How to put your photo on wallpaper in Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: 5 proven ways

Setting personal photos as wallpaper on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is an easy way to personalize your smartphone and make it unique. However, standard MIUI settings are not always intuitive, especially if you are first encountering Xiaomi firmware. In this article, we will break down all the available methods, from basic installation through the gallery to using themes and third-party apps to create animated wallpaper.

It is important to consider that the screen resolution of the Redmi Note 8 is 2340×1080 pixels (FHD+), so for the perfect display, it is recommended to choose images with an aspect ratio of 19.5:9. If the photo is smaller, the system will automatically stretch it, which can lead to loss of quality. It is also worth remembering that both screens (lock and desktop) can install different images - this feature supports MIUI since version 11.

If you're facing problems like "no wallpaper saved" or "photo cropped incorrectly," we'll end this article with solutions to these and other common mistakes, and for experimenters, a bonus section on creating live wallpaper from your videos.

The fastest method is to use the built-in Gallery app, which is suitable for most users and does not require additional software.

  1. Open the Gallery app (a flower icon with petals).
  2. Find the right photo and tap it to open in full screen mode.
  3. In the lower right corner, press three dots. ⋮ → Choose Set How to Install.
  4. There will be a menu with options: 📱 Desktop Wallpaper – Only for the Main Screen. 🔒 Lock screen wallpaper - for locking. 📱🔒 Wallpaper on both screens - a universal option.

Select the desired item and confirm the action.

And then the system will automatically trim the image to the size of the screen, so you can manually change the framing area by pulling the corners of the frame, and if the image is too small, MIUI will suggest stretching it out or leaving black fields around the edges.

⚠️ Warning: If the wallpaper looks blurry after installation, check the resolution of the original photo. 2000×1000 There are fewer files. 1200×800 It will be automatically enlarged, resulting in pixelation.

Select an image with a resolution not lower than 2000×1000

Cut off the extra elements (if necessary)

Save in JPEG or PNG format

Check brightness (dark wallpaper saves battery power)

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Method 2: Using the Themes app for wallpaper

The Themes app (brush icon) allows you not only to download the finished themes, but also to install your wallpaper with additional effects, which gives you more options for customization:

  1. Open the Topic → go to the Wallpaper tab.
  2. Slip on the + icon in the upper right corner or select My Wallpaper.
  3. Click Add Wallpaper → select a photo from the gallery.
  4. An editor will be opened where you can: 🎨 Apply background blur (useful for lock screen). ✨ Add paralax effects (light bias when tilting the phone). 🔄 Change the scale and position of the pruning.

Save the changes and apply the wallpaper to the right screen.

The advantage of this method is that you can save multiple wallpaper options and switch between them quickly, for example, you can create separate sets for day and night or for work and weekends.

Photos of themselves.|Standard wallpaper MIUI|Animated (live) wallpaper|Dark Wallpaper for battery saving-->

Method of installationAdvantagesDeficiencies
Through the galleryQuick, no more action.Minimum trimming settings
Through "Themes."Additional effects, retaining multiple optionsIt requires more steps.
Third-party annexesAdvanced functions (animation, widgets)May reduce productivity

Method 3: Live wallpaper from your videos (without root)

If you don't have enough static wallpaper, you can make animated wallpapers from your videos, and you'll need a third-party app, like Video Live Wallpaper or Kappboom (available on the Play Market).

  1. Download and install one of the applications (links below).
  2. Open it and choose to create a live wallpaper.
  3. Download the video (optimal duration is 5-15 seconds).
  4. Cut the roller to the screen size and adjust: 🎞️ Reproduction speed (can be slowed or accelerated). 🔊 Sound (better to turn off so as not to disturb). 🔄 Loop (smooth transition between repetitions).

Save the result and apply through wallpaper settings.

Important: Live wallpaper increases battery consumption by 5 to 15 percent depending on the complexity of the animation. If you notice a quick discharge, go back to the static images.

How to reduce battery consumption with live wallpaper?
1. Set the minimum brightness of the screen. 2. Use low-resolution video (720p instead 4K). 3. Turn off animations below 20% through the Tasker or MacroDroid app. 4. Choose dark wallpaper — AMOLED-Redmi Note 8 screen spends less energy on displaying black.

Method 4: Wallpaper with paralax effect (3D)

The paralax effect creates the illusion of depth: when you tilt the phone, the background shifts slightly, as if it were behind the icons. In MIUI, this effect is built in, but only works with certain wallpapers.

  1. Open the Settings → Wallpaper.
  2. Select Wallpaper Effects → turn on the Paralax switch.
  3. Return to the gallery and set your photo as wallpaper (method 1 or 2).
  4. After application, tilt the phone - the background should shift slightly.

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For maximum paralax effect, use a depth of field photo (such as portrait mode). Place the main object on the left or right - when tilted, the displacement will be more noticeable.

Method 5: Install wallpaper through file manager (for power users)

This method is suitable if you want to manually replace the system wallpaper or install an image from the ZIP archive (for example, a downloaded theme).

Instructions:

  1. Download the wallpaper in JPEG/PNG format and save it to the Download folder.
  2. Open the file manager and go on the path: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/wallpaper/ (if there is no wallpaper folder, create it manually).
  3. Copy your photo into this folder and rename it to wallpaper.jpg (for desktop) or lockscreen_wallpaper.jpg (lock-screen).
  4. Restart your phone or apply wallpaper through Settings → Wallpaper.

⚠️ Note: Do not replace system files in folders /system/ or /vendor/ No root rights. This can cause a failure of the interface. /storage/emulated/0/.

Solving common problems

Sometimes, when you install wallpaper, you get errors, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

  • 🔄 Wallpaper is not saved after rebooting: The problem is related to the theme app cache. Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Topics and clear the cache. Then re-install.
  • 🖼️ Photo cuts crooked: MIUI It automatically centers the image around an object recognition algorithm, so to get around that, add black margins around the edges in any graphics editor (like PicsArt or Photoshop Express).
  • 🔒 Lock screen wallpaper resets: If you have Smart Lock enabled (in security settings), it can reset wallpaper when unlocked by face or fingerprint. Turn it off or add wallpaper in exceptions.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the theme settings to the standard: Settings → Themes → Restore default values.

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Before resetting themes, back up your wallpaper to the cloud or computer, and copy files from /MIUI/wallpaper/ to a safe location.

FAQ: Frequent questions about wallpaper on Redmi Note 8

Can I put different wallpaper on two screens (locks and desktop)?
Yes, MIUI supports this feature. When installing wallpaper through the gallery or the Theme app, select Set up separately and specify different images for each screen.
Why do the wallpaper become blurry after installation?
This is because of the automatic zoom. Solution: Use a photo with a resolution of at least 2340×1080. In the wallpaper editor, disable the option to Stret and select Fill or Size. If the photo is still blurry, try to crop it manually to the desired proportions (19.5:9) in a third-party editor.
How to return the standard MIUI wallpaper?
Go to Settings → Wallpaper and select one of the preset themes (such as Ocean or Mountains). You can also reset the theme to factory: Settings → Themes → Restore the default values.
Can we make wallpaper out of GIF-animation?
Yes, but you'll need a third-party app like the GIF Live Wallpaper, and note that animated wallpaper is very battery-damaging -- we recommend using it only when you're connected to a charger.
Why does the wallpaper not change when you turn the phone?
MIUI has the default wallpaper autorotation feature disabled. To activate it: Set wallpaper through the Themes app. In the editor, turn on Autopivot option (if available for the selected image). If you don't have the option, use third-party apps like Wallax.