How to install a wallpaper carousel on Xiaomi: all ways and life hacks

Dynamic auto-change wallpaper is one of the most popular features in modern smartphones. On Xiaomi devices, this option is implemented through a wallpaper carousel that allows you to cyclically change background images on the lock screen or desktop. However, not everyone knows how to activate and customize this feature correctly, especially after MIUI updates or on new models like the Redmi Note 13 or POCO F6.

In this article, we will discuss all working ways of installing wallpaper carousel - from standard tools MIUI to the hidden possibilities through ADB You will learn how to avoid common mistakes (such as when wallpaper is reset), what image formats are supported, and how to create your own collection for the carousel. 10T) We provide separate instructions taking into account firmware limitations.

Before you go to the settings, make sure that your Xiaomi has the current version of MIUI (14 or 15). In older versions (for example, MIUI 12), the functionality of the carousel may not work correctly or at all. Also prepare a folder with images - they should be in.jpg or.png format with a resolution corresponding to the screen of your smartphone (for example, 2400×1080 for the POCO X6 Pro).

1. Standard method: carousel via MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use built-in shell tools, which is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 14/15.

1. Open the Wallpaper app (an icon with a brush on your desktop or in the app menu).
2. Select the tab "Carousel" (on some models it may be called "Dynamic wallpaper").
3. Click Add Wallpaper and select images from the gallery or standard MIUI collections.
4. Set the interval of wallpaper change (from 1 minute to 24 hours) and apply the settings.

If the Carousel tab is missing, your model does not support the firmware level function, in which case you can switch to alternative methods (sections 3-5). Also note that on some devices (for example, Redmi A2) the carousel only works for the lock screen, not for the desktop.

An important nuance: once the carousel is installed, the wallpaper can be reset when the smartphone is restarted. This is a MIUI bug that is fixed only by updating the firmware or manually adjusting through ADB (see section 5).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global and MIUI Europe carousel functionality may differ, for example, in European firmware more wallpaper interval settings are available.

2. Hidden settings: activation through the theme store

Many users are unaware that MIUI has a hidden section with dynamic wallpaper that doesn't appear in the standard menu.

1. Go to Settings → Wallpaper.
2. Click on the Theme icon (usually located in the upper right corner).
3. In the search box, enter the query “carousel” or “dynamic wallpaper” (in English – “wallpaper carousel”).
4. Download your favorite theme with support for automatic wallpaper change.

This method works even on devices where a standard carousel is not available (e.g. Redmi 12C).However, note that the themes from the store may contain ads or collect data about your smartphone.

• 🔍 Pros: a large selection of styles, including animated wallpaper.
• ⚠️ Cons: Some topics are paid or require a subscription to a Mi Account.
• ⚙️ Lifehack: Once the theme is installed, it can be exported to a file and used on other devices.

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If after installing the theme, the carousel does not work, try to clear the cache of the Wallpaper application in the smartphone settings.

Third-party applications: best alternatives

If the built-in MIUI tools don't work, you can use third-party apps, and we tested a few solutions and selected the most reliable ones:

For the installation of third-party wallpaper:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Grant permissions to access the storage and install wallpaper.
3. Select an image folder or configure a source (such as Unsplash in Muzei).
4. Set the shift interval and apply the wallpaper.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with a lock installation from unknown sources (Redmi Go, some models for China) may need to enable the Settings option before installing the applications. → Annexes → Special access → Installation of unknown applications.

Download APK from the official website (not from third-party sources)|

Check out app reviews on 4PDA or Reddit|

Create a backup copy of the current wallpaper |

Disable battery optimization for wallpaper application-->

4.Manual creation of the carousel: folder Wallpapers

If you prefer not to install additional programs, you can manually configure the carousel through the system folder.This method works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires access to a file manager with root rights or through ADB.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and activate debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
2. Create a folder MIUI/wallpaper/carousel on the internal storage.
3. Place images in.jpg or.png format (maximum 50 files).
4. Reset the device.

Critical point: file names should be in format wallpaper_1.jpg, wallpaper_2.jpg etc. (without spaces and Cyrillic). MIUI They don't recognize them as part of the carousel.

• 📁 Advantages: does not require installation of software, works offline.
• ⚙️ Limitations: No flexible change interval settings.
• 🔄 Use Total Commander for convenience or FX File Explorer with access to system folders.

5. Advanced method: Adjustment through ADB

For power users willing to work with the command line, there is a way to activate hidden carousel features via ADB. This method will help if standard settings don't work or are reset after a reboot.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Platform Tools on your PC and connect your smartphone over USB.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices (should display the name of your device).
3. Activate hidden carousel settings: adb shell settings put global wallpaper_carousel_enabled 1
4. Set the shift interval (in seconds, for example, 3600 = 1 hour): adb shell settings put global wallpaper_carousel_interval 3600
5. Reset the device.

After that, the Wallpaper app will have a hidden option to set up the carousel. If the commands do not work, check if they are blocked by the manufacturer (relevant to Xiaomi with Chinese firmware).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause shell failures. Before experimenting, back up your data using adb backup.

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The ADB method is the only way to get the carousel to work on custom firmware devices (like LineageOS on the Xiaomi Mi A3).

6.The solution to the problems: why the carousel does not work

Even when properly set up, the wallpaper carousel can malfunction, and we've collected typical problems and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check if the dynamic wallpaper function in the developer settings is disabled.

1. Activate the developer mode (7 taps according to the MIUI version).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Find the option “Disable dynamic wallpaper” and make sure it is turned off.

7.Optimization: How to Reduce Battery Consumption

Automatic wallpaper changes can increase power consumption, especially if you use frequent refreshes (every 5-10 minutes) to minimize battery impact:

• ⚡ Increase the shift interval to 3-6 hours.
• 🖼️ Use static wallpaper instead of animated.
• 📴 Turn off the carousel on the lock screen if it is only active on the desktop (or vice versa).
• 🔋 Add the Wallpaper app to battery optimization exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).

On devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or X-rays) POCO F5 Pro) it is recommended to use dark wallpaper - this will reduce battery consumption by 10-15%.

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The greatest energy expenditure is when you first load the wallpaper into the cache, and then you have minimal consumption if you don't change the collection too often.

FAQ: Frequent questions about wallpaper carousel on Xiaomi