Wallpaper carousel on Xiaomi Redmi 9: a complete guide to setup and use

If you're a Xiaomi Redmi 9 owner and you notice that the wallpaper on your lock screen or desktop changes automatically -- it's not a fluke, it's a wallpaper carousel function. This option, built into the MIUI shell, allows you to dynamically update your background images on a given schedule or depending on the time of day. But how does it work in practice, where to get new themes and how to avoid typical problems? In this article, we'll go through everything from basic settings to hidden features.

The wallpaper carousel feature often goes unnoticed, although it can significantly diversify the look of a smartphone. For example, on Redmi 9 (model M2003J15SC), this option is integrated into the standard Themes app, but not all users know how to activate it correctly. Moreover, after the MIUI updates (especially to versions 12.5+ and 13), the logic of the carousel has changed – it is now closely related to Xiaomi Cloud and GetApps services. This means that the functionality may require authorization in the Mi Account to fully work.

Unlike static wallpaper, the carousel allows:

• 🔄 Automatically change backgrounds on schedule (every hour, day or week).
• 🌅 Adapt wallpaper for the time of day (morning, afternoon, evening options).
• 🎨 Use dynamic themes with animation (e.g. live wallpaper with paralax effect).
• ☁️ Sync wallpaper between devices via Mi Cloud.

What is a wallpaper carousel and why it is needed

The wallpaper carousel is a feature in MIUI that automatically cycles the background images on the lock screen or desktop. Unlike manual wallpaper selection, here the system itself picks up images from a predefined set. On Redmi 9, this feature works on two mechanisms:

• 📂 Local collections – wallpaper loaded into the phone memory (folder) MIUI/wallpaper).
• ☁️ Cloud themes – images downloaded from Xiaomi Themes official store.

The main advantages of the carousel:

• 🎯 Visual diversity – the smartphone will not get bored with a monotonous background.
• ⏱️ Saving time – no need to manually change the wallpaper.
• 🌐 Integration with Xiaomi ecosystem – sync with other devices (e.g. Redmi Note 10 or Mi Band).
• 🔧 Flexible settings – you can choose the frequency of the change, the sources of images and even tie the wallpaper to the weather.

There are nuances, however: For example, the wallpaper carousel on Redmi 9 may conflict with some launchers (like Nova Launcher or POCO Launcher) if they override standard MIUI settings.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The carousel stopped working, check the permissions for the Themes app in the settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Topics → Permissions. Often, resetting the cache of this application solves the problem.

How to turn on the wallpaper carousel on Redmi 9: step-by-step instructions

You can activate the function in two ways: through the standard Themes app or directly in the lock screen settings. Let's consider both options.

Method 1: Through the "Themes" app

1. Open the “Themes” app** (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
2. Go to the wallpaper tab** in the lower menu.
3. Select the Carousel section (or Dynamic Wallpaper in new MIUI versions).

Method 2: Through lock screen settings

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen.
2. Select “Block screen wallpaper” → “Carousel”.

If there is no “Carousel” item on the menu, this may mean:

• 📵 You have the Internet disabled (the function requires a connection to download themes).
• 🔄 Unofficial firmware installed (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 📱 Version. MIUI below 12.0 (older versions of the carousel was called "Wallpaper Driver»**).

Check your Internet connection | Update the Themes app in Google Play |Authorize in Mi Account |Clear the Themes app cache-->

Where to download new themes for the carousel

The standard set of wallpapers in the carousel is limited, but it can be expanded significantly.

For the installation of themes of MTZ-file:

1. Download the theme file (.mtz extension).
2. Place it in the MIUI/theme folder on the internal drive.
3. Open the “Themes” application → “My Themes” → select the downloaded file.

⚠️ Warning: Installing themes from unverified sources can lead to malfunctions MIUI. Check files for viruses and read other users' reviews before installing them, and be especially careful about topics that request permission to access them. SMS or contact.

Official Xiaomi Store|Telegram channels|Third-party sites (MIUI Themes)|I'm making my own photos.|I don't use the carousel.-->

Set up a schedule and image sources

To make the carousel work efficiently, you have to set it up correctly.

1. Wallpaper change interval

Options available:

• ⏳ Every hour is suitable for dynamic live wallpaper.
• 🌅 Every 6 hours – optimal for binding to the time of day.
• 📅 Daily - Classical version.
• 🔄 Weekly for minimalists.

To change the interval:

1. Open the "Themes" → "Wallpaper" → "Carousel"**.

Image sources

Several sources can be combined:

• 🖼️ Local wallpaper - images from the gallery.
• ☁️ Cloud themes – downloaded from Xiaomi Cloud.
• 🌦️ Weather wallpaper – varies depending on the weather (requires access to geolocation).

To add local wallpaper:

1. In the carousel settings, select "Add wallpaper"**.
2. Please specify the folder with images (for example, DCIM/Camera).
3. Configure filters (for example, only horizontal images).

💡

If the carousel is slowing down, reduce the frequency of changing wallpaper or turn off animations in the MIUI settings (Settings → Additional → System Animation).

Typical problems and their solutions

Redmi 9 users often face the following problems when working with wallpaper carousel:

If after all the manipulations the carousel still does not work, try:

1. Reboot the phone.
2. Remove updates for the Themes app** (in the app settings).
3. Reset the lock screen settings (Settings → System → Resetting → Reset the lock screen settings).

Hidden possibilities of wallpaper carousel

Few people know, but the wallpaper carousel on Redmi 9 has several hidden features:

• 🎨 Dynamic wallpaper with paralax effect - when the phone is tilted, the background slightly shifts, creating 3D-Included in the carousel settings ("Effects»**).
• 🔄 Sync with Mi Band – If you have a Xiaomi fitness bracelet, the wallpaper may change depending on your activity (e.g. sports themes when exercising).
• 🌙 Dark mode for wallpaper – some themes automatically adapt to a dark theme MIUI.
• 📊 Use statistics - in the settings of the carousel you can see which wallpaper was displayed most often.

To activate hidden settings:

1. Enable Developer Mode** (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times).

💡

The wallpaper carousel on Redmi 9 can work not only with standard themes, but also with custom ones. APK-modules (e.g., modules, MIUI Extra Themes, which extend functionality, but require an unlocked bootloader to install them, can disrupt system stability.

Alternative launchers and wallpaper carousel

If you use a third-party launcher (like a Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or POCO Launcher), the wallpaper carousel may not work properly or at all, because the alternative shells override the standard MIUI settings.

Possible solutions:

• 📱 Use plugins – some launchers (e.g. Nova) support dynamic wallpaper plugins (e.g. Muzei).

To set up the carousel via Tasker:

1. Install Tasker and AutoInput plugin.
2. Create a task with the action “Open App” (select “Themes”).

⚠️ Note: When using Tasker to automatically change wallpaper, make sure that in the security settings (Settings) → Battery and productivity → Battery management) for Tasker is set to “No Limits”** Otherwise, the task will not be performed in the background.

FAQ: Frequent questions about wallpaper carousel on Redmi 9