How to install a photo on the desktop of the Xiaomi phone: all ways and life hacks

Why Xiaomi Wallpaper Is More Than Just a Background

Xiaomi’s desktop is the first thing you see when you unlock your device. A properly selected photo can not only be pleasing, but also motivating, reminding you of important events or just creating the right mood. However, many users face difficulties: somewhere they can not find the right partition in MIUI, somewhere the system refuses to take the image from the gallery, and sometimes the wallpaper is suddenly reset after updating. This article will help you understand all the nuances from the basic installation to solving non-obvious problems.

The thing about MIUI firmware (even in the latest 14+) is that it has two independent backgrounds: a lock screen and a desktop, which can be customized individually or synchronized. Xiaomi also offers built-in tools to create collages, animated wallpapers and even dynamic backgrounds based on the time of day, but everything in order.

Method 1: Standard installation through "Themes"

The easiest and most versatile method is to use the built-in Themes app, available on all Xiaomi smartphones (from Redmi Note 8 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra) and allows you to install wallpaper from both the standard collection and personal photos.

  1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on the home screen or in the app menu).
  2. Go to the Wallpaper section in the lower menu.
  3. Select the tab My wallpaper → From the gallery.
  4. Find the desired photo in the folders of the device and tap it.
  5. On the preview screen, select where to apply the wallpaper: 📱 Lock screen 🏠 Desktop 🔄 Both screens.

Apply

Install

MIUI

If you want to use standard Xiaomi wallpaper, select Recommended or Popular. There are collections with FHD+ and 4K resolution optimized for AMOLED screens (for example, for Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60).

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Not everyone knows, but MIUI allows you to install wallpaper directly from the Gallery app, bypassing the "Themes" section, which is convenient if you change the background often and do not want to waste time on unnecessary clicks.

  1. Open the gallery and find the photo you need.
  2. Slip it to open it in full screen mode.
  3. Click on the three dots in the lower right corner (or the More button).
  4. Select the item Set as → Wallpaper.
  5. Adjust the image’s size and position (if necessary).
  6. Click Apply and select the screen(s) to install.

This method works on all devices with MIUI 10 and later, including the POCO F5, Redmi 12 and flagship models. However, there is a caveat: if the photo has a non-standard aspect ratio (for example, a vertical selfie), the system can automatically crop it or stretch it, which will spoil the composition, in which case it is better to pre-cut the image in any graphics editor (for example, Snapseed or Lightroom).

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If the wallpaper looks blurry after installation, check the resolution of the original photo. HD+ (2400×1080) The minimum quality should be 1920×1080 pixel.

Method 3: Dynamic and live wallpaper

Xiaomi offers not only static images, but also dynamic wallpapers that change depending on the time of day, the weather or even your activity. MIUI 14 is a function of Super Wallpapers that creates 3D-The effect of scrolling the desktop to activate them:

  1. Get into Themes. → Wallpaper. → Super wallpaper.
  2. Choose your favorite theme (such as Mars or Earth).
  3. Download the wallpaper package (we will need the Internet).
  4. Apply them to the lock screen or desktop.

If none of these methods worked, try clearing the Topics app cache:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
  2. Find the themes and tap on it.
  3. Select Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
  4. Reboot the phone and reset the wallpaper.
What to do if the wallpaper disappears after the MIUI update?
After major updates (e.g., from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14), the system can reset custom wallpaper to standard, which involves changing the structure of folders in the firmware. To avoid a problem, copy your favorite photos to the cloud (Mi Cloud, Google Photos) or to your computer before updating. After the update, install them again through the Gallery.

Life hacks: how to make wallpaper perfect

To make the photo on the desktop look as harmonious as possible, use these tips:

  • 🎨 Use contrasting colors: if the wallpaper is dominated by dark colors, set a light theme of the icons (and vice versa.
  • 📏 Observe the aspect ratio: for most Xiaomi with a cutout for the front camera, the ratio of 19.5:9 or 20:9 is optimal.
  • 🔍 Hide the badges under the wallpaper: in MIUI You can hide the shortcuts of the applications, leaving only the widgets. → Table settings → Hide the badges.
  • ⏳ Automatic Wallpaper Changer: Install the Wallpaper Changer app from Play Market to change the background on schedule.

Important for owners AMOLED-screens (Xiaomi) 12/13/14, Redmi K50/K60): Avoid static wallpapers with bright pixels (such as logos on a monochromatic background) to prevent the matrix from burning out. Use dark themes or dynamic backgrounds.

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For the perfect fit of wallpaper to the camera cutout (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Lite), use templates from sites like wallhaven.cc or zedge.net, where there is a section “Cutout Wallpapers”.

Alternative applications for wallpaper

If you don't like the built-in MIUI tools, you can use third-party apps that offer more customization options, including:

  • 🌄 Zedge: a huge base of wallpaper and ringtones with screen resolution sorting.
  • 🎨 Backdrops: Minimalist wallpaper with support AMOLED Black.
  • 🖼️ WallpapersCraft: High-quality photos with the ability to preview on your phone model.
  • 🤖 Google Wallpaper: Official App with Daily Collection Updates (including satellite imagery of Earth).

To install wallpaper through a third-party application:

  1. Download and install the app from the Play Market.
  2. Select your favorite photo and click Install.
  3. In the window that appears, select Themes or Gallery (depending on the application).
  4. Confirm the installation and select the screen(s) to use.

Please note that some applications (e.g. Zedge) may request storage and internet access to download content.You don't have to deny permissions, otherwise the functionality will be limited.

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If you change wallpapers frequently, create a separate folder in the Gallery (for example, Wallpapers) and add photos that you like to add, so they will be easier to find when changing the background.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I put on the desktop Xiaomi GIF-animation?
Yes, but not through standard means. Install the GIF Live Wallpaper app from the Play Market, select the GIF and use it as a live wallpaper, and note that this will increase battery consumption.
Why do the lock screens look so dull?
The default MIUI activates the Lock screen Energy Saving mode, which mutes the colors. To turn it off, go to Settings → Lock the screen → Additional → Lock screen energy saving and deactivate the option.
How to return the standard MIUI wallpaper after a shift?
Go to Themes → Wallpaper → Standard and select one of the preset themes (for example, MIUI Default or Abstract). You can also reset the theme settings to Settings → Themes → Restore Standard.
Can I put a video as a wallpaper on Xiaomi?
Technically, yes, but only through third-party apps like Video Live Wallpaper, which drains the battery and can lead to slowdowns on weak devices like the Redmi 10A.
Why are the wallpapers not synced with the Mi Account?
Synchronizing wallpapers through Mi Account is not stable. To transfer the background to another Xiaomi phone, export the photo manually (for example, through Mi Cloud or Google Photos) and install it again.

⚠️ Note: On some devices with MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO X5 Pro) Themes may be called Personalization, but the functionality remains the same, but the location of menu items may differ.

⚠️ Note: If you use a third-party launcher (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion), the wallpaper settings may be different. In this case, go to the launcher settings and look for the Wallpaper or Wallpaper section.