How to put your video on the screensaver Xiaomi: a complete guide for TVs and smartphones

You want to replace a boring standard screensaver on Xiaomi with your favorite video, but you don't know how to do it correctly? This guide will help you understand all the nuances from choosing the right video to setting up auto-start. TV (including the Mi models TV 4S, Mi TV Q1/Q2, Mi TV A2), and also for smartphones MIUI (From Redmi Note to Xiaomi flagship 13/14).

It's important to understand that the process differs depending on the device and the firmware version. For example, on Xiaomi TVs with PatchWall, the algorithm is one, and on smartphones with a firmware. MIUI 14+ — We'll also reveal hidden settings that circumvent restrictions on video duration and file format, and how to avoid common installation errors.

If you've tried to change the screensaver before, but you've come across messages like "File Not Supported" or "Playback Error," this article will help you understand the reasons and find a solution, starting with video preparation, the most important step that many people miss.

1. Video requirements for Xiaomi screensaver: format, resolution, duration

Before you upload the video to your device, make sure it meets Xiaomi’s technical limitations. Otherwise, the system will simply not accept the file and you’ll waste time.

For Mi TVs, TV (All models on PatchWall):

• 📹 Format: only.mp4 (H.264/AVC) mkv (with restrictions)..avi,.mov and others are not supported.
• 📏 Resolution: must match the screen resolution (e.g, 3840×2160 for 4K-teleIf the video is less resolution, it gets stretched with loss of quality.
• ⏱️ Duration: up to 30 seconds (on some firmware up to 1 minute) Long rollers are cut automatically.
• 🔊 Sound: Must be in format AAC or MP3. Other codecs (e.g, AC3) nonreproduce.

For Xiaomi smartphones (MIUI 12–14):

• 📱 Format:.mp4 (H.264) webm: The maximum file size is 50MB.
• 🔄 Orientation: Landscape only, vertical videos will be cropped or rotated.
• ⚡ Bitrate: no higher than 10 Mbps. High bitrate leads to lags when playing.

⚠️ Note: If the video is shot on the iPhone in format HEVC (H.265), It needs to be recoded into H.264 It's a program like HandBrake or FFmpeg, otherwise the TV or the smartphone won't be able to play it.

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

• 🖥️ HandBrake - for PC (settings: H.264, 30 FPS, bitrate 8000 kbps).
• 📱 CapCut or InShot – for smartphones (export to the Internet) 1080p bitrate 10 Mbps).

2. How to upload video to Xiaomi: ways to transfer a file

Before you put a video on a screensaver, you have to transfer it to the device, and let's look at all the methods available, from simple to alternative.

📺 For Mi TV TVs:

• 📁 USB-drive: copy the file to the root folder of the flash drive (format) FAT32 Or exFAT. Connect to the port. USB 2.0/3.0 TV-wise.
• 🌐 Local area network: if the TV and computer are on the same network, use the same network. DLNA (for example, through VLC or plex).
• ☁️ Cloud Storage: Upload the video to Mi Cloud or Google Drive, then open through your browser on your TV.

📱 For Xiaomi smartphones:

• 🔗 Direct Download: Download videos from the internet directly to your device (e.g. via YouTube via Snaptube).
• 📎 Bluetooth/Wi-Fi Direct: Transfer from another smartphone or PC (slowly but wirelessly).
• 💻 ADB (For advanced: use the command: adb push video.mp4 /sdcard/Download/

⚠️ Attention: On Mi TVs TV From PatchWall, the video should lie in the Screensaver folder on USB-If you don't have a folder, create it manually, otherwise the file won't show up in the list of available screensavers.

3. Installation of video on the screensaver of the Xiaomi TV (Mi) TV)

The instructions are relevant for Mi TVs. TV 4S, Mi TV Q1/Q2, Mi TV A2 and other models on PatchWall or Google TV. The process may vary slightly depending on the firmware version.

Step 1. Connect. USB-A video drive to the TV, wait for the device to be identified (notification will appear "USB plugged-in").

Step 2. Open the Settings. → Display and sound → In some models, the way is different: Settings → System system → Screen. → Screenshot.

Step 3. Select "Add screensaver" → "Local video. The TV will scan. USB And show you the files available.

Step 4: Select the video you want and click "Install." The system will suggest that you cut the video to 30 seconds (if it's longer) -- confirm.

Step 5. In the settings of the screensaver, enable the options:

• ⏰ "Auto-start inactivity" - in 1-5 minutes.
• 🔄 "Random order – if you have multiple videos.
• 🔊 "Reproduce the sound, if necessary.

If the video doesn’t appear in the list, check:

• 🔍 The file is in the Screensaver folder on USB.
• 📌 The filename format is Latin only, with no spaces (e.g, my_video.mp4).
• 🔄 The TV supports video resolution (e.g., video resolution, 4K-The video will not be played on Mi. TV 4A permittingly 1920×1080).

4. How to put a video on the screensaver of a Xiaomi smartphone (MIUI)

On Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO) The video screensaver is called Dynamic Lock Screen. MIUI 12 and newer, but may not be available on budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A).

Step 1. Put the video in the folder. DCIM → Screensavers on internal memory. If you don't have a folder, create it manually.

Step 2. Go to Settings → Lock screen → Dynamic lock screen.

Step 3. Select "Add video" → "Local video. The system will show the available files from the Screensavers folder.

Step 4: Cut the video (if necessary) and press "Save." Now, when you lock the screen, your video will play.

Restrictions on smartphones:

• 🔋 Video is played only when the charger is connected (so as not to put the battery down).
• 🔒 It only works on the lock screen, not the home screen.
• 📴 The sound is turned off by default (includes in the settings of the dynamic screen).

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Video screensaver can slow down if the video in resolution is higher 1080p. Optimal size — 1920×1080 upon 30 FPS.

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If the video on the lock screen is playing with artifacts, try reducing the bitrate to 5 Mbps via HandBrake or CapCut.

5. Alternative Ways: How to Get Around Xiaomi Restrictions

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., videos that are too long or in an unsupported format), workarounds can be used.

🖥️ For Mi TVs, TV:

• 🎬 Convert video to GIF: Convert the video to.gif (max. 10 MB) via EZGIF and install as a screensaver through Settings → Display. → background GIF.
• 📺 Use third-party launchers: install ATV Launcher or Wolf Launcher from Google Play, where you can configure custom screensavers.
• 🔧 Manual editing configs: for advanced users - change the file /system/media/screensaver through ADB (Root rights are required).

📱 For Xiaomi smartphones:

• 📲 Topics app: Some dynamic themes in Mi Themes allow you to install video on the lock screen.
• 🔄 Live Wallpaper: Use apps like Video Live Wallpaper (available on Google Play).
• 🛠️ Modified firmware: on custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience) restrictions on video screensavers are removed.

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The most reliable way to use TVs is to use them. USB-Screensaver folder and video in format.mp4 (H.264, 30 For smartphones, a folder. DCIM/Screensavers and file size limitation (50 MB).

6. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if you do everything according to the instructions, there can be problems, and let's look at the typical mistakes and how to fix them.

📺 Mistakes on Mi TVs TV:

• 🚫 "File not supported": 🔹 Check the format of the video (should be.mp4 codeced H.264). 🔹 Rename the file to video.mp4 (non-cyrillic).
• ⚠️ "No sound in the screensaver": 🔹 Enable the option "Reproduce sound" in the settings of the screensaver. 🔹 Check that the audio track is in format AAC or MP3.
• 🔄 "Video clipped or stretched": 🔹 Make sure that the video resolution matches the screen resolution. 🔹 Turn off "Stretch to the full screen" in the settings of the screensaver.

📱 Mistakes on Xiaomi smartphones:

• 🔋 "Videos are not played when charging is turned off": 🔹 That's a limitation. MIUI — connect the device to the charger. 🔹 Use third-party live wallpapers (e.g. Video Live Wallpaper).
• 📴 "Video slows or lays": 🔹 Reduce the permit to 1280×720. 🔹 Lower bitrate to 5 Mbps.
• 🔒 "No option 'Dynamic lock screen'": 🔹 Update. MIUI last-minute. 🔹 Check if the function is disabled in Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities.

⚠️ Attention: On Mi TVs TV Firmware older than 2022 may not support video screensavers. Update the software through Settings → On TV. → Update the system or manually download the latest version from the official Xiaomi website.

7 Additional settings: timer, sound, random order

Set up a video is only half the battle, so to make the screensaver work exactly as you want it to, set up additional settings.

📺 On the Mi TV. TV:

• ⏱️ Start timer: in Settings → Screenshot → Select how many minutes of inactivity the video will be turned on (1 to 10 minutes).
• 🔀 Random order: If you have multiple videos, turn on the option "Random playback".
• 🔇 Sound: in the "Savesavers sound settings" you can adjust the volume or turn off the sound completely.
• 🌓 Brightness: in some models there is an option "Auto-brightness of the screensaver" - the video will adjust to the lighting in the room.

📱 On a Xiaomi smartphone:

• 🔋 Battery savings: in Settings → Battery → Optimize add Dynamic Screen to exceptions so that the video does not turn off.
• 🔒 Security: If you’re afraid someone will see a private video, set Hide Notifications on the Lock screen".
• 🎨 Effects: in some topics MIUI You can add blur or darkening over the video.

On Mi TVs. TV Q2 and newer there is a hidden function "Interactive screensaver" - the video responds to movements in front of the screen (you need to include in Settings) → System system → Additionally).

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If you want the screensaver to run only at a certain time (for example, in the evening), use Tasker or MacroDroid to automatically turn the feature on / off.

FAQ: Frequent questions about video screensavers on Xiaomi