How to install live wallpaper on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways for MIUI

Live wallpaper turns your Xiaomi, Redmi or screen POCO c dynamic picture - from smoothly changing gradients to animated 3D-But the standard features are the landscapes. MIUI Often limit users to a basic set of static backgrounds. In this article, we will discuss all working methods for installing live wallpaper on Xiaomi devices, including bypassing system constraints and solving typical problems.

It is important to understand that the functionality depends on the firmware version: on MIUI 14 and later, some methods may require additional manipulation due to the tightened security policy. We tested the instructions on the Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5 models – all methods are relevant for devices with Android 12+ and MIUI 12.5+.

1. Standard method through "Themes" (limited set)

The easiest, but also the most limited, method is to use the built-in Themes app (com.miui.miwallpaper). Xiaomi offers a small collection of live wallpapers that can be installed without third-party tools. Here's how to do it:

Open Settings β†’ Wallpaper (or tap on your desktop and select Wallpaper) and tap on the Live tab at the bottom of the screen, where you’ll see the options available β€” usually abstract animations, weather effects, or paralax-effect wallpapers (responsive to the tilt of the device).

  • βœ… Pros: No root rights required, secure, updates come through MIUI.
  • ❌ Cons: the choice is extremely limited (usually 5-10 options), there is no way to download your animations.
  • πŸ”„ Feature: on some models (for example, Xiaomi) 12T) Live wallpaper is only available to lock the screen.

⚠️ Note: If the Live tab is missing, your model does not support this feature at the firmware level.

2. Installation through third-party applications (without root)

To expand the collection of live wallpaper, you can use third-party apps from Google Play.

  • 🎨 WallpapersCraft – more than 10,000 live wallpapers categorized by subject matter (space, nature, abstraction).
  • 🌊 Kappboom – specializes in 3D-animations with a depth effect (for example, underwater world or urban landscapes).
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Zedge – in addition to live wallpaper offers sounds and icons, but contains advertising.

Installation instructions:

  1. Download and install one of the applications (e.g. WallpapersCraft).
  2. Select your favorite live background and click "Install".
  3. In the window that appears, select "Apply as a live wallpaper" (not ordinary!).
  4. If the system requests permission to display over other windows, provide it.

On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 11 with MIUI 13) the wallpaper may not display correctly after installation.

Check if the power saving mode is on (turn it off)

Reset the device

Set the wallpaper again by selecting the option β€œFor lock and home screen”

Update the Themes app on Google Play-->

Critical detail: Apps like WallpapersCraft use their own animation engine, which can increase battery consumption by 5 to 15 percent. If autonomy is more important than beauty, choose wallpapers with minimal animation (such as slow-changing gradients).

3.Use of APK live wallpaper (for power users)

If you need unique live wallpapers (like official wallpaper from Samsung or Google Pixel), you can install them manually through the phone. APK-This method requires caution, because not all of them are APK compatible MIUI.

Popular APK sources of live wallpaper:

  • πŸ“± APKMirror – a verified directory with application versions (search for β€œlive wallpaper” on requestΒ»).
  • 🌐 XDA Developers – a forum where users post ported wallpaper (for example, Earth) 3D Google Live Wallpaper by Google).
  • πŸ“ Telegram channels like @MIUIMods β€” Here are often shared adapted for Xiaomi solutions.

Instructions:

  1. Download. APK-live wallpaper file (e.g, GoogleWallpapers_2023.apk).
  2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Special Access β†’ Install unknown applications.
  3. Install APK and open the app.
  4. Select wallpaper and apply them through the app menu.

⚠️ Attention: Some APK Live wallpapers may contain advertising modules or collect data. Check reviews on APKMirror or VirusTotal before installing. Be especially careful about files with the.xapk extension - they require additional permissions.

Abstract animations

3D-landscapes (mountains, oceans)

Interactive (responds to touch)

Minimalistic (gradients, clocks)

Other-->

4. Live wallpaper through ADB (for advanced)

If standard methods do not work due to MIUI limitations, you can use live wallpaper via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for devices where the system wallpaper is blocked by firmware (for example, on the POCO F4 GT with MIUI 14).

Preliminary requirements:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with installed ADB-Drivers (you can download from the official Android website).
  • πŸ“± On the smartphone included debugging on USB (Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β€” Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers).
  • πŸ”— USB-TypeC Cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
  2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
  3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
  4. Set live wallpaper with a command (replace package.name with an app identifier, such as com.google.android.apps.wallpaper): adb shell cmd wallpaper set-live-wallpaper --package package.name --component ComponentInfo{package.name/.ServiceName} You can check the servicename through APK-analyzers JADX.

This method is more complicated than others, but it allows you to bypass MIUI locks, for example, you can install live wallpaper from Google, which is usually not compatible with Xiaomi.

How to find ComponentName for ADB-team?
Open APK Live Wallpaper in JADX-GUI β†’ find the AndroidManifest.xml file β†’ in the section or there will be a line of the form: android:name=.MyLiveWallpaperService" Use it in the command after the point: package.name/.MyLiveWallpaperService

5. Live wallpaper based on video (using KLWP)

To create fully customizable live wallpaper, you can use the KLWP Live Wallpaper Maker app. It allows you to convert videos, gifs or even sensor data (such as weather) into dynamic wallpaper.

Advantages of KLWP:

  • 🎞️ Support for video formats (.mp4,.webm) with a playback speed setting.
  • πŸ“Š Integration with device data (time, battery charge, weather).
  • πŸ–ŒοΈ Editor with support for layers, animations and scripts in JavaScript.

Instructions for setting up video wallpapers:

  1. Install KLWP and KLWP Pro Key (to unlock all features).
  2. Place the video (e.g. ocean.mp4) in the KLWP/.videos folder on the internal drive.
  3. Open KLWP, add the Media element β†’ select your video.
  4. Configure the playback parameters (looping, speed, transparency).
  5. Keep it in place and use it as a living wallpaper.

To optimize productivity:

  • Use video with a resolution of 1080p (higher will increase the load).
  • Cut the video to 10-15 seconds (KLWP loops it automatically).
  • Turn off background animation in KLWP settings if lags are observed.

πŸ’‘

To save battery in KLWP, set a rule: turn off animations when the screen is locked. To do this, add the $if(br(screen, off), pause, play)$ trigger to the media element settings.

Comparison of methods of installation of live wallpaper

MethodDifficultyRoot is required.Battery consumptionCustomization
Standard "Themes"⭐❌ No.⚑ Low.❌ Limited.
The Appendix (WallpapersCraft)⭐⭐❌ No.⚑⚑ Medium.βœ… Wide choice
APK installation⭐⭐⭐❌ No.⚑⚑⚑ High (depending on the APK)βœ… Unique wallpaper
ADB⭐⭐⭐⭐❌ No.⚑⚑ Medium.βœ… Any compatible wallpaper
KLWP⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐❌ No.⚑⚑⚑⚑ Very tall.βœ… Full customization

Solving common problems

When installing live wallpaper on Xiaomi, users often encounter typical errors. Here's how to fix them:

  • πŸ”„ Wallpaper not animated: Check if Power Saving or Ultra Battery is on. Restart the Themes system app (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Topics β†’ Stop/Clear the cache).
  • ⚠️ The live wallpaper app flies out: Update the app and MIUI until the latest version, if used APK, Try another version (for example, instead of a different version). arm64 Download Universal).
  • πŸ“΅ No sound in the live wallpaper: MIUI It turns off the sound for live wallpaper by default. ADB-Adb shell settings put global live_wallpaper_sound 1

If none of these methods worked, check if the animation is disabled at the system level.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Special Options β†’ Delete animation.
  2. Make sure the slider is off.

πŸ’‘

On devices with MIUI 14 and later, some live wallpaper may not work due to battery optimization policies. Add wallpaper app to exceptions: Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Optimization β†’ All Apps β†’ Find your app β†’ No restrictions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about live wallpaper on Xiaomi

Can I install a live wallpaper on Xiaomi without Google Play?
Yes, there are several ways: Download APK live wallpaper from trusted sources (e.g. APKMirror) and install manually. Use alternative stores like Aurora Store or APKPure. For models with Global ROM, you can use the built-in Theme Store, where sometimes live wallpaper appears. Careful: avoid sites with suspicious domains (e.g.,.xyz or.top), as they often spread malware.
Why do live wallpapers drain the battery quickly?
The live wallpaper increases the load on GPU and CPU, Here's how to reduce your energy consumption: Choose wallpapers with minimal animation (e.g., slow gradients instead of low-energy gradients). 3D-In the wallpaper settings, reduce the FPS (If you have this option, turn off the wallpaper on the lock screen (Settings) β†’ Screen locking β†’ Wallpaper style β†’ Static. Use dark wallpaper on the AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra) - this will reduce battery consumption by 10-20%. Average battery consumption from live wallpaper: Simple animations: +3–5% 3D-wallpaper: +8-12% Video wallpaper (KLWP): +15–25%
How to make a live wallpaper from your video?
That's fine. KLWP Video Live Wallpaper (app from outrun labs) Step-by-step instruction for Video Live Wallpaper: Download the app from Google Play. Place the video (format.mp4, length 30 Sec. to the VideoLiveWallpapers folder on the internal drive. Open the app, select the video and set the settings: Loop Mode - looping. Audio - turn on the sound (not working on all devices). Quality - playback quality (high will increase the load). Apply wallpaper through the app menu. For better results: Use resolution video 1920Γ—1080 no higher 5 Cut the video in the editor (like CapCut) to remove unnecessary snippets.
Does the live wallpaper work on POCO with MIUI?
All the methods in this article apply to devices. POCO (for example, POCO X5 pro POCO F5), Because they work on the same firmware. MIUI. But there are nuances: POCO s MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO Launcher) may not have the Live tab in the standard wallpaper settings. In this case, use third-party apps. POCO (for example, POCO M6 Pro) have a simplified version MIUI, Solution: Update your firmware to the latest version. To check compatibility: Find out the exact version MIUI: Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI. Check the compatibility table in the forum XDA Developers (Segment Xiaomi) POCO).
How do you remove the wallpaper if it is not removed?
If the standard removal through Settings β†’ Wallpaper does not work, try the following methods: Wallpaper reset: Go to Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Topics β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the data. This will reset all the wallpaper to standard, but it will not delete the downloaded files. ADB: adb shell cmd wallpaper clear This command will reset wallpaper to system. Manual file deletion: Connect to the device via a file manager (e.g. MiXplorer). Go to the folder /data/data/com.miui.miwallpaper/files/wallpapers. Delete files with the.kwp extension (live wallpaper) or.mp4. ⚠️ Note: Delete files in the folder /data/data/ requires root rights or access through ADB Incorrect actions can cause system applications to fail.