How to change wallpaper on the lock screen Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

The lock screen is the first thing you see when you turn on your smartphone, and the look of it sets the mood for the whole day. Xiaomi owners have several ways to personalize this interface element, from standard MIUI settings to using themes and third-party applications. But not everyone knows that the setup will bypass third-party system constraints β€” for example, on some models, lock wallpapers are synchronized with desktop wallpapers by default.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods of changing wallpaper on the lock screen for Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones. POCO β€” from the simplest to the most advanced, including circumvention of restrictions MIUI. You will learn how to set a static image, animated wallpaper or even video, as well as what nuances are important to consider when choosing a picture (resolution, format, aspect ratio). AMOLED-screens where incorrect settings can cause pixels to burn out.

Method 1: Standard wallpaper change via MIUI settings

The most obvious and safe method is to use built-in MIUI tools.It is suitable for most models, including the Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5. The main advantage is that it does not require the installation of additional applications and works even on devices with a locked bootloader.

To change the wallpaper through standard settings:

  • πŸ“± Open the Themes app (icon with brush) or go to Settings β†’ Wallpaper.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Select the Lock Screen section (on some firmware it is combined with desktop wallpapers).
  • πŸ” Scroll down to My Wallpaper section or click Add New.
  • βœ… Select an image from the gallery or download from the proposed collections MIUI.

Resolution of at least 1080Γ—2340 pixels (for Full HD+)

JPEG/PNG format (without transparency)

- The aspect ratio is 9:20 or 9:19 for modern smartphones

- Avoid bright static elements on the AMOLED-screen

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On models with MIUI 14 and later, the option Blurr Wallpaper is introduced – it automatically blurs the background on the lock screen for better readability of widgets. To turn it off, go to Settings β†’ Display β†’ Lock screen β†’ Wallpaper Styles and select No blur.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for the European region, the option of individual wallpapers to lock can be hidden. In this case, try the method with the theme of the design (see next section).

Method 2: Using MIUI themes for customization

If the standard method does not give the necessary flexibility, use the MIUI theme store. Here you can find not only static wallpapers, but also dynamic themes with animations, gradients or even interactive elements (for example, changing depending on the time of day).

Instructions for the installation of the topic:

  1. Open the Themes app and go to the Online tab.
  2. In the search bar, type in a β€œlockscreen wallpaper” or β€œlock screens”.
  3. Choose your favorite theme and click Apply. Note that some themes change the wallpaper on both desktop and lock.
  4. If you need to save the current desktop wallpaper, before using the theme, make a backup copy of them through Settings β†’ Wallpaper β†’ Save the current ones.

The advantage of this method is access to unique wallpaper from the community. MIUI, They're not in the standard gallery, like paralax themes (3D-motion when tilting the phone) or adaptive lighting for AMOLED-However, be careful: some third-party themes may contain ads or collect data (check reviews before installing).

Once a week.

Once a month

Only when buying a new phone

Never change.

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Method 3: Third-Party Applications for Advanced Configuration

If the built-in MIUI tools don't suit you, you can use third-party apps that offer advanced features like live wallpaper, video backgrounds, font customization, and even dynamic effects (such as displaying weather or wallpaper notifications).

Top.-3 Proven applications for Xiaomi:

  • 🎨 KLWP Live Wallpaper Maker – allows you to create interactive wallpapers with widgets (you will need customization skills).
  • πŸ“Ή Video Live Wallpaper – installs video or GIF as a background lock (does not work on all firmware).
  • πŸ–ŒοΈ WallpapersCraft – a base of high-quality wallpapers with filters by resolution and style.

An important nuance: some applications (e.g. KLWP) will require permission to overlay windows (Settings β†’ Special features β†’ Overlay resolution). Also, Xiaomi with MIUI 12+ may need to disable battery optimization for the application, otherwise the wallpaper will be reset.

⚠️ Attention: When using live wallpaper (.apk files) on smartphones with Qualcomm Snapdragon, increased battery consumption (up to 5-7% per hour) is possible. β†’ Battery β†’ Battery utilization.

How to install APK with live wallpaper?
1. Download the.apk file from a verified source (e.g. APKMirror). 2. Allow installation from unknown sources to Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Special Access β†’ Install Unknown Apps. 3. Install APK and select wallpaper via Settings β†’ Wallpaper β†’ Live Wallpaper. 4. If wallpaper doesn’t apply, restart your phone.

Method 4: Manually modifying wallpaper through file manager

For power users who want full control, there is a method of manually replacing wallpaper files through system folders, which is true if MIUI does not allow you to use the selected image due to restrictions (for example, on the Xiaomi Mi A3 with Android One).

Instructions:

  1. Download wallpaper in JPG/PNG format with the resolution corresponding to your screen (for example, 2400Γ—1080 for Redmi Note 11 Pro+).
  2. Connect your phone to your PC or use a file manager (such as MiXplorer).
  3. Cross the path: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/wallpaper/ This can be the lockscreen folder or wallpaper_lock (depending on the version MIUI).
  4. Replace existing files (wallpaper_lock.jpg or similar) by their wallpaper. 644 (rw-r--r--).
  5. Restart your phone or apply wallpaper through Settings β†’ Wallpaper.

This doesn't work on all firmware -- MIUI 13/14 may have a different path. If you don't have a wallpaper, try creating it manually. Also note that after you update MIUI, system wallpapers may reset.

Xiaomi modelThe path to lock wallpaperSupported formats
Xiaomi 13/14 Pro/data/system/users/0/wallpaper_lockJPG, PNG, WEBP
Redmi Note 10/11/storage/emulated/0/MIUI/wallpaper/lockscreenJPG, PNG
POCO F4/F5/storage/emulated/0/wallpaper/lock_wallpaperJPG, PNG, GIF (static frame)
Mi 11 Lite/data/data/com.android.systemui/files/wallpaper_lockJPG (root rights required)

Method 5: ADB-Teams for Advanced Users

If none of the above methods worked, you can use wallpaper through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is true for devices with a locked bootloader, where there are no root rights, but you need to change the wallpaper.

Step-by-step:

  1. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on PC.
  2. Turn on USB Debugging on your phone (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version β†’ 7 times press to unlock Developer Mode, then Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Developers β†’ Debugging over USB).
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell cmd wallpaper set --lock /sdcard/Download/your_wallpaper.jpg (replace the path with the current one).
  4. If the command fails, try an alternative method: adb shell settings put global. lock_screen_wallpaper /sdcard/Download/your_wallpaper.jpg

Some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 on Xiaomi 13 Ultra) will require additional commands to apply the changes:

adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.WALLPAPER_CHANGED

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB It can lead to disruptions in work. MIUI, If you specify the wrong path or file format, make a backup of the current wallpaper with the command: adb pull /data/system/users/0/wallpaper_lock.jpg

πŸ’‘

If ADB doesn’t recognize the command, try rooting through Magisk first or temporarily disabling MIUI Optimization in the developer settings (Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Developer β†’ Disable MIUI Optimization).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful wallpaper changes, Xiaomi users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

  • πŸ”„ Wallpaper resets after rebooting: Disable battery optimization for Themes or Gallery app (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Battery β†’ No restrictions).
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Image is cropped or stretched: Use wallpaper with a resolution exactly matching your screen. To check the current resolution, follow the command: adb shell dumpsys display and find the line PhysicalDisplayInfo.
  • 🚫 It is impossible to use wallpaper due to restrictions MIUI: Check the firmware region. On the Chinese versions. MIUI (For example, Xiaomi 13 CN) Some locking functions may not be available. Solution - change region through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Region (resetting will be required).
  • πŸ”‹ Live wallpaper drains battery quickly: Limit their work in the background through Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Auto-start.

If neither method worked, it could be a corrupted firmware or a conflict with the themes you set, in which case you can try resetting the theme to the standard:

adb shell pm clear com.android.themes

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On smartphones with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi) K60) Avoid static wallpapers with bright elements (logos, text) – this can cause pixels to burn out. Use dark themes or wallpapers with dynamic elements.

Can I put a video on the lock screen Xiaomi?
Yes, but with reservations. Most Xiaomi models do not have standard settings for lock-on video wallpaper. However, you can use third-party applications like Video Live Wallpaper or VLWP. Note that: On MIUI 13/14, video will only play after unlocking the screen (due to security restrictions). Video must be in MP4 format with a resolution of no more than 1920Γ—1080 (otherwise lags are possible). On POCO F4 GT and other devices with 120Hz, video wallpaper can lead to increased heat.
Why are wallpapers on the lock different from wallpapers on the desktop?
This is a feature of MIUI, which uses different settings for the desktop and lock screen by default. To sync them: Open Settings β†’ Wallpaper. Select an image and click Apply on both screens (if available). If there is no option, use the theme method (Method 2), where wallpaper is applied globally. On some firmware (e.g. MIUI EU), this option may be hidden - try changing the region to India or Global.
How to return the standard MIUI wallpaper?
To reset the wallpaper to factory: Go to Settings β†’ Wallpaper β†’ Standard and select MIUI Wallpaper by default. Or follow the command: adb shell cmd wallpaper clear --lock If the wallpaper is not reset, delete /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/wallpaper/ and restart the phone.
Can I put a GIF on the lock screen?
Technically, but with limitations: On MIUI 12-14 GIFs are supported only through third-party applications (for example, GIF Live Wallpaper). Animation will only play back after unlocking (on the lock screen the GIF will be static). The maximum size of the GIF is 5 MB, otherwise it is possible to slow down. For Xiaomi with Android 13+ (for example, Xiaomi 13T), it is better to convert the GIF to MP4 video format with low bitrate.
Why do the wallpaper become blurry after application?
This is because of the MIUI Background Blurrance feature. To turn it off: Go to Settings β†’ Display β†’ Lock screen β†’ Wallpaper Styles. Select the No Blurr option or Clear Display option. If there is no option, try applying wallpaper through ADB (Method 5). On Redmi with MIUI Lite (e.g. Redmi 10A), the blur is only disabled through editing the build.prop file (required root rights).