How to change the desktop on Xiaomi Redmi 9: from wallpaper to system themes

Introduction: Why Desktop Setting Is Important for Redmi 9

The Xiaomi Redmi 9 desktop is not just a background image, but a central element of interaction with the device, and its design depends not only on aesthetic perception, but also on usability: Well-tuned widgets save time, and a well-chosen theme reduces eye strain, unlike Xiaomi’s flagship models, where settings are often hidden behind a layer. MIUI-Redmi 9 offers a balance between simplicity and flexibility – provided you know where to look for the right options.

Standard wallpaper and icons in MIUI They get boring quickly, especially if you've been using your smartphone for a few years, and fortunately, it allows you to change almost everything from color scheme to transition animations. However, many users face problems after updates, such as resetting settings or scroll lags. In this article, we will discuss not only the basic ways to change the desktop, but also hidden features. MIUI 14, which the official documentation bypasses the party.

It is important to understand that Redmi 9 It was produced with different versions of the firmware (from MIUI 11 before MIUI 14), And some options may be missing or moving on the menu. 10 (Not on Android. 11/12, As in the later installments, some of the instructions will need to be adapted.

Method 1: Change wallpaper through a standard menu

The most obvious way to change the desktop is to use a built-in wallpaper gallery. MIUI. This method works on all versions of the firmware and does not require superuser rights to open the wallpaper menu:

1. Make a long press on the free place of the desktop.
2. At the bottom of the screen will appear a panel with options - select Wallpaper.
3. The system will select the source: 📁 Gallery - your personal photos; 🌄 Wallpaper. MIUI — Xiaomi Collection (updated monthly); 🎨 Colors – Gradients and Abstract Patterns; 🤖 Super Wallpapers – Animated Wallpapers (not available on all versions).

If you choose Super Wallpapers, note that they consume additional battery resources (up to the previous one). 5-7% In an hour of active use, on the Redmi. 9 with its modest Helio processor G80 This can lead to slowing down when multitasking, and we recommend using static wallpaper if you play games often or work with heavy applications.

Save the current wallpaper to the gallery (click on the preview) → Save)

Check the battery power (minimum 30% for Super Wallpapers)

Close the background applications (especially messengers)

Reboot your smartphone if you have previously had lags-->

After choosing the wallpaper, the system will propose to apply them to:

• 📱 Work desk;
• 🔒 Lock screen;
• 🔄 Both screens.

⚠️ Note: If the app icons become blurred after the wallpaper change, it means that the system automatically applied the blur effect. → Display. → Additionally. → Blurring wallpaper.

Method 2: Installation of third-party wallpaper and so on

Built-in collection MIUI limited, so many users prefer to download wallpaper from third-party sources. 9 Any images with resolution will be suitable 1080×2340 pixels (partial ratio) 19.5:9). Where to get them:

• 🌐 Wallpaper sites: Wallhaven, Unsplash, Zedge (there is an application for Android);
• 🎨 Wallpaper generators: Canva, Backiee (to create unique backgrounds);
• 🤖 Thematic packs: in Telegram-channels type @MIUIThemes or @XiaomiWallpapers.

To set up third-party wallpaper:

1. Download the image and save it to the folder DCIM → Wallpapers (for convenience).
2. Return to the wallpaper change menu (long press). → Wallpaper).
3. Select the Gallery and find the downloaded image.
4. Adjust the scale and position (up/down swipe).

To install full themes (which change not only wallpaper, but also icons, fonts, animations), use the Themes app (brush icon) which has both free and paid themes. Pay attention to the rating and number of downloads - some themes may contain ads or work unstable.

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If after installing the theme, the notification icons in the status bar are missing, restart your smartphone. MIUI, rectified.

Method 3: Configure widgets and shortcuts

The Redmi 9 widgets allow you to bring information from apps to your desktop without opening them, such as the Weather widget showing temperature, and the Calendar widget showing nearby events.

1. Make a long press on the free screen space.
2. Select Widgets from the bottom menu.
3. Scroll through the list and drag the desired widget to the screen.
4. Adjust the size (if supported).

The following types of widgets are available on MIUI 14:

• 📅 Calendar (shows date and events);
• 🌡️ Weather (temperature, humidity, forecast);
• 🎵 Music (reproduction management);
• 📊 Steps (data with Mi Fit);
• ⚡ Quick settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, flashlight).

Some widgets (like Google Search or Yandex.Weather) are installed separately from the Play Market. Once installed, they will appear in the list of widgets. Note that too many widgets can slow down the desktop, especially if they update data in the background.

Weather.

Calendar

Music player

Quick setups

Stepper

Nothing.-->

⚠️ Note: Widget Quick settings from MIUI If the notification panel stopped working after adding both, delete one of the widgets and restart the smartphone.

Method 4: Change the style of icons and fonts

MIUI It allows you to change not only the wallpaper, but also the appearance of the application icons:

1. Open the Topic app.
2. Go to the Icon tab.
3. Select your favorite icon pack and click Apply.

Most icon packs are free, but some require purchase through Mi Coins (Xiaomi's internal currency), if they look blurry after changing the icons, it means that the pack is not optimized for the Redmi 9 screen resolution.

• Try another pack;
• Return the standard icons (Themes) → Icons → By default);
• Use a launcher from a third-party developer (like Nova Launcher).

The fonts change in a similar way:

1. In the Topic app, go to the Font tab.
2. Choose a font and apply it.

Some fonts (such as MiSans or Roboto) support Cyrillic, but many Asian fonts display Russian letters sloppy. Before using, check what the text looks like in messages or a browser.

Method 5: Using third-party launchers

If standard facilities MIUI You don't like it, you can install an alternative launcher, and this app completely replaces the desktop interface, adding new features:

• 🚀 Nova Launcher – flexible configuration, gesture support, backup;
• 🎨 Lawnchair – Minimalist design, Google Now integration;
• 🔧 Apex Launcher – Optimized for weak devices;
• 🌌 Microsoft Launcher – synchronization with Windows, widgets for office tasks.

To set up the launcher:

1. Download it from Play Market.
2. Open the app and follow the instructions on the screen.
3. When requesting, select Use by default.

After installing the launcher, you can:

• Change the size of the icons;
• Hide apps from the menu;
• Customize gestures (for example, swipe up to search);
• Use adaptive icons (when all icons become the same shape).

⚠️ Warning: Some launchers (like Nova Launcher) consume additional RAM. 9 s 3/4 GB of RAM can lead to background applications being unloaded. Turn off animations in the launcher settings if you notice a slowdown.

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Third-party launchers do not replace system applications MIUI (For example, Settings or Themes. They only change the appearance of the desktop.

Solving problems after changing the desktop

After changing the wallpaper, themes or installing launchers, you may have problems.

If the desktop is completely black after the changes or the applications stop opening, follow the following steps:

1. Reboot your smartphone.
2. If the problem persists, press the power button and select Safe Mode.
3. In Safe Mode, remove newly installed themes or launchers.
4. Reboot as normal.

If nothing helps, reset your desktop settings to standard:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher → Storage → Clear data

Warning

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up a desktop