Changing wallpaper to Xiaomi Redmi 10 seems like a simple task — until you encounter the nuances of MIUI. Some users can not find the right section in the settings, others face the error “failed to use wallpaper”, and still others simply do not know how to install live wallpaper or pictures from the gallery. This article closes everything from basic methods to advanced life hacks using ADB and third-party launchers.
We tested all the methods on Redmi 10 with MIUI 13/14 (Android 11/12) and found key differences between the firmware versions. For example, MIUI 14 disappeared the "Themes" section, but now it has integration with Google Wallpapers. And MIUI 13 still has a hidden feature of animated wallpapers via the engineering menu, and let us show you how to use all of this without risking "bricking" the phone.
Important: If you use a custom launcher (Nova, Apex, Microsoft Launcher), some of the instructions will be different.
1. Standard method: wallpaper through MIUI settings
The most obvious method is to use built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable for most users, but has limitations: you can not install wallpaper separately for locking and the main screen in older versions of the firmware, and the choice of images is limited to preinstalled collections.
To change the wallpaper in a standard way:
- Open the Themes app (icon with brush and palette).
- Go to Wallpaper section. → My wallpaper.
- Select a category: 🌄 Preinstalled – wallpaper from Xiaomi (abstractions, landscapes, minimalism). 📷 Gallery - your photos (cut automatically under the screen resolution Redmi) 10 — 2400×1080). 🎨 Live wallpaper – animated background pictures (not available in all regions).
Apply
Main screen screen
Lock screen
Both
⚠️ Warning: If after applying the wallpaper looks blurry or cropped incorrectly, check the aspect ratio of the original image. 10 maintains the wallpaper with permission up to 2400×1080, but optimal ratio — 20:9 (for example, 2400×1080 or 1080×2400 vertically).
2. Live wallpaper: how to turn on and where to download
Live Wallpapers on Redmi 10 are not stable: some animations are slowing down, and some are not installed at all due to the limitations of MIUI.
Method 1: Through Topics (official but limited):
- Launch Themes. → Wallpaper. → Live wallpaper.
- Choose one of the available animations (usually abstract patterns or natural motifs).
- Click Apply and wait for the download (can take up to 1 minute).
Method 2: Google Wallpapers (powered by MIUI 14)
- Install Google Wallpapers from the Play Market.
- Open it and select the Live Wallpaper section (e.g. Earth, Sea Waves).
- Click Set Wallpaper → select the Main Screen or Lock Screen.
Step 2: Installation through the Gallery:
- Open the photo at the Gallery.
- Slap the icon. ⋮ (three-point) → Set up how → Wallpaper.
- Adjust the trim area (drop the frame) and press Ready.
- Choose where to apply: Home screen, Lock screen or both.
⚠️ Note: If after installation the wallpaper looks pixelated, check the original file resolution.Redmi 10 It does not scale images with the resolution below. 1080×2400 — They just stretch, losing quality.
Permission 2400×1080 (20:9)|Central composition|Format JPEG/PNG|Brightness no less 70% (so that the icons are visible)|Contrast check (white text should be read)-->
4. Third-party apps: top-5 launchers and wallpaper
If built-in MIUI tools aren't enough, use third-party apps that allow you to:
- 🔄 Set different wallpapers on each desktop.
- ⏱ Change the background automatically on schedule.
- 🎭 Add the effects of paralax (3D-depth).
The best apps for Redmi 10:
| Annex | Features | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zedge | More than 10 million wallpapers and live wallpapers, categories by topic | Advertising, some wallpaper paid | Play Market |
| WallpapersCraft | Wallpaper in 4K, filters by resolution and color | No live wallpaper. | Play Market |
| Nova Launcher | Flexible customization of wallpaper for each desktop | Requires manual adjustment | Play Market |
| KWGT Kustom | Creating custom wallpaper with widgets | A complex interface for beginners | Play Market |
| Muzei | Automatic change of wallpaper from online collections | Not all sources are stable. | Play Market |
🔹 How to install wallpaper through Nova Launcher:
- Install Nova Launcher and make it the default launcher.
- Hold your finger in the free space of the desktop → Wallpaper.
- Choose the source: Gallery, Nova Wallpapers or Other Apps.
- Set up a Wallpaper Scrolling (if you need different backgrounds for each table).
How to return a standard MIUI launcher after Nova?
5. Hidden functions: engineering menu and ADB
For advanced users, there are ways to change wallpapers through the Engineering Menu or ADB. This allows you to bypass the limitations of MIUI, for example, install animated wallpaper on MIUI 13, where they are not officially supported.
🔹 Method 1: Engineering menu (works on the MIUI 13)
- Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##4636##.
- Go to Testing → Wallpaper settings.
- Select Live Wallpaper and download it. APK-Animated wallpaper file (e.g. from APKMirror).
- Apply wallpaper through the standard Topics menu.
🔹 Method 2: ADB (PC)
This method is suitable for installing wallpaper that MIUI blocks (e.g. GIFs or videos).
adb shell cmd wallpaper set --file /sdcard/Download/your_wallpaper.jpg --crop 0,0,1080,2400Where:
- /sdcard/Download/your_wallpaper.jpg — path to your file.
- 1080.2400 – resolution of pruning (width, height).
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It can cause a launcher to crash if you specify the wrong pruning resolution. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.
💡
The engineering menu and ADB can bypass the limitations of MIUI, but require caution, and are only suitable for advanced users who are ready for possible bugs.
6. Problem Solving: Wallpapers Aren't Changed or Reset
Sometimes, after the wallpaper changes, they are self-reset to standard or not at all.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Wallpaper not applicable | Insufficient rights (e.g. when using ADB) | Check if USB debugging is enabled in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (shap 7 times) |
| Wallpaper is reset after resetting | Launcher cache failure | Clear the cache: Settings → Applications → Launcher → Storage → Clear the cache |
| Live wallpaper is slowing down | Lack of RAM | Close background apps or turn off animation in Settings → Display → More |
| Wallpaper is cut crooked | Wrong aspect ratio | Use a photo with a resolution of 2400×1080 and a central composition |
🔹 If the wallpaper doesn't change at all:
- Check if a third-party launcher is installed (like Nova or Action Launcher).
- Update MIUI to the latest version: Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI.
- Reset the launcher settings: Settings → Applications → Launcher → Storage → Reset settings.
7. Optimizing wallpaper to save battery
Wallpaper affects battery consumption more than you think. For example, dark backgrounds on Redmi 10s AMOLED-If you have one in your version, you can save up to 10 percent on your screen, and if you have one in your own, you can save up to 10 percent on your wallpaper, and if you have one in your own, you can save 1-2 hours on your screen.
Optimization tips:
- 🌑 Use dark wallpaper (black, dark blue, gray) – this reduces the load on the screen.
- ⚡ Turn off animation: Settings → Display. → Additionally. → Animation of wallpaper.
- 📉 Reduce screen brightness to 60-70% (optimal balance between visibility and economy).
- 🔄 Change the wallpaper every 1-2 weeks – this prevents the “burnout” of pixels on the wallpaper. AMOLED.
⚠️ Warning: If the wallpaper changes, check the load on the processor. Mali-G52 MC2 (The graphics chip in Redmi 10 is 20 to 30 percent, which causes it to overheat. → Battery → Battery utilization.