Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones have bright AMOLED and IPS screens that are able to convey the smallest details of video content. Standard static images often seem boring, so many users are eager to revitalize the desktop. Installing video as wallpaper is a popular way of personalization that turns a screen lock into a dynamic gallery.
In this article, we'll look at all the ways that this feature can be implemented, from built-in tools to third-party applications. Live wallpaper is not only pleasing to the eye, it can also display useful information. But it's important to understand that video content consumes more resources than a normal picture.
You'll learn how to properly prepare a file so it doesn't slow down the system, and what formats does the MIUI or HyperOS shell support. We'll also look at optimization techniques to avoid a quick battery drain. Ready to turn your smartphone screen into a work of art?
⚠️ Note: Installation of too heavy video files (4K, 60 FPS) can lead to increased load on the processor and accelerated battery consumption.
Preparation of video content for installation
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure that your video file meets the technical requirements of the system. The optimal resolution for modern smartphones is 1080x2400 pixels, which corresponds to the FullHD + standard. Using higher-resolution files, such as 4K, often does not make sense, since the screen will not physically be able to display unnecessary details, and the load on the GPU will increase.
Note the length of the video. Wallpaper is best suited for short cycle videos of 5 to 15 seconds. A long film in the background will quickly annoy and take up space in the cache of the system. The file format should be widespread, such as MP4 or MKV, to avoid problems with codecs.
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Use video editors on your phone to cut the video to a vertical 9:16 format before installation, otherwise there will be black stripes on the sides.
If you're downloading content from the Internet, check its bitrate. Too high a bitrate can cause twitching of the interface. MIUI is quite resource-intensive, so it's better to sacrifice quality for smoothness.
Use of the built-in theme "Video wallpaper"
The easiest and safest way to install video on your desktop is to use the official developer app. Most Xiaomi devices have a video wallpaper pre-installed, integrated into the system and optimized for shelling.
To start the process, look for the Themes app on your desktop. In the bottom menu, select the Profile tab or search for the inside-store phrase Video Wallpaper. After installing or opening the app, you will be asked to select a category of content: nature, abstraction, cars or anime.
- 🎬 Open the "Themes" app and go to the "Video wallpaper" section".
- 📥 Select the video you like and click the "Download" or "Apply" button".
- ⚙️ In the application settings, you can choose where the video will play: on the lock screen, desktop or anywhere.
- 🔄 Keep your library updated regularly as content changes frequently.
The main advantage of this method is stability, the official wallpaper does not conflict with other system processes, but the choice of free content can be limited, and premium videos will have to pay for in domestic currency or real money.
Install your video through the Gallery
Users often want to see the same video they have shot or found online, and new versions of HyperOS and MIUI 14 have the native ability to install video from the gallery directly, eliminating the need for third-party software.
Open the standard Gallery app and find the video you want. Click the three dots in the top right corner or the "More" button. The drop-down menu should have the "Set as Wallpaper" option. If the system suggests selecting part of the video, use the slider to crop the beginning and end.
Path to function: Gallery → Video → Select file → More (three dots) → Install as wallpaper → Lock screen / DesktopImportantly, this feature doesn’t work on all models: Low-end Redmi devices in the entry-level series may not support desktop video playback due to processor weakness, in which case the system will only suggest installing a static frame from the video.
⚠️ Note: When installing a video through a gallery, make sure the file is not copyrighted. DRM, Otherwise, the reproduction may be blocked.
Application of third-party applications from Google Play
If the regular funds don't meet your needs, specialized applications come to the rescue, and the leader in this niche is Video Live Wallpaper, which allows you to assign any video file from the device's memory as a background.
Once you install the app from Google Play, launch it and click "Select Video." The app will create a virtual desktop where you can adjust the scale, playback speed and sound. Once you set up, click "Set Wallpaper" and confirm the action in the system window.
| Annex | Pluses | Cons | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video Live Wallpaper | Support for all formats, no advertising | Minimalist interface | Android 7.0+ |
| Wallpaper Engine | Synchronization with PC, a huge choice | Paid, you need a PC for full functionality | Android 9.0+ |
| intoLive | Creating live wallpaper from photos and videos | Watermark in the free version | Android 8.0+ |
Another powerful tool is the Wallpaper Engine. If you have a PC, you can stream thousands of animated Steam wallpapers directly to your phone. It requires you to install a desktop version and a mobile app, but the result is worth it.
The Wallpaper Engine
Performance setting and optimization
Using video content as a background is a resource-intensive task. To make Xiaomi's smartphone work quickly, you need to adjust the playback settings correctly. Go to the live wallpaper settings and find "Battery Optimization" or "Performance".
It is recommended to turn off the sound for wallpaper, as constant background audio will be annoying and expend charge. It is also worth limiting playback: many applications allow you to pause video when the phone is down or in your pocket.
- 🔋 Enable Power Saving Mode for Wallpaper App.
- 🔇 Turn off the audio track in the video wallpaper settings.
- 📉 Use video at 30 frequency FPS 60 FPS resource-saving.
- 🚫 Do not install live wallpaper on the main screen if you have an old smartphone.
☑️ Checklist optimization
If you notice that the phone is getting hot or the interfaces are getting delayed, immediately return the static image, and overheating is having a negative impact on battery life and motherboard.
Problem solving and troubleshooting
During the setup process, users may find that the video is not installed or quickly replaced by a black screen. Often the problem lies in access rights. The Themes app or third-party launcher needs permission to display on top of other windows.
Go to Settings → Applications → All applications. Find the wallpaper app you are using. Go to Other Permissions and make sure Autostart and Display on top of other applications are enabled. Without that, the system will constantly kill the playback process to save energy.
⚠️ Note: On some global versions MIUI Aggressive battery optimization can block live wallpaper. Add the app to the exceptions ("No restrictions").
Another common problem is desynchronizing audio and video or missing images when the lock screen is turned on, which is solved by updating the Themes app through the GetApps store or Google Play. Older versions may not work properly with new codecs.
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The main reason for wallpaper reset is the aggressive saving of MIUI charge. Be sure to add the app to auto-start and remove background activity restrictions.