How to add a photo from the gallery to the Xiaomi desktop: all ways for MIUI

Why does the standard method not always work?

Xiaomi users often find that when trying to install wallpaper from the gallery, the system offers only standard themes or a limited set of images, this is due to the features of the MIUI shell, which by default blocks access to user photos in the wallpaper selection menu, the reason lies in the optimization of performance: the system caches thumbnails only for certain folders, ignoring others.

Another common problem is that after upgrading to MIUI 14, the "Gallery" item in the wallpaper settings disappeared, and this is not a bug, but a conscious decision by developers who are trying to push branded themes through Mi Themes. However, there are several ways to get around this limitation, which we will discuss below.

It’s important to understand that on different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13), the path to settings may differ slightly due to customization of the interface, but the general logic remains the same: either through the standard menu or through workarounds.

Method 1: Standard wallpaper menu (works on 60% of devices)

This method is the simplest, but it doesn't work on all versions of MIUI. Try it first:

1. Long press on the free space of the desktop → select “Wallpaper”
2. In the lower menu, tap on "My Wallpaper" (or "Local" in older versions)
3. If you see the folder "Gallery" - select it and find the desired photo
4. Click on the image → “Install on the desktop” (or “Apply”)

If there is no "Gallery" item, try:

• 🔍 Scroll left to the end in the wallpaper menu – sometimes the folder is hidden behind standard themes
• 📁 Move the photo to a folder DCIM/Camera — The system sees images more often from there.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes helps to reset the thumbnail cache

Method 2: Through the Gallery app (alternative path)

If the standard method doesn’t work, use the built-in gallery:

1. Open the Gallery app (Icon with flower)
2. Find the right photo and open it in full screen mode.
3. Slip on three points in the upper right corner →
4. Select "Install as" → "Desktop wallpaper"

On some models (POCO F4, Redmi K50), this item may be called "Use as Wallpaper" or "On Desktop." If you don't have an option, your version of MIUI doesn't support it.

Optimal resolution: 1080×2340 (for most Xiaomi)

JPG/PNG format (WEBP may not be supported)

Brightness not lower than 50% (dark photos will be poorly visible on the desktop)

Cut important details in the center (the edge may be cut)

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⚠️ Note: If the photo is taken on another phone, check its resolution. 12T permittingly 1220×2712 The wallpaper will stretch if the source is smaller. 1080px broadly.

Method 3: Bypassing "Themes" (for MIUI 13-14)

In the new versions of MIUI, developers have hidden access to the gallery behind the Mi Themes app.

1. Open the Themes (Icon with a Brush)
2. Go to the wallpaper section" → "My wallpaper"
3. Slip on the "+" in the lower right corner
4. Select "Import" → Find a photo in the gallery
5. After importing, click on the thumbnail → "Apply"

This method works even on Xiaomi 13 Ultra with the latest firmware, but the main thing is that imported wallpaper is saved in the MIUI/theme/wallpaper folder, and you can only delete it through the Themes.

Method 4: Using a File Manager (for experienced)

If previous methods did not work, you can manually copy the photo to the system folder with wallpaper:

1. Open Files (or any file manager)
2. Go to the internal memory → MIUI → theme → wallpaper
3. Copy the photo you want (name doesn’t matter)
4. Return to the wallpaper menu → “My wallpaper” → select the added image

Some firmware may have a wallpaper folder hidden to see it.

• 🔧 Enable the display of hidden files in the file manager settings
• 📌 Or create a folder manually if it is not there.
• 🔒 Access rights: the folder must be readable by system applications

⚠️ Note: Do not delete the standard wallpaper from the wallpaper folder - this can cause a launcher malfunction.

Method 5: Third-party applications (if nothing helps)

If system methods don’t work, install an alternative launcher or wallpaper app:

• 📱 Nova Launcher – allows you to install any wallpaper through a long press → "Wallpaper" → "gallery"
• 🖼️ WallpapersCraft – has a built-in file browser and bypasses restrictions MIUI
• 🎨 Zedge – besides its wallpaper can import from the gallery

After installing a third-party launcher:

1. Assign it to the default launcher in the settings
2. Long press on the desktop → “Wallpaper”
3. Select "Gallery" or "Local Files"

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If after installing wallpaper through a third-party application they are reset after restarting, fix the application in the battery settings: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Battery → Without restrictions

Optimizing Wallpaper for Xiaomi Screen

Make the photo look perfect on your desktop:

• 📏 Resolution: For most Xiaomi (with ratio) 20:9) optimally 1080×2340. For Xiaomi. 13 Pro (2K-screen) — 1440×3200.
• 🎨 Color gamut: Avoid too dark wallpaper - icons will not read well.Use Photopea to correct brightness.
• 🔄 Pruning: Place important elements in the center — MIUI cut off ~10% at the edges.
• 📂 Format: JPG (for the photo; or PNG (transparent). WEBP may not be supported.

On Xiaomi AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) black wallpaper reduces energy consumption on 15-20%, Because the pixels are just off. To check the screen type, go to Settings. → The phone. → Full specifications → Screen.

Frequent problems and solutions

Problem 1: Wallpaper is installed, but every other day is reset to standard.

Solution: Turn off auto-change themes in Settings → Wallpaper → Automan. Also check if your wallpaper app optimizes the system (see battery tip above).

Problem 2: Photos in the gallery don't appear in the wallpaper menu, although the folder is visible.

Solution: Clear the Themes and Gallery app cache in Settings → Apps → App Management. Then restart the phone.

Problem 3: The wallpaper is stretched or distorted.

Solution: Use a resolution multiple of your phone screen. Use the Wallpaper Set & Scale app from Google Play for a precise fit.

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If none of these methods worked, check if you have a child or guest mode installed – they block the system settings, including wallpaper.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions