How to change wallpaper on Xiaomi: 5 ways to MIUI 12, 13, 14 and 15

Why should the standard wallpaper on Xiaomi be changed?

Xiaomi smartphones come with a MIUI branded shell that offers a rich selection of built-in wallpapers, from minimalist gradients to dynamic “live” backgrounds. However, even the most beautiful standard backgrounds become boring over time. Moreover, research shows that 78% of users change wallpapers in the first 3 days after buying a smartphone to personalize the device to their own style.

But it’s not that simple: depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14 or 15) and the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), the wallpaper customization interface may differ. For example, on POCO F5 with MIUI 14, the path to personalization is shorter than on Redmi 10A with MIUI 12.5. And owners of Xiaomi 14 Ultra get exclusive wallpaper with Dolby Vision support, which is not on budget models.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change wallpaper, from basic to hidden functions that are not written about in the official instructions.

• 🎨 Install static or live wallpaper from the gallery MIUI
• 🖼️ Download backgrounds from the internet without loss of quality
• 🔄 Synchronize wallpaper with the weather or time of day
• 🔒 Set up different backgrounds for locking and desktop
• 🛠️ Bypassing restrictions MIUI third-party

Method 1: Standard wallpaper through MIUI settings

The most obvious and safe method is to use the built-in wallpaper library, which is updated with the firmware, so in MIUI 15 you'll find backgrounds that were not in MIUI 12.

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush and palette).
2. Go to the Wallpaper tab in the lower menu.
3. Select a category: 🌄 Nature - mountains, seas, sunsets 🖌️ Abstraction - geometric patterns 📱 Minimalism - monotonous backgrounds 🎮 Game - thematic wallpaper for gamers

Apply to...

Please note: on models with AMOLED-screens (Xiaomi 13 Pro, POCO F4 GT) The menu will include the option Dark Wallpaper Theme, which automatically adjusts background colors to the black interface, saving battery life.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware for the Redmi budget line (for example, Redmi) 9A) The wallpaper tab may not be available. In this case, use method 3 of this article.

Method 2: Live Wallpaper and Dynamic Themes

If you get bored with static backgrounds, MIUI offers live wallpapers that respond to touch, time of day, or sensor data, like Earth wallpapers showing the actual position of clouds over your city, and Quantum changes patterns when unlocked.

How to turn on:

1. Click the empty space on the desktop → Wallpaper → Live wallpaper.
2. Download your favorite option (we will need the Internet).
3. Click Apply and select where to display animation: 🔒 Only on the lock screen (saves battery) 📱 On the desktop (can brake on weak chips) 🔄 On both screens.

For owners of POCO X3 Pro and other devices with a Snapdragon 860 chip or weaker, we recommend turning off live wallpaper on the desktop - they can cause slowdowns when scrolling through the menu.

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If the live wallpaper isn't installed, check for free space in memory. MIUI requires a minimum of 500MB to download animations.

Method 3: Install wallpaper from gallery or files

You want to put your photo or your background on the Internet? In MIUI, it's done in two clicks, but there's a nuanced screen resolution. If the picture is less than 1080×2400 (typical resolution for Redmi Note 11), it stretches and loses clarity.

Instructions:

1. Download the wallpaper in high resolution (we recommend WallpapersCraft or Unsplash).
2. Open the file in the Gallery app.
3. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Set up how → Wallpaper.
4. Adjust the scale and position (finger swipe).
5. Click Ready and select the screens to apply.

Download the image in a resolution not lower than 1440×3200

Cut in the editor (Snapseed or Lightroom app)

Save in PNG format (without loss of quality)

Check the contrast (the text of the icons should be read)

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For models with curved screens (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, MIX Fold 2), it is important to consider the "trimming" at the edges. Use the templates from the WallpaperHub website, which has special workpieces for Xiaomi with regard to curvature.

⚠️ Warning: If after installing the wallpaper icons became poorly visible, turn on the Dark Theme in the settings or add a substrate through the Themes app → Icon settings → Shadow under badges.

Method 4: Synchronizing wallpaper with weather and time

MIUI 14/15 is a customized wallpaper that automatically changes depending on the time of day, the weather, or even your location, such as the dawn in the morning, the bright sun in the afternoon, and the city lights in the evening.

How to set up:

1. Open Topics → Wallpaper. → Dynamic.
2. Choose the weather or the time of day.
3. Click Set up and activate the options: ☀️ Time-driver 🌡️ Weather-sensitive (requires access to geolocation) 📍 Use my location.

Apply the wallpaper to both screens.

This feature only works on devices with MIUI 14 Global and later, and Chinese firmware (MIUI CN) may not have it, but you need to reflash the phone to the global version.

Method 5: Change wallpaper through third-party launchers

If you don't like the standard MIUI launcher, you can install an alternative one (Nova Launcher, Lawnchair, Hyperion) and customize the wallpaper through it.

• 🔧 Not all launchers support live wallpaper MIUI — The animation may not work.
• 🔒 On some models (Redmi 10, POCO M4 Pro) after installing a third-party launcher, access to the Always-on Display settings is lost.
• 📱 Wallpaper installed through the launcher can be reset after the update MIUI.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Hold an empty space on the desktop → Wallpaper.
3. Select the source: 🖼️ My photos (from the gallery) 🌐 Online Wallpaper (Integration with Unsplash)

Adjust the scale and apply.

To return to the standard launcher, go to Settings → Applications → By default → Launcher and select System Launcher.

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Side launchers offer more customization options, but may conflict with proprietary MIUI features such as Super Wallpapers or Always-on Display.

Problem Solving: Wallpapers are not changed or reset

Sometimes, after a change of wallpaper, they go back to the standard or they don't apply at all, and here are the typical reasons and ways to eliminate them:

If the wallpaper doesn't change on the lock screen, check if Wallpaper Protection is included in Settings → Lock screen → Additional. It blocks background changes for security.

On models with MIUI 15, a new error appeared: when you try to install wallpaper from Google Photos, a message appears: "Can not apply."

1. Download the image from Google Photos to the DCIM folder.
2. Open it through the standard gallery.
3. Set it up as wallpaper from there.

Download files in PNG format weighing at least 5 MB for perfect clarity.