How to change the picture on the screen of the Xiaomi phone: 5 ways to MIUI

Why can’t Xiaomi just replace the background pattern?

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer flexible customization settings, but changing the wallpaper works differently than on Android’s naked, because it separates the desktop (where the app icons are located) and the lock screen — and for each of them individual background images are customized. Moreover, new versions of MIUI (starting with 12.5) introduced the Super Wallpapers feature, which dynamically change when unlocked, which adds complexity for beginners.

Another feature is the limitations on image format, such as the MIUI lock screen, which automatically trims images to the display aspect ratio, and the desktop may become blurry if the source resolution is below 1080×2400 (for most current Redmi, POCO or Xiaomi 13/14 series models).

Method 1: Standard Replacement with "Themes" (for MIUI 12/13/14)

The easiest method is to use the built-in Themes app, which allows you to change the wallpaper for both the desktop and the lock screen, while supporting both static images and animated background themes.

1. Select a category: 🖼️ Static - ordinary pictures from the gallery MIUI. 🎨 Dynamic – wallpaper that responds to gestures (for example, paralax effect). 🌌 Super wallpaper — 3D-background images (requires) MIUI 12.5+).

Apply lock screen

Apply to the desktop

⚠️ Note: If you choose Super Wallpaper, consider what they consume before 15-20% extra battery due to constant animation. on budget models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) This can lead to a noticeable reduction in battery life.

Update the Themes app in the Play Market|Prepare your favorites beforehand (they will be saved in the MIUI/Theme/Wallpaper)|Turn off battery saving mode (it blocks new themes from loading)|Check the space available - some wallpaper weighs up to 50 MB-->

Method 2: Loading wallpaper from the gallery (for custom images)

If you want to use your own photo or image from the Internet, you can do it directly from the standard Gallery app.** This method works on all versions of MIUI, but has a nuance: the system automatically crops the image to the screen resolution, which can distort the composition.

1. Open the gallery and find the image you want.
2. Slip it on it, then press the button. ⋮ (three points) in upper right corner.
3. Select Set as → Lock screen wallpaper or Desktop Wallpaper.
4. Adjust the framing area (if necessary) and press Ready.

🔍 Tip: For the ideal result, use images with a resolution not lower 1440×3200 (for flagships such as Xiaomi 13 Pro) or 1080×2400 (For most Redmi Notes, if the picture is smaller, MIUI It will stretch it, which will lead to pixelation.

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To avoid trimming important details (such as the face in the photo), edit the image in any graphic editor before installing the wallpaper, adding margins along the edges (canvas) with an aspect ratio of 9:20.

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (for advanced features)

The built-in MIUI tools don't always suit users -- for example, there's no background blur or gradient wallpaper function, and third-party software will help. We tested 5 popular apps and ranked them for reliability and functionality:

⚠️ Note: When installing wallpaper through third-party applications MIUI It can give you a warning, "Another application is trying to change system settings." That's okay -- just confirm the action. However, if you have artifacts (strips, flickering) after the background change, return the standard wallpaper through Settings. → Wallpaper.

Standard "Themes" Xiaomi|WallpapersCraft|Zedge|Backdrops|Other/Do not use-->

Method 4: Manual copying of wallpaper via PC (for power users)

If you want to install wallpaper that is not displayed in the gallery (for example, in.webp or non-standard resolution), you can manually replace system files. This method requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic knowledge of working with the Android file system.

Here's how to do it:

1. Connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB-cable and enable file transfer mode (MTP).
2. Go to Internal Storage → MIUI → Theme.
3. Create a backup of the current wallpaper (copy the Wallpaper folder to your computer).
4. Place your image in the Wallpaper folder by renaming it in the lockscreen_wallpaper.jpg (for the lock screen) or homescreen_wallpaper.jpg (desktop).
5. Reboot the phone.

🛠️ Technical details: For models with MIUI 14 The newer path may be different – the wallpaper is stored in the /data/system/users/0/wallpaper, But access to this folder requires root rights, and without them, manual replacement won't work.

Method 5: Resetting wallpaper to standard (if something went wrong)

Sometimes, after experimenting with wallpaper, the screen flickers, black bars appear, or the system refuses to use new images at all, this is due to conflicts in the cache of the Theme app or damage to the wallpaper files. To return everything to the factory settings, follow the following steps:

1. Go to Settings → Wallpaper.
2. Select MIUI Wallpaper (usually abstract patterns or gradients).
3. If the problem persists, clean the app data Topics: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Topics → Storage → Clear data
4. Reboot the phone.

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If after all the manipulations the wallpaper does not change, try to update the MIUI to the latest version or reset the settings through Settings → About Phone → Reset settings (data will not be deleted, but all personalizations will reset).

How to choose a wallpaper that does not plant a battery?

Many Xiaomi users find that after changing the wallpaper, the phone starts to discharge faster, due to two factors:

1. The color scheme is on AMOLED-In the screens (installed in most Xiaomi and Redmi models), dark wallpaper consumes less energy than light-colored ones.
2. Animation – dynamic or super wallpapers use the GPU, which increases the load on the processor.

📊 Recommendations for selection:

• 🌑 For maximum savings, choose black wallpaper - they turn off the pixels on the wallpaper. AMOLED, lowering consumption 10-15%.
• 🎨 Use gradients or abstract patterns instead of photos – they are less loading GPU scrolling.
• ⚡ Avoid live wallpapers – they reduce the time of work on the wallpaper. 15-20% even on standby.

💡 LAIFHACK: MIUI 13/14 There's a hidden feature called Adaptive Wallpaper, which automatically adjusts the background brightness to the battery level:

Settings → Display → Additional → Adaptive Wallpaper

(Not available on all models).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing wallpaper to Xiaomi