Why the wallpaper carousel annoys Poco M3 users
Automatic wallpaper change to Xiaomi Poco M3 is a feature that was originally supposed to diversify the appearance of the desktop. However, in practice, it often becomes a source of discomfort. First, uncontrolled background rotation is distracting from work, especially if the wallpaper changes too often or contains bright, flashy colors. Second, the function consumes additional resources: the processor and RAM wastes energy on loading new images, which speeds up battery discharge by 5-7% in 8 hours of active use (data from the tests on MIUI 12.5).
The third problem is unpredictable content. MIUI downloads wallpaper from Xiaomi’s cloud collections, which may include banner ads or low-quality images. Poco M3 users often complain that the feature activates itself after system updates, even if it has been disabled before. Fortunately, there are several ways to regain control of the desktop, from standard settings to technical solutions for advanced users.
Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in options, which is suitable for most users and does not require additional tools, and important: the path to settings may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI (on the Poco M3, 12.0-12.5 or 13 are usually installed).
Instructions:
- 📱 Open Settings (the gear icon on the desktop).
- 🎨 Go to Wallpaper section. → Dynamic wallpaper.
- ⚙️ Find the option Automatic wallpaper change (or Wallpaper Carousel).
- 🔘 Move the slider to the off position..
- 🔄 Restart the device to apply changes.
Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone
Close all background applications
Connect to stable Wi-Fi (to synchronize changes)
Make a backup copy of the current wallpaper-->
If the item Dynamic wallpaper is not in the menu, try an alternative way:
- Long press on the free space of the desktop → Wallpaper.
- Tap by icon ⚙️ Settings in upper right corner.
- Disable the option of Carousel or Carousel.
⚠️ Note: On some Poco firmware M3 When the carousel is turned off, the wallpaper is dropped on the standard wallpaper.
Method 2: Using a launcher from third-party developers
If standard settings don't help or the carousel function returns after a reboot, alternative launchers are worth considering. They not only remove automatic wallpaper change, but also offer additional customization options. M3:
- 🚀 Nova Launcher – supports gestures, adaptive icons and manual wallpaper control.
- 🎭 Lawnchair is an open source lightweight launcher optimized for Xiaomi.
- 🔄 Microsoft Launcher - integration with Windows, stable operation MIUI.
- 🖼️ Action Launcher – Advanced wallpaper settings, including locking automatic change.
How to install and configure:
- Download the launcher from Google Play.
- Open the application and select it as the default launcher (a system request will appear).
- Go to the launcher settings → Desktop → Wallpaper.
- Turn off Auto Update or Dynamic Wallpaper options.
- Set the static image manually.
| Launcher | Support for topics | Locking the carousel | RAM consumption (Mb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Launcher | ✅ (plug-in) | ✅ (full-fledged) | 80–120 |
| Lawnchair | ✅ | ✅ | 60–90 |
| Microsoft Launcher | ❌ | ✅ | 100–140 |
| Action Launcher | ✅ | ✅ (customized) | 90–130 |
⚠️ Note: When using third-party launchers, turn off battery optimization for them in the settings MIUI (Settings → Annexes → Permits → Battery optimization; otherwise, the launcher may spontaneously close.
Nova Launcher
Lawnchair
Microsoft Launcher
Standard MIUI Launcher
Other-->
Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for advanced users)
If the wallpaper carousel fails to be removed by standard methods, Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a low-level system management tool that requires a PC connection and basic command line knowledge, will help, but it is guaranteed to disable the function at the MIUI level.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode on Poco M3: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers. Activate USB Debugging.
Connect your phone to your PC through USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).
ADB Tools
Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
adb devices(Poco M3 device with serial number should appear)
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.miwallpaperadb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.wallpaperReset the device.
These commands remove the system applications of wallpaper for the current user (no root rights). The carousel function will disappear, but you will lose access to the standard MIUI wallpaper. To return it all back, do:
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.miwallpaperWhat if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 4: Editing system files (requires root)
For users with unlocked bootloader and root rights, a radical method is available - editing MIUI configuration files. This method is risky (may lead to system failures), but guaranteed to remove the wallpaper carousel forever, even after updates.
Instructions:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Mixplorer).
- Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiWallpaper or /system/app/WallpaperCarousel
- Find files with the.apk and.odex extensions associated with wallpaper (e.g. MiuiWallpaper.apk).
- Rename them by adding.bak at the end (e.g. MiuiWallpaper.apk.bak).
- Reset the device.
Alternatively, disable the wallpaper service via Titanium Backup:
- 📦 Open the Titanium Backup.
- 🔍 Find the Wallpaper app. MIUI Or Wallpaper Carousel.
- ❄️ Choose Freeze.
⚠️ Note: Editing system files may disrupt other functions MIUI, It's like a dark theme or adaptive backlight. Before you change, make a full backup through the screen. TWRP.
Method 5: Resetting the launcher settings to factory
If the wallpaper carousel appeared after an update or a system failure, resetting the launcher settings will help. This method does not affect user data, but returns the desktop to the out-of-the-box state.
How to perform the reset:
- Open the Settings → Applications.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner → Show all the applications.
- Find the MIUI Launcher (or POCO Launcher).
- Select Warehouse. → Delete the data.
- Confirm the action and restart the phone.
After discharge:
- 🔄 The wallpaper carousel will be offline.
- 📱 All icons on the desktop will return to the standard look.
- ⚙️ Signs and transitions will be reset.
💡
Before resetting the launcher, take screenshots of the icons on the desktop, which will help quickly restore the usual order after the procedure.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after the wallpaper carousel is turned off, Poco M3 users face a return of function or other difficulties.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Carousel returns after MIUI update | Resetting user settings by the system | Repeat the shutdown via ADB or launcher |
| It is impossible to find the option "Wallpaper Driver" in the settings | Obsolete version of MIUI or regional firmware | Update the system or use ADB |
| Wallpaper is reset to standard after rebooting | Conflict with battery optimization | Turn off optimization for launcher in settings |
| ADB does not see the device | No drivers or antivirus blocking | Install Mi USB Driver and check USB settings |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- 📋 Version MIUI: on certain firmware (for example, MIUI 13 for Poco M3) The wallpaper carousel is integrated into system services, in which case only a rollback to an earlier version or the installation of custom firmware will help.
- 🔧 Viruses: Some malicious apps simulate wallpaper change.Call your phone through Google Play Protect or Malwarebytes.
- 📡 Regional settings: on Chinese firmware (CN ROM) The carousel function can be blocked at the server level of Xiaomi. Try changing the region in the Mi Account settings.
💡
If the wallpaper carousel appeared after installing a third-party application (such as themes or widgets), delete it and check for residual files through Settings → Apps.