How to change the wallpaper on Xiaomi Redmi: all the ways from standard to hidden

Why can’t you just put a picture on Redmi as a wallpaper?

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones based on MIUI offer flexible wallpaper settings, but not all users know how to manage them effectively. Unlike “pure” Android, where it takes a long time to click on the desktop, the algorithm is more complicated: the system is integrated with the Theme service, and some features are hidden in the depths of the menu. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 Pro + with MIUI 14, the path to changing animated wallpaper is different from the same Redmi 10A on MIUI 12.5.

Another trap is the resolution and aspect ratio. If you download wallpaper with a resolution of 1080×2400 for the Redmi 9T (screen 6.53′′), and install them on the Redmi K60 Pro (6.67′′, 1440×3200), the picture will either stretch or trim. MIUI automatically adjusts the background, but often it looks unaesthetic. Next, we will discuss how to avoid such problems and use all the features of the system.

Method 1: Standard change through "Settings"

The most obvious method is to use built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable for static wallpaper and works on all Redmi models, from the Redmi 5 (2017) to the fresh Redmi Note 13 Pro+. Importantly, this method does not allow you to install live wallpaper (for them there is a separate section).

Instructions:

📱 Stick to an empty space on your desktop (not on an icon!).
🎨 In the lower menu, select Wallpaper (or Themes on older versions). MIUI).
🖼️ Scroll down to the section "My Wallpaper" or "Gallery».
✅ Select the image, adjust the scale and click "Apply».

☑️ What to check before changing the wallpaper

The resolution of the picture corresponds to the screenThe file is not.webp (MIUI does not support it)The wallpaper is not in the archive (you need to unpack)Screen brightness >50% for contrast testing

Done: 0 / 4

If you don't have the image in the gallery, click "More" (three dots in the top right corner) and select "Import." The system will suggest cropping the picture under the screen, where you can turn on "Fill" (stretch wallpaper) or "Center" (keeps the proportions, but adds black margins).

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To prevent wallpaper from moving when scrolling desktops, select the option “Fix on all screens” in the cropping settings.

Method 2: Live Wallpaper through “Themes”

Animated wallpaper (or live wallpaper) is a feature of MIUI, but its installation is often questionable, because Xiaomi separates static and dynamic backgrounds: the first are stored in Wallpaper, and the second is in the Themes app, while live wallpaper can not be imported from the gallery, only downloaded from the official catalog.

How to determine:

Open the “Themes” app (icon with brush).
Go to the wallpaper tab → “Live wallpaper”.
Select your favorite option (for example, Ocean or Space) and click Download.
After downloading, tap “Apply” and choose where to use: on the lock, desktop or both.

Why do live wallpapers slow down?

Animated backgrounds consume up to 10-15% of the extra battery and can slow down on budget models (e.g. Redmi 10C with Snapdragon 680 processor). If you notice lags, turn them off in the energy saving settings (Settings → Battery → Energy Saving).

Please note that some live wallpapers require an internet connection to download additional data (such as weather effects).

🌐 Network availability (Wi-Fi or mobile Internet).
🔋 Battery charge >20% (MIUI blocks downloading at low charge).
📥 Free space in memory (>500MB).

Method 3: Installation of wallpaper through the gallery

If you downloaded an image from the Internet or took a photo yourself, the easiest way to install it is through a standard Gallery, which is universal and works even on older models like Redmi 4X. The main thing is that the file is in a supported format (.jpg,.png,.bmp, but not.webp or.heic).

Step-by-step:

Open the gallery and find the image you want.
Then tap on it, then click on “More” (three dots) → “Install as.”
Select “Desktop Wallpaper” or “Block screen Wallpaper”.
Adjust the pruning area (can be scaled with two fingers) and click "Done".

📊 Which wallpaper do you prefer?

Static (pictures, gradients)

Live (animation, 3D-effects)

Dark (AMOLED-optimized)

Photos of themselves

If the “Install as” option is inactive, check:

🔍 File resolution: MIUI Does not support wallpaper with less resolution 720×1280.
📁 Storage folder: the image should be in the internal memory → DCIM or Downloads.
🔄 Reboot your phone if the gallery doesn’t see a new file.

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Xiaomi Gallery automatically creates thumbnails for wallpaper, but if the picture weighs >10 MB, the system can ignore it. The optimal size is 2-5 MB.

Method 4: Third-party applications for wallpaper

The official MIUI Theme wallpapers are not popular with everyone, they are repetitive and have low resolution, and the alternative is third-party apps like Zedge, WallpapersCraft or Backdrops.

🎨 Castomization of flowers and gradients.
🔍 Advanced search by permission (e.g, FHD+ for Redmi K70).
⏱️ Automatic change of wallpaper on schedule.

How to install wallpaper through Zedge:

Download the app from Google Play (or APKMirror if the Play Market is blocked).
Register (optional, but gives access to premium wallpaper).
Find your favorite background and click “Install”.
Select MIUI Wallpaper from the options list (important! otherwise the background will set through the standard Android dialog and may crop incorrectly).

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WallpapersCraft has a filter for AMOLED» — It shows black background wallpaper that saves power on Redmi smartphones. K60 Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro, they have it. AMOLED-screen).

Warning: Some apps (like Kappboom) install wallpaper through overlay, which may conflict with MIUI. If artifacts (shimmering, stripes) appear after a background change, follow:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → [App name] → Storage → Clear cache

Method 5: Hidden MIUI Wallpaper (for experienced)

MIUI firmware has hidden wallpapers that don’t appear in the standard menu, and can be found through ADB or root file manager, a method that is suitable for Redmi models on Android 11+ (like Redmi 11 Prime or Redmi Note 10S).

How to access:

Install FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer and turn on root mode.
Go to /system/media/theme/default/wallpapers/
Copy the file you like (for example, miui_wallpaper_dark.jpg) folder DCIM.
Install it through the Gallery (see Method 3).

What to do if there are no root rights?

Without root, you can try to remove wallpaper through ADB: adb pull /system/media/theme/default/wallpapers/ ~/Downloads/miui_wallpapers But this method requires an unlocked bootloader and enabled debugging. USB.

In the wallpapers folder are:

File.	Description	Permission
miui_wallpaper_light.jpg	Bright wallpaper by default	1080×2340
miui_wallpaper_dark.jpg	Dark wallpaper (AMOLED)	1080×2340
miui_live_wallpaper.apk	Live wallpaper installer	—
lockscreen_wallpaper.jpg	Lock screen wallpaper	1080×2160

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Hidden MIUI wallpapers are optimized for specific models, for example, in the Redmi K50 they have a resolution of 1220×2712, and in the Redmi 9A they have a resolution of 720×1600.

Problems and Solutions: Wallpapers are not installed

If you make mistakes when you change wallpaper, the reasons can be different, from a simple lack of memory to conflicts with firmware. Let's look at the typical cases and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Wallpaper is set, but after an hour is reset to standard.

⚠️ Note: This is due to the Auto-Optimization function in MIUI. Turn it off: Settings → Special facilities → Auto-optimization → Shut down.

Problem 2: When pruning, the wallpaper looks blurry.

🔎 Check the source resolution: for Redmi with screen resolution FHD+ (1080×2400) I need a picture at least. 1440×3200.
🖼️ Use tools like Photopea or Canva to scale without loss.
🔄 Restart your phone after installation – sometimes MIUI not apply changes immediately.

Problem 3: Live wallpaper doesn’t work after the MIUI update.

⚠️ Note: After major updates (for example, with the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) reset the animation settings. Reset the wallpaper through "Themes» → «If that doesn't work, clear the cache of the Topics app»:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Themes → Storage → Clear cache

FAQ: Frequent questions about wallpaper on Redmi

Can I put a video like a wallpaper on Redmi?

Officially not, but you can use workarounds: Download Video Live Wallpaper from Google Play. Select video (preferably) 10-15 Set the battery for a second, so as not to run out. MIUI» (If not, the video will be cut off). ⚠️ On Redmi with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 12C) Video wallpaper can slow down.

Why are the wallpapers on the lock and the desktop different?

In MIUI, these settings are split. To sync them: Stick around the desktop for a long time → Wallpaper. Select a picture and click on "Apply on both screens" at the bottom of the screen. If you don't have options, upgrade to MIUI 14 or higher.

How to make the wallpaper black for AMOLED-screen?

For Redmi with AMOLED (K60 Pro, Note 12 Pro+): Download wallpaper with a predominance of black (for example, on WallpapersCraft in the section «AMOLED»). Or use built-in dark themes: “Settings» → «Screen» → «Dark subject». ⚠️ Avoid dirty black (e.g. #121212) – it doesn’t turn off the pixels on the pixels. AMOLED, as #000000000.

Where to download the wallpaper for Redmi in high quality?

Recommended sources: 🌐 Pixel4K — wallpaper 4K and 5K. 🌐 WallSheaven – Collections for smartphones. 🌐 Telegram channel Wallpapers 4K — Check the resolution before downloading: for Redmi Note 11 Pro (1080×2400) fit 1440×3200.

How to return the standard MIUI wallpaper?

If you've changed the wallpaper and want to return the factory wallpaper: Stick it around your desktop for a long time → Wallpaper. Scroll up to the MIUI Wallpaper section (or Default Wallpaper) and select Restore the Standards. If there's no section, download the original wallpaper from this archive.