How to put your picture on the lock screen Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Why the standard wallpaper on the lock screen Xiaomi does not suit users

Xiaomi's lock screen is the first thing you see when you turn on your smartphone. Standard MIUI wallpaper, despite the variety of themes, often seems boring or doesn't reflect the owner's personality. Many users want to see personal photos, motivational pictures or unique arts on the lock, but don't know how to do it correctly.

Unlike desktop wallpaper, where changing the background takes a couple of clicks, the lock screen setting in Xiaomi has nuances. MIUI 12-14 The direct wallpaper replacement through the gallery may not work because of the limitations of the system, and not everyone knows what the Redmi Note is. 11 and POCO X5 The process is different from the flagship Xiaomi 13 or Mix Fold 3.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways, from standard MIUI tools to circumventing restrictions through hidden features, how to put your picture on the root-free lock screen, what formats are supported, and why wallpaper is sometimes β€œreset” after an update.

Method 1: Standard Replacement with Settings (on MIUI 14 and later)

The easiest method is to use the system’s built-in tools, which is suitable for most modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi 12, POCO F5 And Xiaomi 14, the main condition is the availability of the latest version. MIUI (14 or 15).

Instructions:

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Go to the Lock Screen section (or Wallpaper β†’ Lock screen in some firmware).
  3. Select the wallpaper of the lock screen.
  4. Click From the Gallery and select the photo you want.
  5. Adjust the scale and position of the picture, then save the changes.

⚠️ Warning: If after using the wallpaper looks blurry - check the resolution of the original image. MIUI automatically scales pictures under the screen, but for an ideal result, it is recommended to use a photo with a resolution not lower than 1080Γ—2400 (most models).

Photos with resolution β‰₯1080px in width |

Power saving modes are disabled (can block changes)|

The smartphone is not in "Do Not Disturb" mode (sometimes interferes with use)|

Updated firmware to the latest version MIUI-->

Method 2: Using the Themes app for customization

The Themes app (or Themes in global firmware) not only allows you to download pre-made themes, but also to set your wallpaper on the lock screen, which works even on older versions of MIUI (11-13), where a standard replacement may not be available.

Step-by-step:

  • πŸ“± Open the Topics app (brush icon on desktop).
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Go to Wallpaper section. β†’ Lock screen.
  • πŸ“ Click My Wallpaper and select From Gallery.
  • πŸ” Select the right photo and confirm the choice.
  • πŸ”„ If the wallpaper is not used - restart the smartphone.

πŸ’‘ Useful tip: Themes app has a hidden preview function. After selecting a photo, hold your finger on the thumbnail for 2 seconds and opens a magnified image with the lock screen markup grid.

Why can't the wallpaper be applied?
If the lock screen is the same after you have selected the photo, check: 1. Theme conflict: You may have a theme that blocks custom wallpaper. Try to return the standard theme (Settings β†’ Themes β†’ Standard). 2. MIUI restrictions for some regions: In firmware for China (CN), the option of manual wallpaper replacement is sometimes disabled. The solution is to reflash the smartphone to the global version (EU/Global). 3. System cache: Clear the the the theme app cache (Settings β†’ Application Management Themes β†’ Storage β†’ Storage β†’ Storage β†’ Cache).

Method 3: Manual copying of wallpaper file (for power users)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., on Xiaomi Mi A3 with Android One or custom firmware), you can manually replace the wallpaper file through Explorer, which requires access to system folders, but does not need root rights.

Algorithm of action:

  1. Download any file manager with access to hidden folders (such as FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
  2. Go to /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/wallpaper/ If you don’t have a wallpaper, create it manually.
  3. Put your picture in this folder. Rename it in lockscreen_wallpaper.jpg (This is the name the system uses).
  4. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Note: Not all versions MIUI This method is supported on some devices (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) the system can ignore hand wallpaper and reset it after updating. Also avoid using.png images - they can be displayed with artifacts.

πŸ’‘

To prevent wallpaper from being reset after the update, create a backup of the file lockscreen_wallpaper.jpg In the cloud or on the PC, after the update, just put it back in the folder. /MIUI/wallpaper/.

Method 4: Third-party applications for deep customization

If the built-in MIUI tools don’t suit you, you can use third-party apps that offer advanced features like animation, font change, lock screen widgets, and even dynamic wallpapers (such as weather or time).

Top.-3 tested applications:

AnnexFunctionsSupport for MIUICons
KWGT Kustom WidgetCustom widgets, animation, integration with Taskerβœ… Complete.A complex interface for beginners
Wallpaper EngineLive wallpaper, 3D-effects, video support⚠️ Partial (may brake)Paid wallpaper, high battery consumption
LockScreen CustomizerReplacement of wallpaper, change of icons, setting up notificationsβœ… Complete.Advertising in the free version

πŸ”Ή Important: Before installing third-party apps, turn off battery optimization for them (Settings) β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery β†’ Select the application β†’ Without restrictions. Otherwise, the wallpaper may be dropped after the device sleeps.

KWGT Kustom Widget|

Wallpaper Engine|

LockScreen Customizer|

Other|

Nothing.-->

Method 5: ADB-Advanced Users (without root)

If none of the above methods worked, you can use the wallpaper through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, but requires connecting the smartphone to a PC.

Instructions:

  1. Install. ADB-PC drivers.
  2. Turn on USB Debugging on your smartphone (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version β†’ 7 times click on version β†’ Back to Additional β†’ For Developers β†’ Debugging by USB).
  3. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb shell settings put global lock_screen_wallpaper /storage/emulated/0/Download/your_image.jpg (replace the path with the current one).
  4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can cause system failures, so don't type commands unless you're sure they're there, and you also have to reset the wallpaper after you reset or update the firmware.

πŸ’‘

ADB-method - the most reliable for devices with custom firmware or stripped-down versions MIUI (However, it requires minimal command line skills.

Frequent problems and their solutions

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

  • πŸ”„ Wallpaper resets after rebooting: The reason is a conflict with energy saving settings. Solution: add the Topic or Gallery app to the exception list (Settings) β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery).
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Picture cut or stretched: The problem is the mismatch of proportions. Use an aspect ratio photo. 9:20 (for example, 1080Γ—2400 Xiaomi 13). ILoveIMG service will be suitable for verification.
  • πŸ”’ No Lock Screen in Settings: This is typical for Android One firmware (e.g., Mi). A2/A3). Solution - Use the Method 3 (manual copying of the file) or Method 5 (ADB).

πŸ“Œ Key Conclusion: If none of the methods worked, check the version MIUI. On certain devices (e.g, POCO M3 s MIUI 12.5) The lock wallpaper replacement function is disabled at the firmware level, in which case only flashing to the custom version (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) will help).

Can I put live wallpaper (GIF or video) on the lock screen Xiaomi?
Officially. MIUI It doesn't support animated wallpaper on the lock screen. However, you can use workarounds: The Wallpaper Engine app (paid version) -- supports live wallpaper, but it puts a lot of battery on. KWGT (You'll need customization skills). ⚠️ On Redmi and POCO With weak processors, animation can slow down.
Why did the wallpaper on the lock drop after the MIUI update?
This is standard system behavior. Major updates (e.g. MIUI 13 to 14) reset many user settings, including wallpaper. Solution: Save the original photo to the cloud (e.g. Google Photos). Repeat the wallpaper replacement procedure (see Method 1 or Method 2) after the update.
Can I put different wallpaper on the desktop and lock screen?
Yes, MIUI supports separate wallpapers. To do this, open Settings β†’ Wallpaper. Select Desktop and set one photo. Go back and select Lock Screen - install another photo. If the option is not available, update the firmware or use Method 3 (manual file copying).
How to return the standard wallpaper lock Xiaomi?
To return the wallpaper by default: Go to Settings β†’ Lock screen β†’ Wallpaper. Select Wallpaper by default or Standard. If you don't have a wallpaper, delete the file. lockscreen_wallpaper.jpg folder /MIUI/wallpaper/ (see method 3).
Does this work on Xiaomi tablets (Pad 5/6)?
Yes, but with nuances: The Xiaomi Pad 5/6 uses MIUI for tablets, where the path to lock wallpaper may differ: /storage/emulated/0/MIUI/wallpaper/lockscreen/. Some themes from the Themes app are not optimized for large screens - wallpaper can stretch. For tablets, it is better to use photos with a resolution of 2000Γ—1200 and above.