How to put a video on the lock screen Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

The smartphone lock screen is the first thing you see when you turn on the device. Instead of a standard static image, many Xiaomi users want to install dynamic video to make the interface more lively and personalized. However, MIUI does not have a built-in feature to add video files to the lock screen - only photos or animated wallpaper from the manufacturer.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to install video on the Xiaomi lock screen, including third-party workarounds, hidden MIUI settings, and alternative solutions for different firmware versions. You’ll also learn about the limitations you may face and how to avoid them.

Why can’t Xiaomi just add a video to the lock screen?

Unlike some other manufacturers (such as Samsung with Video Wallpaper), MIUI does not support the direct installation of video files as wallpaper for the lock screen.

• 🔋 Battery savings: Continuous video playback in the background increases power consumption, which contradicts Xiaomi's policy of optimizing autonomy.
• 📱 Performance limitations: Video on the lock screen requires additional CPU resources, which can slow down budget models.
• 🛡️ Security: Dynamic content on the lock screen could theoretically be used to mask phishing attacks (e.g., fake input animations) PIN-code).

However, there are workarounds, such as using live wallpapers with pre-uploaded videos or third-party apps that mimic video on the lock screen, and we'll look at each method in detail next.

⚠️ Warning: Some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which will void the warranty and can lead to unstable smartphone operation!

Method 1: Using Live Wallpapers in MIUI

The safest and most official way is to install live wallpapers that are supported by MIUI out of the box. Although this is not a full-fledged video, some animations look very dynamic. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Settings → Wallpaper.
2. Select the Live Wallpapers tab.
3. View the available options (e.g. Ocean, Watch, Weather).
4. Click Apply and select Lock Screen or Both Screens.

If you don't like standard live wallpaper, you can install additional ones through Google Play. For example, the Live Wallpapers for Me app offers animations with particle effects, 3D-graphics and even short video cycles.

Method 2: Install video through third-party apps (without root)

If you want video, not animation, you can use specialized applications, and one of the most popular is Video Live Wallpaper, which allows you to select any video file from the gallery and install it as wallpaper for the lock screen.

Download the Video Live Wallpaper app from Google Play

Prepare a video file (preferably short, up to 15 seconds)

Charge your phone by at least 50% (video wallpaper consumes battery)

Turn off battery optimization for the application in MIUI-->

1. Install Video Live Wallpaper from Google Play.
2. Open the app and click Select Video.
3. Select the video file from the gallery (recommended format: MP4, resolution no higher than 1080p).
4. Cut the video to 5-15 seconds (long videos will slow down).
5. Click Set Wallpaper and select Lock Screen.

Important: On some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro), video on the lock screen can only play back after unlocking the device - this is the MIUI limitation. To get around it, try turning off the Show Wallpaper on the lock screen in the wallpaper settings, and then re-apply the video.

Another option is KLWP Live Wallpaper Maker, which is more complicated to set up, but allows you to create customized wallpaper with video elements.

1. Install KLWP and open it.
2. Import a template that supports video (like Video Background).
3. In the editor, find the Media element and specify the path to your video file.
4. Save and apply the wallpaper to the lock screen.

⚠️ Note: Video wallpaper applications may conflict with MIUI Optimizations. If the video is not playing, try turning off optimization for the application in the battery settings (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery).

Method 3: Manually add video via ADB (for advanced users)

If you're ready to experiment, you can try installing the video on the lock screen via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which doesn't require root, but requires a command line.

Connect your phone to your PC, enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers) and execute the commands:

adb shell settings put global lock_screen_wallpaper "/storage/emulated/0/Download/your_video.mp4"


adb shell settings put global lock_screen_wallpaper_enabled 1

Unfortunately, this method does not work on all versions of MIUI; on MIUI 14 and later, it may not work due to security changes, and the alternative is to use Tasker with the AutoTools plugin to play video when the screen is locked.

Method 4: Alternative solutions (widgets, animations, GIFs)

If none of the above methods work, consider the alternatives:

• 🎬 GIF-And it's like apps. GIF Live Wallpaper allows you to install animated images that are visually similar to videos.
• ⏱️ Video widgets. Some launchers (like Nova Launcher) support video widgets on the home screen, and can be placed so that they are visible when locked.
• 🔄 Automatic wallpaper change: Muzei-type applications can cycle around wallpapers, creating a dynamic effect.

For Xiaomi models with Always-On Display (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60 Ultra), you can configure animations on the screen off.

1. Go to Settings → Always-On Display and Lock.
2. Choose a style with animation (e.g. Digital Watch with Effects).
3. Activate the option to show when blocking.

Limitations and Problems: What You Need to Know

Before installing the video on the lock screen, consider the possible difficulties:

On some devices (such as the POCO F4 GT or Xiaomi 12T), the lock screen video can only play in landscape orientation, even if the phone is turned, due to the peculiarities of rendering MIUI.

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If the video on the lock screen is played with artifacts, try to reduce the bitrate of the file to 5 Mbps using the HandBrake or VLC program. This will reduce the load on the processor and eliminate the lags.

Best Video Apps on Xiaomi Lock Screen

We tested several applications and made a rating of the most reliable solutions for Xiaomi:

1. Video Live Wallpaper – simple and intuitive, supports video clipping and playback speed setting. ✅ Pros: Free, no advertising, works on most models. ❌ Cons: limit on the length of the video (up to 30 seconds).
2. KLWP Live Wallpaper Maker – for advanced users, allows you to create complex animations with video. ✅ Pros: full customization, support for plugins. ❌ Cons: complex interface, takes time to set up.

Wallpaper Engine

Steam

• ✅ Pros: a huge library of ready-made themes.
• ❌ Cons: unofficial support for Android, possible bugs.

For models with AMOLED-In the case of screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Black Shark 5 Pro), we recommend using dark video or animations to reduce power consumption.

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The most stable video on the lock screen works on smartphones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 and Dimensity 9000 processors. On budget chips (for example, Snapdragon 480) slowdowns are possible.

FAQ: Frequent questions about video on Xiaomi lock screen