How to put a photo on the lock screen on Xiaomi

Personalization of a smartphone starts with the look and feel, and the lock screen is the first thing you see when you wake up a device. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices often want to replace the standard picture with their own photo from the gallery or a beautiful image from the Internet. The standard interface of the MIUI shell or HyperOS offers flexible tools for this, but sometimes the menus are hidden under non-obvious names.

In this article, we will take a look at all the ways to install images, from the classic method through the gallery to setting up an automatic slideshow. You will learn to manage wallpaper so that it appears on the lock screen, not just on the desktop. We will also touch on the topic of optimization, which often interferes with the correct display of selected files.

Follow our instructions to make your gadget unique, and we'll look at the nuances of working with different versions of firmware and tell you what to do if the system refuses to save the changes, which will take just a few minutes, but the result will be pleasant every time you look at the screen.

Image Preparation and Format Requirements

Before you go to the system settings, you need to make sure that the source file meets the technical requirements. Picture resolution plays a key role: if the image is too small, it will stretch and lose quality, and if it is too large, the system can automatically compress it with artifacts. For modern Xiaomi smartphones, the optimal resolution is equal to or exceeding the native screen resolution, for example 2400×1080 or 3200×1440.

The file format also matters. Although the system supports many types, the most stable formats are JPG and PNG. Heavy files in RAW format or specific camera formats may not show up in previews or cause installation errors. It is recommended to edit the photo in any graphics editor beforehand, cutting the excess edges to the proportions of the display.

• 📸 Use images with high levels DPI matricularly AMOLED and IPS.
• 📐 The aspect ratio should match your display (usually 19.5:9 or 20:9).
• 💾 The optimal weight of the file for fast download should not exceed 5-10 MB.

⚠️ Attention: Avoid using GIF-Animations as static lock wallpapers if your version MIUI It doesn't support live wallpaper officially, and it can lead to increased battery consumption.

Classic method of installation through the Gallery

The fastest and most understandable method is to use the built-in Gallery app, which works on all current firmware versions, from the old MIUI 12 to the latest HyperOS. Open the image you want, click on the menu (three dots or more buttons) and select "Install as wallpaper" and the system will select the framing area, then ask where to apply the image.

It's critical that you don't confuse the destination. The choice menu will give you options like "lock screen," "desktop" or "both screens." If you want to see your photo with your phone on before you enter your password, choose the lock screen. Sometimes the interface offers a preview where you can see how the picture will look with the time and date widgets.

For users who like to change the design often, this method may seem long, but it ensures that you see exactly the shot you chose, without accidentally trimming important details with the system. Once installed, the system may suggest turning on the wallpaper carousel feature, which you can opt out of if you want a static image.

Configure through the system menu Wallpaper

More advanced visual control is provided by the Wallpaper system app, which can be found in the Tools folder or through a search in the settings. Here you can catalog both standard Xiaomi images and the ability to upload your files. Go to My Wallpaper or click on the plus/folder icon to add an image from internal memory.

This section has Preload and finer display settings, so you can choose whether the image will scale or the system will try to fit it into a black box screen, and it often hides access to deep slideshow settings that are not visible in a normal installation.

The interface of the app may vary depending on the firmware region (Global, Chinese, EEA). In some versions, the installation button for your photos is placed in a separate tab called Local. If you can't see your photos, check the permissions of the Wallpaper app under Settings → Applications → Management → Wallpaper → Permissions and make sure that access to files is allowed.

Using Wallpaper Carousel for Slideshows

The Wallpaper Carousel (or Glance) feature is an integrated service that automatically changes images on the lock screen. Many users are annoyed by the ads in this feature, but it also allows you to create your own slideshow from selected photos. To customize this, go to Settings → Always On screen and Lock Screen → Wallpaper Carousel.

Inside the carousel settings, you can select the source of the images. Instead of subscribing to third-party news feeds, select My Albums or Local Photos. Here you can specify a specific folder in the gallery, and the system will cycle around the frames from it every time you turn on the screen, which creates a live frame effect.

However, the impact on autonomy is worth remembering: constantly changing pictures and downloading data (if online sources are selected) consumes battery life, and some users note that after updating the firmware, the carousel settings can be reset and have to be reconfigured.

Solving problems with installation and display

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the photo is not installed or displayed with distortions. A common reason is memory optimization. MIUI aggressively closes the background processes, and the application responsible for wallpaper may not have time to process the heavy image.

Another common problem is the dimming of the image, and the shell layers the dimming so that the icons and the time are readable. You can't completely remove this effect with standard tools, but you can use special "dark" versions of wallpaper or images with darkened edges, and also check if you have "Text zoom" or "Easy Mode" that can change the scaling of interface elements.

• 🔄 Restart the device after installing new wallpaper to apply the changes.
• 🗑️ Remove old heavy wallpaper from memory if the place runs out.
• 📱 Make sure that the device does not include power saving mode, blocking the change of background.

⚠️ Warning: If you use third-party apps to install live wallpaper, make sure they have permission to work in the background. otherwise, in a few minutes, the lock screen will return to the standard static picture.

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Tip: For a perfect time and date display on the lock screen, place important objects in the photo below the center or on the sides, leaving the top third of the image free of detail.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Correctly selected image, taking into account the location of the time widgets, makes the use of the smartphone more comfortable and aesthetic.