How to put a photo from the gallery on the lock screen Xiaomi: the complete guide

Xiaomi’s lock screen is not just a prying eye protection, but also a way to personalize your device to your style. Many users want to see their favorite photos, beautiful landscapes or motivational pictures every time they unlock their phone. However, not everyone knows that MIUI has built-in tools for this task, and the installation process is different from the standard change of desktop wallpaper.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to install images from the gallery on the lock screen, including hidden settings. MIUI 12/13/14, Bypassing cropping restrictions and solving typical problems (such as when a picture is not saved or displayed blurry), you will also learn how to optimize photos for perfect display on different Xiaomi models, from Redmi Note. 10 Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

Why the standard method doesn’t always work

Many users try to change the background of the lock screen through the Settings menu → Wallpaper, but the system only offers pre-loaded wallpaper or requires you to cut the photo to an unacceptable size. MIUI:

• 🔍 The default system offers dynamic wallpaper and collections from Xiaomi, hiding the option of selection from the gallery.
• ✂️ The trimming algorithm automatically centers the image, ignoring important details (e.g., faces in the photo).
• 📱 In some models (for example, POCO F4) The option of choosing from the gallery is not in the wallpaper menu at all.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI Lock screen settings can be reset.

Xiaomi also imposes restrictions on background resolution: if the image is smaller 1080×1920 And when you have pixels, the system automatically stretches it, which leads to a loss of quality. AMOLED-screens where the pixels are clearer.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a dark topic MIUI, Some wallpapers may be displayed with distorted colors. Before installing the photo, check it in the graphic editor in nightlight mode".

Method 1: Using the standard wallpaper menu (MIUI 12/13/14)

This is the easiest method, but it doesn't work on all devices.

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to Wallpaper (or Personalization → Wallpaper on new versions).
3. Select the Lock Screen tab (not to be confused with Home or Both screens).
4. Scroll down and click My Wallpaper or Gallery (on some models this item is hidden – see Method 2).
5. Select the photo you want, edit the crop area (if required) and save.

If there is no Gallery item, try long-pressing on any pre-uploaded image — sometimes it opens up access to custom photos. On POCO and some Redmi, this may not work due to customized firmware.

Make sure that the photo is in format JPG/PNG|Check the permission (minimum) 1080×1920)|Cut down important details in advance in the editor|Keep a copy of the original-->

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If the system doesn't allow you to crop your photos properly, use third-party apps like Wallpaper Set & Save (available on the Play Market), which lets you manually specify the crop area and save the result to the gallery.

Method 2: Through the Gallery app (hidden function)

Few people know, but the standard Xiaomi Gallery has a built-in option to install photos on the lock screen, which works even where the first method does not help.

1. Open the Gallery app and find the photo you need.
2. Tap the image to open it in full screen mode.
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner (menu).
4. Select Set as → Lock screen wallpaper.
5. Adjust the scale and position, then click Install.

This method works on most devices, including the Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi Note 11 Pro and POCO X3 Pro. However, some firmware may not have lock screen wallpaper, in which case move to method 3.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Applications

If none of the standard methods worked, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, and we recommend two proven applications:

• 📱 Wallpaper Set & Save – This allows you to bypass the restrictions MIUI Cutting and preserving original photo quality, supports automatic wallpaper on schedule.
• 🖼️ Muzei Live Wallpaper – ideal for dynamic wallpaper but requires manual adjustment for lock screen.

Instructions for Wallpaper Set & Save:

1. Install the app from the Play Market.


2. Open it and select "Pick Image".




3. Find the photo in the gallery and click "Set as Lockscreen."




4. In the settings, turn off Auto Crop for manual pruning.




5. Save the changes.

The advantage of this method is the ability to install live wallpaper (GIF or video) on the lock screen, which is not available in standard MIUI settings. However, note that animated wallpaper can increase battery consumption by 5-10%.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party apps, disable battery optimization for them in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Battery optimization, otherwise wallpaper may be reset after rebooting.

Optimizing photos for the lock screen

To make an image look perfect, you have to prepare it properly. Here are the key recommendations:

• 📏 Permit: Minimum — 1080×1920 (Full HD), optimal — 1440×3200 (Xiaomi 13 Ultra.Use online receivers if the original is too big.
• 🎨 Contrast: On AMOLED-In the screens, dark wallpapers look deeper, but the text of the notifications should remain readable. Check the contrast in the editor (for example, Snapseed).
• 🔍 Cutting: Important items (faces, logos) should be in the central third of the screen – this is the area that shows the screen. MIUI preview.
• 🖼️ Format: PNG It is transparent (good for dark topics), JPEG — less weight. avoid WEBp — MIUI It may not be properly handled.

On devices with a front-facing notch (such as the Redmi Note 11), the top of the wallpaper will be trimmed. To avoid losing important details, leave empty space at the top (about 100 pixels).

Typical problem solving

Even after successfully installing wallpaper, users are confronted with bugs, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

If the wallpaper is not installed at all, try clearing the cache of the Gallery and Themes app:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Gallery → Storage → Clear cache

Additional chips for the lock screen

MIUI offers a few hidden features that will make your lock screen unique:

• 🌄 Dynamic Wallpaper: In Settings → Wallpaper. → Dynamic wallpaper can be selected that varies depending on the time of day (for example, sunset / dawn).
• 🎶 Music widget: Press and hold the empty space on the lock screen → Widgets → Add a player. Now you can always control the music.
• 📅 Calendar and Weather: Mini-applications are available in the same widgets to display date, weather or steps (synchronized with Mi Fit).
• 🔒 Dual Lock Screen: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13) can have different wallpapers for the main and alternate spaces (Settings) → Special facilities → Double space).

On Always-On Display devices (such as the Xiaomi 12S Ultra), lock screen wallpaper will also be displayed in standby mode. To save charge, select dark wallpaper or turn off AOD in Settings → Display → Always-On Display.

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If you change wallpaper often, create a separate wallpaper album in the gallery and add it to your favorites. MIUI will offer photos from this album first when choosing new wallpaper.

FAQ: Frequent questions