Owners of budget and mid-budget smartphones from the Chinese giant often face intrusive functionality that not only annoys, but also consumes system resources. A vivid example of this intervention is the wallpaper carousel, which automatically changes images on a locked screen and shows advertising banners. For users of the Redmi 9 model equipped with an NFC module, this issue is especially acute, since unnecessary processes can conflict with the work of contactless payment.
The MIUI system installed on the device is set to maximize user interaction through content by default, which is often perceived as spam. Disabling this feature returns control of the gadget, speeds up unlocking and eliminates accidental clicks on advertising links. In this guide, we will discuss in detail all available methods for deactivating Carousel, including hidden settings and working with system applications.
It is worth noting that the menu layout may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, whether it is a global Global ROM or a Chinese version. However, the basic principles of system services management remain unchanged for the entire Xiaomi ecosystem. Before you start manipulating, make sure that your device is charged to avoid interrupting the setup process.
Understanding the Nature of Wallpaper Carousel in MIUI
The wallpaper carousel is not just a change of images, but a full-fledged service integrated into the system layer of the shell. It works in the background, periodically downloading new content over the Internet. For owners of Redmi 9, this means additional traffic and battery consumption, which is critical for devices with less than the most capacious autonomy in active use.
The main purpose of this mechanism is to monetize the free device, where by displaying ads on the lock screen, the manufacturer receives income that partially compensates for the low cost of the smartphone, but for a user who values the cleanliness of the interface and privacy, this behavior of the system is undesirable.
It's important to distinguish between a regular wallpaper change and a Carousel, which is a standard feature that allows you to choose a static image or an album from a gallery, and a carousel is a separate application service that requires permission to access geolocation and location data to match relevant ads, and that's the service that we're going to be turning off.
Basic method of disconnection through screen settings
The easiest and safest way to remove intrusive functionality is to use the system's regular tools, which do not require superuser rights or alter system files, but you need to access the lock screen design menu.
Go to the basic settings of your Redmi 9 and find the look section, which can be called Wallpaper or Lock Screen, and in the menu that opens, you'll see a switch that activates the carousel service, and you'll need to put it inactive.
Once the tumbler is turned off, the system may suggest that you choose a static image or leave the current one, which is a normal interface reaction. Make sure that the tape-like icon or arrow icon that symbolizes the service is gone at the top of the screen.
If the standard Settings → Wallpaper → Wallpaper carousel does not produce the desired result, try the alternative option through the Always On Screen menu. In some versions of MIUI, the settings are duplicated or transferred depending on the firmware region, the main thing is to find the mention of the word "Carousel" or "Glance".
☑️ Checking the shutdown
Removal or disabling of the system application
Sometimes switching the switch is not enough, because the background processes can restart the service, and then you need a deeper intervention, which is the application management, and we're going to look for the system component that's going to run the carousel.
Open a list of all installed applications. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All applications. In the upper right corner, click on three dots and select Show System Processes. This is a critical step, because without it, the desired component will be hidden.
In the list that opens, find an app called "Wallpaper Carousel," "Mi Content," or "Glance." The interface can be in English or Russian. Click on the app name to go to its detailed menu.
Inside the app menu, you'll see the Stop and Delete buttons. If the Delete button is active, feel free to use it. If it's gray (inactive), click Stop and then Disable or Limit, which will prevent the service from starting when the system starts.
⚠️ Warning: Be extremely careful when removing system applications, make sure that you turn off the carousel component, not the system process that loads the interface or the screen.
What to do if the application is restored?
Configuring permissions and access to data
Even if the visual interface of the carousel is disabled, it can continue to collect your location data to target ads elsewhere.To fully secure your Redmi 9 with NFC module, you need to check permissions.
In the same Wallpaper Carousel control menu, find Permissions, where geolocation, contacts and phone access should be banned, especially location access, as it is often used to display regional ads.
Also, you should limit background activity. Under Battery or Energy Saving, for this application, select No Limits mode (so that the system doesn’t wake it up) or Vice versa, Hard Limit, if this option is available in your version of MIUI. This will prevent hidden operation of the process.
Permission verification is a good practice not only for the carousel, but also for other Xiaomi system services.Limiting access rights minimizes the digital footprint and improves overall device security, especially if you use your smartphone for financial transactions through NFC.
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Use Do Not Disturb mode at night so that even if the carousel is activated in some way, it can't wake up the screen or make a sound.
Comparison of methods of deactivation of the service
The choice of the method of disabling depends on your technical skills and the desired depth of cleaning the system. Below is a table comparing the main methods so that you can choose the best one for your situation.
| Method | Difficulty | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switch in settings | Low. | Medium | Minimum |
| Disconnection in application management | Medium | Tall. | Low. |
| Using ADB teams | Tall. | Maximum | Medium (PC requires) |
| Installation of third-party launchers | Medium | Tall. | Medium (loss of MIUI functionality) |
For most Redmi 9 users, a combination of the first two methods is enough: disabling the tumbler and disabling the application, which provides a balance between system stability and no advertising. ADB-commands are justified only in cases where standard methods are blocked by security updates.
Installing third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair changes not only the lock screen, but the entire interface.It's a radical step that could deprive you of some of the convenient features of the MIUI shell, so it's worth resorting to last.
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The combination of switching off in settings and disabling auto-start in the application manager gives a 99% guarantee of getting rid of the carousel without the risk of system failure.
The impact of the carousel on NFC performance and safety
The NFC module in the Redmi 9 smartphone is used for contactless payment and fast pairing with devices. Having active background services like wallpaper carousel can theoretically create interrupt conflicts, although in practice this is rare.
More important is security: Wallpaper carousels require a constant connection to the Internet and access to the system. If there are vulnerabilities in the code of this service (which happens in budget assemblies), attackers could use it as an entry point. By disabling unnecessary services, you reduce the attack surface on your device.
In addition, the carousel can block system notifications. If you are waiting for a transaction confirmation via NFC or notifications from a banking application, an ad banner on the lock screen can visually overshadow an important message or delay the system's response to a touch.
Optimization of the system by removing excess "garbage" has a positive effect on the speed of the processor. Redmi 9 - the device is not the most powerful by modern standards, and the release of RAM from heavy graphics services will make the interface more smooth.
⚠️ Warning: After disabling system components, always check the basic functions of the phone: calls, messages and, in particular, contactless payment to make sure there are no side effects.
Additional optimization and cleaning of advertising
After the wallpaper carousel is defeated, it is recommended to conduct a general cleaning of the system from advertising. MIUI has a hidden MSA menu (MIUI System Ads), which is also responsible for displaying banners in standard applications.
To disable MSA, go to Settings → Password & Security → Access to Personal Data. Find the msa list and turn off the slider. You will have to wait 10 seconds and confirm the action. If you fail the first time, repeat the procedure 3-4 times until the system agrees.
You should also turn off recommendations in folders. Press the folder with applications on the desktop, click on the folder name and remove the "Recommendations" box, which will remove the promotional offers of applications that the system puts in folders.
The Redmi 9’s comprehensive approach to customization makes it a convenient tool, and regular checks for system updates are also important: sometimes new security patches close holes that ads may have penetrated, or new official ways to disable intrusive features appear.