Personalization is the first thing that makes owning a new gadget really comfortable. Xiaomi smartphones offer a wide range of options for changing the appearance of the system, and the lock screen is no exception. Users often want to change the standard image to something more personal or functional, so that every time they turn on the device they see a nice picture or useful information.
The customization process can be confusing because of the features of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS, where some menu items are scattered across different sections. In this guide, we will detail how to change static wallpaper, activate live themes, customize widgets and even change the system font that appears on the lock screen. Understanding these nuances will allow you to create a unique interface that fully matches your preferences.
It’s worth noting that some features may be called differently depending on the operating system version and the firmware region. However, the basic principles remain the same for most modern models, whether it’s the budget Redmi Note or the flagship Xiaomi 14.
Standard change of wallpaper through system settings
The easiest and fastest way to change the background image is to use the built-in settings menu, which does not require an Internet connection (if the wallpaper is already loaded into memory) and works consistently on all versions of the firmware. First, you need to unlock the device and find the Settings icon on the home screen.
In the menu that opens, you should scroll down to Wallpaper. In some versions of MIUI, this item may be inside the Personalization submenu. After you go, you will see several tabs: Online, Local, and Static. It is the Local tab that allows you to select an image from your gallery.
When you select a photo from the gallery, the system will ask you to adjust the display, you can move the image, zoom in, or you can apply the parallax effect when the picture is slightly shifted when the phone is tilted, and after confirming the selection, a new image will be installed.
- 🖼️ Click on “Select from Photos” to open the gallery.
- 🔄 Use zoom gestures to crop the image to the screen size.
- ✅ Click the “Apply” button to save the changes.
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Use high-resolution images (minimum 1080x2400 pixels) so that no pixelation or blur is visible on the lock screen.
This is a built-in Xiaomi service that automatically changes the images every time you wake up, and if you want to be static, then the method described above is optimal.
Use of the Topics application for advanced customization
Themes app is a powerful tool that is often underrated, and it allows you to change not just the picture, but the entire style of the lock screen, including unlock animation, watch style and widget layout. To take advantage of this, open the app and go to the Profile tab below.
In your profile, find the Customize theme option, where you will see a list of items that you can change: lock screen, desktop, system, calls, etc. Choose Lock screen, and you will be offered a variety of options, from minimalistic digital watches to complex animations with characters.
⚠️ Note: When installing third-party themes from unofficial sources or modified versions of the Topic app, the security system MIUI You can block the installation. Use only proven resources inside the official store.
After you select your favorite style, click Apply. The system will warn you that the wallpaper and lock style will be changed. Confirm the action. Now, when you press the power button, you will see a new design. If you do not like the result, you can return the standard view through the same menu, selecting the Classic theme or No theme.
Setting up the wallpaper carousel (Glance) and turning it off
Many users are faced with a situation where the images on the lock screen change on their own, which is the work of the wallpaper carousel function (known in new versions as Glance), for some it is a convenient way to see news and beautiful photos, for others it is an annoying factor that prevents you from putting one particular image.
To control this feature, go to Settings → Wallpaper. Find the wallpaper carousel switch. If it's active, you can click on it to enter the detailed settings. Here you can select image categories (nature, architecture, space) and refresh rates.
If your goal is to completely remove the change of pictures and leave one photo:
- 🚫 Turn off the wallpaper carousel slider in the main menu.
- 📸 Immediately after turning off, select a static image from the gallery.
- 🧹 Clear the Wallpaper Carousel app cache in the application settings if the remnants of the feature continue to manifest.
Why is the carousel coming back after the update?
It is worth noting that completely disabling this service can have a positive impact on the autonomy of the device, since it does not have to constantly download new images via mobile Internet or Wi-Fi.
Change the font and style of the clock on the lock screen
One of the most notable features of the lock screen is the watch, which is a normal watch in its standard state, but the HyperOS shell and the latest versions of MIUI allow you to change its style, color and even the font of the display of time, and this is done through the personalization menu.
Go to Settings → Wallpaper → Personalization of the lock screen (the path may vary). Here you will see a preview of your screen. Click on the watch area. An editor will open where different styles are available: analog, digital, minimalist.
For deeper customization, including replacing the font of the entire system (which will affect the lock screen):
- Open the Themes app and go to profile.
- Select the Font item.
- Find and download your favorite font (many are free).
- Click Apply and restart the device.
| Parameter | Where to change | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|
| Clock style | Settings → Wallpaper → Personalization | Lock screen only. |
| Font system | Appendix Topics → Fonts | The whole interface and lockdown |
| Type size | Settings → Screen → Text Size | Text on menus and widgets |
Changing the font is a powerful way to refresh the user experience, but beware: some decorative fonts may be poorly readable in small size, making it difficult for people with low vision to use a smartphone.
Customization of widgets and Always on Display
Modern lock screens are not just a picture, but an information panel. Xiaomi allows you to place widgets here weather, pedometer, calendar and notifications. In new versions of the software, widgets can be drag and zoom right on the lock screen with a long press.
The feature is always on display (AOD) Or "Always on screen." It allows you to display the time and date when the screen is off without consuming a lot of power thanks to technology. AMOLED. This setting is in the settings. → Wallpaper. → Always on screen.
☑️ Set up the perfect lock screen
On the menu. AOD You can choose the format of the display: digital, analog, in the form of a picture or even GIF-Schedule settings are also available: the screen can only be turned on when a notification is received or on a temporary schedule (for example, from 8:00 to 23:00), which saves battery power.
⚠️ Note: Always On Display is only available on smartphones AMOLED-On devices with screens. IPS-The Redmi matrix (budget models) will not include this item in the menu or be inactive.
The solution: why the wallpaper does not change
Sometimes users face technical problems: wallpaper is not applied, reset to standard after rebooting or displayed with black fields, most often due to incompatibility of the image format or crowded cache of the system.
If the image is cropped or stretched incorrectly, try changing its proportions before installing. Modern smartphone screens have an aspect ratio of 19.5:9 or 20:9. Standard 4:3 photo will be cropped around the edges. Use the built-in Croper when installing wallpaper to select the desired area.
If the settings are constantly reset:
- 🧹 Clear the application data Themes and Wallpapers through the application settings.
- 🔄 Check if you have an active theme that forcefully changes the wallpaper.
- 💾 Make sure the original photo is not corrupted and stored in internal memory, not on a remote server.
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If standard methods don’t work, try installing wallpaper through the Gallery app: open a photo, click three dots in the corner and select “Install as wallpaper”.
Another rare but possible cause is a conflict of third-party launchers or screen locking apps, and if you've installed such programs, try uninstalling them and checking the system's performance in its purest form.