Smartphone owners Honor often faced with the fact that when there is an incoming call, the contact’s photo is displayed in a small circle, and not on the entire screen. This is standard firmware behavior, which not everyone likes - especially if you are used to large avatars on other Android devices. Unfortunately, in the phone settings there is no direct switch for zooming photos during a call, but there are several working ways to bypass this limitation. EMUI, which isn't everyone's cup of tea - especially if you're used to large avatars on other Android devices. Unfortunately, there's no direct toggle in your phone's settings to zoom photos during a call, but there are a few workable ways to get around this limitation.

In this article we will analyze all the available methods: from standard settings EMUI to using third-party applications and hidden functions. You will learn how to make a contact's photo occupy the entire screen when making a call on Honor 50, Honor 70, Honor 90 and other models with firmware Magic UI (valid for versions 4.0–7.0). We will also consider common errors and give recommendations for optimizing display.

Important: some methods require superuser rights (root) or installation of additional software. If you are not ready to experiment, focus on the first two sections with safe solutions.

Why the contact photo is not displayed on the full screen by default

Firmware EMUI/Magic UI from Huawei i Honor initially optimized for minimalistic interface during calls. Instead of a full-screen photo, you see:

  • 📞 Contact name large font in the center of the screen
  • 🖼️ Small round icon with a photo (if assigned)
  • 📱 Accept/reject buttons call below

This decision is explained by several reasons:

  • 🔍 Convenience: control buttons do not overlap with the image
  • 🎨 Design uniformity: this makes it easier to maintain a corporate identity EMUI
  • 🔄 Compatibility: on older models, a full-screen photo could slow down the animation

However, on new smartphones (Honor Magic5, Honor 90 Pro), the hardware capabilities allow you to display large images without lag. The limitation remains traditional - but it can be bypassed.

📊 What Honor smartphone do you have?
Honor 50/60/70
Honor 80/90
Honor Magic3/4/5
Honor X6/X7/X8
Other

Method 1: Setting up the standard “Phone” application

In the latest versions Magic UI (starting from 5.0) there is a hidden option for scaling a contact photo. It is not displayed in the main settings menu, but it can be activated through function laboratory:

  1. Open the application Phone (handset icon).
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
  3. Scroll down and find Functions Lab (or Additional functions on some models).
  4. Turn on the switch Full screen photo of the contact (or similar in name).
  5. Reboot the phone for the changes to take effect.

If there is no item Function Lab This means your firmware version does not support it. In this case, proceed to the following methods.

Make sure that the contact has a photo assigned

Update the Phone application in the AppGallery

Check the version of Magic UI in Settings → About phone

Make a backup copy of your contacts -->

Important nuance: even after activating this option, the photo may not be displayed on 100% of the screen, but with small indents on the sides. This has to do with the aspect ratio of the image. To ensure that the photo takes up maximum space, use square avatars with a resolution of at least 1080×1080 pixels.

Method 2: Using third-party applications for calls

If the standard settings do not give the desired result, install an alternative application for calls. Best options for Honor:

Application Full screen photo support Additional features Cons
Truecaller ✅ Yes (in theme settings) Definition spam, call recording Advertising in the free version
Google Phone ❌ No (round avatar only) Integration with Google Contacts Not all functions work on EMUI
Drupe ✅ Yes (custom themes) Quick access to contacts Paid premium features
ExDialer ✅ Yes (scale adjustment) T9 search, black list Outdated design

We recommend Truecaller or Drupe —they are best adapted for Honor and allow you to flexibly customize the display of photos. Instructions for Truecaller:

  1. Install the application from AppGallery or APKMirror.
  2. Open Settings → Appearance → Themes.
  3. Select a theme Full Screen Photo (or similar).
  4. Set Truecaller as the default calling application in Android settings.
💡

Before installing a third-party calling application, disable battery optimization for it in EMUI settings. Otherwise, notifications about calls may not arrive.

Method 3: Editing system files (for advanced)

This method requires root access and is intended for advanced users. It allows you to manually change the photo display parameters in the system application com.android.server.telecom. On Honor models with Magic UI 6.0+, this method can lead to resetting the network settings after updating the firmware.

Instructions:

  1. Install Root Explorer or FX File Explorer with root support.
  2. Navigate to the path: 
    /system/priv-app/TeleService/TeleService.apk/res/drawable-xxhdpi/
  3. Find files incall_background.xml and incall_photo_frame.xml.
  4. Edit parameters scaleType i layout_width/height, replacing them with: 
    android:scaleType="centerCrop"

    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    

    android:layout_height="match_parent"

  5. Save the changes, reboot the phone.
⚠️ Attention: incorrect editing of system files can lead to cyclic reboot device failure. Before you begin, create a full backup via TWRP or Huawei Backup.

If after the changes the call screen begins to display incorrectly (for example, the buttons have moved out), return the original files from the backup.

What to do if after editing system files the phone does not ring?

1. Delete the "Phone" application cache in Settings → Applications.

2. Reset your network settings in Settings → Mobile network → Reset.

3. If the problem persists, reflash the phone via eRecovery (by holding down the volume up button when turning it on).

Method 4: Creating a custom theme for EMUI

Firmware Magic UI supports the installation of custom themes that can change the appearance of the call screen. You can:

  • 🎨 Download a ready-made theme with full-screen photos from Huawei Themes
  • 🛠️ Edit an existing theme via Huawei Theme Editor
  • 📲 Use APK themes from third-party developers

Instructions for installing a custom theme:

  1. Download the theme file with the extension .hwt (for example, from the forum XDA Developers).
  2. Place the file in a folder /HWThemes on the internal storage.
  3. Open the application Themes → Me → My themes.
  4. Select the downloaded theme and apply it.

Popular themes with full-screen photos:

  • FullScreen Call (especially for the call screen)
  • Pure Black Call (dark theme with large avatars)
  • iOS Style Call (imitation of the iPhone interface)
⚠️ Attention: themes from unverified sources may contain malicious code. Install only files with positive reviews on trusted forums.

Common problems and their solutions

Even after successful setup, the contact photo may not be displayed correctly:

Problem Possible cause Solution
Photo is cropped at the edges Wrong aspect ratio Crop the photo to a square (1:1) before assigning to a contact
Photo is not displayed at all Contacts application cache Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Contacts → Memory
Call screen blinking Theme conflict Return the standard EMUI theme
Call buttons are not visible Dark photo on a dark background Use contrasting avatars or light theme

If, after applying themes or editing system files, the phone begins overheat or discharge faster, follow these steps:

  1. Check battery consumption in Settings → Battery → Usage.
  2. Disable unnecessary background processes for the Phone application.
  3. Return to the standard theme if the problem persists.
💡

The most reliable way without risks is to use third-party applications (Truecaller, Drupe). System changes give the best results, but require experience and can lead to unstable operation.

Additional optimization tips

To make the contact photo look perfect on the entire screen, follow these recommendations:

  • 📏 Photo size: use images at least 1080×1080 px. Optimal - 1440×1440 px for models with Full HD+ resolution.
  • 🎨 Format: save avatars in PNG (without quality loss) or JPEG with maximum quality.
  • 🔍 Contrast: avoid dark photos on AMOLED screens - control buttons may become invisible.
  • 🔄 Synchronization: if the photo is not updated, synchronize contacts via Huawei Cloud or Google Account.

For models Honor s with a cutout in the screen (for example, Honor View 20, Honor 20 Pro) Please note that a full-screen photo will be cropped at the top. To avoid losing important details of the image:

  • Place the contact's face in central part avatar.
  • Use the cropping tools in the gallery Honor with the grid turned on Golden ratio.

If you often make calls with the grid turned on in-car mode, please note that in this case the contact photo may be displayed in a simplified form, regardless of the settings. To return full screen mode:

  1. Open Settings → Smart assistance → Driving mode.
  2. Disable the option Simplified call screen.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to take a full-screen photo without root access?

Yes, the following are suitable for this:

  • Third-party applications for calls (Truecaller, Drupe).
  • Installing a custom theme via Huawei Themes.
  • Activating a hidden option in Function Labs (if available).

Root is required only for manual editing of system files.

Why did the photo become small again after updating Magic UI?

Firmware updates reset custom theme settings and modified system files. To return full-screen display:

  1. Reapply the custom theme.
  2. Update the third-party application for calls.
  3. If you edited system files, repeat the procedure (they will be replaced with standard ones when updating).
How to make a full-screen photo for unknown numbers?

For numbers that are not in the phone book, a standard call screen without a photo is displayed. To add an image:

  • Save the number to your contacts with any name (for example, "Unknown 1").
  • Assign a photo to this contact.
  • Use applications like Truecallerthat substitute avatars for spam numbers.
Will this method work on Honor with Google Mobile Services (GMS)?

Yes, all described methods are compatible with models Honorthat are installed Google Mobile Services (for example, Honor 50 for the European market Exception). are:

  • Some themes from Huawei Themes may not support GMS devices.
  • The application Google Phone does not allow you to customize full-screen photos.

Otherwise there is no difference - use Truecaller or edit system files (if you have root).

Is it possible to return the standard call screen after experiments?

Yes, for this:

  1. Delete the custom theme in the application Themes.
  2. Return the standard application for calls in Settings → Applications → Default.
  3. If you edited system files, reinstall the firmware via eRecovery or return the backup.