How to put it GIF Xiaomi: 5 working methods MIUI 12-14

Why? GIF-Xiaomi Wallpaper Is Cool (And Where the Trick Is)

Animated wallpaper on the screen of Xiaomi smartphone is not just a way to stand out, but a full-fledged personalization tool, GIF-The background adds dynamics to the interface, making interaction with the device more lively, especially for owners of the Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 Xiaomi 13, where high screen refresh rates (up to 144 Hz) reveal the potential of animation.

But it's not that simple: MIUI by default, block the installation GIF As wallpaper through a standard menu, offering instead live wallpaper from the Xiaomi Themes gallery. This limitation is related to optimizing power consumption β€” animation can increase the load on the processor and reduce battery life. But you can bypass it, and we'll tell you how to do it.

In this article you will find:

  • πŸ”§ 5 proven ways to install GIF on wallpaper (including hidden functions) MIUI).
  • ⚑ Selection advice GIF, Not to "slow down" the smartphone.
  • ⚠️ Warnings about possible bugs and how to avoid them.
  • πŸ“± Step-by-step instructions for different versions MIUI (12-to-14).
πŸ“Š What type of wallpaper do you prefer on Xiaomi?
Static (photo)
Live wallpaper MIUI Themes
GIF/animation
Video wallpaper
Another option

Method 1: Through a standard launcher MIUI (covert)

Few people know, but in MIUI 13 and MIUI 14 There is an undocumented possibility to establish GIF-wallpaper without third-party applications. This method works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and other models. POCO, but requires precise follow-up of instructions.

Here's what we need to do:

  1. Download. GIF-file per device (e.g., via Telegram or browser) The desired size is no more than 5 MB, permission, up to 1080Γ—2400 (modern smartphones).
  2. Open the Gallery app and find the downloaded GIF.
  3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Set as β†’ Wallpaper.
  4. If the system gives an error "Unsupported format", do not close the window! Go back and try again - sometimes it works a second time.
  5. After successful installation, select the trimming area (GIF It will be extended to the entire screen and save the changes.

⚠️ Note: This method may not work on devices with MIUI 12 and below, and on some models POCO with custom firmware. GIF Not installed, try renaming the file to.mp4 (Yeah, it'll work!).

πŸ’‘

Before installation GIF Open it in any player through the gallery (for example, VLC) And check the smoothness of the animation. GIF "Twitching” on wallpaper it will look even worse due to optimization MIUI.

Method 2: Appendix "Live wallpaper" (without root)

If the standard method doesn't work, third-party apps will come to the rescue, and one of the most reliable is Kappboom's Live Wallpapers (available on Google Play). GIF, video APNG as backgrounds without requiring root rights.

Instructions:

  • πŸ“₯ Install the Live Wallpapers app.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Download. GIF In memory of the phone (Download folder or Pictures).
  • πŸ”„ Open the app, press. + β†’ From the gallery and choose yours. GIF.
  • βš™οΈ Set up the parameters: πŸ”„ Repeat – turn on for infinite animation. 🎨 Blurring background – reduce to 0%, otherwise GIF will be fuzzy. πŸ”‹ Optimize the battery – turn on to reduce the load.
  • πŸ“± Apply wallpaper by selecting Install on the home screen or on both screens.

The advantage of this method is flexibility: you can adjust the playback speed, add blur for icons or even overlay over the top. GIF However, please note that some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) They can β€œslow down” when using heavy animations.

Download GIF no higher-permission 1080p|Check the smoothness of animation (FPS β‰₯ 24)|Make sure the file weighs ≀ 10MB|Rename the extension to.mp4, if MIUI accept GIF|Make a backup copy of the current wallpaper

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Method 3: Through MIUI Themes (official but limited)

MIUI Themes is Xiaomi's proprietary interface customization platform, and its collection has hundreds of live wallpapers, including animated ones, but you can download your own wallpaper. GIF You can't. You can convert. GIF in a format compatible with MIUI, And upload it as a custom theme.

How to do this:

  1. Download. GIF and convert it into MP4 or WEBM through online services (for example, EZGIF).
  2. Open the Topics app (MIUI Themes) and go to the Wallpaper section β†’ Live wallpaper.
  3. Click on the icon. + (If you have one, choose My Wallpaper. β†’ Import.
  4. Select the converted file. If there is no import option, then your version MIUI does not support this function (relevant to the MIUI 12 and old devices).

πŸ”Ή Important: Wallpaper loaded through MIUI Themes can be automatically optimized by the system, which means that the quality of the system is GIF It can get worse and the animation will become less smooth. To avoid this, reduce the bitrate of the video to 1-2 Mbit/s.

Why? MIUI limit GIF-wallpaper?
According to Xiaomi’s internal documentation, the restrictions on GIF introduced for two reasons: 1. Energy consumption: Animated wallpaper increases the load on GPU on 15-30%, This reduces battery life on 1-1.5 hour. 2. Performance: On devices with Snapdragon series processors 4xx (Like Redmi. 8A) GIF-Wallpaper can cause lags when you open applications. Solution: MIUI propose GIF Use optimized live wallpaper in.mtz format that consumes fewer resources.

Method 4: Use of Nova Launcher (for advanced)

If you are willing to sacrifice a branded shell MIUI For the sake of flexibility, the Nova Launcher is the perfect solution. GIF as wallpaper without any restrictions, plus offers fine tuning of animations.

Step-by-step:

  • πŸ›’ Install Nova Launcher (there is a free version).
  • πŸ“ Place it. GIF Nova Wallpapers folder (create it manually in internal memory).
  • πŸ”§ Open the Nova Launcher settings β†’ Appearance β†’ Wallpaper.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Choose a gallery and find yours. GIF. Use it as wallpaper.
  • βš™οΈ In additional settings (Additional) can be included: πŸ”„ Scrolling wallpaper (if) GIF screen-wide). 🎭 The paralax effect (for 3D-effect). πŸ”‹ Battery optimization (reduces) FPS low-charge animation).

βœ… Benefits of Nova Launcher:

  • πŸ”Ή Support GIF any permission (as opposed to any other permission) MIUI).
  • πŸ”Ή Ability to adjust the speed of animation.
  • πŸ”Ή There is no limit on file weight (but heavy) GIF lay down).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi devices (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) when using Nova Launcher, the return gesture to the main screen may disappear. To return it, turn on the System gestures option in the launcher settings β†’ Emulation MIUI.

Method 5: Manual creation of live wallpaper (for enthusiasts)

If you are not afraid to dig into the settings, you can create custom live wallpaper based on GIF assisted APK-This is a method that takes longer, but gives you complete control over the results.

What you need:

  • πŸ“± Xiaomi smartphone with unlocked bootloader (not necessarily root).
  • πŸ’» Computer with Android Studio or APKTool installed.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ GIF-file-converted WEBM or MP4.

Instructions:

  1. Download the template of live wallpaper for MIUI (like, from here).
  2. Unpack. APK using APKTool and replace the animation file in the asset folder with your own.
  3. Edit it. AndroidManifest.xml, by specifying the correct file name.
  4. Collect the APK back and install it on your smartphone.
  5. Apply wallpaper through Settings β†’ Wallpaper β†’ Live wallpaper.

πŸ”Ή Warning: This method can cause the "Wallpaper Stopped" error if the animation file is too heavy or has an incompatible codec. VP9 Video and WebP for static layers.

πŸ’‘

The most reliable way for most users is to use the Live Wallpapers app (Method 2), which requires no root rights, works on 90% of Xiaomi devices and allows you to quickly change wallpapers without complex manipulation.

Compatibility table: what ways work for your Xiaomi

Not all methods are equally good for different models. In the table below, the methods are compatible with popular Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO (based on tests of 2026).

Model of the deviceStandard Launcher (Method 1)Live Wallpapers (Method 2)MIUI Themes (Method 3)Nova Launcher (Method 4)Handwallpaper (Method 5)
Xiaomi 13/13 Pro (MIUI 14)βœ… (2nd-time)βœ…βœ…βœ…βœ…
Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (MIUI 13)βŒβœ…βœ…βœ…βœ…
POCO F5 (MIUI 14)βœ…βœ…βŒ (importer)βœ…βœ…
Redmi 10C (MIUI 12.5)βŒβœ… (lay down)βœ…βœ…βš οΈ (optimization)
Xiaomi Pad 6 (MIUI 14)βœ…βœ…βœ…βœ…βœ…

πŸ’‘ Tip: If your model is not listed in the table, try the Live Wallpapers (Live Wallpapers) method 2, which has the most compatibility. For older devices (like Redmi 7), it is better to use Nova Launcher, as standard methods often fail.

How to optimize GIF, So that you don't slow down your smartphone.

Installing animated wallpaper is only half the battle. GIF It's not optimized, it's going to eat up the battery and slow down when you open apps:

  • πŸ“ Permission: Reduce to 1080Γ—2400 (More resolution won't give you more quality, but it will increase the load.
  • ⏱️ Length of animation: Optimal β€” 3-5 - Seconds in a cycle. GIF They will be β€œtwitched” when they are reproduced.
  • 🎞️ Format: Convert to WEBM (codec VP9) or MP4 (codec H.264). Avoid. GIF β€” he weighs in 5-10 more times with the same quality.
  • πŸ”‹ FPS: Not more than 30 fps Larger values (e.g. 60) FPS) not visible to the eye on the wallpaper, but heavily load the processor.

πŸ› οΈ Tools for optimization:

  • πŸ”Ή EZGIF β€” downsize GIF.
  • πŸ”Ή HandBrake – for conversion to MP4/WEBM.
  • πŸ”Ή Online-Convert – to change permission.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Snapdragon processor 4xx (Like Redmi. 9A, POCO C31) heavy-duty GIF-Wallpaper can cause overheating with prolonged use. If the smartphone gets hot, go back to static wallpaper or reduce the temperature. FPS animation up to 15 frames / s.

Frequent Problems and How to Solve Them

Even after successful installation GIF-And so wallpaper can be unexpected. Here are the most common bugs and their solutions:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
GIF not installed through the galleryMIUI block outRename the file to.mp4 Or use Live Wallpapers.
Animation twitchesHigh-pitched FPS or large file sizeReduce. FPS up to 24 and convert to WEBM
Wallpaper is reset after resettingMIUI cache errorClear the app's cache Themes in Settings
Fast battery dischargeGIF too heavyEnable Battery Optimization in Live Wallpaper Settings
Black screen instead of wallpaperIncompatible codecTranscode the file into H.264 or VP9

If none of the solutions worked, try resetting the launcher settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find the MIUI Launcher (or Nova Launcher if you use it).
  3. Press Warehouse. β†’ Clear the data.
  4. Restart the device and re-install the wallpaper.
What to do if after installation GIF wallpaper unanimated?
In 90% of cases, the problem lies in the settings of energy saving. MIUI. Go to Settings. β†’ Battery and productivity β†’ Battery management and add the wallpaper application (like Live Wallpapers) to the No Limits list.

πŸ”Ή Can I put it? GIF on lock-up wallpaper on Xiaomi?
No, on the lock screen. MIUI It only supports static wallpaper or live wallpaper from the official Xiaomi Themes collection. This restriction can only be circumvented with root rights or custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).
πŸ”Ή Why? GIF-The wallpaper is slowing down on my Redmi?
It's probably the processor. 4xx/6xx (Like Redmi. 9, POCO M3) Not optimized for heavy animations. Try: Reduce resolution GIF before 720p. Lower FPS before 15 Use Nova Launcher with Battery Optimization option enabled.
πŸ”Ή How do you do that? GIF-The wallpaper has always worked, not just on the main screen?
V MIUI By default, animated wallpapers are only displayed on the home screen. To expand them to the app screen: Install Nova Launcher. In the launcher settings, select Wallpaper. β†’ Scrolling wallpaper. Activate Apply to all screens. MIUI no such function.
πŸ”Ή Can I put a video instead of GIF?
Yes, but with reservations, the video wallpaper is installed through the same apps as the one that you use. GIF (For example, Live Wallpapers, but: πŸ”Έ The video should be short (5-10 seconds). πŸ”Έ Optimal format β€” MP4 codeced H.264. πŸ”Έ On devices with MIUI 12 And below, the wallpaper may not play. For better results, convert the video to GIF assisted EZGIF, And then set it up like a regular wallpaper.
πŸ”Ή Where to download quality GIF wallpaper?
Best sources: πŸ”Ή Tenor – a large database of animated pictures (search by tags) 4K, loop). πŸ”Ή GIPHY β€” high-quality GIF, but often watermarked. πŸ”Ή Wallpaper Cave – live wallpaper in format MP4. πŸ”Ή Reddit (r/AnimatedWallpapers) β€” A community where unique animations are shared. πŸ’‘ Tip: Check the license before downloading! GIF Copyright protection (e.g. from movies or games).