ability to customize the background of the call depends on the version of MIUI and the smartphone model. For example, the flagship Xiaomi 14 and Redmi K70 support dynamic effects, while the budget POCO M6 can only offer basic options. You can check your version of MIUI in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

Method 1: Standard background change via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in tools, and it works on all devices running MIUI 12 and later, including the latest updates from 2026.

1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
2. Slip on the three-point menu in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the Background of the incoming call section (in some versions it may be called Wallpaper).
4. Choose one of the proposed options: 🖼️ Gallery - upload your image 🌄 Standard Wallpaper – a collection from Xiaomi 🎨 Color - monochromatic background with gradient 📹 Dynamic wallpaper (not available on all models)

After selecting, click Apply or Save.

If the Inbound Call Background section is not on the menu, then your model does not support this feature at the software level, in which case, move to the alternative methods below.

Power saving mode is turned off (can block changes)

Is there enough free memory (needed)? ~50 MB for image processing)

Updated to the latest version of MIUI

Third-party launchers are disabled (may conflict with settings)

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Tip for choosing an image: for better display, use photos with a resolution of at least 1080×1920 pixels. Avoid too dark or over-lit pictures - they can make the text on the call screen unreadable. Optimal format: JPEG or PNG with a weight of up to 5 MB.

Method 2: Using MIUI themes to change the background of a call

MIUI is famous for its system of themes that change the appearance of the entire interface, including the incoming call screen, which is suitable for those who want to comprehensively update the design of the smartphone, not just the background of the call.

How it works:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. In the Categories section, select Calls or Call Screen.
3. Look at available topics. Pay attention to reviews and ratings — some topics may contain ads.
4. Choose your favorite theme and click Apply. Changes will affect not only the background, but also fonts, button icons and animations.

How to set the background through a third-party application:

1. Download and install Call Background Changer or analogue (e.g. Custom Call Screen).
2. Open the application and provide all the permissions requested (access to contacts, gallery, overlay over other windows).
3. Select an image or video for the background.
4. Customize the display: cropping, scale, effects.
5. Activate changes and make the app the default app for calls (when requested).

⚠️ Warning: Third-party applications for customizing calls may conflict with system services MIUI. If incoming calls stop working after installation or sound disappears, return the default settings to Settings → Annexes → Default application management → Phone.

Before installing third-party programs, check their reputation on Google Play:

• 📌 Number of installations (optimally - from 100 000)
• ⭐ Rating (not lower than 4.0)
• 📅 Date of last update (not older than 6 months)
• 💬 Reviews (especially pay attention to bug complaints)

Method 4: Manually modifying system files (for advanced)

This method is suitable for advanced users who are ready to work with system files. It allows you to set any background, including animations, even if MIUI does not support this on your model. Root rights are required!

Instructions:

1. Using a root-access file manager (such as Root Explorer) go to /system/priv-app/Contacts/
2. Find the file. call_background.jpg or call_background.png (The name may vary depending on the version. MIUI).
3. Make a backup copy of the original file.
4. Replace it with your image with the same name and resolution: 📏 Size: 1080×2340 pixels (for most modern Xiaomi) 🎨 Format: JPEG quality 90-100% 🔢 Weight: No more 2 MB

Set the file rights: rw-r--r-- (644).

Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly changing system files can result in loss of functionality of the phone or looping on the boot. Before starting work, create a full backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

If the background has not changed after the file has been replaced, check:

• 🔄 Cash of the Phone application (clear in Settings) → Annexes)
• 📁 Correctness of the path to the file (in new versions) MIUI he may change)
• 🔧 Availability of updates MIUI (Sometimes after an update, system files are reset)

Comparison of methods of changing the background of a call on Xiaomi

To choose the best way, compare all options on key parameters:

For most users, the best solution is a combination of standard MIUI settings and themes. It is safe, does not require additional programs and provides enough customization options. Third-party applications should only be considered if you need unique features, such as different background images for each contact.

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On devices with MIUI 15 and later (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13) support for dynamic wallpaper for the call screen has been introduced. To activate this feature, update your firmware to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Problem Solving: Why the Call Background Has Not Changed

Sometimes users find that new background settings are not applied, and here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:

1. Cache Phone: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management. Find the Phone and click Clear Cache. Also clear the data if necessary (Warning: This will reset your call history!).

Launcher Conflict: If you are using a third-party launcher (like a Nova Launcher or Hyperion), try temporarily returning a standard MIUI launcher.

Power Saving Mode: Some customization features are turned off when the power saving mode is activated. Check Settings → Battery and performance.

MIUI limitations: On some models (especially budget models), the background of the call is tightly attached to the topic, in which case only replacing the whole theme will help.

System Update: After major MIUI updates, settings may reset. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

If none of the methods helped, try resetting the settings of the Phone application:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone.
2. Press Warehouse. → Management of space.
3. Select Settings Reset.
4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

For devices with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi) K60 Pro) you can use dark themes with AOD-They not only look stylish, but they also save battery power:

1. Set a dark theme in Settings → Screen → Dark theme.
2. Enable Always On Display (AOD) in Settings → Screen → Always On Display.
3. Choose a display style with hours and notifications that will be visible when an incoming call is made.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the background of the call to Xiaomi