How to put your picture on the lock screen Xiaomi: all ways and life hacks

Xiaomi’s lock screen is the first thing you see when you turn on a smartphone, and many users want to personalize it for themselves. However, not everyone knows how to properly install their own picture instead of the standard MIUI wallpaper. Depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14) and the model (Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Poco X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), the process can be slightly different.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to change wallpaper on the lock screen, from standard settings to bypassing MIUI restrictions with third-party apps. You’ll also learn why photos are automatically cropped or stretched, and how to avoid it.

1. Standard method: through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It works on all modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 11/12, Poco F4/F5 and flagship Xiaomi models 13/14. The main condition is the availability of the latest firmware version (update via Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI).

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
• 🖼️ Go to the wallpaper tab» → Select the section "Block screen».
• 📁 Press "My wallpaper» → «Add and select a photo from the gallery.
• ✅ Confirm the choice by clicking "Apply" (the picture will automatically fit to the screen resolution).

If your MIUI version doesn’t have a separate tab for the lock screen, try an alternative path:

1. Hold your finger on an empty space on your desk. → «Wallpaper».
2. At the bottom of the screen, select Lock Screen (if the option is active).
3. Slip on the Gallery icon and upload your image.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A POCO M3) The lock screen wallpaper change function can be blocked by the manufacturer, in which case only root access or third-party launchers will help.

2.Why does MIUI cut or stretch the picture?

Many users face the problem of having a photo on the lock screen that is not properly displayed, either cropped at the edges or stretched with distortion, because MIUI automatically adjusts the image to the aspect ratio and resolution of a particular model.

To avoid distortion, follow these rules:

• 📏 Use images with a resolution multiple of your screen, like the Redmi Note. 12 Pro+ (FHD+) optimally 1080×2400 pixel.
• 🖼️ Cut the photo in advance in any graphics editor (for example, Snapseed or Photoshop Express), leaving only the central part.
• 🎨 Avoid images with small details around the edges — MIUI might cut them off.

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If you want to know exactly the screen resolution of your Xiaomi, install the DevCheck app from Google Play.It will show all the technical characteristics of the device, including PPI and aspect ratio.

3. Alternative methods: third-party launchers and applications

If standard MIUI settings do not allow you to change the wallpaper of the lock screen, you can use third-party solutions, which are suitable for devices with outdated firmware versions or limited features (for example, Redmi Go or Poco C31).

The best applications for changing wallpaper:

• 🌈 Nova Launcher – allows you to configure separate wallpapers for the desktop and lock screen (requires a premium version).
• 🖼️ Wallpaper Changer – automatically changes wallpapers on a schedule, including the lock screen.
• 🔒 Lock Screen & Wallpaper – a specialized application for customization of locking (does not work on all Xiaomi models).

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play and make it the default launcher.
2. Go to Settings Nova → Wallpaper and Style.
3. Select “Block screen wallpaper” and upload your image.
4. Save the changes and restart the device.

⚠️ Note: The use of third-party launchers may lead to conflicts with MIUI, especially on HyperOS devices. Before installation, back up your data via Settings → Additionally. → Backup.

4 Manually modifying wallpaper through the file system (for advanced)

If you're ready to dive into the technical details, you can manually replace the lock screen wallpaper by swapping out the system files, a method that requires root rights or access to ADB, so is only suitable for power users.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and enable debugging over USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times click on the build number → return to Additional → For developers).
2. Download and install ADB Tools on your computer.
3. Enter the command to copy the current wallpaper: adb pull /data/system/users/0/wallpaper_lockscreen.jpg
4. Edit the downloaded file in the graphics editor (save in.jpg format with the same name).
5. Download back to the device: adb push wallpaper_lockscreen.jpg /data/system/users/0/
6. Reboot your smartphone.

USB | Installed ADB drivers on PC | Backup of data | Wallpaper file edited in correct resolution-->

This method works on most Xiaomi devices, but there are risks:

• ⚠️ Incorrectly changing system files can cause a failure MIUI.
• 🔄 After updating the firmware wallpaper can be reset.
• 🛡️ On some models (Xiaomi) 12S Ultra: Wallpaper files are protected from change.

5. Features for HyperOS devices

In 2026, Xiaomi began the transition to the new HyperOS firmware, which replaced MIUI. In it, the process of changing the wallpaper of the lock screen changed a little. If your smartphone (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70, etc.) runs on HyperOS, follow this instruction:

How to change the wallpaper in HyperOS:

• 📱 Open "Settings» → «Personalization».
• 🖼️ Choose "Wallpaper» → «Lock screen».
• 📁 Click on “My Wallpaper” and upload an image from the gallery.
• ✅ Confirm the choice – the system automatically optimizes the picture for the screen.

The difference between HyperOS and MIUI:

• 🔄 There is no separate Themes app – all personalization settings are moved to Settings».
• 🎨 New animation effects for wallpapers are added (for example, "Parallax»).
• 📱 Support for dynamic wallpapers for lock screen.

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HyperOS allows you to install video wallpaper on the lock screen, but this feature is only available on flagship models (Xiaomi 14 Pro, Mix Fold 3).

6. Frequent errors and how to fix them

When changing the wallpaper on the lock screen, Xiaomi users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common and ways to solve them.

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🔄 Reset the theme settings (Settings) → Topics → Reset).
• 📱 Switch to standard launcher (Settings) → Home screen → Standard launcher).
• 🔧 Clear the “Themes” application data (Settings) → Annexes → Management → Topics → Warehouse → Clear the data).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions