Owners of Xiaomi’s budget and mid-range smartphones, such as the Redmi 5, often face an intrusive feature that automatically changes images on the lock screen.This system, known as the wallpaper carousel or Glance for Mi, is designed to showcase news content and banner ads, but in practice often only annoys users and consumes traffic. Many owners of devices based on the MIUI shell are looking for a way to restore calm to their gadget and install one static picture that will not change without their knowledge.
The process of deactivating this feature can seem confusing due to the constant changes in the MIUI 9, 10 or 11 firmware interface that are relevant to this model.The system is deeply integrated into system applications, and simply removing the icon from the desktop does not stop the background loading of content. You will need to perform several consecutive actions in the security and personalization settings to completely free yourself from automatic background change.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the available methods for disabling the carousel, from standard system settings to deeper application permission management techniques. We will look at the nuances of different firmware versions that may have been installed on your Redmi 5 over the years. Understanding these mechanisms will allow you not only to remove the annoying feature, but also to increase the overall responsiveness of the interface.
What is a wallpaper carousel and why turn it off
The wallpaper carousel is a service built into the Security System App or a separate Wallpaper app that automatically uploads new images from the Internet every time you turn on the screen. Xiaomi's original vision was to make the lock screen more informative and lively by showing beautiful landscapes, city panoramas or motivational quotes.
The main reason users are trying to turn off this feature is because of the inefficient use of resources of the device. Redmi 5, released several years ago, has limited computing power and RAM by modern standards. The constant background work of the service, loading high-resolution images and rendering animations puts extra strain on the processor, which can lead to micro-latency when unlocking a smartphone.
And you can't ignore the question of mobile traffic consumption. If you don't have unlimited Internet or you're roaming, a wallpaper carousel can stealthily eat a large portion of your data packet. It can upload high-resolution images even when there's no Wi-Fi connection, unless the settings are limited, and turning it off is a step toward optimizing an old but reliable device.
Preparation for changing system settings
Before you start directly shutting down services, make sure your Redmi 5 is ready to make changes to system settings. It is recommended to check the current firmware version, as the location of menu items may vary slightly depending on the year of release of the device and the regional version of the software. Usually, version information is located in the About Phone menu, which can be accessed through settings or through the Security app.
It is important to understand that some system applications in the MIUI shell have protection against accidental removal or disabling. Therefore, standard removal of the icon from the desktop will not be enough. You may need access to advanced application settings or use a special developer mode, although in most cases, Redmi 5 has enough rights for the average user.
☑️ Preparing Redmi 5 for the setup
It's also worth noting that once the carousel is turned off, your lock screen will return to a standard, static look.This means you lose the ability to see news or quick links that might have been integrated into the carousel, but gain stability.If you're used to changing pictures frequently, consider installing a third-party launcher or wallpaper app that doesn't have intrusive advertising.
The main method of disconnection through the Security application
The most reliable and common way to remove the wallpaper carousel on the Xiaomi Redmi 5 is to use the built-in Security app. This is where key switches control MIUI system functions are concentrated. This method works on most firmware versions, including global and Chinese versions, although item names can vary slightly depending on localization.
To start, look for an icon on your desktop or app menu called Security and a green shield. Launch the app and wait for the automatic system check (if it's on) to be completed. In the interface that opens, you need to find a section called Clean up or go straight to settings by clicking on the gear in the top right corner of the screen.
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If you can’t find the “Wallpaper Carousel” item in the security menu, try searching inside the Security app itself by entering the word “Carousel” or “Wallpaper.”
Inside the settings menu, find the Wallpaper Carousel (or Glance for Mi in the newer versions) section, and you'll find the main switch that activates the function. Switch it to Off. Then the system can request confirmation of action or suggest that you leave the function on for "beautiful pictures." You need to firmly press the button to confirm disconnect.
⚠️ Warning: After the switch is turned off, the system may not turn off the function instantly. Sometimes it requires a device restart or a screen re-energization to make the changes take effect and the background load stops.
Permit management and forced stop
If the standard switching of the switch in the Security app fails, or the function is turned on again after a while, more stringent measures must be applied. The mechanism of operation of some MIUI system services allows them to restore their settings, in which case we need to prevent the application responsible for the carousel from accessing the network and auto-starting.
You'll need to go to the basic Settings of your smartphone, then select the App section and click on the All Apps button. In the list you'll find an app called Wallpaper Carousel, Wallpaper, or Glance for Mi. The icon usually looks like a colorful circle or gallery. If it's hard to find in the general list, search the app list.
Once in the application management menu, follow the following steps:
- 🛑 Click the Stop (or “Complete”) button to kill the current service process.
- 🔒 Select Permission and find Internet access (Mobile and Wi-Fi). Disable both permissions. This is a critical step that will deprive the app of the ability to download new images.
- 🚫 If there is an Auto Start option on the menu, make sure the switch opposite the wallpaper carousel is off.
Disabling Internet access is the most effective way to combat intrusive service. Without the network, the application will not be able to physically update the image on the lock screen, and you are guaranteed to see its static screensaver, while the application itself will remain in the system, which will prevent possible errors in the operation of the MIUI shell that could occur if the system component is completely removed.
⚠️ Note: Do not attempt to remove this application entirely through third-party utilities unless you have superuser (Root) rights.Forced removal of system components may result in unstable interface operation or cyclic reboot (bootloop).
Static wallpaper setting and personalization
Once you’ve successfully turned off the carousel, you’ll be faced with the question of choosing a static image that will please the eye every time you look at the phone. Redmi 5 has a screen with a resolution of 1440x720 pixels (18:9), so it’s important to pick up the right size image to avoid stretching or black fields.
To set your own wallpaper, go to Settings → Wallpaper. Here you can choose an image from the gallery, use built-in MIUI themes, or download a new one from the Internet. It is recommended to use images in JPG or PNG format with a bitrate that does not exceed reasonable limits, so as not to strain the memory of the device, although for a static picture this is not as critical as for a carousel.
How to Create the Perfect Wallpaper for Redmi 5
Also in the wallpaper settings, look at the Themes section, where you can find thousands of free static wallpapers in the MIUI theme store that are optimized for Xiaomi screens, and it's a great alternative to the carousel, which allows you to change the mood of your phone as you wish, rather than the algorithms of the ad network, and you can create folders with your favorite images and change them manually once a week.
Comparison of disconnection methods and possible problems
In the process of combating wallpaper carousel, users can try different methods. To systematize knowledge, let's compare the effectiveness of the methods described above. Understanding the differences will help you choose the best strategy for your particular version of firmware.
| Method of disconnection | Efficiency | Difficulty | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shutdown in "Safety" | Medium (may be switched on by itself) | Low. | Minimum |
| Banning Internet access | High (guaranteed) | Medium | Absent. |
| Removal via ADB | Maximum | Tall. | Possible system errors |
The most common problem after the carousel is turned off is the appearance of a standard MIUI saver with a logo and watch, which may not appeal to the user. This is solved by simply installing your wallpaper through the gallery. Another problem is periodic notifications from the system with the suggestion to “return the beauty” or turn the carousel back on, such notifications can be turned off in the “Receive recommendations” setting inside the carousel application itself, if it is still available, or simply ignore them.
Additional optimization of the Redmi 5 interface
Turning off the wallpaper carousel is just the first step to clearing your Xiaomi Redmi 5 from unnecessary visual noise. There are many other features in the MIUI system that can distract or waste resources. For example, it is recommended to check the settings of advertising in the system. Although this is not directly related to wallpaper, it is part of the general philosophy of minimizing the interference of the system with smartphone use.
To disable ads, go to password and security settings, look for the Privacy or Special Opportunities section (depending on the MIUI version), and turn off the Receive Recommendations option. It’s also worth looking at the settings of each system application (Conductor, Downloads, Music) and find the Receive Recommendations switch there, turning it off. This will make the interface cleaner and faster.
⚠️ Warning: Be careful when disabling system notifications. Make sure you don't turn off important alerts from messengers or calls in an attempt to remove system advertising. Distinguish between notifications from apps and notifications from the system MIUI.