Where in Redmi Note 9 is a wallpaper carousel - detailed instructions with pictures

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but its MIUI interface sometimes confuses users, especially when it comes to trifles like changing wallpaper. Many owners of the device face the problem: where is this "carousel of wallpaper" that everyone talks about? Spoiler: it is not in a familiar place, like on pure Android.

In this article, we will not only show you the exact path to the wallpaper carousel in the Redmi Note 9 (and other models on MIUI 12/13/14), but also explore alternative ways to change the background, explain why the feature may be missing, and give tips for optimizing your wallpaper work. If you are tired of the standard black background or want to return a favorite picture, read on.

What is a wallpaper carousel in MIUI and why you need it

The wallpaper carousel is a built-in tool in MIUI firmware that allows you to quickly view and install pre-loaded wallpapers from Xiaomi. Unlike standard Android, where wallpaper is selected through the gallery, there is a separate section with:

• 🎨 Dark and light themes (automatically adjust to the system mode)
• 🌄 Dynamic wallpaper (changes depending on the time of day)
• 📱 Exclusive collections (e.g. wallpaper with Redmi logo or abstract drawings)
• 🔄 Automatic change (background changes once a day/week according to schedule)

The main advantage of the carousel is that the wallpaper is optimized for the screen resolution of the Redmi Note 9 (2340×1080) and does not stretch, unlike the images downloaded from the Internet, and they weigh less and do not load the system.

But there's a downside: if you're used to putting wallpaper through the gallery, the carousel may seem superfluous. MIUI Without it, it will not be possible to activate certain functions, for example, animation when unlocking or the paralax effect (3D-screen-tilt).

Official way: where is the wallpaper carousel in Redmi Note 9

Most of the instructions say that the wallpaper carousel is hidden in the theme settings. This is true, but the path depends on the version of MIUI. For the Redmi Note 9 (model M2003J15SS/M2003J15SC) with MIUI 12-14 firmware, the following steps are relevant:

1. Open the Themes app (an icon with a brush and palette). If it is not on the home screen, search the system (swipe down on the desktop → type "Themes").
2. In the lower menu, tap the tab "Wallpapers" (or "Wallpapers" in the English version).
3. Select the "Carousel" section (or "Carousel") - here are collected all the standard wallpaper from Xiaomi.
4. To preview, tap on the favorite background, then click "Apply".

If you have a MIUI 14 or newer, the path may be slightly different.

Topics → My → Wallpaper → Carousel

Important: In some regional firmware (e.g. Europe), the "Carousel" section may be called "Recommended" or "Popular" and Xiaomi sometimes removes this section in lightweight versions of MIUI for weak devices.

1. Make sure you have the latest version of the Themes app installed (update to Google Play)

2. Check if the "Themes" app is hidden in the "Tools" folder

3.Reboot the phone if the "Wallpaper" section does not appear

4. Try changing the region in the settings to "India" (sometimes opens hidden features)-->

Alternative ways to change wallpaper if the carousel does not work

If the wallpaper carousel is missing or not opening, don't despair.There are at least 4 alternative ways to change the background in the Redmi Note 9:

1. Through the gallery

The most common method that works on all versions of MIUI:

1. Open the gallery and select any image.
2. Slip on the icon "More" (three dots) → "Install as" → "Wallpaper".
3. Choose where to apply: on the lock screen, the main screen or both.

2. Through screen settings

Less well-known but quick way:

Settings → Screen → Wallpaper → Select wallpaper

Here you can choose both standard wallpaper from the carousel and your photos.

3. Through third-party applications

If you lack built-in wallpaper, install one of these apps (tested for MIUI compatibility):

• 📱 WallpapersCraft - more than 100,000 HD-permit-sorting
• 🌌 AMOLED Wallpapers – dark wallpapers for screens with technology AMOLED (saves battery life)
• 🎨 Zedge - wallpaper + ringtones, there is a section specifically for Xiaomi

4. via ADB (for advanced users)

If the wallpaper carousel is missing after the update, it can be returned via ADB-That's what the team did:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → Tap 7 times → Return to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Enter in the command line: adb shell pm enable com.miui.miwallpaper
3. Reboot the phone.

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If after changing the wallpaper through the gallery the paralax effect disappears, return the standard wallpaper from the carousel - this will return 3D-effect.

Why a carousel of wallpaper can disappear and how to return it

Redmi Note 9 users often find that the wallpaper section suddenly disappears.

One of the most common bugs is the gray screen when you try to open a carousel, which is due to a malfunction in Xiaomi services.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find “Themes” and click “Erase Data” (Warning: This will reset all the applied topics!).
3. Reboot the phone.

How to set up automatic wallpaper change in Redmi Note 9

One of the hidden features of MIUI is that it automatically changes wallpapers on a schedule, and this function only works with wallpaper from the carousel, to activate it.

1. Open "Themes" → "Wallpaper" → "Carousel".
2. Choose the set of wallpaper you like (should be marked with an icon) ⏳).
3. Slip the Settings icon (cog) in the upper right corner.
4. Turn on the “Automan” option and select the interval: every day, week or month.

If the option is grey and inactive, then the selected set of wallpapers does not support automatic change. Try another set (for example, "Daily landscapes" or "Abstract shapes").

Important: Automatic change only works on the lock screen. For the main screen, the background will remain static. Also, the function can be disabled after the MIUI update - check the settings after each update.

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The wallpaper driver saves time, but consumes an additional battery (about 1-2% per day) due to the background activity of the service "Themes".

Optimizing Wallpaper for Battery Savings in Redmi Note 9

Not all wallpaper affects smartphone autonomy the same way. AMOLED-screen (model) M2003J15SS) Dark wallpaper can extend the working time by 5-10:

• 🔋 Use black or dark gray wallpapers - on AMOLED The pixels are simply turned off, saving energy.
• ⚡ Avoid bright and white backgrounds – they make the screen work at full power.
• 🌓 Enable automatic theme (Settings) → Screen. → Dark subject. → Auto) to adjust the wallpaper to the time of day.
• 🔄 Turn off wallpaper animation (if not needed) – it consumes up to 3% charge per hour.

To check how much energy your current background is using:

1. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Use.
2. Find the list of "MIUI System" (System Interface).
3. If the consumption exceeds 5%, it is most likely the wallpaper or widgets are to blame.

For maximum savings, install static wallpaper from the carousel (without animation) and turn off the paralax effect:

Settings → Screen → Additional → The effect of paralax (off)

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If you want to use light wallpaper, but save charge, reduce the brightness of the screen to 50-60% and turn on adaptive brightness.

Frequent mistakes when working with wallpaper and how to avoid them

Even experienced Redmi Note 9 users sometimes make mistakes when changing wallpaper.

⚠️ WARNING: If you install wallpaper through the gallery but it's cropped or stretched, check their resolution.optimum for Redmi Note 9 — 2340×1080 Pictures with different aspect ratios (e.g., pixels, 16:9 instead 19.5:9) will be deformed.

Error 1: Wallpaper is applied, but after a few minutes is reset on the standard.

Solution: This is due to a conflict with the Themes app. Open Settings → Apps → Themes → Permissions and enable all permissions, especially “Master over Other Windows.”

Error 2: Dynamic wallpaper is not animated.

Solution: Make sure that the screen settings have the paralax effect enabled (Settings → Screen → Additional). Also check if the energy-saving theme is installed.

Error 3: When you install wallpaper from the Internet, a watermark appears.

Solution: Only download wallpapers from trusted sources (such as WallpapersCraft or 4K Wallpapers). Avoid sites like "oboi.cc" - they often add advertising watermarks.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone starts to brake after the wallpaper change, check if there are live wallpapers installed. They are heavily loading the Redmi Note 9 processor (especially on firmware). MIUI 12 and below. Remove them through Settings. → Annexes → Live wallpaper.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Wallpaper Carousel