How to install wallpaper from the gallery on Xiaomi smartphones: full instruction

Changing wallpaper on Xiaomi is a simple task, but many users are wondering when to put your own photo from the gallery instead of the standard options. In this article, we will discuss all the ways, including hidden MIUI features, and explain how to avoid typical errors when installing wallpaper.

Regardless of the model — whether it’s Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Xiaomi 14 flagship — the algorithm of actions is almost identical. However, there are nuances associated with the shell version (MIUI 12/13/14) and screen resolution, we will consider all options, including cases when the photo is not suitable for size or the system does not allow you to use the picture.

At the end of the article, you will find an FAQ with answers to frequent questions, as well as a feature compatibility table for different versions of MIUI. If you want to not just change the background, but create dynamic wallpaper or adjust different images for locking and desktop – there are solutions here too.

Why can’t you put a gallery on Xiaomi?

The problem most often lies in three things: photo resolution, MIUI version, or system limitations, for example, if you're trying to set an 800×600 image onto a FHD+ screen (2400×1080), the system can automatically stretch the picture, making it blurry.

Another common reason is that MIUI sometimes blocks installation of wallpaper from certain folders (like Download or cloud storage), in which case you first need to transfer the photo to the DCIM/Camera or Pictures folder.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A s MIUI 12.5) When installing wallpaper from the gallery, an error may appear "failed to apply" This is due to a firmware bug - the solution is described in the section on alternative methods.

It is also worth considering that MIUI divides wallpaper into two types:

• 📱 Static -- normal pictures (JPG, PNG).
• 🎞️ Dynamic – Animated background images (only for supported models).
• 🔒 Super Wallpapers — 3D-Paralax-effect wallpaper (not available on all devices).

If your photo doesn't fit into any category, the system just won't show it in the list of available wallpapers, so the solution is to crop the image to the desired format (more on that).

Preparation of photos before installation: optimal sizes and formats

To make the wallpaper look clear, without stretching or cropping, the image must match the resolution of your smartphone screen.

If your photo is smaller in resolution, you can scale it without losing quality with apps like PhotoRoom or Snapseed, and the key is to keep the original aspect ratio, otherwise the wallpaper will be cropped.

The file format doesn’t matter: MIUI supports JPG, PNG, WEBP, and even GIF (but the animation won’t work), but Super Wallpapers requires special files with the.awg extension – they can only be created through third-party utilities.

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If the wallpaper is blurry, try in the gallery settings to turn off the option "Images Optimization" - it sometimes compresses the photo when installing.

Method 1: Standard installation of wallpaper through settings

This is the simplest method that works on all Xiaomi devices regardless of the MIUI version.

1. Open the Settings app** (cog icon).
2. Go to the Wallpaper section (or Screen → Wallpaper on older versions).
3. Choose “My Wallpaper” or “Gallery”.

If the "Apply" button is inactive, check:

• 📁 The photo is in the folder. DCIM or Pictures.
• 🔄 Image undamaged (open it in the gallery - if it doesn't open, download it again).
• 🔒 There are no restrictions on rights on a smartphone (for example, a mode for children or a work profile).

Photo in supported format (JPG/PNG)| Resolution of at least 1080p| File not corrupted |Folder available to read-->

Some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for the global version) may offer to crop the photo. If you don't like the automatic cropping, click Cancel** and select another installation method (described below).

Method 2: Installation through the Gallery app

This is a more convenient method, because you can see what the image will look like on the screen.

1. Open the gallery and find the photo you want.
2. Slip on it, then press three dots «⋮»** top-right.
3. Select “Install how» → «Wallpaper»**.
4. Adjust the size and position of the picture (if necessary).
5. Click "Apply" and select the screen.

On MIUI 13 and later, the gallery has a feature called "Autopodsit" - the system will cut the photo under the screen, saving key elements (for example, faces). If you do not like the result, you can manually drag the picture or cancel the cropping.

If the menu does not contain the "Install as" item, it means:

• 📱 You've got an old version. MIUI (Update through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🔧 Gallery is not standard (install the original through Mi App Store).
• 🛠️ Photo protected DRM (Download it again).

Method 3: Alternative methods for complex cases

If the standard methods don’t work, try one of these options:

📂 Through the file manager

Some users are faced with the fact that MIUI does not see the photo in the gallery, but it is in memory.

1. Open the Files** (standard application).

🤖 Through ADB (power-user)

If the system blocks wallpaper installation due to firmware limitations, you can apply a photo via ADB:

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.SET_WALLPAPER -d file:///sdcard/Pictures/your_image.jpg

Replace. your_image.jpg This method works even on locked devices.

🎨 Through third-party applications

If nothing helps, install one of these apps from Google Play:

• 📲 Zedge – a large base of wallpaper with the ability to download your.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party wallpaper applications MIUI It can reset them after rebooting. To avoid this, disable battery optimization for the application in the settings.

How to install different wallpaper on the desktop and lock?

By default, MIUI offers to apply one photo to both screens, but you can configure different images.

1. Open "Settings» → «Wallpaper»**.
2. Select “Desktop” or “Block screen” separately.

If the option is not available, your MIUI model has disabled it.

• 📱 Update the firmware to the latest version.
• 🔧 Install Lawnchair Launcher (alternative launcher with support for different wallpaper).
• 🛠️ Use Nova Launcher + Module of the Nova Wallpaper Plugin.

Some devices (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra) have a Dynamic Wallpaper feature**, where you can configure a smooth transition between images on the lock and the desktop.

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On MIUI 14 appeared the option "Synchronization of wallpaper" - if you turn it on, the background on the lock will automatically adjust to the color gamut of the desktop.

Solving problems: Wallpapers are not installed or dropped

If after installation, the wallpaper disappears or does not apply, check these points:

If the wallpaper automatically changes to standard, check if the Theme of the Day feature is included in Settings → Screen → Themes. Turn it off if you don't want the system to pick up the background.

On devices with MIUI 12.5 and later, there is a bug in which wallpaper is reset after the system update.

1. Make a backup of the wallpaper (copy the photo to the cloud).
2. Remember the path to the file (e.g. /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/wallpaper.jpg).
3. After the update, repeat the installation manually.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing wallpaper to Xiaomi