Personalizing the smartphone interface is the first thing most users start with when a new device breaks up. The lock screen is the hallmark of the gadget, because it is the one we see most often during the day. On Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones running MIUI and HyperOS shells, the visualization system offers significantly more features than standard Android.
Many device owners are unaware that the standard image gallery is just the tip of the iceberg. Built-in algorithms allow you to create dynamic slideshows, download content from the cloud, and even use complex animations that respond to notifications.
However, the variety of features often leads to confusion: users get lost in the menu, can not find the right switch or face intrusive advertising when trying to download new topics. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods of changing the background, from basic to advanced, so that you can customize the device exactly how you want.
It is worth noting that the location of some menu items may vary slightly depending on the software version and regional firmware (Global, China, EEA).However, the logic of system applications remains the same for the entire ecosystem of the brand, which makes it easy to navigate the settings even after major interface updates.
Basic change of static image through settings
The easiest and most reliable way to change the background is to use the standard system settings menu, which is guaranteed to work on all models, from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14. It does not require an Internet connection and third-party applications, making it ideal for quick personalization.
First, you need to unlock the device and find the Settings app, which is usually located on the home screen or in the Tools folder. In the list that opens, you should scroll down to the Wallpaper section. In some versions of the firmware, this item may be called Wallpaper and personalization. Clicking on this item will open a gallery of preset images.
The system will suggest you to choose a category: native wallpaper, live wallpaper or images from your personal gallery. If you want to install your own photo, you need to click on the plus icon or select the Gallery item. After selecting the image, the system will suggest applying it to the lock screen, desktop or both screens at the same time.
When choosing an image from a gallery, it often raises the issue of zooming. The system suggests cropping the image if its proportions do not match the screen resolution. It is recommended to choose high-quality photos to avoid pixelation. The screen resolution of modern Xiaomi smartphones often exceeds the standard 1080p, so old shots can look blurry.
Use of the Application Topics for Enhanced Opportunities
The Themes app is the central hub for customizing the interface in Xiaomi devices, and it’s where thousands of free and paid designs, created by both the official design staff and independent community writers, are hidden, and it’s the primary source of live wallpaper and complex graphic elements.
To use this tool, look for an app on your desktop with an icon of a brush or palette, and at the bottom of the screen is a navigation bar where you can select the Wallpaper tab, and search by category: Landscapes, Abstraction, Anime, Space, and many others, and filters allow you to sort content by popularity or date of addition.
Special attention should be paid to the Profile section within the Themes app. Often users forget that it stores download history. If you downloaded a favorite background, but accidentally deleted it from the gallery, it can be saved in the theme download history, which is a convenient way to recover lost files without re-searching.
Why aren't some topics downloaded?
Once you select an image, click Download and then Apply. The system can request confirmation of where the new background will be displayed. The advantage of using the Theme app is that you can preview: you can see how the wallpaper will look along with the widgets and icons, even before they are installed.
Setting up the Glance wallpaper carousel and Mi locking
One of the most talked-about features is the wallpaper carousel, which automatically changes the image on a locked screen. In global firmware, this feature is often implemented through the Glance service or the native feature Lock Mi. It allows you to enjoy a slideshow of high-quality photos without the user’s input.
To activate this feature, go to Settings -> Always on screen and lock screen.Look for Wallpaper Carousel or Glance for Mi. Here you can choose the sources of images: these can be top topics, categories (nature, technology, cities) or even your own albums from the gallery. The setting is flexible and allows you to exclude certain categories if they are not interesting.
☑️ Setting up wallpaper carousel
Importantly, the carousel can consume additional battery power, as the screen and processor are more active each time the device is turned on.In addition, some users note the presence of advertising blocks in the lower corner of the screen when using standard carousel services. Fortunately, this can often be turned off in the settings of the Glance service itself, removing the tick from the "Receive recommendations" or "News".
The Mi Lock Screen feature offers a more advanced carousel that can display not only pictures, but also weather, footsteps or news information on top of the image. Activation occurs through the Topics app -> Profile -> Settings -> Screen lock. Here you can enable automatic wallpaper updates on schedule.
Installation of live wallpaper and video backgrounds
Live wallpaper is animated backgrounds that bring the lock screen and desktop to life. They can respond to touch, tilt the device, or simply play cyclical video. AMOLED-screens such wallpaper look especially spectacular due to the deep black color and high contrast.
You can install them through the Themes app by selecting the Live Wallpaper category. However, if the standard range is not enough, you can set any video from the gallery as a background. This will require a third-party application, such as Video Live Wallpaper, available on Google Play. Once the video file is installed in the phone's memory, the player app converts it to a format that is understandable to the Android system.
⚠️ Attention: Using complex live wallpapers with high detail and frame rate can significantly increase battery consumption. On models with entry-level processors, this can also cause micro-twitching of the interface when unlocking.
Also, some versions of HyperOS have Superbugs, which have complex geometries and change appearance when the phone moves, optimized by the developers and consume fewer resources than third-party video backgrounds, and can be found in the standard wallpaper selection menu in the Superwallpaper section.
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To maximize the cost of the charge on AMOLED-So you can use static black wallpapers or live black wallpapers in your screens, and they don't burn, so they reduce energy consumption.
Table of comparison of wallpaper installation methods
To organize information and choose the most appropriate way to personalize, we will consider the basic methods in a comparative table, which will help you quickly navigate depending on your goals: whether you need battery savings, maximum beauty or automation of the process.
| Method | Source | Battery consumption | Difficulty | Advertising |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard gallery | Device files | Minimum | Low. | No. |
| Annex Topics | Online catalog of Mi | Medium. | Low. | Possible. |
| Carousel (Glance) | Automatic booting | Medium/High | Medium | Often |
| Third-party video | Google Play / Files | High-pitched | Tall. | Depends on the app. |
| Superwallpaper. | System files | Medium. | Low. | No. |
As you can see from the table, the classic gallery method remains the most energy efficient. However, if the visual component and novelty are the priority, then the carousel or live wallpaper provides a richer experience. The choice is always left to the user and his preferences in the balance between functionality and aesthetics.
Problem Solving: Advertising and No Application Button
A common problem for Xiaomi users is that they can’t use a downloaded theme or wallpaper due to server errors or regional restrictions, and many people are annoyed by the banner ad that appears when the screen is unlocked, even if the carousel seems to be disabled, due to the operation of the MSA system application (MIUI System Ads).
To remove ads in theme and wallpaper recommendations, you need to disable ad personalization. Go to Settings -> Password and Security -> Access to personal data. Find the msa list and turn off the slider. The system will ask you to wait 10 seconds and confirm the action. This action will not remove system components, but stop downloading advertising recommendations.
⚠️ Note: After disabling the msa service, some features that depend on online content (such as automatic wallpaper carousel updates) may stop working correctly.
Another common problem is that the Apply button is inactive or hidden, which often happens when you install themes that are intended for a different version of Android or screen resolution, in which case, try to find the Information button in the theme description and see the requirements. Sometimes cleaning the theme app cache through the application management menu helps.
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Disabling msa is the most effective way to get rid of ads in Xiaomi system applications, but it can disrupt online personalization services.