Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which run on MIUI shells or the new HyperOS, offer users a wide range of personalization options. One of the most popular requests is to install a unique video as a visual design for an incoming call. The standard melody setting feature has long grown into the need to see a live image when a call is made from a specific subscriber.
Unlike competitors, the Android system on Xiaomi devices has its own implementation features. Simply copying a file to a folder may not work due to security limitations or the lack of a built-in video call player. You will need not only the file itself, but also an understanding of how the system handles media when the incoming connection.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the available methods, from standard system tools to the use of specialized applications. You will learn what formats your Xiaomi supports, how to circumvent the length restrictions of the video and what to do if the video is not displayed on the lock screen.
Selection and preparation of a video file
The first step to personalization is to find the right content, and not every video on the Internet is suitable for installation on a call due to the limitations of the operating system or encoding format, and the ideal solution is a short video that lasts from 5 to 15 seconds.
MIUI and HyperOS are the best at handling H.264 files in an MP4 container. If you try to install a file in MKV or AVI format, a standard converter may not be able to handle the task and the call will be left without visual accompaniment. The file resolution should match your smartphone screen to avoid stretching or black fields.
You can use the built-in video editor in the gallery to edit and crop. Open the clip you select, click Change, and select the crop tool. Make sure the action key hits the time slot.
- 🎬 The optimal duration of the video is from 5 to 15 seconds for fast downloading.
- 📱 The resolution of the video should match the screen parameters, for example, 1080×2400 or 1200×2640.
- 🎞️ File format MP4 It is compatible with all Redmi and Poco models.
- 🔊 The sound in the video can be turned off as it is overlaid by the standard ringtone.
⚠️ Attention: Using high bitrate video files (above 10 Mbps) may cause a delay in the image appearance when an incoming call is made due to the load on the processor.
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Save the source video in cloud storage, as after installation as a call, the system can compress the file, and it will be impossible to return the original quality.
Use of built-in design themes
The easiest and safest way to install video on a call is to use the official Themes store. Unlike third-party applications, this method does not require additional permissions and is guaranteed to work stably on all versions of the firmware.
Open the Themes app on your desktop. At the bottom of the screen, search for the Video tab or search for Video Ringtone, and you can find thousands of professionally made videos that have already been optimized for different smartphone models.
Select the video you like and click Download. Once you download it, the system will suggest you use the file, you can assign it to all the incoming videos, or you can select a specific contact from the phone book, which is particularly convenient because it doesn't require manual file conversion.
Path to the menu: Applications → Topics → Video → Search → DownloadIt is worth noting that some themes may be paid or require viewing ads to activate, and in some regions, the functionality of the theme store may be limited due to local regulations.
Configure through the standard gallery
If you've already downloaded a video file and saved it to your device's memory, you can try installing it directly through the gallery. This method doesn't work on all versions of MIUI, but on current HyperOS builds, functionality is often returned.
Open the Gallery app and find the video you want. Click on it to play, then select three dots in the corner of the screen or the "More" button. In the menu that appears, look for "Install as" or "Appoint to call."
If the system suggests you choose the type of installation, specify "Video Call" or "Video Call" and you will be asked to choose the contact for which this design will apply, or apply the settings for all numbers, and after confirmation, the file will be processed and added to the list of ringtones.
- 📂 The file should be in internal memory, not in the SD-map, for proper operation.
- ⏱️ Video processing can take anywhere from 10 to 30 seconds depending on the power of the processor.
- 🔒 Access to microphone and camera is not required during installation, only access to files.
⚠️ Note: When you update the system or reset the settings to factory, the video installed in this way can be deleted and they will have to be reconfigured.
☑️ Pre-installing check
Application of third-party applications
In cases where standard methods do not work or functionality is reduced by the region, specialized utilities come to the rescue. The most popular and proven solution is the Video Live Wallpaper application or specialized calls from Xiaomi.
Consider the process of a universal installer: Once you download an app from Google Play or GetApps, you'll need to provide a number of permissions, and the app will request access to files, phone and, critically, the right to display over other windows.
From the main menu, select Video Ringtone. Click "Select Video" and specify the path to your file. The app will automatically trim the video to the desired length and offer a preview. Once confirmed, the changes will take effect immediately.
Some applications may require accessibility to correctly intercept an incoming call, a standard procedure for programs to replace the standard call screen with their own.
Security of Third Party Applications
Table of compatibility of formats and methods
To help you understand which method is best for your situation, we have created a summary table that will help you quickly navigate depending on the version of your operating system and the type of content you want.
| Method of installation | Support for MP4 | Support for GIF | Demands the Internet. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tham's shop | Yes. | Yes. | Yes (for download) | Low. |
| MIUI Gallery | Yes. | No. | No. | Low. |
| Third-party software | Yes. | Yes. | No. | Medium |
| Google Contacts | Yes. | No. | Yeah (synchronization) | Tall. |
As you can see from the table, the official theme store is the most versatile solution, supporting as many formats as possible without the need for complex configuration, but it requires a network connection to initially download content.
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If you change design often, using a third-party manager app will be more effective than constantly searching for topics in the official store.
Decision and error
Users often face a situation where the video is set, but when the call displays a black screen or a static photo, this may be due to Xiaomi’s aggressive energy saving system, which “kills” background processes.
To fix this, go to the battery settings and find the app responsible for video calls (or a third-party utility). Set Unlimited mode and allow auto-start. This will prevent the service from stopping in the background.
Another common problem is desynchronization of sound and video, which is solved by reconverting the original file to a lower bitrate format or using a built-in editor to re-save the clip.
- 🔋 Check the Do Not Disturb mode, it can block visuals.
- 📱 Make sure that the video calls feature is enabled in the sound settings.
- 🔄 Rebooting the device often solves the cache of media codecs.
⚠️ Note: Some global firmware versions may have software-enabled video calls blocked, in which case only changing the region in the phone settings to India or China, or flashing the phone over, will help.