How to install your wallpaper on Xiaomi Redmi 9A: 5 proven ways

Why are the Redmi 9A’s standard wallpapers not good for users?

Xiaomi Redmi 9A is one of the most popular budget phones on the market, but even it is not without minor drawbacks, one of them is the limited choice of standard wallpaper in MIUI firmware. Users often find that the options offered are quickly boring and the interface begins to seem boring, especially on the Redmi 9A model, where only about 10 basic screensavers are available from the box.

Fortunately, you can install your wallpaper on the Xiaomi Redmi 9A in just a few minutes β€” and it doesn’t require root rights or complex manipulation. In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can, from standard MIUI tools to third-party applications with advanced features, learn how to get around the limitations of the system, adjust the image to the smartphone screen and even customize animations when changing wallpapers.

It’s important to understand that Redmi 9A runs on Android 10/11 (depending on the firmware version), which means that some of the techniques that are relevant to new Xiaomi models may not work here. We tested all the steps below on current versions of MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 13 – so the instructions are guaranteed to work.

πŸ“Š What wallpaper you prefer on a smartphone?
Standard MIUI.
Own photographs
Abstract pictures
Dark wallpaper (AMOLED)
Dynamic/live wallpaper

The easiest and most obvious method is to use the built-in Xiaomi Gallery, which is suitable if you want to put your photo or downloaded image on the screen, and the main advantage of this method is that you do not need to install additional programs.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

  1. Open the Gallery app on your Redmi 9A.
  2. Find the image you want to set as wallpaper and open it.
  3. Slip on the icon β€œMore” (three dots in the lower right corner) and select β€œInstall as wallpaper”.
  4. The system will offer you to choose where to apply the wallpaper: on the lock screen, the Main screen or both screens.
  5. If necessary, adjust the scale and position of the picture, then click Ready.

Note: if the image has a non-standard aspect ratio (for example, a vertical photo), the system will automatically crop it to the screen resolution of Redmi 9A (720Γ—1600 pixels). To avoid distortion, it is better to prepare the picture in the editor in advance (for example, in Photoshop or free Canva).

Download the picture in high resolution (minimum 1080p)

Cut to a ratio of 9:20 (for full screen display)

Make sure important details don’t fall under app icons

Save in PNG or JPEG format with maximum quality

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⚠️ Note: If the wallpaper looks blurry or pixelated after installation, then the original image was too low resolution. 9A maximum β€” 1080Γ—2400 pixels (with margin for trimming).

Method 2: Using MIUI themes for customization

MIUI firmware offers a built-in store for those where you can find not only wallpaper, but also full themed packages (icons, fonts, sounds), which is suitable for those who want to completely change the appearance of the smartphone, not just the background pattern.

How to set wallpaper through themes:

  • πŸ“± Open the Themes app (icon with brush on the home screen).
  • πŸ” In the search bar, enter a request, for example, β€œwallpaper”. 4KΒ» orΒ».
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Choose a theme you like and tap it. Usually, the description tells you what elements it changes (wallpaper, icons, etc.).
  • πŸ“₯ Click Apply - the system will automatically download and install the selected wallpaper.

The advantage of this method is that the themes from the official MIUI store are optimized for the Redmi 9A screen resolution and do not require manual adjustment, but there are also disadvantages: many high-quality themes are paid (costs from 50 to 300 rubles), and free ones often contain advertising.

How do I undo the theme that I used?
If you don’t like the theme, you can return the standard settings as follows: 1. Go to Themes β†’ Mine β†’ Current Theme. 2. Press Remove or Reset. 3. Confirm the action – the smartphone will return to the factory wallpaper and icons.

Tip: Check other users' reviews before installing a theme, and some packages may contain aggressive advertising or even malicious code (although these are rare in the official store).

Method 3: Third-party applications for wallpaper

If embedded tools MIUI You don't fit, you can use third-party software, and they offer more features: live wallpaper, automatic background change, paralax support, etc. Below is the top one.-3 Proven applications for Redmi 9A.

AnnexFeaturesConsReference
ZedgeMore than 1 million wallpapers and live backgrounds, weekly updates, 4K supportAdvertising in the free version, some wallpapers require a premium subscriptionGoogle Play
WallpapersCraftQuality wallpaper without watermarks, filters for resolution and subject matterNo live wallpaper, interface in EnglishGoogle Play
KappboomRussian-language interface, wallpaper for MIUI, animation supportLess content than Zedge, some features are paidGoogle Play

To install wallpaper through one of these applications:

  1. Download and install the program from Google Play.
  2. Choose your favorite picture and tap it.
  3. Click Set Wallpaper or Set Wallpaper.
  4. Choose which screen to use (lock, main or both).
  5. Confirm the action - the wallpaper will be installed.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (e.g. Zedge) ask for permissions to access storage and the Internet. This is necessary to download wallpaper, but if you are confused by the number of permissions, use WallpapersCraft - it works without unnecessary requests.

πŸ’‘

If the wallpaper looks dull after installation, check the screen settings. Redmi 9A sometimes triggers automatic color correction. To turn it off, go to Settings β†’ Display β†’ Color Mode and select Standard or Saturated.

Method 4: Live Wallpaper (Animation and Paralax)

If you get bored with static images, you can install dynamic wallpapers β€” animated background images that respond to the tilt of your smartphone or touch. On the Redmi 9A, this method does not work as smoothly as on flagships (due to the weak Helio G25 processor), but the result is still impressive.

The best apps for live wallpaper:

  • 🌊 3D Parallax Background – creates a depth effect when tilting the phone.
  • 🎨 Live Wallpapers & Themes – a collection of animated wallpapers with different styles.
  • 🌌 Forest Live Wallpaper – realistic natural landscapes with animation (rain, leaves, etc.).

How to install live wallpaper:

  1. Download one of the apps from the list above.
  2. Select your favorite animation and tap Install.
  3. In the window that appears, select Live Wallpaper (not standard!).
  4. Adjust the animation speed and paralax sensitivity (if you have such options).
  5. Apply the wallpaper to the Main Screen or Lock Screen.

On the Redmi 9A, live wallpaper can slightly increase battery consumption (5-10% per day).If you notice a strong discharge, turn off the animation or use it only on the lock screen.

Method 5: Manual copying of wallpaper via PC (for experienced)

This method is suitable for those who want to install wallpaper without using a gallery or third-party applications. It is useful if you have a large number of pictures on your computer and do not want to download them to your phone via messengers or the cloud.

Instructions:

  1. Get Redmi on board. 9A computer-to-computer USB-cable.
  2. On your smartphone, select the file transfer mode (File Manager or MTP).
  3. On PC, open the folder of your phone and go to Internal Storage β†’ Pictures.
  4. Copy the prepared wallpaper there (preferably in.jpg or.png format).
  5. Turn off your phone and find the copied images in the Gallery, then set them as wallpaper (see Method 1).

Alternatively, use Total Commander or FX File Explorer to directly copy files inside your phone, which is convenient if the wallpaper is already downloaded to another location (e.g. Download).

πŸ’‘

If the wallpaper is not displayed in the Gallery after copying, update the media library. Open the Gallery, pull down for an update or restart the phone.

Solving problems: Wallpaper is not installed or knocked down

Sometimes Redmi 9A users find that the wallpaper is not used or resets after a reboot, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Wallpaper doesn't persist.Cache failure MIUI LauncherClear the cache in Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Launcher β†’ Storage
Wallpaper is reset after updatingResetting MIUI settingsBefore updating, back up the themes in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Backup
Live wallpaper is slowing downLack of RAMClose background applications or use static wallpaper
Wallpaper is cut crookedWrong aspect ratioPrepare the image in the editor (ratio 9:20)

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the MIUI Launcher settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find the Launcher (or System Launcher) and open it.
  3. Press Warehouse. β†’ Clear the data.
  4. Restart the phone – the wallpaper should be applied correctly.

⚠️ Warning: Data cleanup Launcher will reset the location of icons on the home screen! in advance take screenshots of the current arrangement to quickly restore it.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play a video like a Redmi 9A?
Technically, but with reservations. The smartphone supports live wallpaper, but playing video as a background puts a lot of stress on the processor and reduces battery life. You can use apps like Video Live Wallpaper to do this, but expect slowdowns and quick discharge.
Why are the lock screen and home screen different?
In MIUI, you can set different wallpapers for the lock and the main screen by default. If you want them to match, when choosing wallpaper in the Gallery, click both screens. Also check the settings in Themes β†’ Wallpaper - there can be a "Different Wallpaper" mode.
How to return the standard MIUI wallpaper?
To return the factory wallpaper, open Themes β†’ Wallpaper, scroll down to the Standards section and select one of the options offered. You can also reset the theme completely: Topics β†’ Mine β†’ Reset to the Standard.
Can I install wallpaper without cropping?
It is impossible to avoid trimming completely, since the Redmi 9A has a non-standard aspect ratio (20:9). However, you can minimize losses: use images with a resolution of 1080Γ—2400 and place key elements in the center. Some applications (for example, WallpapersCraft) have a feature of previewing the cropping.
Why do the walls become dull after installation?
This is because Adaptive Brightness or Vision Protection is enabled in the screen settings. To return saturation, turn off these options in Settings β†’ Display or select the color profile Saturated.