How to change wallpaper on the lock screen Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Why Xiaomi Wallpaper Is Tired of Standard Wallpaper and How to Replace It

Xiaomiโ€™s lock screen is the first thing you see when you turn on your smartphone. Standard MIUI wallpaper (even in the latest versions of MIUI 14/15) often looks boring or doesnโ€™t match your style. Fortunately, the manufacturer provides several ways to change them, from basic settings to advanced methods using ADB.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods, from simple replacement through the gallery to the installation of dynamic wallpaper with paralax effects. We will focus on the nuances for different models (Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Xiaomi 13, etc.) and firmware versions. If you want to make the lock screen unique, read on.

Important: Some methods require unlocking the bootloader or the rights of the superuser (root), we will mark such methods with special warnings.

Method 1: Standard Replacement through MIUI settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices with a firmware version at least MIUI 10.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Go to the Lock Screen section (or Wallpaper โ†’ Lock screen in new versions).
  3. Click on โ€œChange wallpaperโ€ or โ€œSelect wallpaperโ€.
  4. Select the source: ๐Ÿ“ท Gallery - any of your photos. ๐ŸŒ„ Standard Wallpaper โ€“ a collection from Xiaomi. ๐ŸŽจ Dynamic wallpaper (not available on all models).

Adjust the scale and position of the image, then save.

Limitations of the method:

  • โŒ Can't be installed. GIF wallpaper.
  • โŒ On some models (Redmi) 9A, Poco M3) There is no option for dynamic wallpaper.
  • โŒ When changing the subject MIUI The lock screen wallpaper can be reset.

Open "Settings" | Version MIUI (not lower than 10) | Selected image with a resolution of at least 1080p| Power saving mode is turned off (may interfere with use)

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Tip: For best results, use images with a resolution of 1080ร—2340 (for most modern Xiaomi). If the picture is smaller, the system will automatically stretch it, which can degrade the quality.

Method 2: Using the Themes app for unique wallpaper

Xiaomiโ€™s Themes app allows you to download pre-made design packages, including lock screen wallpaper, a method that is suitable for those who donโ€™t want to mess with manual settings.

How it works:

  1. Open the Themes app (if not, download from Google Play).
  2. Go to the tab "Wallpaper" or "Blocking".
  3. Select your favorite theme and click โ€œApplyโ€.
  4. In some themes, lock and desktop wallpaper are linked โ€“ this can be changed in the theme settings.

Pros of the method:

  • โœ… Thousands of free and paid options.
  • โœ… Possibility of previewing.
  • โœ… Automatic fit to screen resolution.

Cons:

  • โŒ Many topics contain advertisements.
  • โŒ Some wallpapers can slow down the animation of the lock (especially on weak devices like Redmi). 8A).

Once a week | Once a month | Less than once every six months | Never changed | Only when you buy a new phone

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On devices with MIUI Global, some themes may be blocked due to regional restrictions, so to get around this, change the region in your Mi Account settings to India or China (but consider the possible consequences for Google services).

Method 3: Install live wallpapers through third-party applications

If standard static wallpaper you are bored, you can install dynamic (live) wallpaper with animation, 3D-To do this, you'll need third-party apps from Google Play.

Top.-3 Live Wallpaper Apps on Xiaomi:

AnnexFeaturesCompatibility
KLWP Live Wallpaper MakerFull customization, support JSON-presets, animationMIUI 11+, requires a Pro version for some features
Wallpaper EngineSupport for GIF, video, paralax effectsIt runs on most Xiaomi, but can brake on weak chips
3D Parallax BackgroundThe depth effect of tilting the phone, easy setupMIUI 12+, does not work on Redmi 7/8 due to outdated iron

How to install live wallpaper:

  1. Download and install one of the apps above.
  2. Open it and choose your favorite preset.
  3. Click โ€œInstall as Wallpaperโ€ and select โ€œBlock screenโ€.
  4. In the MIUI settings (Settings โ†’ Lock screen), confirm the application.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Live wallpaper increases battery consumption by 5 to 15 percent (depending on model) on Snapdragon-powered devices 4xx (Redmi 9C, Poco C31) There may be a slowdown.

How to reduce the load from live wallpaper?
1. In the application settings, turn off animation when unlocked. 2. Set a limit FPS 30 frames/sec. 3. Use presets without complex 3D-effects (e.g. simple paralax gradients). 4. Add the app to the list of exceptions for energy saving mode (Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Optimizing the battery).

Method 4: Replace wallpaper through ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods donโ€™t work (for example, on custom firmware or devices with limited settings), you can replace wallpaper through ADB, a debugging tool for Android.

What you need:

  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Computer with installed ADB and Xiaomi drivers.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Version. MIUI โ€” Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings โ†’ For developers).
  • ๐Ÿ“ Wallpaper in.jpg or.png format (at least resolution) 1080p).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and execute the command:


adb devices




(Your device should be displayed)





2. Copy the wallpaper into the system folder:




adb push /path/to/your/wallpaper.jpg /sdcard/MIUI/wallpaper/





3. Set wallpaper through ADB:




adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.SET_WALLPAPER




(Select the file manually on your phone)





4. For the lock screen, use:




adb shell settings put global lock_screen_wallpaper /sdcard/MIUI/wallpaper/wallpaper.jpg

Advantages of the method:

  • โœ… It works even on blocked firmware.
  • โœ… You can install wallpaper without compression (unlike the standard method).

โš ๏ธ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can lead to disruptions in work. MIUI. Do not change system files outside the folder /sdcard/MIUI/wallpaper/ backup.

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If the command doesnโ€™t work, try first setting the wallpaper through the standard settings, and then replacing the file in /sdcard/MIUI/wallpaper/ with your own (with the same name).

Method 5: Manual editing of system files (root only)

This method is suitable for experienced users with unlocked bootloader and root rights. It allows you to replace wallpaper at the system file level, which ensures that they are safe even after resetting settings.

How to do this:

  1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
  2. Go to /system/media/theme/default/wallpapers/
  3. Copy your wallpaper into this folder by replacing the files: lockscreen_wallpaper.jpg โ€” lock-screen, homescreen_wallpaper.jpg โ€” desk.

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Reset the device.

Risks of the method:

  • โŒ If you replace files incorrectly, bootloop is possible (locking on the download).
  • โŒ After updating MIUI file-discard.

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This method is not recommended for warranty devices โ€“ changing system files can cause a denial of service.

Problem Solving: Wallpapers are not changed or reset

Sometimes, after a change in wallpaper, they go back to the standard ones or they don't apply at all. Let's look at the main reasons and ways to eliminate them.

Frequent problems and solutions:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Wallpaper is reset after resettingMisfire in MIUI cache or conflict of topicsClear the cache in Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Themes โ†’ Storage
You can't install wallpaper from the gallery.Firmware restrictions (e.g. MIUI China)Use ADB or third-party apps
Wallpaper is displayed blurryLow resolution of the original imageUse files with a resolution of at least 1080ร—2340
Live wallpaper is slowing downWeak processor or lack of RAMTurn off animation or use light presets

Additional advice:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ If wallpaper does not apply, try resetting the lock screen settings (Settings) โ†’ System system โ†’ Resetting settings โ†’ Resetting lock settings).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ On some devices (Xiaomi 12, Xiaomi 13) lock wallpaper is tied to the theme โ€“ change the theme to the standard before installing.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง If you are using custom recovery (for example, TWRP), Check the integrity of system files after manipulation.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing wallpaper to Xiaomi

Can I put the video as a lock screen wallpaper?
Yes, but only with third-party apps like the Wallpaper Engine or Video Live Wallpaper. The official MIUI doesn't support video wallpaper. Note that this will greatly increase battery consumption (up to 20% per hour in standby mode).
Why did the wallpaper drop after the MIUI update?
For major updates (e.g., from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14), the system resets user settings, including wallpaper. To avoid this, back up /sdcard/MIUI/wallpaper/ and restore files afterward before upgrading.
How to make different wallpaper on two lock screens (if you use a dual screen)?
On devices with dual screen function (Xiaomi Mix Fold, Xiaomi Pad 6), you can set different wallpapers for each display. To do this: Open Settings โ†’ Display โ†’ Dual screen. Select Wallpaper Settings for each screen separately.
Can I install wallpaper on the lock screen without unlocking my phone?
No, it always requires unlocking the device to change the wallpaper, but some firmware (e.g. MIUI EU) have a Guest Session option where you can temporarily apply other wallpaper without access to the basic settings.
Why do the wallpaper on the lock screen look darker than on the desktop?
This is a feature of MIUI, which automatically darkens the wallpaper on the lock screen for better readability of time and notifications. You can not turn this off, but you can choose a more contrasting image (for example, with bright colors).