How to change the desktop on Xiaomi Redmi 7: from wallpaper to system themes

Why Xiaomi’s standard desktop might not be good for users

Xiaomi Redmi 7, released in 2019, is still popular with users due to its balanced characteristics and extensive customization capabilities. However, the factory settings of the desktop (launcher) MIUI do not always meet expectations: someone wants to remove advertising in system widgets, someone does not like standard wallpaper, and some users dream of a complete redesign of the interface for iOS or Pixel Launcher.

In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to change the desktop - from basic settings to deep customization using third-party launchers and themes. It is important to understand that the modification options depend on the version of MIUI (Redmi 7 10-14 versions are relevant) and the presence of root rights.

Before you make any changes, make sure your device has enough free memory (at least 1-1.5 GB) and a stable internet connection – some themes and launchers weigh between 50 and 200 MB.

Method 1: Change wallpapers through standard MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which do not require any additional applications to be installed and is suitable even for beginners.

1. Open the Settings menu (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Wallpaper (or Lock Screen and Wallpaper in new versions of MIUI).
3. Select the desktop wallpaper tab.
4. Scroll down to My Wallpaper or Gallery section to upload your own image.

MIUI 12-14 adds Super Wallpaper, animated background images that respond to gestures (like the paralax effect when tilting a phone), but they consume more power, so the Redmi 7 with a 4,000 mAh battery should be used with caution.

• 🎨 Static wallpaper: Minimal battery consumption, suitable for weak devices.
• 🌌 Super wallpaper: beautiful animation, but reduce battery life by 5-10%.
• 🖼️ Your own images: you can display any photo from the gallery (optimum resolution — 1080×2340 pixel).

⚠️ Note: If after changing the wallpaper screen began to "suppose", try to disable animation in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers → Animation and display without animation).

Method 2: Install themes from MIUI Themes

MIUI Themes is Xiaomi's official theme store, where you can find thousands of free and paid desktop styles that change not only wallpaper, but also icons, fonts, system menu colors, and even notification sounds.

1. Open the Themes app (brush icon on your desktop).
2. At the bottom of the screen, select the Online tab (for downloading new themes) or My Themes (for applying downloaded ones).
3. Find your favorite theme (you can filter by categories: Minimalism, Dark, iOS, etc.).
4. Click Apply – the theme will be installed automatically.

Some themes require authorization in Mi Account (especially paid ones). If you do not want to register, use alternative methods from the following sections. Also note that some themes may not display correctly on Redmi 7 due to RAM restrictions (2/3 GB depending on the modification).

⚠️ Note: Themes from third-party sources (not from the official store) may contain advertising modules or malicious code. Before installing, check the reviews and rating of the topic, and use antivirus (for example, Dr.Web Light).

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If the theme doesn’t apply, try clearing the theme app cache in the settings (Settings → Apps → Application Management → Topics → Storage → Clear the cache).

Method 3: Use of third-party launchers (Nova, Apex, Lawnchair)

If the built-in MIUI capabilities are not enough, you can install an alternative launcher, which is an application that completely replaces the desktop interface, allowing you to configure:

• 📱 Location of icons (grid, size, indentations).
• 🔍 Gestures (such as swipe up to search).
• 🎭 Animations (transitions between screens).
• 🔒 Hiding applications (without deleting).

The most popular launchers for Redmi 7:

• Nova Launcher - flexible configuration, support for icon packs.
• Lawnchair is a lightweight open source launcher (similar to Pixel Launcher).
• Apex Launcher is optimized for weak devices.
• Microsoft Launcher - Integration with Windows (file synchronization).

To set up the launcher:

1. Download. APK-file from an official website (e.g. Nova Launcher) or from Google Play.
2. Install the application by allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Rights → Installation of Unknown Applications).
3. After installation, click Home and select a new launcher as your primary.

Method 4: Manually modifying system files (for advanced)

This method is suitable for users with root rights or unlocked bootloaders, it allows you to change the system wallpaper, icons and even fonts at the firmware level, the danger of the method: wrong actions can lead to a bootloop (cyclical device reboot).

Instructions for experienced users:

1. Install Root Explorer or Mixplorer (with root rights).
2. Go to /system/media/theme/default/wallpapers.
3. Replace your wallpaper files (.jpg or.png) with your own (save the originals!).
4. Change the rights to new files: rw-r--r-- (644).
5. Reset the device.

Replacing icons requires editing files in /system/media/theme/default/icon, but it’s a more time-consuming process. The alternative is to use the Xposed Framework with GravityBox, but on Redmi 7 it may not work as well because of an outdated version of Android 9 Pie.

⚠️ Note: Before any manipulation of system files, make a full backup through TWRP Recovery or Mi Flash Tool. If the phone doesn't boot after the changes, try resetting to factory settings (Wipe Data in recovery mode).

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You can't change system files without root rights. If you're not sure about your skills, use third-party launchers or themes from MIUI Themes.

Method 5: Widgets and additional elements on the desktop

Widgets allow you to add useful information to the screen: weather, calendar, notes or smart home control panel. On Redmi 7, you can configure them as follows:

1. Press and hold the empty space on the desktop.
2. Select the widgets in the menu that appears.
3. Scroll through the list and drag the desired widget to the screen.
4. Set your size and settings (for example, for a weather widget, specify the city).

Useful widgets for Redmi 7:

• 🌡️ Weather: AccuWeather or Yandex.Pogoda.
• 📅 Calendar: Google Calendar or Business Calendar.
• 🎵 Music: Poweramp or Spotify widget.
• 🏠 Smart home: Mi Home (for Xiaomi devices).

If the widgets are not automatically updated, check:

• Synchronization settings (Settings → Accounts and Synchronization).
• Permissions for widget applications (Settings → Applications → Permissions).
• Background activity restrictions (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization)

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To prevent widgets from eating up charge, disable auto-update for unnecessary (for example, stock quotes or news). manual updates 1-2 times a day are enough.

Solving problems after changing the desktop

Sometimes after customization, bugs arise: lags, the disappearance of icons or errors in the application of themes.

If after installing a third-party launcher system widgets (for example, Mi Remote or Cleaner), go back to the standard MIUI Launcher.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi 7 with Android 9, some modern launchers (such as Niagara Launcher) may not support navigation gestures. → Screen. → Navigation buttons).

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up a desktop