Xiaomi Redmi smartphones based on the MIUI shell offer a convenient feature of separate wallpaper: you can set one image on the lock screen and another on the desktop. However, not all users like this separation. Some prefer uniformity, some face bugs when changing themes, and someone just uncomfortable to maintain two pictures at the same time. If you are looking for a way to synchronize wallpaper or completely disable separation – this article is for you.
Depending on the MIUI version (12, 13 or 14) and the Redmi model (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, Redmi 9T, Redmi K50), the process may be slightly different. We will look at universal methods, as well as nuances for specific devices.
Important: Some of the ways require administrator rights or developer mode activation. If you're a beginner, follow the basic instructions. Experienced users will find advanced solutions here, including editing system files.
Why Xiaomi Redmi has different wallpaper on the lock and desktop?
The split wallpaper feature appeared in MIUI 11 and became standard in later versions.
- 🎨 Personalization: the ability to express individuality by combining images (e.g., abstraction on lock and family photo on desktop).
- 🔒 Security: Notifications are often displayed on the lock screen – the neutral background does not distract from the information.
- 📱 Optimization: shell MIUI automatically adjusts the brightness and contrast of the wallpaper to the type of screen (AMOLED or IPS).
However, the function has disadvantages:
- ⚠️ Confusion: Users accidentally install different pictures without understanding why they don’t sync.
- 🐢 Slowing down: on weak devices (e.g. Redmi) 8A) wallpaper change can cause lags.
- 🔄 Bugs: After the update MIUI Sometimes the settings are reset and the wallpaper is split again.
If you're annoyed by this separation, move on to the next section with the instructions. If you just want to understand how the system works, read on.
Method 1: Disable separate wallpapers through standard settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable for most Redmi models (including Redmi Note 11, Redmi 10, Redmi K40) and does not require superuser rights.
Instructions:
- Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
- Go to Wallpaper section. → My wallpaper.
- Select the image you want to use on both the lock and desktop.
- Click Apply and in the window that appears, uncheck the tick from the item Apply only to the lock screen (or Apply only to the desktop).
- Confirm your choice by clicking Ready.
If this item is missing from your MIUI version, try an alternative path:
- Press your finger to the free space on the desktop → Wallpaper.
- Select the image and in the application menu tap on both screens.
☑️ Preparation for wallpaper changes
If you still have different wallpapers after that, move on to the next way, and maybe you have a hidden setting activated in your firmware.
⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A s MIUI 12.5) After changing the wallpaper, the brightness of the screen may be reset. To return the previous settings, go to Settings → Display. → Brightness.
Method 2: Reset the settings of the “Themes” application
If the standard method didn’t work, the problem could be in the cache or settings of the Theme app, and resetting will help bring back factory settings, including wallpaper synchronization.
How to reset:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the Topics list and tap it.
- Select Warehouse → Clear cache and Clear data.
- Confirm action. The app will restart with factory settings.
After discharge:
- 🔄 Restart the device (required!).
- 🖼️ Reset the wallpaper through the Themes → Wallpaper by selecting the option on both screens.
- 📱 Check if additional menu items have appeared (sometimes hidden options open after a reset).
| Model Redmi | MIUI version | Is a reset required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | 12.5–14 | No. | The standard method works without resetting |
| Redmi 9T | 12.0.8–12.5 | Yes. | Cache cleaning is often required |
| Redmi K50 | 13–14 | No. | There is a separate switch in the wallpaper settings |
| Redmi 8A | 11–12 | Yes. | After resetting, a reset may be required |
⚠️ Attention: Cleaning the Topic app will remove all the uploaded wallpaper and themes. If you used premium themes, you will have to download them again. To avoid this, take screenshots of your favorite wallpaper before resetting.
Method 3: Using Developer Mode (for Power Users)
If previous methods have failed, you can try to disable separate wallpapers through the developer mode, which is suitable for devices on MIUI 13/14 and requires caution.
Steps:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (you will be notified you have become a developer!).
Settings
Additionally.
For developers
Disable separate wallpaper
Force single wallpaper
Activate the switch and restart the device.
If you don’t have this option, try an alternative route:
- In For Developers, find Debugging over USB and turn it on.
- Connect your phone to your PC and use it. ADB (Android Debug Bridge to run the command: adb shell settings put global force_single_wallpaper 1
- Reset the device.
What to do if there is no option to “disable separate wallpaper”?
On devices with MIUI 14 Global Stable (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+), after activation of the developer mode, a hidden item "Wallpaper Unification" may appear in the menu "Additional settings → Special features".
Method 4: Installation of a third-party launcher
If the system methods didn't work, the most reliable option is to use a third-party launcher, which is an application that replaces the standard MIUI interface and allows you to flexibly customize wallpaper.
The best launchers for synchronizing wallpaper:
- 🌟 Nova Launcher: supports single wallpaper, flexible grid settings and gestures. The free version is limited, but it's enough for our task.
- 🎨 Lawnchair: Lightweight open source launcher optimized for Xiaomi.
- ⚡ Hyperion Launcher: Offers advanced personalization options, including dynamic wallpaper.
How to install and configure:
- Download the launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
- After installation, click the Home button and select the new launcher as the main one.
- Press your finger on the desktop → Wallpaper → select an image.
- In the launcher settings (Settings → Wallpaper) disable the option Separate Wallpaper (if any).
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI.
- ✅ Does not require root rights or complex manipulations.
- ✅ Additional features: hiding icons, gestures, dark theme.
⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi) A1+) After installing a third-party launcher, Xiaomi’s weather and calendar widgets may disappear. To return them, install widgets from Google Play (for example, Chronus or Overdrop).
Solving problems after disabling separate wallpaper
Sometimes, after a change, you get a problem: wallpaper doesn't apply, artifacts appear, or settings are reset, and then you look at typical situations and their solutions.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Wallpaper doesn't change. | Cashed data | Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Topics |
| Black screen after shift | Incompatible image format | Use wallpaper in JPG/PNG with a resolution of up to 1080p |
| Scrolling lags | Too heavy image | Reduce the file size (for example, through Photoshop Express) |
| Post-reset reset | Firmware error | Update MIUI to the latest version or install a patch via TWRP |
If the wallpaper is used but looks blurry or stretched:
- 📏 Check the aspect ratio: for Redmi with a camera cutout (e.g. Redmi Note) 11S) optimally 1080×2340 px.
- 🎨 Use supportive wallpaper AMOLED (Dark tones save battery power).
- 🔧 In the launcher settings, turn off the option to stretch wallpaper.
💡
If the app icons disappear after changing the wallpaper, restart the device in Safe Mode (press the power button → Safe Mode). Then return to normal mode - the icons must recover.
Alternative methods for advanced users
If you're ready to experiment, here are some of the most innovative solutions that require technical knowledge and can affect the stability of the system.
Method 1: Editing system files (root required)
With a file manager with superuser rights (such as Root Explorer), find the file:
/data/system/users/0/wallpaper_info.xmlOpen it in the text editor and replace the lines with lock_wallpaper and home_wallpaper Save and reboot the device.
Method 2: ADB-commands
Connect your phone to your PC and do:
adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.SET_WALLPAPER
adb shell settings put global wallpaper_sync_enabled 1Method 3: Installation of custom firmware
Firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS doesn’t have separate wallpapers by default, but it’s a radical solution that requires unlocking the bootloader and potentially de-warranty.
💡
Before using ADB or editing system files, make a full backup via TWRP or Mi Cloud. The error can lead to a bootloop (a looped reboot).