How to put a photo on the desktop Xiaomi: 5 ways and tips for setting up

Changing the wallpaper on Xiaomi’s desktop is a simple task, but many users have questions: why the image is cropped, how to install live wallpaper, or why the photo is not displayed in full screen mode. This article will help to understand all the nuances of setting the background image on smartphones with a shell MIUI (We will look at standard and alternative methods, and we will give recommendations for choosing photos to perfectly fit into your Redmi screen, POCO or Mi.

It is important to understand that the process may vary slightly depending on the device model and firmware version. for example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with the X-ray. MIUI 14 wallpaper settings interface more modern than on the Redmi Note 9 with MIUI But the basic principles remain the same, and if you have a problem that the wallpaper is moving or it looks blurry, there's a separate section in the article with solutions.

We will also cover the topic of live wallpaper (including dynamic effects based on time of day) and how to install animated background images from third-party apps, and for those who like personalization, we will give you a guide to create collages right in the Xiaomi gallery.

Method 1: Standard wallpaper change via MIUI settings

This is the most obvious and fastest method that works on all Xiaomi devices regardless of model. POCO X5, Redmi 12 or flagship Mi 13 Ultra. Here's how to do it:

1. Unlock the screen and make a long press on the free desktop space (not on the icon!).
2. At the bottom of the screen will appear a panel with options - select Wallpapers (or Wallpapers in English firmware).
3. A menu will open with categories: My wallpaper, Live wallpaper, Super Wallpaper and Color.
4. Select My Wallpaper, then click Gallery (or Photos) and find the image you want.
5. Once you've selected a photo, the system will suggest cropping it to the size of the screen. Use your fingers to zoom in and move the image.
6. Click Apply and select where to install wallpaper: on the desktop, lock screen or on both screens.

If you want your photo to automatically adjust to the theme (light/dark), turn on the option Adaptive Color in the wallpaper settings. AMOLED-screens where black saves battery life.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F4) post-update MIUI 14 may disappear the Gallery button in the wallpaper menu. In this case, use Method 3 of this article.

Standard wallpaper MIUI They're optimized for screen resolution, but if you're uploading a photo from the Internet, make sure it matches your display resolution. 12T Pro with permission 2712×1220 An image with an aspect ratio is ideally suited 20:9.

Method 2: Install wallpaper through the Gallery app

If you're more comfortable choosing a photo from the gallery, this is even easier than the first one, and it's especially useful when you want to change the wallpaper quickly without going into the desktop settings.

1. Open the Gallery app (or Photos on global firmware).
2. Find the image you want and open it in full screen mode.
3. Click on the three dots in the lower right corner (Menu More).
4. In the drop-down list, select Set How → Wallpaper.
5. The crop window will open - adjust the position and scale of the photo.
6. Click Apply and select where to install: only on the desktop, only on the lock screen or both.

The advantage of this method is that you can immediately see how the photo will look on the screen without leaving the gallery. In addition, the option Blurr for the lock screen is available here - useful if you want to hide the details of the photo.

The photo has sufficient resolution (minimum) 1920×1080)

The aspect ratio corresponds to the screen (18:9, 19.5:9, 20:9, etc.)

The image does not contain important details around the edges (they may be cropped)

The background colors do not conflict with the icons (for example, white icons on a light background)

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If the wallpaper looks blurry after installation, check the resolution of the original file.

If your photo has a resolution below the recommended resolution, the system will automatically stretch it, which will lead to a loss of quality. AMOLED-On screens (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra) it is better to use dark wallpaper – this will reduce the load on the battery.

Method 3: Using third-party wallpaper applications

Standard wallpaper MIUI It can be boring if you like unusual designs, and then third-party apps from Google Play come to the rescue:

• 🎨 Zedge – a huge base of wallpaper and ringtones with the ability to filter by resolution.
• 🌌 Backdrops – Minimalist and Abstract Wallpaper with Dark Theme Support.
• 🖼️ WallpapersCraft – high-quality photos and illustrations sorted by category.
• 📱 Muzei Live Wallpaper – Automatically changes wallpaper from art collections.

How to install wallpaper through Zedge:

1. Download and install Zedge from Google Play.
2. Open the app and select Wallpapers.
3. Use filters to find the wallpaper of the appropriate resolution (for example, FHD+ For the Redmi Note 11 Pro).
4. Click on the image you like and select Install.
5. The app will redirect you to the standard wallpaper menu MIUI — Follow the instructions in Method 1.

If the wallpaper doesn't look like it does in the preview after installation, check the cropping settings. Some apps (like Backdrops) offer their own tools to fit the image under the screen.

Standard MIUI wallpaper

Gallery photo

Live wallpaper

Wallpaper from third-party applications

Your own designs.

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Live Wallpapers will require a separate setup, such as the Muzei, which allows you to automatically change backgrounds on a schedule or when the weather changes, but keep in mind that animated wallpapers increase battery consumption by 5-15% (according to Xiaomi tests). 12S Ultra).

Method 4: Live Wallpaper and Dynamic Effects in MIUI

MIUI 13 and MIUI 14 supports Super Wallpapers, which are animated background images that respond to gestures and the time of day. For example, the wallpapers of Earth or Mars rotate slowly as you scroll through your desktop, and the wallpapers of the Ocean change color as time goes on.

How to install Super Wallpaper:

1. Make a long tap on the desktop and select Wallpaper.
2. Go to the Super Wallpapers section.
3. Choose your favorite option (such as Earth or Flowers).
4. Click Apply and wait for download (files weigh ~50–100 MB).
5. Choose where to install: desktop, lock screen or both.

Super wallpapers consume more power than static ones, but the visual effect is worth it. On the Xiaomi 13 Pro with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, the animation works smoothly, and on budget models (for example, Redmi). 10A) There may be a slowdown.

If you don't like the built-in Super Wallpaper, you can install third-party live wallpaper through Google Play. KLWP Live Wallpaper Maker allows you to create fully customized animated background images with weather widgets, time and even data from smartphone sensors.

Method 5: Collage and edit photos before installation

If you want to create unique wallpapers from multiple photos, the Xiaomi Gallery has a built-in collage tool. This is convenient if you want to put several favorite shots on your desktop at once.

1. Open the gallery and select a folder with photos.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Create → Collage.
3. Select from 2 to 9 photos (depending on the template).
4. Select a collage template (grid, mosaic, vertical or horizontal location).
5. Edit boundaries, background and proportions with tools at the bottom of the screen.
6. Click Save, then set the resulting image as wallpaper through the Gallery (see Method 2).

If built-in templates aren’t enough, use third-party apps like Photo Grid or Canva, which offer more options, including adding text, stickers, and filters.

When creating a collage, keep in mind that:

• 📏 The resolution of the final image must correspond to the screen (see the table in Method 2).
• 🎨 The color of the collage background should not merge with the icons (for example, a white background). + white-icons = slurrability).
• 🖼️ Important details of photos should not fall under the icons of the application.

For devices with Always-On Display (e.g. Xiaomi 13 or X-rays) POCO F4 GT) You can create a minimalist collage with a black background - so the information on the locked screen will be better read.

Problem Solving: Wallpapers move, blur or not installed

Sometimes users find that the wallpaper doesn't show correctly: it crops, it moves away when scrolling or it looks blurry. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

If the wallpaper is not installed at all, check:

• 📂 Folder with image – perhaps the photo is in a protected folder (for example, Private in the image). MIUI). Move him to DCIM or Pictures.
• 🔄 System updates - on some versions MIUI 12.5 was a wallpaper install bug. Update firmware through Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🛠️ Application rights – make sure that the Gallery and Wallpapers have access to the storage (Settings) → Annexes → Permits).

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (new firmware for Xiaomi 14 and other 2026 models), the wallpaper menu may look different.If you don't find the right options, try using Method 2 (via Gallery) or install wallpaper through a third-party app.

If the problem persists, try resetting the Wallpaper app settings:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Wallpaper → Storage → Reset Settings

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wallpaper for Xiaomi

To make the wallpaper look harmonious and do not interfere with the use of the smartphone, follow these recommendations:

• 🌄 For AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13, POCO F5 Pro) choose dark wallpaper - this reduces battery consumption and reduces the load on the eyes.
• 🎨 For icons with white text (standard style) MIUI) Avoid light backgrounds – icons will not read well.
• 📏 For screens with a cutout (such as the Redmi Note 11), pick up wallpaper where important details don't fall under the camera or speaker.
• 🌈 For Always-On Display, use minimalist wallpaper with black background and bright accents.

If you like to change wallpapers often, create a separate folder in the Gallery (for example, Wallpapers) and save your favorite images there, so you do not have to search for the right photo for all albums every time.

For those who want to fully customize the desktop, we recommend:

• Use icons (e.g., via Nova Launcher) to create uniformity of style.
• Install widgets with a transparent background so that they do not conflict with wallpaper.
• Experiment with gradient wallpaper, which smoothly change color depending on the time of day.

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If you often photograph sunsets or landscapes, try using them as wallpaper. MIUI there is a function of automatic adjustment of wallpaper colors under the theme of the interface - so your desktop will be unique and harmonious.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing wallpaper to Xiaomi