How to change the wallpaper on the desktop of the Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways

Changing the wallpaper on a Xiaomi smartphone is one of the first things that users do after buying a device. Even the basic MIUI firmware offers dozens of built-in options, but not everyone knows how to access hidden collections or upload their own images without losing quality. In this article, we will examine not only standard methods, but also little-known chips, from dynamic wallpapers to automatic change of backgrounds on a schedule.

Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark are unique MIUI shells that are updated regularly, which means that the settings interface may vary depending on the firmware version (e.g. MIUI 14 vs HyperOS). We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that are relevant to most models in 2020-2026. If your phone is released earlier, check the section with alternative methods.

1. Standard method: through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use built-in shell tools, which is suitable for all devices on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, including the budget models Redmi Note and flagship Xiaomi 13/14. The main advantage is that you do not need to install third-party applications, and wallpaper is optimized for screen resolution.

To change the background of the desktop:

1. Press and hold the empty space on the home screen (not the icon!).
2. At the bottom of the screen will appear the toolbar – select the item Wallpaper (or Wallpapers in English firmware).
3. Scroll down to see the categories: 🌄 Dynamic wallpaper - animated backgrounds (not available on all models). 🖼️ Static – Standard Images from Xiaomi. 📷 My wallpaper - here you will display the uploaded pictures. 🎨 Colors - monophonic backgrounds with gradients.

Apply

Set up wallpaper

castle

screen

screen-to-screen

On models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) In the wallpaper menu there was a new section AI-generation, where you can create a unique background using a neural network directly on your phone, just type in a text request (for example, "futuristic city on Mars") and wait for the generation of 4 options.

2.How to install your wallpaper from the gallery

If the built-in options aren't impressive, you can upload any image from the Internet or take a photo yourself. It's important to consider the resolution of your phone's screen so that the wallpaper doesn't stretch.

• 📱 Redmi Note 12: 2400×1080 (FHD+).
• 📱 Xiaomi 13 Pro: 3200×1440 (QHD+).
• 📱 POCO F5: 2400×1080 (AMOLED).

Installation instructions:

1. Download your favorite image to the gallery (for example, through a browser or Telegram).
2. Open the Gallery app and find the file.
3. Slip on the image, then click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Set as wallpaper.
4. Adjust the scale and position (you can zoom or shift the picture with your finger).
5. Click Ready and choose where to apply the background: on the lock screen, the main screen or both.

💡

To prevent wallpaper from being cut off on the lock screen, choose images with an aspect ratio of 19.5:9 or 20:9 (for modern Xiaomi smartphones).

If the option to Set as wallpaper is not in the gallery, use an alternative method:

1. Press and hold your finger on the main screen → Wallpaper.
2. Scroll down to My Wallpaper section and click Add (or + icon).
3. Select an image from the gallery and apply it.

3. Dynamic and live wallpaper: how to include

Dynamic wallpapers are animated backgrounds that respond to gestures or the time of day. In MIUI, they are divided into two types:

• 🌊 Built-in – standard animations from Xiaomi (e.g., “Ocean Waves” or “Starry Sky").
• 🤖 Third-party – installed through Google Play (for example, KWGT or Wallpapers Craft).

To activate the built-in dynamic wallpaper:

1. Hold your finger on the main screen. → Wallpaper.
2. Go to Dynamic (or Live Wallpapers) section.
3. Select your favorite animation and click Preview to see it in action.
4. Click Apply and select the screen (main, locks or both).

Dynamic wallpaper consumes an extra battery (up to 5-10% per day with active use). If you notice a quick discharge, go back to static backgrounds.

4 Hidden wallpaper in MIUI: where to find them

Many users are unaware that MIUI has hidden wallpaper collections that are not displayed in the main menu, and can be unlocked through themes or special codes.

Method 1: through the Application Topics:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to the wallpaper section (in the lower menu).
3. Scroll down to the Special Collections or Exclusive block.
4. Here you will find unique backgrounds, including official Xiaomi wallpapers for flagship models (for example, the MIX series or Ultra).

Method 2: through the Engineering Menu (for advanced users):

##4636##

Enter this code in the Phone app, then go to Phone Information → Wallpaper menu. Additional options that are not available in the standard interface may be displayed here.

1. Update the Themes app on Google Play

2. Check the "Exclusive" section in the "Themes" appendix

3. Enter the code ##4636## and find the wallpaper menu

4. Try changing the region in the settings (e.g. India)

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Third-party wallpaper annexes

If you don't have many built-in options, you can use third-party services, and we tested the top apps and ranked them according to the criteria: image quality, optimization for the user. AMOLED-screens and lack of advertising.

To install wallpaper from a third-party application:

1. Download and install one of the apps above (e.g. WallpapersCraft).
2. Select your favorite image and click Download.
3. After downloading, open the image in the gallery and select Set as wallpaper.
4. Adjust the scale and apply.

💡

Apps like Backdrops or Abstruct automatically customize wallpapers to the dark/light MIUI theme, saving time on manual setup.

6. Automatic change of wallpaper on schedule

The automatic background change feature is available in MIUI 14 and HyperOS, but hidden in the depth of settings, allowing you to set a schedule (for example, change the wallpaper every day or by time of day).

How to set up:

1. Hold your finger on the main screen. → Wallpaper.
2. Choose any background from the collection (even if you don’t like it).
3. In the upper right corner, click on three dots → Wallpaper settings.
4. Activate the Automan switch.
5. Set up the parameters: 🔄 Interval: every day/week/hour. ⏰ Time: Specify specific hours (e.g. 8:00 and 20:00). 📁 Source: Select a folder in the gallery with your wallpaper.

Limitation: The feature only works with standard gallery wallpaper. For dynamic backgrounds or images from third-party applications, you will need to use Tasker or MacroDroid.

💡

To keep your wallpapers in sync with the weather, install the Muzei Live Wallpaper app and connect it to the Weather Underground service.

7. Problem Solving: Wallpaper doesn't change or gets lost

Sometimes users encounter bugs when wallpaper is spontaneously dropped or not applied, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Attention, if after the update MIUI The wallpaper has been dropped on the standard, don't try to restore it through a backup. This can cause the launcher to crash.

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the launcher settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find MIUI Launcher and click Reset Settings.
3. Reboot the phone.

When downloading, select images with a resolution not lower 2560×1440 model QHD-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 Ultra).