How to put wallpaper on Xiaomi TV: a detailed guide

Modern Android TVs, which include most Xiaomi Mi TVs and Redmi TVs, offer users extensive personalization options. However, unlike smartphones, the system has its limitations, and the standard procedure for changing the “picture on the desktop” can confuse even the experienced user. Often owners find that the usual gallery selection menu simply does not exist, and the background image remains standard despite all attempts to change it.

The problem lies in the specifics of the PatchWall shell or the standard Android TV, where dynamic wallpaper and content recommendations often override a static image. However, there are proven methods to set your own image, whether it is a family photo or just a beautiful landscape. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways, from simple settings in the menu to using third-party utilities.

Before you start, it is important to understand that the result may depend on the version of the operating system and regional firmware. Some methods require a connection to a computer, others work exclusively with a flash drive. Carefully study the options to choose the most suitable for your situation and avoid errors when modifying system files.

Features of the interface Xiaomi TV and PatchWall

Xiaomi TVs have a very different interface than we’re used to on smartphones or regular computers, and the main feature is its aggressive content display policy: it constantly offers movies, TV shows and apps using the background as part of the navigation structure, which is why simply replacing a picture is often impossible through a standard (long-press) menu, as it is on phones.

It is important to distinguish between two screen states: the screensaver and the main menu screen. In most cases, users want to change the main screen, but the system replaces it with a dynamic recommendation tape. Static wallpaper can only be available in certain modes of operation or require activation through hidden settings.

⚠️ Warning: Attempting to install system files through root file managers without proper preparation can result in a cyclical TV bootloop.

PatchWall’s user interface, which is often pre-installed on the brand’s devices, almost completely eliminates the possibility of manual background installation without the use of third-party software, so that the user always sees current media services offers. If your goal is a clean android without intrusive recommendations, you may need to have a deeper system setup.

Image Preparation and Format Requirements

The first step in the customization process is to properly prepare the file.Shoo Xiaomi TVs, like most Android devices TV, They have limitations on resolution and weight of the file, and ignoring them will cause the image to simply not appear or be stretched with distortion. JPG or PNG high-quality compression.

The resolution of the image should be strictly consistent with the matrix of your display. Using a picture of lower resolution will lead to the appearance of "grain" and pixelation on the large screen, which will spoil the viewing experience. If the resolution is higher, the TV automatically scales the image, which can take up unnecessary CPU resources when rendering the interface.

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Use 16:9 aspect ratio images, as this is standard for most modern TVs. Vertical photos from your phone will be cropped or surrounded by black fields.

For convenience, it is recommended to create a separate folder for USB-It's going to make it easier to find the right file in the TV file system, especially if you have a lot of media files on the drive.

Method 1: Installation through USB-storage-storage

The most affordable and secure method, which does not require a computer connection or installation of complex software, involves the use of an embedded gallery. USB-flash drive formatted in the file system FAT32 or NTFS. First copy the prepared image to the flash drive, then connect it to the USB-television-port.

Once the drive is connected, the system usually automatically prompts you to open the contents. If that doesn't happen, use the remote to go to My Apps and launch the Gallery or Media Player app. Find your image, open it, and click the menu button on the remote (often a three-dot button or gear).

In the context menu that appears, you should select "Set as wallpaper" or "Set as wallpaper." The system can warn that the image will be cropped to match the screen - confirm the action. However, it is worth noting that on some versions of the firmware, this method only sets the image as a screensaver screensaver, and not as a background to the main menu.

⚠️ Note: If the "Install as wallpaper" item is not on the menu, then your version of the shell blocks this function.

Method 2: Use the Background HD application

If the standard system means to set the desired background fails, come to the rescue specialized applications from the Google Play store. One of the most popular and functional solutions is the Backgrounds HD program. It is created specifically for TVs based on Android TV and takes into account the features of navigation remote.

To get started, you need to find and install the app through the built-in store. Once you start, Backgrounds HD will offer you to choose an image from the built-in collection or download your own. You can use the built-in browser to download the image from the Internet directly to the TV, which eliminates the need to mess with flash drives.

The installation process is simple: you pick a picture, you click the confirmation button, and the app uses it as the background itself, and the utility also allows you to adjust the interval of the change of images, creating a slideshow effect, which makes the interface more lively and personalized.

An important advantage of using Backgrounds HD is the ability to adjust the position of the image, you can move the picture left-right or zoom in so that important parts of the photo do not overlap with application icons or time widgets.

Method 3: Advanced Adjustment through ADB (for experienced)

For users who want full control of the system and are not afraid of the command line, there is a method of installing wallpaper via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which allows you to replace the system wallpaper file directly, which ensures the display of the picture even in cases where other methods are blocked by the shell.

The first step is to activate the developer mode on the TV. To do this, go to Settings → About TV → Build and quickly press the OK button on the remote 7-10 times until the activation message appears. Then turn on Debugging over USB in the developer menu.

adb connect 192.168.1.XX:5555


adb shell pm grant com.android.wallpaper.livepicker android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE

After connecting to a computer over the network (IP-The address of the TV can be found in the network settings and the necessary permissions, you can use commands to replace the file. However, this method requires accurate knowledge of the path to system resources, which may differ on different models Xiaomi Mi. TV.

There are also scripts that automate this process, but there are risks to using them. If you're not sure what you're doing, you'd better limit yourself to installing applications from the previous section. Remember that modifying system partitions can void the warranty.

Solution: Why the wallpaper is not preserved

A common problem users face is that wallpaper is reset to standard after rebooting the TV or exiting sleep mode, a behavior driven by Google Discover or PatchWall, which forcefully updates the background to display advertising content or news.

To combat this, you need to turn off automatic background updates in your system settings. Go to Settings → Device → About Me (the path may vary) and look for the Dynamic Wallpaper or Home Screen Recommendations option. Disabling these features often “frees” the background for your static picture.

⚠️ Note: After updating the firmware, all settings can be reset to factory. You will have to repeat the procedure of disabling dynamic services and installing wallpaper again.

Another reason could be a lack of RAM: If the TV is slow, the system may force the heavy static wallpaper to be turned off in favor of a lighter standard black or gray background to improve performance, in which case you can try to optimize the image by reducing its weight.

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