How to completely change the desktop on Xiaomi Redmi: from wallpaper to widgets

The desktop of Xiaomi Redmi is your digital space that can (and should!) be customized to your personal preferences. Standard wallpaper and icons quickly become boring, and customization capabilities in MIUI allow you to turn the device into a unique gadget. But how exactly to change the desktop if you have never done it? In this article, we will analyze all the ways from basic wallpaper change to deep customization of themes and widgets, including hidden functions that even the official instructions do not speak about.

It is important to understand that the interface MIUI (Xiaomi shell is regularly updated, and the location of some menu items may vary depending on the version (MIUI 12, 13 or 14). We have taken these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that are relevant to most Redmi models (including the Redmi Note). 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/11 If your model is older than your model. 2019 Some functions may not be available for a year, we will also warn you about this in advance.

1. Basic change of wallpaper on the desktop

So, to start with, the simplest thing is to replace the background image, which takes less than a minute, but even here, there are some nuances that not everyone knows about, like in MIUI, you can set dynamic wallpapers that respond to gestures or the time of day.

To change the wallpaper:

• 📱 Long pressing on the free space of the desktop → Select "Wallpaper" (or "Themes" in some versions).
• 🖼️ Scroll down to the My Wallpaper or Gallery section to upload your own image.
• ⚙️ Click on the settings icon (cog) next to the wallpaper to enable Scrolling Blurr or Adaptive Colors (the function adjusts the icon palette to the background).

If you're bored with standard wallpaper, look for third-party apps like WallpapersCraft or Backdrops, which offer collections in resolution. FHD+ and 4K, screen-optimized AMOLED (like a Redmi. K50 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+). Important: when downloading wallpaper from the Internet, check their resolution - for modern smartphones, the minimum value should be 2160×1080 pixels, otherwise the image will be stretched.

2. Installation of design themes (including hidden themes)

The themes in MIUI are changing not only wallpaper, but also icon design, fonts, animations and even system sounds. The official theme store (Themes → Online) offers thousands of options, but many of them are paid or require registration with Mi Account. However, there is a way to get hidden themes that do not appear in the directory by default.

How to set the topic:

1. Open Settings → Themes.
2. Go to the Online tab and search for the theme code (e.g., mtz files from communities like XDA Developers).
3. For manual installation, download the theme file (.mtz) and open it through any file manager – the system will suggest using it.

If the topic does not apply, check:

• ⚠️ Version MIUI — Some topics only work on MIUI 14.
• ⚠️ Firmware region - Chinese versions (China) ROM) They are more than global (Global) ROM).

3. Customization of widgets and their location

Widgets in MIUI allow you to display information from applications on the desktop without opening them: weather, calendar, notes, smart home control buttons. But many users do not know that widgets can not only be added, but also scaled, changed their transparency and even create their own through applications like KWGT.

To add a widget:

1. Long press on the desktop → “Widgets”.
2. Select the widget you want (like “Weather” or “Google Search”) and drag it to the screen.
3. To resize: Click on the widget and pull around the corners (it doesn’t work for all widgets).

Among the useful widgets for Redmi:

• 🌡️ Weather with animation (shows rainfall in real time).
• 📊 System monitor (displays loading) CPU/RAM).
• 🔋 Battery with detailed discharge statistics.

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If the widget isn’t updated (for example, the weather shows old data), reboot your smartphone or manually update the data in the widget settings (click on it and select “Update”).

4. Change icons and interface style

Standard icons in MIUI are not popular with everyone because of their cartoonish style, and fortunately, they can be replaced in two ways: through icon packs (requires a launcher to be installed) or through theme settings (without additional apps).

Method 1: Use a launcher (e.g., Nova Launcher):

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Download a pack of icons (like Whicons or Delta).
3. In the launcher settings, select Appearance → Icon Style and apply the downloaded package.

Method 2: Through MIUI settings:

• 🎨 Go to Settings. → Topics → My subjects.
• 🔍 Find a theme marked “Icons” (e.g., “Minimal Icons” or “Flat Style»).
• ⚠️ Not all themes support changing icons for third-party applications (system only).

Install Launcher (Nova/Lawnchair)| Download the icon pack (.apk)| Backup your current settings| Check the compatibility of the package with your version of MIUI

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5. Hidden Desktop Functions in MIUI

Xiaomi developers have hidden some useful features in the shell that are not mentioned in the official guides.

One of the most useful hidden features is Second Space Mode (Settings → Second Space), which allows you to create a separate desktop with different wallpapers, apps and settings. This is convenient if you want to share personal and work data on one device. Importantly, the second space consumes additional resources, so on weak models (for example, Redmi 8A) it can slow down.

6. Problems with changing the desktop and their solution

When customizing the desktop, users often encounter common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• ❌ Wallpaper is reset after resetting ✅ Solution: Turn off the Adaptive Wallpaper feature in the theme settings or set the wallpaper through the file manager (select the image). → «Set up how» → «Desktop wallpaper»).
• ❌ Widgets not updated ✅ Solution: Go to Settings → Annexes → Manage applications, find the widget and clear its cache.
• ❌ Topics not applicable ✅ Solution: Check if a third-party launcher is installed. MIUI (Settings → Default applications → Launcher).

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If the theme changes, return the standard theme and restart the device. Some animated themes are a lot of load on the processor, especially on budget models (Redmi 9C, Redmi A1).

⚠️ Warning: When installing themes from unverified sources (.mtz files), you risk catching a virus. Always check files through VirusTotal or install only from the official Xiaomi theme store.

7.Alternative launchers for deep customization

If standard MIUI features don't suit you, you can install a third-party launcher, which offers flexible desktop configuration, including:

• 🎛️ Change the size of icons and desktop grid.
• 🖌️ Gestures to launch applications (such as swiping up to open the camera).
• 🔄 Automatic change of wallpaper on schedule.

Top.-3 Launcher for Xiaomi Redmi:

1. Nova Launcher is the most flexible, with support for icon packages and gestures.
2. Lawnchair is a lightweight open source launcher (ideal for weak devices).
3. Microsoft Launcher - integration with Windows (comfortable for PC users).

To bring back the standard launcher MIUI, Go to Settings. → Annexes → Default applications → Launcher and select "Luncher" MIUI».

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)