How to change the background on the Xiaomi smartphone: all the ways from standard to hidden

Changing the background of the screen on Xiaomi smartphones is a seemingly simple task, but even here the manufacturer hid a few non-obvious features. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11) and the version of MIUI (13, 14 or HyperOS), the process may be different: somewhere there are dynamic wallpapers with the effect of paralax, and somewhere – only static images from the gallery.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change the background: from the basic (through Settings). → Wallpaper) up to advanced (use) ADB to install system wallpaper or create animated themes through MIUI Theme Editor: We will focus on the problems that arise when changing wallpaper: why the background is reset after a reboot, how to return standard Xiaomi wallpaper if they are gone, and whether it is possible to install video as a background without third-party apps. If you are looking for a way to personalize your Redmi or POCO — Here you will find answers to all the questions.

1. Standard method: changing wallpaper through MIUI settings

The most obvious method is to use built-in MIUI or HyperOS tools. It is suitable for all models, including Xiaomi 13T, Redmi A2 and POCO F5. The main advantage of this method is that you do not need to install additional applications, and the wallpaper will be optimized for the screen resolution of your device.

To change the background:

• 📱 Long pressing in the free place of the main screen → Select “Wallpaper” (or “Themes” in older versions) MIUI).
• 🖼️ In the menu that opens, select the category: “My Wallpaper” (from the gallery), “Live Wallpaper” or “Online” (download from the Xiaomi cloud).
• 🔍 For a preview, tap on your favorite image → Click "Apply" (you can choose which screen to apply: main, locks or both).

In HyperOS (starting with Xiaomi 14 and Redmi K70), the wallpaper menu is integrated into Settings → Personalization → Wallpaper. Here, a new feature is introduced: automatic change of wallpaper on a schedule (for example, day and night) to activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Personalization → Wallpaper → Automan.
2. Select the folder with images in the gallery or set the shift interval (from 1 hour to 1 day).
3. Activate the "Enable" switch.

⚠️ Note: If a black background or artifacts appear on the lock screen after changing the wallpaper, this is a HyperOS bug for some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro).+). Solution: Restart your device or install wallpaper through the Google Wallpaper app.

2. Live Wallpaper and Dynamic Themes: How to Include on Xiaomi

Live wallpaper (or dynamic themes) are animated background images that respond to gestures, time of day or show the weather. On Xiaomi, they are not available on all models: full support is only available in flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3) and some devices on HyperOS.

To set up a live wallpaper:

• 🌊 Go to Settings. → Wallpaper. → Live Wallpaper (or “Dynamic” in HyperOS).
• 🎨 Choose one of the preset themes: "Weather" - the background changes depending on temperature and precipitation. "Space" - animation of the starry sky with paralax effect. "Energy" - abstract waves that respond to touches.
• 🔧 Click on “Settings” to change the animation speed or color scheme.
• ✅ Apply wallpaper to the main screen or lock screen.

On devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) live wallpapers are particularly impressive due to their deep black color and high refresh rates, but they increase battery consumption by 5-15% – this is worth considering if you are actively using your smartphone during the day.

3. Installation of wallpaper through third-party applications

If you don't have enough built-in MIUI wallpaper, you can use third-party apps.

• 📲 Google Wallpaper – the official application with a collection of static and dynamic wallpapers optimized for Android.
• 🌄 Backdrops – High-resolution daily wallpaper with categories (nature, abstraction, minimalism).
• 🎨 Zedge – the largest database of wallpaper and ringtones, including animated background images.
• 🖥️ WallpapersCraft – an application with wallpaper in resolutions up to 4K, Suitable for Xiaomi Pad 6.

To install wallpaper through a third-party application:

1. Download and install an app (like Google Wallpaper) from the Play Market.
2. Select your favorite image and click “Install wallpaper”.
3. In the window that appears, select which screen to apply: the main, locks or both.
4. If necessary, cut the image to the resolution of your screen.

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If you have a wallpaper installed through Zedge or Backdrops, you can check the resolution of the original image. Xiaomi with FHD+ (2400×1080) will fit wallpaper from 1440p and above.

Important: Some applications (e.g. KLWP) require permissions to access system settings. If the wallpaper is not applied after installation, check if MIUI has blocked the application's background execution in Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autorun.

4.How to set video as background on Xiaomi

By default, MIUI does not support video wallpaper, but it can be installed using workarounds.The method works on most models, including the Redmi K60 and the POCO F4 GT, but requires additional software installation.

Instructions:

1. Download the Video Wallpaper or Live Wallpaper Maker app from the Play Market.
2. Import video (up to 30 seconds, resolution no higher than 1080p for smoothness).
3. Cut the video to the screen size (the 20:9 aspect ratio for most Xiaomi).
4. Apply video wallpaper through the app menu (select "Install as wallpaper").

Limitations:

• ⚠️ Video wallpaper doesn’t work on the lock screen – only on the home screen.
• ⚠️ On devices with 60Hz screens (for example, Redmi) 10A) Video can slow down.
• ⚠️ Battery consumption increases by 20–30% with active use.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware (especially custom ones like xiaomi.eu) may have video wallpapers that cause the launcher to reboot. If the background is reset to a standard one after application, try rolling back to the factory firmware or using static images.

5. Hidden functions: system wallpaper and ADB-team

MIUI and HyperOS have system wallpapers that don't show up in the standard menu, and can be activated through ADB or special applications like MIUI Hidden Settings.

Method 1: via MIUI Hidden Settings (without root):

1. Install the MIUI Hidden Settings app from the Play Market.
2. Go to the wallpaper section» → «Hidden wallpaper».
3. Choose your favorite theme (for example, wallpaper from MIUI 12 or POCO Launcher).
4. Apply them to the main screen or lock screen.

Method 2: ADB (for power users):

adb shell cmd overlay enable-exclusive com.android.theme.icon_pack.filled.systemui


adb shell cmd overlay enable-exclusive com.android.theme.icon_pack.filled.settings

These commands activate hidden wallpaper themes, but they don't work on all devices. HyperOS may require a different sequence:

adb shell settings put global theme_customization_overlay_pkg com.miui.customization

After completing the commands, restart the device and check the Wallpaper section in the settings - new options should appear there.

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Using ADB to change wallpaper is only suitable for power users. Wrong commands can cause the system interface to crash.

6. Problem Solving: Background reset, not applied or blurred

Xiaomi users often encounter wallpaper changes, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

If none of these methods helped, try resetting the launcher settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find MIUI Launcher (or POCO Launcher) and select Storage.

7.How to Return Xiaomi's Standard Wallpaper If It's Disappeared

Once you update your firmware or reset your settings, Xiaomi’s standard wallpaper may disappear from the menu, and you can return it in a number of ways:

Method 1: Through the MIUI Theme Archive

• 📥 Download the archive with standard wallpaper for your model (for example, for Redmi Note 11 suited package). MIUI 13 Stock Wallpapers).
• 📂 Unpack the archive and transfer the images to the folder DCIM → Wallpapers.
• 🔄 Install wallpaper through the gallery or menu "My wallpaper».

Method 2: MIUI Theme Editor (PC required)

1. Install MIUI Theme Editor on your computer.
2. Connect Xiaomi to USB with debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version → 7 times tap to activate the developer mode).
3. In the theme editor, select “Restore Standard Resources” → “Wallpaper”.
4. Export the wallpaper to the device and apply it.

If you need original wallpapers for a particular model (such as the Xiaomi 12T or POCO X4 Pro), you can find them on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums in topics dedicated to your device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the background to Xiaomi