Can I make a GIF wallpaper on Xiaomi?
Animated wallpaper on Xiaomi smartphones is not a myth, but a reality. Unlike static images, live desktop GIFs add personality and dynamics to the device. But how do you set them up if standard MIUI settings don't offer this option?
The secret lies in workarounds, from built-in features to third-party apps. It’s important to understand that not all Xiaomi models support wallpaper animation – this depends on the MIUI version and hardware capabilities. For example, Xiaomi’s flagships 13/14 and Redmi Note 12 do a better job than the budget models of 2020-2021.
In this article, we will discuss 3 proven ways to install a GIF on your desktop, including root-free methods, and you will also learn what formats are supported, how to optimize the GIF for battery saving and what to do if the animation slows down.
Method 1: through built-in live MIUI wallpaper (without applications)
The easiest method is to use Xiaomi’s built-in live wallpaper. It works on devices with MIUI 12 and later, but has a limitation: you can’t download your GIF, but only choose from preinstalled animations.
How to do this:
- Long press on the free space on the desktop.
- Choose Wallpaper. → Live wallpaper.
- Scroll through the list and select the animation you like (e.g. Ocean, Space, or Clock).
- Click Apply and select where to install: on desktop, lock screen or both.
⚠️ Note: Built-in live wallpaper is consumed on 15-20% If you notice a quick discharge, go back to the usual wallpaper via Settings. → Battery → Optimization.
Make sure that the MIUI version is at least 12.
Battery charge over 30%
Turn off the power saving mode
Check the space available (need ~50MB)
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Method 2: Video Wallpaper app (for its GIFs)
If you want to install your GIF, use the Video Wallpaper app (available on Google Play), which converts the GIF into a video format that MIUI perceives as live wallpaper.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Video Wallpaper.
- Download the GIF to your phone (such as GIPHY or Tenor). The optimal size is 1080×2340 (for most Xiaomi).
- Open the app, click Select video and specify the path to the GIF.
- Set up the parameters: 🔄 Clocking – Turn on the Gif to play endlessly. 🎨 Cutting - adjust to the size of the screen. 🔋 Battery savings - reduce FPS before 20-25 load-reducing.
Set up wallpaper
Desktop
💡 Useful tip: If the gif slows down, convert it to video format.mp4 permittingly 720p through online services, like EZGIF. This will reduce the load on the processor.
Why can't the GIF be reproduced?
Method 3: KLWP Pro (for advanced users)
For those who want full control of animation, KLWP Live Wallpaper Maker is suitable. This application allows you to create custom live wallpaper, including GIFs with additional effects (for example, the weather or time on top of the animation).
How to set up:
- Install KLWP Pro (free version has limitations).
- Download the GIF and place it in the KLWP/Wallpapers folder (create it manually if not).
- Open KLWP, click + → Media → Image.
- Select a GIF and adjust the parameters: 📏 Size - stretch across the entire screen. ⏱️ Animation – Install Loop (Clocking). 🎭 Effects – Add blurring or dimming if necessary.
Set up wallpaper
⚠️ Attention: KLWP It may conflict with system wallpaper MIUI. If after installation the desktop resets, return the settings through Settings → Annexes → KLWP → Warehouse → Clear the data.
💡
Use KLWP to create smart wallpapers: for example, the GIF can vary depending on the time of day or battery level. To do this, add variables $ti(h)$ (hour) or $bat$ (charge) to the layer settings.
Table: Comparison of ways to install a gif on Xiaomi
| Method | Difficulty | Supported formats | Battery consumption | Need root? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in live wallpaper | ⭐ (simple) | Only systemic. | Average (+15%) | No. |
| Video Wallpaper | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | GIF, MP4, WEBM | High (+20-25%) | No. |
| KLWP Pro | ⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | Any + effects | Very high (+30%) | No. |
| Root + Substratum | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | Anybody. | Depends on optimization | Yes. |
How to optimize the gif for wallpaper: 5 tips
To ensure that the animation runs smoothly and does not drain the battery, follow these recommendations:
- Reduce resolution. The optimal size for most Xiaomi is 1080×2340 (or 720×1560 for resource savings). Use Photoshop or online services like ResizeImage.net.
- Reduce FPS. 15-20 frames per second is enough for a GIF. Convert via EZGIF (Video to GIF → FPS).
- Cut the duration. The ideal wallpaper Gif is 3-5 seconds. Long animations slow down and drain the battery faster.
- Use dark tones. AMOLED-On screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) black pixels are not illuminated, which saves charge.
- Turn off the animation in the background. In the live wallpaper settings (Settings → Wallpaper → Settings of live wallpaper), select Only on the home screen.
💡
If the GIF is not installed in any way, check if it is blocked by MIUI Optimized (built-in optimization Xiaomi). To do this, temporarily disable it in Settings → Special features → MIUI Optimized (reboot required).