How to install wallpaper on the lock screen Xiaomi without a carousel: 3 working methods

Why the standard MIUI carousel is hindering users

Xiaomi’s lock screen is the first thing you see when unlocking a smartphone. However, many users are faced with the annoying feature of MIUI: instead of a static background, the system imposes a “wallpaper carousel” that automatically changes images, which not only distracts, but also eats up battery power, since the background processes of com.miui.gallery and com.miui.home are constantly active.

The problem is compounded by the fact that new versions of MIUI 14/15 have removed the direct option to disable the carousel. Even if you choose one image in the settings, after a few hours the system can again download the “recommended” wallpaper from the cloud, especially for the Redmi Note 12, Poco X5 and Xiaomi 13 models, where personalization algorithms are more aggressive.

In this article, we will discuss 3 proven methods to put fixed wallpaper on a lock screen without a carousel, including hidden MIUI settings, ADB bypassing and third-party applications. All methods are tested on current firmware and do not require root rights.

Method 1: Disabling the carousel through hidden MIUI settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in but hidden MIUI options. It is suitable for most MIUI 12-15 devices (including HyperOS for new models). Important: check the shell version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version before you start.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the “Themes” app** (icon with brush).
• 🔍 In the search bar, enter lockscreen (without quotes).
• 🖼️ Select the section "Block screen» → «Static wallpaper».
• ⚙️ In the upper right corner, tap three points. → «Settings»** → Turn off the option of automatic wallpaper change.
• 📌 Go back and select any image from the gallery, and the system will only suggest applying it to the lock screen, confirm.

If there is no Automatic Wallpaper Change, then your firmware is using the Mi Wallpaper Carousel cloud service, in which case you move to Method 2.

Check the MIUI version in the settings

Close all background apps (especially Gallery and Themes)

Connect to stable Wi-Fi (to download wallpaper from the cloud)

Make a backup copy of the current wallpaper (optional)-->

⚠️ Note: On some devices (Poco) F4, Redmi K50) post-update MIUI 14.0.5+ If the wallpaper has started to change again, repeat the procedure or use it. ADB (Method 3).

Method 2: Use of third-party applications (without root)

If the hidden settings don’t help, third-party utilities will come to the rescue. We recommend Wallpaper Changer (from XDA Developers) or Muzei – they bypass the MIUI restrictions through the Android Accessibility Service.

The following is a step-by-step instruction for Wallpaper Changer:

1. Download APK with XDA Developers (check the author’s reputation!).
2. Install the application by allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install Unknown Applications).
3. Open Wallpaper Changer → select Lockscreen only (lock screen only).
4. Upload your image or select from the gallery.
5. Activate the Disable MIUI Wallpaper Carousel option (disable MIUI carousel).
6. Reset the device.

The algorithm is similar for Muzei, but you will need to add:

• 🔄 Turn on Muzei Live Wallpaper in wallpaper settings.
• 🛠️ In the Sources section** select Local Photos and specify the folder with your image.
• ⏳ Set Update intervals for Never (never).

*Some KWLP features may require Shizuku (root alternative).

💡

If the wallpaper has not changed after installation, clear the cache of the Themes app (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Topics → Storage → Clear the cache).

Method 3: Disconnecting the carousel through ADB (for advanced)

This method is 100% effective, but requires a PC connection and basic ADB knowledge. It blocks the system service responsible for automatic wallpaper change without affecting other MIUI features.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Platform Tools (download and unpack).
• 🔧 Included debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap the assembly number → Go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
4. Run the command to turn off the carousel: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.miwallpaper
5. Reboot the phone.

Now, when you select wallpaper from the standard menu, the carousel will not work.

adb shell pm enable com.miui.miwallpaper

⚠️ Note: On some devices (Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) After disabling com.miui.miwallpaper, standard wallpaper may disappear MIUI. In this case, use Method 2 or download wallpaper manually through Settings. → Lock screen → Add wallpaper.

How to avoid wallpaper reset after MIUI update

Even if you managed to turn off the carousel, after updating MIUI settings can reset, this is because the system restores default services, to prevent the problem:

• 📥 Turn off automatic theme loading: Settings → Topics → Settings → Auto-update themes → turn off.
• 🚫 Block background processes: C Settings → Annexes → App Management Find Themes and Gallery, then turn off AutoRun and Background Activity.
• 🔄 Use backup: Apps like Swift Backup (requires root) or Titanium Backup can save current wallpaper and restore it after an update.

If you are using Method 3 (ADB), it will take less than a minute to rerun the command adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.miwallpaper after the update.

Hidden MIUI settings

The App (Wallpaper Changer/Muzei)

ADB (for advanced users)

Not yet.-->

Frequent mistakes and how to fix them

Even with the right instructions, users have problems, and we'll look at some of the most common ones.

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📵 Regional settings: Some firmware for India or China has a different wallpaper carousel. Try changing region to Global in Settings → Additionally. → Region.
• 🔒 Device Policies: There may be additional restrictions on corporate phones (with Knox or Android Enterprise.

💡

If you’re using HyperOS (the new shell for Xiaomi 14 and later), standard methods may not work, and the only reliable way to do so is to use ADB or third-party launchers like Nova Launcher with support for lock screen wallpaper.

Alternative solutions: launchers and firmware

If you haven’t been helped by previous methods, consider radical ways to:

• 🌐 Custom Launcher Installation: Apps like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair allow you to customize wallpaper on the lock screen through plugins. MIUI change.
• 📦 Switching to custom firmware: Projects like LineageOS or Pixel Experience remove restrictions completely MIUI, But require unlocking the bootloader and root.
• 🔧 Magisk modules: Module «MIUI Blur or "Disable" MIUI Optimizations* may disable unnecessary services, including wallpaper carousel.

Warning: Custom firmware and Magisk can lead to:

• Loss of warranty (if the loader is unlocked).
• Unstable camera or sensor performance (especially on Redmi with proprietary drivers)
• Mi Account problems (e.g. locking your device when resetting).

If you're a beginner, start with Nova Launcher, which is the safest option.

1. Download Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Install the Nova Lockscreen Wallpaper expansion (requires Nova Prime).
3. In the launcher settings, select Lockscreen → Set Wallpaper.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions