Xiaomiβs lock screen is the first thing you see when you turn on your smartphone, and many users want to personalize it by adding a favorite photo instead of a standard wallpaper. However, not everyone knows that there are several ways to change the background of the lock in MIUI, and not all of them are obvious. Depending on the firmware version and phone model (Redmi Note 12, Poco X5, Xiaomi 13, etc.), the process may be slightly different, but the general logic remains the same.
In this article, weβll break down three working methods: through standard MIUI settings, with the Themes app, and an alternative way for devices with unlocked bootloaders. Also, youβll learn why sometimes photos donβt display correctly, how to crop the image under the screen, and what formats are supported. If you want your Xiaomi to look unique, read on!
Method 1: Change the background of the lock through the MIUI settings
The easiest and most versatile method is to use the built-in tools of the system. It works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones with MIUI 12, 13 or 14, including the latest models like Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+. You do not need root rights or third-party applications.
To change the background of the lock screen:
- π± Open the Settings app (cog icon on the home screen).
- π¨ Go to the Lock Screen section (in some versions it may be called Wallpaper). β Lock screen).
- πΌοΈ Click Change Wallpaper or Select a Background (depending on the firmware version).
- π Select the source of the image: Gallery, Downloads or Themes.
- βοΈ Cut the photo to the screen size (the system will prompt you to do this automatically).
- πΎ Save the changes with the Apply or Ready button.
If you have a dual lock screen (e.g., on the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3), the system will prompt you to choose which display to apply the changes - internal, external or both. Note that some wallpapers in the Themes section may not support customization of the lock background separately from the main screen.
Photos have a resolution of at least 1080p (otherwise they will be blurred)
Image in JPG/PNG format (WEBP may not be supported)
The phone has enough free memory (minimum 500 MB)
Power saving modes are turned off (they can block changes)
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After applying the photo, it may seem to be cropped incorrectly, because MIUI automatically centers the image under the notification area and the clock, and to avoid this, crop the photo in any graphics editor (for example, Snapseed or Lightroom) in advance, taking into account the location of the interface elements.
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If you want the background lock to change automatically, activate the option Dynamic wallpaper in the theme settings. the system will select images from the gallery based on your preferences.
Method 2: Using the Themes app for unique wallpaper
The Themes app (or Themes in the international version of MIUI) allows you not only to download ready-made themes, but also to customize individual interface elements, including the lock screen, which is suitable for those who want to use animated wallpaper or photos with paralax effects.
Instructions for installing a custom background through the Topics:
- Open the Themes app (brush icon on the home screen).
- Go to Wallpaper or Lockscreen (in English version).
- Select My Wallpaper category or click + to upload your image.
- Upload a photo from the gallery and cut it under the screen.
- Apply the wallpaper only to the lock screen (uncheck the Main Screen if necessary).
The advantage of this method is that there are additional effects:
- π Parallax - background shifts slightly when the phone is tilted.
- β¨ Animation β Live wallpaper is supported (e.g. falling snow or moving clouds).
- π Automatic change β you can set the rotation of backgrounds on a schedule.
However, there are limitations: not all user photos support animation, and some effects can increase battery consumption. If after using live wallpaper, the phone becomes more quickly discharged, return to a static background.
Static photos
Live wallpaper (animation)
Abstract patterns
Gallery photo
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Method 3: An alternative method for advanced users (with unlocked bootloader)
If the first two methods donβt suit you (for example, due to firmware limitations or a desire to set a custom background without cropping), you can use the manual method. It requires an unlocked bootloader and root rights, so it is only suitable for advanced users.
Note: this method may disrupt the system if it is not done correctly, and we recommend backing up the data before starting.
β οΈ Warning: Changing system files without root rights can lead to loss of warranty and unstable phone operation.If you are not sure about your actions, use the first two methods.
Instructions for manual background replacement:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /data/system/users/0/ This is where the current user settings are stored.
- Find the files: wallpaper_lockscreen.jpg or wallpaper_lockscreen.png (Depending on the format of your photo).
- Replace them with your image, renaming it as well.
- Change the access rights to 644 (so that the system can read the file).
- Reboot the phone.
This method bypasses MIUI's cropping restrictions and supports any formats, including WEBP or AVIF. However, once the firmware update is updated, the background may reset and the procedure will have to be repeated.
What if the lock screen turns black after the background is replaced?
Why is the photo on the lock screen not displayed or blurred?
Sometimes users face problems after changing the background: the image does not appear, blurred or cropped incorrectly.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The background doesn't change. | System cache not updated | Reboot your phone or clear the cache in Settings β Apps β Topics |
| Image blurred | Low resolution photo | Use an image with a resolution of at least 1080Γ2340 (for Full HD+) |
| Background is improperly circumcised | Automatic MIUI trimming | Cut the photo manually in the editor, taking into account the location of the hours and notifications |
| Black screen after background change | The wallpaper file is damaged. | Return the standard background through settings or reinstall theme |
| Animation doesn't work | Disabled live wallpaper in the battery settings | Check the settings β Battery β Optimization of energy |
If none of the solutions worked, try resetting the themes:
- Go to Settings β Themes.
- Choose My themes.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset Settings.
This will return the standard wallpaper, after which you can re-use your photo.
How to cut photos under the lock screen Xiaomi without loss of quality?
One of the most common questions is how to crop an image so it fits perfectly into the lock screen without closing the time, date and notifications. MIUI has a built-in cropping tool, but it's not always accurate. Here's how to do it manually:
Recommended aspect ratios for popular models:
- π± Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12: 1080Γ2400 (ratio 9:20).
- π± Poco X5, Redmi 12: 1080Γ2460 (ratio 9:20.5).
- π± Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 (screen): 2160Γ1916.
- π± Black Shark 5: 1080Γ2400 (But with the cutout for the front camera).
The following may be used for pruning:
- π₯οΈ On PC: Photoshop, GIMP or Paint.NET.
- π± On your phone: Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile or Photo & Picture Resizer.
Tip: Duplicate the image layer before cropping and use guides to accurately mark areas for watches and notifications. For example, in the Redmi Note 13 Pro+, the watch occupies the top third of the screen, so important photo elements are better placed below.
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For the perfect background fit, use trimming patterns for your Xiaomi model, and you can find them on forums like 4PDA or XDA-Developers.
Can I put different photos on the main screen and lock screen?
Yes, MIUI has the option to set different wallpapers for the home screen and lock screen, and it works on all modern Xiaomi devices, including Redmi and Poco.
Steps for separate settings:
- Open the Settings. β Wallpaper (or Themes) β Wallpaper).
- Select an image from the gallery.
- At the application stage, uncheck the box from the Main screen if you want to leave it unchanged.
- Activate only the lock screen and save.
If you want both screens to have unique backgrounds, repeat the procedure twice: first for locking, then for the home screen. Note that some themes from the Themes store can force you to set the same wallpaper, in which case you will have to manually reset the settings after applying the theme.
On devices with MIUI 14, Dynamic Combination has been introduced, which automatically selects wallpapers to lock based on the color of the home screen. If it is on, different photos may conflict - turn it off in the theme settings.