How to Change Xiaomi Screen Wallpaper: From Standard Themes to Hidden MIUI Features

Changing the image on the Xiaomi desktop seems like an easy task — until you encounter the nuances of MIUI. Wallpaper in smartphones of this brand works differently than on the “naked” Android: there are built-in themes, dynamic wallpaper, separate settings for locking and the main screen, and sometimes even hidden functions depending on the version of the firmware. If you tried to change the background through the standard menu, but nothing happened — this article is for you.

We will discuss all the current ways to change wallpaper on Xiaomi, including little-known tricks for Redmi, POCO and flagship lines. Separately, we will dwell on the typical problems: why new wallpapers do not apply, how to return standard themes and what to do if the background is lost after the MIUI update. And for customization fans, a bonus section on how to install live wallpaper with the paralax effect without root rights.

Method 1: Standard Shifting through "Themes"

The most obvious method is to use the built-in Themes app, which is on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the model and version of MIUI.

1. Find the Topic icon on your desktop (usually a palette or brush) If it isn't, check the Tools folder or search the system.

2 In the app that opens, go to the Wallpaper tab (sometimes called the Background or Wallpapers) and here you will see a collection of standard wallpapers, broken down into categories: Nature, Abstraction, Gradients, etc.

• 📱 For the main screen: select your favorite picture → press Apply → Choose Home (or Home Screen).
• 🔒 For lock screen: same algorithm, but in the last step, select Lock screen).
• 🎨 For both screens: some wallpapers support universal application - in this case, there will be a button Apply to both.

⚠️ Warning: If nothing has changed after you have selected the wallpaper, check if the Automotive Theme feature is enabled in the settings. It can override your changes. → Display. → Theme-shifting.

Make sure the Themes app is updated to the latest version

Check the space in memory (minimum 100 MB)

Turn off VPN (sometimes blocks the download of topics)

Restart your phone if the wallpaper does not apply

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Method 2: Loading wallpaper from the gallery

If you want to use your own image (photo, downloaded picture or drawing), you can do it directly from the standard Gallery. MIUI 11-14:

1. Open the Gallery app and find the image you want.

2. Slip on it to open in full size, then click on the three dots in the upper right corner (or the More button).

3. In the menu, select Set as → Wallpaper (or Desktop Background).

4. The system will suggest cropping the image to the size of the screen. Use your fingers to zoom in and move the picture. After setting up, press Ready.

⚠️ Note: If your image has less resolution 1080×1920, The system will automatically stretch it, which can lead to a loss of quality. 1440×2560 (For modern models of Xiaomi).

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To keep the wallpaper from stretching, add transparent fields in any graphics editor (such as Canva or Photoshop) to the desired resolution. The system will trim the excess, but will not distort the proportions.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

Standard facilities MIUI It's not always good for users, especially when it comes to dynamic wallpaper or animations, and third-party apps from Google Play will help.-3 tested:

• 🌌 Wallpapers Craft: allows you to create live wallpaper with the effect of paralax, 3D-It's animated and even music-reaction. MIUI 12+. Reference.
• 🖼️ Backdrops: a collection of high-quality wallpaper with the ability to customize the color palette to your theme. AMOLED-optimized for phones with appropriate screens.
• 🎨 Kappboom: a Russian-language app with Xiaomi-adapted wallpapers, POCO and the flagship series.

To install wallpaper through a third-party application:

1. Download and install the selected application.
2. Choose your favorite image or animation.
3. Click Set Wallpaper or Set Wallpaper.
4. In the window that appears, select Home, Lock or Both.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g. Wallpapers Craft) require permission to Overlay over other windows. Without this, the live wallpaper won't work. → Annexes → Special access → Overlay over other windows.

Standard MIUI themes

Own photographs

Live wallpaper with animation

Wallpaper from third-party applications

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Method 4: Hidden MIUI features for wallpaper

There are some non-obvious features in MIUI firmware that few people know about, allowing you to customize wallpaper more accurately or even return standard themes after a crash.

Resetting wallpaper to factory floors:

If after experimenting with themes, the screen began to look chaotic, return everything to the original state:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Find Resetting (not to be confused with Resetting to Factory!).
3. Choose Wallpaper Reset and Them.

This option appeared in MIUI 13 and saves all your data, returning only standard wallpaper.

2. Dynamic wallpaper based on the time of day:

Starting with MIUI 14, some models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12) have Adaptive Wallpaper, which automatically change the color gamut depending on the time of day.

Settings → Display → Adaptive wallpaper → Enable

Once activated, select one of the suggested themes (e.g. Sunset or Night Sky) and the system will smoothly transition between shades.

3. Separate wallpaper for light and dark theme:

If you have Dark Mode enabled, you can set different wallpapers for light and dark themes:

1. Open Topics → Wallpaper.
2. Select the picture and click Apply.
3. At the bottom of the screen will appear the light/dark switch – set different wallpaper for each mode.

Method 5: Live wallpaper without root (hidden method)

Many Xiaomi users believe that for installing live wallpaper (with animation, 3D-You need root, you need effects or you need a tilt reaction. You don't. MIUI There is a loophole that allows you to install animated wallpaper through ADB (loader-free).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap according to the version → return to → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 📁 Live wallpaper file in.apk format (can be downloaded from XDA Developers).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and confirm access via USB.
2. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and type: Adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
3. Install APK with live wallpaper: adb install /path/to/file/wallpaper.apk
4. On the phone, open Themes → Wallpaper → Live wallpaper and select the installed package.

⚠️ Note: Not all live wallpapers are compatible with MIUI. Avoid files with the.kwgt or.klwp extension - they require Kustom Wallpaper Maker and may not work correctly.Optimum option:.apk wallpapers designed specifically for Xiaomi.

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Live wallpapering through ADB is the only way to install animations without root, but it requires caution.Do not install APKs from unverified sources to avoid viruses.

Solving wallpaper change problems

Sometimes the wallpaper refuses to change or is reset after rebooting, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

If none of these methods helped, try resetting the launcher settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Find the MIUI Launcher (or Lawnchair if you use a custom launcher).
3. Press Warehouse. → Clear the data.
4. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Clearing the launcher data will reset the location of the icons on the desktop! Take screenshots of the current arrangement in advance if it is important to you.

Bonus: How to make wallpaper unique

To make your Xiaomi stand out, try these creative ideas:

• 🎨 Photo Collage: Use the PhotoGrid or Canva app to create a collage of your favorite shots and set it as wallpaper.
• 🌌 Abstract gradients: Generators like CoolHue allow you to create a unique gradient background in 2 clicks.
• 📊 Minimalist wallpaper with information: Wallhaven offers wallpaper with calendar, weather or motivational quotes.
• 🎮 Theme Wallpaper: For gamers, backgrounds with Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail or other games (see Google Arts & Culture).

For maximum customization, install the Nova Launcher:

• Support for adaptive icons (change color under wallpaper).
• Customize gestures to change wallpaper.
• The ability to install different wallpapers on each desktop.

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To prevent wallpaper from “spinning” when scrolling screens, in Nova Launcher, open Settings → Desktop → Scrolling Wallpaper and select Fixed.

FAQ: Frequent questions about wallpaper on Xiaomi