How to change the background on the Xiaomi phone: from standard wallpaper to hidden chips MIUI

Replacing the background on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you encounter the nuances of MIUI. Some users can not find the button “Install wallpaper” in the gallery, others do not understand why the new wallpaper is not used on the locked screen, and still others want to put dynamic wallpaper with the effect of paralax, which is officially unavailable in their region. This article closes all the questions from basic methods to advanced life hacks that work even on the old models of Redmi 4X and the new Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

We will not only analyze standard methods through Settings. → Wallpaper, but also little-known tricks: how to bypass regional restrictions by where to download wallpaper in resolution 4K for AMOLED-And why sometimes when you change the background, you lose the unlock animation, and you also have the different versions of the compatibility table. MIUI (12 to 14) and instructions for those who have lost the Wallpaper section in the settings after the update.

Method 1: Standard change of wallpaper through the gallery

The most obvious method is to use the built-in Xiaomi gallery, which works on all devices, but there are pitfalls: for example, if you downloaded wallpaper from the Internet, it may not appear on the list of available ones. Here's how to do it correctly:

• 📱 Open the Gallery app and find the image you want to set as a background, any format you want:.jpg,.png or even.webp.

⚠️ Note: If the “Install as” button** is inactive or absent, check the gallery access rights in Settings → Annexes → Permits, sometimes. MIUI Blocks this feature for images downloaded from unsure sources (e.g. Telegram or browser).

Download the picture in maximum resolution (minimum 1080×2340 for Full HD+)

Check that the file is not corrupted (open it in the gallery)

Make sure that the file name does not have any special characters (e.g., "wallpaper(1).jpg" is better than "wallpaper#2026.jpg")

Disable VPN – Some versions of MIUI block wallpaper installation when an active proxy is used

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If you want your wallpaper to automatically adjust to the time of day (such as dark at night and light during the day), set it through Settings → Wallpaper → Dynamic Wallpaper. This feature is only available on devices with MIUI 13 and later.

Method 2: Use the Themes app (including hidden collections)

Themes is a wallpaper store, but many users don't know that it has hidden collections that don't show up in the main catalog, such as wallpaper from Xiaomi partners (like Marvel or Disney) often hidden behind regional restrictions.

⚠️ Note: When changing region to Mi Account, you may need to confirm your phone number, use a virtual number or a temporary account, if you do not want to link your main profile to another region. Also note that some wallpapers from the India catalogue may contain watermarks in local languages.

Once a week.

Once a month

Only when buying a new phone

Never change.

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Method 3: Dynamic and live wallpaper (including informal)

Standard static wallpaper is no longer trending - users want animations, paralax effects or even interactive background drawings. Xiaomi offers several options:

• 🌊 Dynamic wallpaper (changes depending on the time of day). → Wallpaper. → Dynamic.
• 🎬 Live wallpaper (unlock animations) Search the Topics app** for live wallpaper.

For the installation of informal live wallpaper:

1. Download. APK-file from a verified source (e.g., APKMirror).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Appendices → Special Rights.
3. Install APK and select wallpaper through the Live Wallpaper app** (will appear after installation).

⚠️ Warning: Live wallpaper has a big impact on autonomy - expect the battery to go down 15-20% faster. 4xx (Like Redmi. 9A) To turn off the live wallpaper without resetting, go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Live wallpaper → Stop it.

Method 4: Manual copying of wallpaper to the system folder (for experienced)

If standard methods don’t work (for example, the Wallpaper section is missing after resetting), you can manually replace the background through system files, which is suitable for MIUI 12-14 and requires Root rights or ADB.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and turn on “USB Debugging”** in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times according to version, then return to Additional → For Developers).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause a system failure. Don't replace files with /system/priv-app/ — If you've manipulated the phone, you can try resetting it via Fastboot:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot reboot

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If you don’t have a Root, but need to change your wallpaper urgently, try Google Play’s Wallpaper Changer app, which bypasses the limitations of MIUI by simulating a system call to change the background.

Method 5: Use of third-party launchers (Nova, Lawnchair)

If you’re tired of the limitations of MIUI Launcher (for example, the inability to install different wallpaper on each desktop), install an alternative launcher.

• 🚀 Nova Launcher – supports gestures, custom icons and individual wallpaper for each screen.
• 🏡 Lawnchair is a lightweight launcher with support for Pixel chips (for example, “At a Glance»**).
• 🎨 Action Launcher – unique “Quicktheme”** (automatic color selection for icons).

How to set up:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. In the launcher settings, find the "Wallpaper" or "Desktop style" section.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (Redmi Note 10 Pro, Poco) X3) After installing a third-party launcher, Global Search may disappear. → Additionally. → Full-screen display → Disable "Hide the cutout".

Problem Solving: Wallpapers are not changed or reset

Sometimes it goes back to normal or doesn't apply at all after a change in background, and here are some common reasons and solutions:

If none of these methods worked, check the integrity of the system files.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Slip on the icon "Three dots" → "Check updates".

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If the wallpaper doesn’t change due to a MIUI failure, try resetting the launcher settings: Settings → Applications → Application Management → MIUI Launcher → Storage → Clear the data. This will return the standard wallpaper, but solve the problem with using new ones.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing wallpaper to Xiaomi