The screensaver on the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is the first thing you see when you unlock the screen. It shapes the mood, reflects your style and can even affect the usability of the device. However, many users do not change the standard wallpaper for years, unaware of the possibilities that the MIUI shell hides. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to change the screensaver, from basic settings to hidden features for advanced users.
It’s important to understand that the procedure differs depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12, 13 or 14) and the smartphone model (for example, Redmi Note 10 vs Redmi 9A).We have taken these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions with the latest updates in 2026, and you will learn how to circumvent the limitations of the system if it does not allow you to use the picture you like.
Before you start, check your firmware version: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. This will help avoid confusion with the location of menu items. Ready to transform your Redmi? Let's start with the simplest!
1. Standard method: changing the screensaver through the theme settings
The most obvious and safe method is to use the built-in Themes section, which is suitable for all Redmi models on MIUI 12 and later, including the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 10C and others, and the main advantage of this method is automatic optimization of wallpaper to the resolution of the screen of your device.
To change the screensaver:
- Open the “Themes” app (icon with a brush on your desktop).
- Go to the Wallpaper tab in the lower menu.
- Select a category: 🌄 Landscapes – static images of nature; 🎨 Abstraction – geometric patterns and gradients; 📱 For the lock screen – optimized for AMOLED-display; 🎬 Live wallpaper - animated screensavers (not available on all models).
Apply
lock-screen
desk
If there are no suitable wallpapers on the list, click on the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner and type in a request (for example, "black wallpaper" or "minimalism"). The system will download additional options from the Xiaomi online directory.
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9T s MIUI 12.5) After changing the wallpaper, the location of the icons on the desktop may be lost. To avoid this, make a backup copy of the application location before changing the screensaver: pinch the empty space on the screen. → Screen settings → Save the layout.
2. How to put your photo or picture as a screensaver
Want to see a picture of a loved one, pet or landscape from your last trip on the lock screen? MIUI does this in a few steps, without third-party applications. The main thing is that the original image has sufficient resolution (at least 1080×2340 is recommended for most Redmi).
Instructions:
- Open the gallery and find the photo you need.
- Slip on it, then click on the three dots in the lower right corner (or the More button).
- Select Set as → Lock screen wallpaper or Desktop Wallpaper.
- Adjust the scale and position of the picture with gestures (you can increase / decrease with two fingers).
- Click Ready or tick in the upper right corner.
If your photo is too dark or light, the system will prompt you to automatically adjust the brightness for better readability of time and notifications. AMOLED-screens (e.g. Redmi) K50) You can also play the effect "Always on the screen" (AOD), so that the screensaver is displayed even in the off state:
Settings → Always on screen → Select a style → Activate- Resolution of at least 1080×2340 pixels
- 9:20 aspect ratio (for most Redmi)
Contrast colors for time readability
Cut off unnecessary details in advance (in Gallery or Photoshop)
- Check if it covers important interface elements-->
Perfectionist tip: If you don’t like how the system crops your photo, pre-edit it in any graphics editor (like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile). Set an aspect ratio of 9:20 and place the main object in the center so it won’t crop when installed.
3. Live wallpaper: how to install an animated screensaver
Live Wallpapers add speakers to your smartphone. On Xiaomi Redmi, you can install them in two ways: through a standard themes catalog or through third-party apps. Note that animation slightly increases battery consumption (2-5% depending on the complexity of the effect).
Method 1: Built-in live wallpaper
- Open the "Themes" app → the Wallpaper tab.
- Scroll down to the Live Wallpaper section (or type in "live" search).
- Select your favorite animation (e.g., "Bubbles", "Clock with the effect of paralax" or "Space").
- Click Apply and select the screen (locks or desktop).
After installation of the annex:
- Open it and select the animation you like.
- Click Set Wallpaper (or Set Wallpaper).
- In the window that appears, select Lock screen Wallpaper or Desktop Wallpaper.
⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) A1 2GB of RAM) third-party live wallpaper can cause interface slowdowns. If you notice lags, go back to standard screensavers or turn off animation in the app settings.
Why do live wallpapers drain the battery quickly?
4. Hidden features: how to change the screensaver through ADB (for advanced)
If standard methods do not work (for example, the system does not allow the use of wallpaper due to the limitations of MIUI), you can use the ADB debugging bridge. This method is suitable for advanced users and requires connecting the smartphone to the computer.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux;
- 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap according to the version → return to → For developers → Debugging by USB);
- 🔗 Installed Xiaomi drivers and tool ADB (You can download from the official Android website);
- 🖼️ Prepared image in.png or.jpg format (resolution must match your Redmi screen).
Step-by-step:
- Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB and select File Transfer mode.
- Copy your image to /sdcard/Pictures/ folder on your phone.
- Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and go to the ADB folder.
- Enter commands in order: adb devices (you should have the name of your device) adb shell su (the phone will request root rights – confirm) cp /sdcard/Pictures/your image.jpg /data/system/users/0/wallpaper chmod 644 /data/system/users/0/wallpaper reboot
Once rebooted, your image will be installed as a screensaver, a method that bypasses the limitations of MIUI, but requires caution — the wrong commands can disrupt the system.
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If the wallpaper is blurred after using ADB, check the resolution of the original image. For the Redmi Note 11 Pro with a resolution of 1080×2400, a picture of 1080×2340 will suit (taking into account the cutout for the front camera).
5 Problems and Solutions: Why the Screensaver Has Not Changed
Sometimes users find that new wallpaper is not applied or reset after rebooting.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The wallpaper does not change after the choice | Failure of the “Themes” application | Clear the app cache: Settings → Apps → Application management → Topics → Storage → Clear the cache |
| Screensaver resets after update | Reset personalization settings in the new version of MIUI | Restore wallpaper manually or back up through Settings → Additional → Backup |
| You can't put up a live wallpaper. | Budget model restrictions (Redmi 9A, Redmi 8A) | Use third-party apps (like Live Wallpapers Now) or update your firmware |
| Wallpaper is displayed blurry | Discrepancy of screen resolution | Choose an image with a resolution multiple of 1080×2340 (for most Redmis) |
| The animation on the lock screen does not work | Disabled effect in battery settings | Check Settings → Battery → Performance Mode (should be “Balanced”) |
If none of these methods worked, try resetting your personalization settings to factory:
Settings → About Phone → Resetting Settings → Resetting Personalization SettingsImportant: Some Redmi models with MIUI 14 may lose access to downloaded themes after resetting the personalization settings. To avoid this, export your favorite wallpaper to the Gallery before reset (keep your finger on the wallpaper → Save).
6. Top.-5 Apps for custom screensavers on Xiaomi Redmi
Not everyone likes standard Xiaomi wallpapers, and fortunately, Google Play has dozens of customization apps, and we've selected the best ones for MIUI compatibility.
1. Zedge Wallpapers & Ringtones
- 🔹 More than 10 million wallpapers and live screensavers;
- 🔹 Categories for AMOLED-screen;
- 🔹 Ability to upload your wallpaper to the community.
2. Backdrops
- 🔹 Minimalist wallpaper with an emphasis on colors;
- 🔹 Daily updates to collections;
- 🔹 Optimized for 1080×2400 and 1440×3200.
3. Muzei Live Wallpaper
- 🔹 Automatic change of wallpaper from art galleries;
- 🔹 Google Arts & Culture Support;
- 🔹 Low battery consumption.
4. Walpy
- 🔹 Artificial intelligence selects wallpaper to your preferences;
- 🔹 There are modes for dark and light themes;
- 🔹 Integration with Unsplash and Pexels.
5. Kappboom (formerly Tapet)
- 🔹 Generate unique wallpaper based on your color preferences;
- 🔹 Automatic updates every day;
- 🔹 Support 4K and HDR.
Check reviews before installing, as some apps may contain intrusive ads, and pay attention to the permissions the program requests (e.g. access to storage or location).
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Google Play apps often offer a wider choice of wallpaper than the standard MIUI directory. However, they can consume additional battery and RAM, especially on budget Redmi models (such as the Redmi A1+ or Redmi 9C).