Budget smartphone owners often encounter intrusive interface elements that come after updates. The lock screen wallpaper carousel is exactly the kind of feature that changes the background image and shows promotional news without you wanting. On the Xiaomi Redmi 6A model running on the MIUI shell, this process can be annoying, especially given the device's modest specs.
Disabling this feature does not require root rights or complex firmware reflashing. It is enough to change several parameters in the system settings in a sequential manner to regain control over the appearance of your gadget. Below we will discuss in detail all available methods of eliminating advertising and automatically changing the background.
What is a wallpaper carousel and why does it appear
Known as Glance or Wallpaper Carousel, the feature was originally conceived as a way to personalize the lock screen, but in practice it often turns into a distribution channel for advertising content and news feeds. On Redmi 6A, this option can be activated automatically after a system update or installing certain applications.
The main problem is resource consumption: High-resolution backup images consume mobile internet traffic and charge the battery, which is critical for devices with a small battery, and constant notifications from the wallpaper service can interfere with the normal operation of the smartphone.
⚠️ Attention: Complete removal of the system component of the carousel can lead to errors in the work of the theme of the design.
Understanding the nature of this service helps to set the device up properly, and the system perceives the carousel as a standard widget or theme, so you need to turn it off through the appropriate design or screen control menus.
Disconnection through lock screen settings
The easiest and safest way to remove ads is to use regular MIUI tools. The settings interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (Global or China), but the logic of actions remains the same for the entire Redmi line.
First, you need to go to the main configuration menu of the system, find the gear icon on the desktop or in the notification curtain, then follow the path that will lead to the control of the appearance of the blocker.
Perform the following actions consistently:
- 📱 Open the settings of your smartphone.
- 🔒 Go to the Lock Screen section (sometimes it is inside the Always On and Lock option»).
- 🎨 Find the Wallpaper Carousel or Glance for Xiaomi.
- ❌ Turn the switch to the off position.
After that, the system will stop downloading new images, the lock screen will return to the static background that you manually selected in the gallery, and if the switch is active but the images do not change, then the problem may be that there is no connection to the server.
In some versions of MIUI firmware, the settings can be hidden deeper. Look for the Makeup or Themes subsection inside the lock menu. This is where the automatic background switch often hides.
Setup the “Themes” app for complete removal
If the standard switching in settings failed, then the carousel is managed through the Themes system application, a deeper level of integration that is characteristic of the Xiaomi ecosystem.
You'll need to open the Themes app, which usually has an icon with a brush or palette, and in the upper right corner or in the profile menu (human icon) there's a settings button. Click on it to see the list of options.
In the list that opens, look for the Wallpaper Carousel, where you can not only turn off the feature, but also clear the cache of uploaded images, which will free up space in internal memory, which is very important for the Redmi 6A with its limited storage capacity.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on the system |
|---|
| Carousel status | Off. | Stops downloading content |
| Network access | Forbidden. | Saving traffic |
| Notifications | Hidden. | Removes badges. |
| Auto-update | Disconnected. | Reduces the CPU load |
You can also check the themes you have installed on the Themes app, some of which are forced to include a carousel, and if you use a third-party design, try resetting it to a standard one to see if the problem goes away.
What to do if the item "Carousel" is not in the Topic app?
In some regions (such as India or Russia), the feature may be called Glance.Look for the Topics app settings for Get References or Lock Screen Magazine and turn them off.> Sometimes the wallpaper carousel works as a separate system application that can run in the background. To ensure that this process is stopped, you need to prohibit its activity through the Application Manager. Go to Settings → Annexes → All apps. You'll want to find a wallpaper service on the list, which might be called Glance, Wallpaper Carousel, or Mi Wallpaper. MIUI. After finding the right item, follow the following steps: 🛑 Press the Stop or Close button. 🚫 Select Disable (if the button is active). 🔋 In the "Energy Saving" section, select the option No restrictions (paradoxically, but sometimes it is necessary to keep the application from hanging in the background, or vice versa - limit background activity). 📡 In the "Data Use" section, prohibit data transmission over Wi-Fi and mobile networks. This method is especially effective if the carousel continues to appear after the reboot. Forced shutdown and denial of network access ensure that the service will not be able to update content. ⚠️ Note: Do not delete system applications unless you are sure of their purpose. disabling is safer than completely removing them through ADB. If the "Disable" button is inactive (gray), it is a critical component of the system, and then only the banning of Internet access for a particular process helps. Hiding widgets on the lock screen In new versions of the shell MIUI The carousel can be implemented as a widget that appears on a locked screen, and even if the service is disabled, the widget itself can take up space or show remnants of content. To check this, unlock the phone and tap the screen again to go out, then turn it on, but don't unlock it completely.Try swiping your finger across the screen or pressing and holding your finger in free space.If the interface allows you to edit the lock: 🖱 Press and hold your finger on the widget area. ➖ Find the Wallpaper widget or News. 🗑 Click on the basket icon or minus to remove the item. on Redmi 6A Customization options may be limited, but checking for extra widgets is a must. Often users confuse the My Loved One widget (a photo from the gallery) with an advertising carousel. Removing the widget does not affect system files, so this action is completely safe. After cleaning the lock screen, it is advisable to restart the device. MIUI It's impossible to beat an obsessive carousel, you can radically change the interface by installing a third-party launcher.This will completely replace Xiaomi's shell with a cleaner version of Android. Popular launchers like Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launcher don't have built-in ads and carousels. After installing such an application, the system will stop using the standard lock screen. MIUI But you have to consider the Redmi's features. 6A: The device has only 2 or 3 GB of RAM. Heavy launchers can slow down the smartphone. The native lock screen (with passwords and a fingerprint) may stop working correctly. Use this method only if you are willing to sacrifice some security features for a clean interface. 💡Before installing the launcher, back up your contacts and photos, as changing the interface sometimes causes widget settings to reset. Launchers are a great solution for advanced users who want to get rid of visual noise completely. MIUI. But for a simple carousel shutdown, they're a redundant solution (FAQ) Why does the carousel turn on again after it's turned off? This may be due to automatic updates of system components. Check if you have auto-update themes enabled. Also, some system "optimizers" may force Google and Xiaomi services to "improve the experience». Is it safe to disable system applications via ADB? Disable is usually safe, but uninstalling the system packages that handle the theme can lead to a bootloop (cyclical reboot). Be careful with pm uninstall commands. Does the carousel affect the speed of the Redmi 6A? Yes, the background loading and the work of the ad scripts consume the CPU resources. On a budget device with a Snapdragon 425, this can cause noticeable slowdown when you turn on the screen. Can you choose a photo without advertizing? 💡Complete shutdown of wallpaper carousel on Redmi 6A Maybe through standard settings. MIUI without the need to install additional software or flashing.