The lock screen of a smartphone is the first thing you see when you turn on the device, and many Xiaomi users want to make it unique. GIF-But what's not known is that this feature is not available on all models and requires certain conditions to be met.
In this article, we will discuss how to add the right GIF on the lock screen Xiaomi (including models on the MIUI 12, MIUI 13 and MIUI 14), what are the restrictions and what to do if the animations are not played. GIF-Files and how to optimize them for better display.
Spoiler: The process takes no more than 5 minutes, but there are critical nuances with the resolution and weight of the file that are ignored by 90% of users – and because of this, the animation does not work.
What Xiaomi smartphones support GIF on the lock screen
The feature of adding animated wallpaper to the lock screen appeared in MIUI 12 and is saved in newer versions of the firmware.
- 📱 Supported models: Redmi Note 10/11/12, Xiaomi 11/12/13, POCO F3/F4/F5, Redmi K40/K50 On older devices (like the Redmi Note). 9 or Mi 9) function may not be present.
- 🔄 Version. MIUI: Firmware required MIUI 12 or higher. MIUI 11 and older GIF lockdown.
- 📏 Screen resolution: The file must match your display resolution (e.g, 1080×2400 For the Redmi Note 11).
To check the MIUI version, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have an older firmware, update it through Settings → System Update.
⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) the function can be hidden in regional firmware. If you don't have an option, try switching to the global version MIUI.
Requirements for GIF-file: resolution, weight, format
Not every GIF is suitable for a lock screen, and Xiaomi imposes strict restrictions on file settings:
| Parameter | Requirements | What happens if you don't follow |
|---|---|---|
| Permission | Coincides with the screen resolution (e.g. 1080×2400, 1440×3200) | GIF will be cut or stretched, lose quality |
| File weight | No more than 5 MB (optimally 2-3 MB) | The file will not load or will slow down. |
| Duration | Up to 10 seconds (preferably 3-5 seconds) | Animations may be cropped or cycled with delays |
| Format | Only.gif (not.mp4 or.webp) | The system doesn't recognize the file. |
If your GIF does not meet the requirements, it can be optimized with the help of online services:
- 🛠️ EZGIF — for trimming, resizing and compression.
- 🎨 GIFMaker – to create animation from scratch.
- 📱 Android apps: GIF Maker, Imagif (available on Google Play).
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Before downloading, check the GIF on your PC: open it in your browser and make sure the animation is smooth, without jerking. If it slows on your computer, it will get worse on your phone.
Step-by-step: how to install GIF on the lock screen
If your device and file meet the requirements, follow this instruction:
- Download or prepare GIF-file and save it to your phone memory (for example, in the Downloads or Pictures folder).
- Open the Settings → Lock screen.
- Select Lock Screen Wallpaper (or Wallpaper in English firmware).
- Click Add Wallpaper → Gallery and select yours GIF-file.
- Confirm the selection and wait for processing (can take up to 30 seconds).
- Click Apply or Set on the Lock screen.
Check the file resolution (should match the screen)
Make sure that the GIF weight is less than 5MB
Cut the duration to 5-10 seconds
Save the file in.gif (not.mp4) format
Download. GIF phone memory (not on the phone) SD-map)-->
If after application the animation is not reproduced:
- 🔄 Reboot the phone.
- 📁 Try moving the file to another folder (for example, DCIM → Wallpapers).
- 🛠️ Check if the power saving mode is on (it can block animations).
⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro) GIF on the lock only works when the settings are enabled → Display. → Animation of the system → Turn on animation.
Where to download suitable GIFs for the lock screen
Do you want to bother creating your own GIF? Here are the best sources for downloading ready-made animations:
- 🌐 Tenor is a huge base. GIF Search by category (nature, abstraction, games).
- 🎬 GIPHY — popular service with high-quality animations (there is a Wallpapers section).
- 📱 Annexes: ZEDGE (Google Play - wallpaper and GIF permit-sorted. GIF Keyboard – allows you to save animations to the gallery.
- 🖼️ Telegram channels: @gifwallpapers, @amiwalls (Specialize in wallpaper for Xiaomi).
When downloading, pay attention to:
- 📏 Resolution: Look for tagged files 4K, FHD or mobile wallpaper.
- 🔄 Cyclicality: Better to choose GIF with a smooth transition to the beginning (without sharp breaks).
- 🎨 Style: For the lock screen, abstract patterns, slow transitions or minimalistic animations are suitable.
How to Download GIFs with Tenor Without Watermarks
What to do if the GIF is not played on the lock screen
If the animation does not show or slow down after installation, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| GIF not installed | Inappropriate format or weight | Convert to.gif and compress up to 5MB |
| Animation twitches | Too high frame rate (FPS) | Reduce FPS to 20-24 in EZGIF |
| GIF cuts at edges | Discrepancy of permission | Change the file size to screen resolution |
| Animation doesn't cycle. | Incorrect cycle settings | Check the “Loop” setting when creating a GIF |
Additional steps for diagnosis:
- Try installing another GIF (like the standard one from Xiaomi Gallery) if it works, there's a problem in your file.
- Turn off the settings → Battery → Power saving mode.
- Clear the Wallpaper app cache (Settings → Apps → App management → Wallpaper → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
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If no GIFs are played, check if the system animation is disabled in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap to turn on the developer mode, then Additional → For developers → Animation).
Alternative ways to add animation to the lock screen
If the standard method doesn’t work, there are workarounds:
- 📱 Always On Display: Some models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi) K60) Supports Always On Display (AOD) It's animation-based. GIF through settings → Always On Display → Style. → Animated wallpaper.
⚠️ Note: Using third-party applications to change the lock screen (such as Lock Screen Customizer) may disrupt the fingerprint sensor and Face Unlock.
How to Create Your Unique GIF for the Lock Screen
Do you want something really unique to be displayed on the lock? Create a GIF yourself!
You'll need:
- 🎥 Source: Video (up to 10 seconds) or series of photos.
- 🛠️ Tools: EZGIF (Online - to convert video into GIF. Adobe Photoshop – for advanced editing. GIF Maker (Android) – to create animations directly on your phone.
Step-by-step process:
- Select videos or photos (such as a sunset or your pet recording).
- Cut the video to 3-5 seconds (in CapCut or InShot).
- Convert to GIF via EZGIF by setting: Resolution: matching the phone screen. FPS: 20-24 frames per second. Color palette: 256 colors (for weight reduction).
Save the file and upload it to your phone.
Example of commands for conversion via FFmpeg (for advanced users):
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "fps=20,scale=1080:2400:flags=lanczos,palettegen" palette.png
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -i palette.png -filter_complex "fps=20,scale=1080:2400:flags=lanczos[x];[x][1:v]paletteuse" output.gif