How to add a photo to the desktop Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: all ways + error solving

Turning your favorite photo into wallpaper: why it’s important for the Redmi Note 8

The desktop of a smartphone is the first thing you see when you unlock. On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 with its 6.3-inch Full HD+ display (2340×1080 resolution), properly selected wallpaper not only delights the eye, but also affects the perception of the interface. However, many users face problems: the image is cropped, loses quality or does not install at all. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to change wallpapers – from standard MIUI tools to bypassing the limitations of the system.

The Redmi Note 8 (codenamed ginkgo) features MIUI-based customization, where the desktop is nuanced, such as automatically trimming wallpapers for 19.5:9, and some formats (like.webp) may not be supported, and we'll show you how to avoid these problems and even install live animation wallpapers that aren't officially available on this model.

Method 1: Standard change of wallpaper through the gallery

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for most users and do not require the installation of additional applications.

1. Open the Gallery app (flower icon).
2. Select the desired photo and tap it to open in full screen mode.
3. Click on the three dots in the lower right corner → select “Install as” → “Desktop Wallpaper”.
4. Adjust the framing area (if necessary) and confirm the choice.

⚠️ Note: If the photo does not appear in the list available for installation, check its format. MIUI Redmi Note 8 works with.jpg,.png, but can ignore.heic (iPhone photo format) or.webp. Solution – convert the image through online services (for example, CloudConvert).

File format (.jpg or.png)

Resolution not lower than 1080p (optimally 2340×1080)

Photos not in the archive or cloud (should be in your phone’s memory)

Power saving mode is disabled (can block background processes)-->

If the wallpaper looks blurry after installation, the problem is that the resolution mismatch is there. The Redmi Note 8 display has a resolution of 2340×1080, so the perfect photo should be at least this value. At lower resolution, the system stretches the image, which leads to a loss of quality.

Method 2: Configure through the “Themes” menu

MIUI has a separate Themes app that allows you to not only change the wallpaper, but also customize icons, fonts and animations, which gives you more customization options:

1. Press the empty space on the desktop → select “Wallpaper”.
2. In the lower menu, go to the tab “My wallpaper”.
3. Click “Add” and select a photo from the gallery or upload a new one.
4. Adjust the scale and position, then click "Apply".

The advantage of this method is the ability to apply the wallpaper separately to the main screen and lock screen, and there are built-in collections of wallpaper from Xiaomi, including dynamic options (for example, Space or Ocean), which change slowly throughout the day.

💡 Useful tip: You can enable Automatic Wallpaper Change in the Topics menu, select the gallery photo folder, set the interval (e.g., Every Day) and your Redmi Note 8 will automatically update your desktop, which is especially convenient for travel: Create a folder with a photo from the trip, and the phone will please you with new memories.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If you don't like the built-in MIUI tools, you can use third-party apps that offer more editing, support for animated wallpaper and fine-tuning positioning.

• 📱 WallpapersCraft – a huge database of wallpapers with filters by resolution (choose the list). 2340×1080 perfect fit).
• 🎨 Zedge - wallpaper + ringtones, there's a category «AMOLED-wallpaper to save battery power.
• 🖼️ Backdrops – minimalist wallpaper with support for dark theme.
• 🌌 KWGT Kustom Widget Maker – to create interactive wallpaper with widgets (you will need customization skills).

🔧 How to install wallpaper through a third-party application:

1. Download and install an app (such as Zedge) from Google Play.
2. Select the image you like and click “Install”.
3. In the window that appears, select “Desktop Wallpaper” (not “Block screen”).
4. Confirm the action – the photo will be automatically cropped to screen resolution.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (e.g, KWGT) You need additional permissions to work with wallpaper. If the photo does not appear after installation, check the permission settings in Settings → Annexes → Permit management → Special permits → Changes in system settings.

Standard (built-in MIUI)

Personal photos (from the gallery)

Abstract/minimalistic

Animated/live wallpaper

The Dark Ones (for AMOLED-screen)-->

Method 4: Live Wallpaper (Animation) on Redmi Note 8

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 does not support live wallpaper (for example, with the 3D-It's a process that can be done by effects or by a reaction to touch, but it can be done by a workaround:

1. Download the app "Live wallpaper" 4K» Live Wallpapers from Google Play.
2. Choose your favorite animation (for example, “Falling the leaves” or “Space flight”).
3. Click "Install" and select "Desktop Wallpaper".

🔋 Important nuance: Live wallpaper increases the load on the Snapdragon 665 processor and battery. If you notice that the phone has become faster to discharge or warm up, turn off the animation in the app settings or go back to the static wallpaper.

💡 Secret Life Hack: If you want to save battery power, use dark wallpaper on the AMOLED-Even though the Redmi Note 8 is equipped with screens. IPS LCD-display (not display) AMOLED), Dark tones still reduce the load on the GPU, especially with prolonged use.

Method 5: Manual file copying (for power users)

If you like full control, you can manually replace the wallpaper files in the system folders, which requires unlocking the bootloader and root rights, but allows you to install any wallpaper, including those that are not supported by standard tools.

📂 Instructions:

1. Download and install a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Cross the path: /system/media/theme/default_wallpaper/.
3. Copy your photo into this folder by renaming it default_wallpaper.jpg (replacing the original file).
4. Change the access rights to 644 (rw-r----).
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly changing system files can cause the interface to crash or loop the boot.Before experimenting, back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset. If the wallpaper is unchanged after replacing, clear the cache of the Themes app in the settings.

💡

Manually modifying system wallpaper is the most flexible method, but only suitable for users with root rights. Without them, the system will block access to the /system folder.

Solving common problems

Even after installing the wallpaper on the Redmi Note 8 can behave incorrectly.

• 🔄 Wallpaper is reset after resetting → Clear the cache of the “Themes” application (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Topics → Clear the cache).
• 🖼️ Photo cuts crooked → Use an editor (e.g. Snapseed) to pre-crypt the 19.5:9 ratio.
• ⚡ Wallpaper not installed (error) → Check the space in memory (needs at least 500 MB on the system partition).
• 📱 On the lock screen other wallpaper → In the wallpaper settings, select "Apply to both screens».

🛠️ If wallpaper twitches when scrolling: This is due to optimization MIUI To save resources, turn off animation in the developer settings:

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times tap Settings → About Phone → MIUI version).
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the option “Window animation” and set the value without animation.

💡

If the wallpaper looks dull, check the screen settings: go to Settings → Display → Color scheme and select “Saturated” instead of “Standard”.

FAQ: Frequent questions about wallpaper on Redmi Note 8