How to put a video on the wallpaper on Android Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Live wallpaper from your favorite video is one of the most spectacular ways to personalize your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone. Unlike static images, the dynamic background creates a unique atmosphere on the lock screen or desktop. However, not everyone knows that modern devices on MIUI support this feature – both through built-in tools and through third-party applications.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods for putting video on wallpaper, including nuances for different versions of firmware (from MIUI 12 to HyperOS), you will learn which video formats are best for you, how to avoid commonmon errors when setting up, and what to do if the animation is slowed or not played. And for owners of older models (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi 9T), we have prepared alternative solutions using launchers.

1. Video preparation: format and duration requirements

Before installing video on wallpaper, you need to properly prepare the file. Not all formats are supported by the default MIUI system, and inappropriate settings can lead to lag or no animation at all.

Optimal characteristics for live wallpaper:

• 📌 Format:.mp4 The.avi,.mkv and.webm formats may not play.
• 🎞️ Permission: no higher 1920×1080 (Full HD). Video in the video 4K It will be automatically compressed, which can worsen the quality.
• ⏱️ Duration: 5 to 30 seconds. Cyclical playback of short clips looks more natural.
• 🔄 Bitrate: up to 5 Mbps. Higher values can cause slowdowns on budget models (for example, Redmi). 10A).

If your video doesn’t meet the requirements, use free converters:

• 🖥️ HandBrake (for PC) – allows you to fine-tune resolution and bitrate.
• 📱 Video Converter Android (for smartphone) – convenient for quick trimming and compression.

⚠️ Attention: High frame rate video (60) FPS and above) may not be reproduced correctly on devices with MIUI 13 and below. Optimal use of 30 FPS.

2. Method 1: Standard live wallpaper in MIUI (without third-party applications)

Since MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has built-in support for live wallpaper, including the ability to upload your own videos, which is the safest method since it does not require additional software.

Step instructions:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to Wallpaper section. → Live wallpaper.
3. Scroll down and select My live wallpaper.
4. Click Add and select the prepared video file from the gallery.
5. Cut the video (if necessary) and click Save.
6. Apply wallpaper to Lock Screen, Desktop or both at once.

Limitations of the method:

• 🔴 The video will only play when the screen is unlocked (not constantly).
• 🔴 In some models (for example, POCO X3 Pro) function may be missing due to lightweight firmware.

Method 2: Video Live Wallpaper app (for permanent animation)

If the built-in feature isn’t enough (for example, video isn’t played constantly), use the third-party Video Live Wallpaper app from outofthebox.It lets you customize the playback loop, speed, and even sound (optional).

Step-by-step installation:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open the app and click Select Video.
3. Select a file from the device's memory. The app automatically prompts you to crop the video to screen resolution.
4. In the Settings section, set up: 🔄 Loop Mode – Enable for seamless playback. 🎵 Audio – Turn off if you don’t want the video to play with sound. 🔋 Battery Optimization – Choose Low to Save Power.

Set Wallpaper

Home Screen

Lock Screen

Advantages of the annex:

• ✅ Video support in the 4K (autoscalable).
• ✅ Ability to add blur or dimming effects.
• ✅ It works on all versions. MIUI, including HyperOS.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the application may request permission to display on top of other windows. Allow this in the settings: Settings → Annexes → Special access → Display over other windows.

Method 3: Alternative applications for live wallpaper

If Video Live Wallpaper doesn't work, try one of these apps, which are different in functionality and compatibility with different versions of MIUI:

For devices with a small amount of RAM (2-3 GB), we recommend Live Wallpapers Now - it consumes less resources than its counterparts.

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If after installing live wallpaper, the smartphone began to warm up, reduce the brightness of the screen or turn off animation in the application settings. Also check if the performance mode is not turned on in Settings → Battery

5. Method 4: Using launchers (for older Xiaomi models)

On devices older than 2019 (e.g., Redmi Note 7, Mi A2), the built-in live wallpaper feature may be missing or unstable, in which case installing an alternative launcher such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair will help.

Instructions for Nova Launcher:

1. Install a launcher from Google Play.
2. Start Nova Settings → Look & Feel → Wallpaper
3. Select Live Wallpapers and specify the path to the video file.
4. In the launcher settings, turn off Scrolling Wallpaper so that the video doesn't stretch.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It even works on MIUI 10 and below.
• ✅ Additional customization functions (badges, gestures, folders).

Disadvantages:

• 🔴 The video will only play on the desktop (not on the lock screen).
• 🔴 Some launchers conflict with the branded shell Xiaomi.

6. Method 5: Manually creating APK live wallpaper (for advanced)

This method is suitable for users who want to maximize the live wallpaper for their device, and requires a PC and basic knowledge of working with ADB.

Algorithm of action:

1. Download and install Android Studio (or ADB Tools only).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and enable USB Debugging (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times press to unlock the developer mode).
3. Download the live wallpaper template (e.g. here) and replace the video file in the res/raw folder.
4. Collect APKs through Build → Build Bundle(s) / APK(s) → Build APK.
5. Install the resulting file on your smartphone and select wallpaper in the settings.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect assembly APK This may cause system failures. Before installation, back up your data via Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

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Hand-built live wallpapers take up less resources than apps from Google Play, as they are optimized for a specific device.

7. Battery and performance optimization

Live wallpaper increases the load on the processor and battery. To minimize the negative impact, follow these tips:

• 🔋 Turn off low-charge animations: In live wallpaper settings, set a threshold (e.g., 20%) to automatically switch to static image.
• ⚡ Use the dark video: On AMOLED-On screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) black pixels do not consume energy.
• 🔄 Limit it. FPS: In applications like Video Live Wallpaper, set a limit of 24-30 frames / s.
• 📵 Turn off wallpaper on the lock screen: This will reduce battery consumption by 10-15%.

Battery consumption comparison (test on Redmi Note 11 Pro+):

If you notice a strong heating of the device, check the load on the processor through the CPU Monitor app. Normal values for live wallpaper are up to 10% of the core load.

8. Frequent problems and their solutions

When installing live wallpaper, Xiaomi users often encounter typical errors. Here's how to fix them:

• 🚫 Video not played: Check the file format (should be) MP4). Reset the device. Turn off the power saving mode for the wallpaper application.
• 🔊 The sound plays even after turning off: In the app settings, set the Audio Volume to 0. Use another player (e.g., use a different player, VLC clipper).
• 🔄 Wallpaper slows down: Reduce video resolution to 1280×720. Disable background apps through Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.
• 📱 Feature not available on my model: Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI. Use the launcher (see Method 4).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions