How to add a picture to the Xiaomi desktop: all ways for MIUI

You just downloaded a stunning photo or found the perfect desktop image but don’t know how to install it on Xiaomi? This task seems simple, but there are nuances in the MIUI shell that can confuse even experienced users. Depending on the firmware version (MIUI 14, MIUI 15 or HyperOS), the smartphone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X6, Xiaomi 14) and even the type of wallpaper (static, live, dynamic) the process can vary.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change wallpaper on Xiaomi, from standard tools to hidden functions and third-party applications.

• 📱 Install wallpaper through the gallery (the fastest method)
• 🎨 Use built-in themes MIUI uniquely designed
• 🔄 Apply different pictures to the desktop and lock screen
• 🌐 Download wallpapers from online directories (including Google Wallpapers)
• ⚙️ Solve problems if wallpaper is not installed or dropped

We'll focus on the hidden MIUI feature, which allows you to use live wallpaper (LWP) without third-party applications, which is not known to all users, and if you like customization, we'll show you how to bypass the limitations of the system and set the wallpaper in maximum resolution without trimming.

1. Standard method: installation of wallpaper through the gallery

This is the most obvious and versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the MIUI version.Suitable for static images (JPG, PNG) and live wallpaper (if supported by the system).

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Open the Gallery app (a flower icon).
2. Find the folder with the desired image and tap it to open.
3. In the lower right corner, click on the “More” button (three dots) → select “Install as Wallpaper”.
4. The system will tell you to select the crop area. Use your fingers to zoom in and move the picture.
5. Click "Ready" and choose where to apply the wallpaper: 📱 Desktop (Home screen) 🔒 Lock screen (Lock screen) 🔄 Both screens (Both)

⚠️ Note: If the gallery does not have a wallpaper button, check if it is hidden behind a long tap in the image (hold your finger 1-2 seconds). HEIC or — MIUI Maybe they don't recognize them.

Check the file format (should be JPG/PNG)|Update the Gallery app in Google Play|Reboot your smartphone |Try to open the image through Files, not the gallery-->

2.Using MIUI themes: Hidden wallpaper and designs

Xiaomi offers hundreds of free themes with unique wallpaper, icons and fonts, and many users don’t know that these themes can be partially applied – for example, use only wallpaper without changing the rest of the style.

How to find and install a topic:

1. Go to Settings → Design → Themes.
2. At the bottom of the screen, select the Wallpapers tab.
3. Scroll down to the Recommended section or use the search (magnifying glass in the upper right corner).
4. Tap on your favorite topic → click “Apply”.
5. Choose where to set the wallpaper (desktop, lock screen or both).

💡 Useful Lifehack: The themes catalog has a section called Super Wallpapers – these are dynamic wallpapers with paralax effect (3D), They're not available on all models, but if your Xiaomi supports them, be sure to try!

3. Different wallpaper on the desktop and lock screen

By default, MIUI offers to set the same picture on both screens. But what if you want one image on your desktop and another on your lock screen? It's possible, and here's how to do it:

Method 1: Through the settings of the themes

1. Open the settings → design → Themes → Wallpaper.
2. Choose the wallpaper for the desktop and apply them.
3. Return to the Wallpaper section and select another image for the lock screen.
4. Click "Apply" and confirm the selection only for the lock screen.

Method 2: Through the Gallery (for MIUI 15/HyperOS)

In newer versions of the firmware, when you install wallpaper through the gallery, you have the option "Set up separately." After you select the image, the system will say:

• 📱 Install it on the desktop
• 🔒 Set the lock screen
• 🔄 Apply to both screens

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) This feature may not be available due to iron limitations, in which case use third-party applications (see Section 5).

4.Live Wallpaper (LWP) and Dynamic Themes

If you are bored with static pictures, MIUI offers several options for animated wallpaper:

1. Built-in live wallpaper

To find them:

1. Go to Settings → Design → Themes → Wallpaper.
2. Scroll down to the "Live Wallpapers" section.
3. Choose the animation you like (e.g., “Bubbles,” “Clock,” or “Weather”).
4. Click "Apply" and select the screen.

2. Super Wallpapers (3D-effect)

These wallpapers create the illusion of depth and react to the movement of the smartphone.

1. In the Wallpaper section, look for the Super Wallpapers tab.
2. Download your favorite theme (such as Mars or Earth).
3. After installation, go back to Settings → Design → Super Wallpaper and activate them.

🔧 Technical Limitation: Super Wallpapers Require OpenGL Support ES 3.1+ If the wallpaper doesn't show up after installation, check your model's compatibility on the official website. MIUI.

💡

If the live wallpaper starts to slow down, go to Settings → Battery → Performance Mode and select Balanced or Performance. This will reduce the lags.

Third-party wallpaper annexes

If the built-in options are not enough, you can use apps from Google Play.-3 Proven tools for Xiaomi:

1. Google Wallpapers

• 🌄 The official application from Google with a collection of wallpapers in 4K.
• 🔍 There are categories: “Earth”, “Art”, “Abstraction».
• ⚡ Automatic change of wallpaper on schedule.

2. Zedge

• 🎨 More than 10 million wallpapers and live wallpaper (LWP).
• 🔊 Includes ringtones and notifications.
• ⚠️ Note: Some Wallpapers require a premium subscription.

3. Walli — 4K Wallpapers & Backgrounds

• 🖼️ Wallpaper from professional artists.
• 📱 Optimized for Xiaomi screen resolution (including: AMOLED).
• 🔄 Daily updates to the collection.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party apps, turn off battery optimization for them, otherwise the wallpaper may be reset:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find a wallpaper app (like Zedge).
3. Select "Battery Limitations» → «No restrictions».

6. Solving Wallpaper Problems on Xiaomi

Sometimes the wallpaper is not installed, reset or displayed incorrectly. Let's look at the typical problems and their solutions:

🛠️ Critical error: If Xiaomi started spontaneously restarting after changing the wallpaper, this may indicate damage to system files:

1. Go to Safe Mode (hold the power button → “Reboot Safe Mode”).
2. If the problem has gone away, remove the last installed wallpaper app.
3. If the error remains, reset settings: Settings → About phone → Reset settings.

💡

If the wallpaper isn’t installed through the gallery, try moving the file to the DCIM/Wallpapers folder – sometimes this solves the problem.

FAQ: Frequent questions about wallpaper on Xiaomi