How to put a live wallpaper on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is still a popular smartphone among users who value balance of price and performance. However, standard static wallpaper on MIUI quickly get bored β€” you want something more dynamic. Live wallpapers solve this problem by adding animations to the lock screen and the main screen.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods for installing animated wallpaper on the Redmi Note 8 (including the Note 8 Pro and Note 8T models), taking into account the features of the MIUI 12/13/14 firmware. From standard functions to third-party applications, choose the option for your needs.

Can I put a live wallpaper on the Redmi Note 8 without root?

Yes, root rights are not required to install live wallpaper on the Redmi Note 8.Moreover, most methods work even on a locked bootloader.

  • πŸ“± Standard wallpaper MIUI: The firmware already has built-in live wallpaper (for example, "Super Earth" or "Space"), but their choice is limited.
  • πŸ› οΈ Third-party apps: Google Wallpapers, Zedge or KLWP Expanding the possibilities, but may require additional adjustments.
  • ⚠️ Performance: Animations consume more resources.On the Redmi Note 8 with Snapdragon 665 avoid 4K-high-wallpaper FPS.

If your phone is running MIUI 14+, check for built-in live wallpapers in Themes β†’ Wallpaper β†’ Live. In older versions (such as MIUI 11), this section may not be available, so a workaround through Google Wallpapers will help.

πŸ“Š What wallpaper you prefer on a smartphone?
Static (normal)
Live (animation)
Interactive (responds to touch)
I change often, no preference.

Method 1: Built-in live wallpaper in MIUI

The easiest method is to use standard animated wallpaper from Xiaomi, which is optimized for the Redmi Note 8 hardware and does not affect autonomy. Here's how to turn them on:

  1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on the home screen).
  2. Go to Wallpaper section. β†’ Live wallpaper.
  3. Select your favorite option (e.g. Ocean or Galaxy) and click Apply.
  4. Specify where to install: on the lock screen, the main screen or both.

If there is no Live Wallpaper section, update the Themes app through Play Market or clear its cache in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Application Management β†’ Themes β†’ Memory β†’ Clear the cache.

What are the built-in live wallpapers in MIUI 14?
V MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 8 available the following standard animations: - "Super-Earth" (3D-model of a planet with clouds) - "Space flight" (starry sky with moving particles) - "Ocean waves" (dynamic water with reflections) - "Color lines" (abstract geometric animation) - "Clock" (interactive dials with second hand)

Wallpaper typePlusesCons
Built-in MIUIβœ… Optimized for ironβœ… They don't require the Internet.βœ… Free.❌ Small choice❌ No customization.❌ It may not be available on older versions. MIUI
Google Wallpapersβœ… Big catalogueβœ… Daily shiftβœ… Lightweight❌ No deep animation.❌ Requires Google Services
Zedge/KLWPβœ… Maximum customizationβœ… Support 4K/60FPSβœ… Interactive elements❌ May be braking on a weak gland.❌ Plugins paid❌ It's hard to set up

Method 2: Live Wallpapers via Google Wallpapers

Google Wallpapers offers a collection of animated wallpapers with minimal performance impact, and is suitable for the Redmi Note 8 because it uses optimized rendering algorithms, and can be installed even without Google Play Services (via APK).

Instructions:

  1. Download Google Wallpapers from Play Market or APKMirror.
  2. Open the app and go to the Live Wallpapers section.
  3. Choose your favorite option (e.g. Earth or Weather) and some wallpapers support dynamic change depending on the time of day.
  4. Click Set Wallpaper and select the target screen.

βœ” Check out the Android version (should be 9.0)+)

βœ” Free up 200-300 MB of memory

βœ” Disable battery optimization for the app

βœ” Restart the phone after installation

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An important nuance: some live wallpapers from Google Wallpapers require an active internet connection to download textures. If the animation doesn't work, check the permission to access the network in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Google Wallpapers β†’ Permissions.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi Note 8 with MIUI 12 and below, you may have a problem when the live wallpaper is reset after you reboot. β†’ Wallpapers, not directly from Google Wallpapers.

Method 3: Third-party applications (Zedge, KLWP, Walloop)

Specialized applications are suitable for maximum customization, they allow you to install wallpaper with paralax effects, interactive elements (touch responsive), and even 3D-Let's look at the top.-3 variant:

1. Zedge (simplicity + large catalog)

Zedge is a library of wallpaper and ringtones with a live wallpaper section. The app is free but contains ads. For the Redmi Note 8, choose wallpaper with a resolution of 1080Γ—2340 (native for this device).

  • πŸ” Use the Live Wallpapers filter in your search.
  • ⚑ Download wallpaper weighing up to 10-15 MB – heavy files will slow down.
  • πŸ”„ Update the catalog once a week – new animations are added.

2. KLWP (Advanced Customization)

KLWP (Kustom Live Wallpaper Maker) is a tool for creating your own interactive wallpaper. It takes time to study, but allows you to add weather widgets, animations when unlocked, and even sensor data (such as pedometer).

To start, download KLWP and import presets from the community (Load Preset section).

  • 🌌 Cosmic - an animation of the starry sky with paralax.
  • πŸ“Š Minimal Clock – watch with weather and notifications.
  • 🎨 Abstract Shapes – geometric shapes that respond to the tilt of the phone.

πŸ’‘

In KLWP, disable the "Hardware Acceleration" option in the settings if the wallpaper is slowing down. This will reduce the load on the Snapdragon 665 processor.

3. Walloop (for video wallpaper lovers)

Walloop allows you to set up video or GIFs as live wallpaper, for example, you can record a surf or a fireplace burning, minus high battery consumption.

To save the charge:

  • πŸ”‹ Use 5-10 seconds of video in a cycle.
  • πŸ“‰ Reduce the brightness of the screen to 60-70%.
  • ⏸️ Turn off animation on the lock screen (leave only on the home screen).

⚠️ Note: Apps like Walloop or Video Live Wallpaper may conflict with optimization MIUI. If the wallpaper disappears after sleeping the phone, add the app to Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery β†’ All applications β†’ Select the application β†’ No restrictions.

How to remove the wallpaper and return the standard?

If the animation began to slow down or just tired, you can return static wallpaper in 3 steps:

  1. Click the empty space on the home screen and select Wallpapers.
  2. Go to My Wallpaper or Gallery and select a static image.
  3. Click Apply and confirm the replacement.

For the complete removal of third-party live wallpaper:

  • πŸ—‘οΈ Remove the application through which they were installed (e.g. Zedge or KLWP).
  • πŸ”„ Reboot the phone – it will reset the animation cache.
  • πŸ› οΈ If the wallpaper is left, clear the Topic app data in Settings β†’ Annexes.

πŸ’‘

Standard MIUI wallpaper consumes 15-20% less battery than third-party animations. If autonomy is critical, give preference to built-in options.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When installing live wallpaper on the Redmi Note 8, users encounter typical errors.

Problem.Reason.Decision
Wallpapers are not set.Conflict with MIUI optimizationTurn off optimization for wallpaper application in battery settings
Animation slows downToo heavy wallpaper for the Snapdragon 665Select wallpaper with a resolution of 1080p and FPS not higher than 30
Wallpaper is reset after resettingApp cache error TopicsClear the cache of Topics in Settings β†’ Apps
No sound in the video wallpaper.MIUI Limitation for Background ProcessesUse apps that support silent videos (like Walloop)

If none of the methods helped, try resetting the themes:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Click 5 times on the MIUI version to enable the developer mode.
  3. Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers.
  4. Find the option Reset theme settings and confirm the action.
Can I put a live wallpaper on the Redmi Note 8 without the Internet?
Yes, but with reservations: Built-in MIUI wallpapers are offline. Wallpapers downloaded from Zedge or Google Wallpapers are cached and can be displayed offline. Wallpapers from KLWP require the Internet only for the first preset download; except for wallpapers with dynamic content (such as weather or time); they need access to the network to update data.
Why is it that the Redmi Note 8 battery is quickly planted?
The Redmi Note 8 is powered by a 4,000mAh battery, but the Snapdragon 665 isn't optimized for heavy animations: πŸ”‹ Constant rendering of graphics (especially) 3D-wallpaper). πŸ“‘ Background activity of applications (e.g, KLWP weather-record). πŸ”„ Frequent recourse to GPU (high-wallpaper FPS). How to reduce the cost: Use wallpaper with permission 720p instead 4K. Turn off the animation on the lock screen. Set the restriction. FPS 24-30 frames/sec.
Can I make a live wallpaper from my video?
Yes, with apps like Video Live Wallpaper or Walloop. Instructions: Download the app from Play Market. Select video from the gallery (up to 15 seconds long). Cut it to Redmi Note 8 (1080Γ—2340) resolution. Set up playback speed and cycle. Use it as wallpaper. For better performance, convert the video to MP4 with a bit rate of 5 Mbps.
Does the Redmi Note 8’s live wallpaper work with custom firmware (like LineageOS)?> Yeah, but there's nuance: βœ… LineageOS or Pixel Experience can be used without restrictions. βœ… Support KLWP And Zedge is usually better than on MIUI. ⚠️ Some wallpapers may not work due to lack of MIUI-If the wallpaper is not installed, check: Live Wallpaper Picker in firmware, storage permissions for wallpaper applications, no conflicts with Magisk modules (if there is root).
How to transfer a live wallpaper from one Xiaomi to another?
The method depends on the type of wallpaper: Built-in MIUI-Wallpapers: Not carried away because they're tied to firmware. You have to download them again on your new phone. Wallpapers from Google Wallpapers: Synced through your Google account. You just have to log in to the same profile on your new device. KLWP/Zedge: Export the settings to the file (in KLWP: Menu β†’ Transfer the file to a new phone (e.g., Mi Share or cloud.