Personalization is the first thing a user does after buying a new smartphone. Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi devices often wonder how to implement the dual wallpaper feature when one image is displayed on the lock screen and a completely different image on the desktop, which allows you to separate visual zones and add uniqueness to the device, making interaction with the gadget more enjoyable.
Unfortunately, in the latest versions of the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS, the standard Double Wallpaper feature has been abolished or hidden by developers. However, this does not mean that the desired effect is impossible. There are proven methods to bypass the system limitations and install different images for the lock screen and home screen using built-in tools or third-party applications.
In this guide, we will discuss the current ways to implement this feature, you will learn how to use standard theme settings, where to look for hidden options in the Themes app, and what third-party launchers will help you achieve your goal if the regular funds do not work on your model.
Checking standard settings in the Topics app
The first step should always be to check the built-in functionality, as the interface may vary depending on the regional version of the firmware. In some MIUI builds, the option is still available, but not obvious. To begin, open the standard Themes app, which is the system design control center.
Inside the app, go to the user profile by clicking on the person icon in the lower right corner. You need to find the Settings section. In the list of parameters, look for the item associated with the wallpaper or lock screen. If you are lucky, you will see a Double Wallpaper switch or the ability to select an image separately for the lock screen.
- 📱 Open the Themes app on the main screen.
- ⚙️ Go to Profile and select Settings.
- 🖼️ Find the Wallpaper section and check for the separation option.
If you don’t have a switch on your menu, it means that the manufacturer has software-limited the feature for your model or region, and you shouldn’t despair, as there are alternative customization methods that we’ll look at later.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to download older versions of the Themes app from unverified sources for this feature, which can lead to unstable system operation and the appearance of banner ads.
It’s worth noting that even with a switch, it can work incorrectly with custom themes. Xiaomi’s standard wallpapers most often support layer separation, while third-party themes from the directory may ignore this setting.
Use of the "Wallpaper Carousel" function
The official replacement for the remote dual wallpaper feature in Xiaomi’s ecosystem is the “Glance,” which dynamically changes the images on the lock screen while you use your phone, leaving the desktop static, in fact creating a double wallpaper effect, but in a dynamic way.
To activate this mode, go to your smartphone Settings. Search for settings, type "Carousel" or "Wallpaper." You need to find the section responsible for the Lock Screen. Here you can turn on the function and select the source of the images.
Once activated, the system will start offering images from service partners, but you can set categories to see only the photos you want, such as landscapes or architecture, while the desktop will remain with your static background, which creates the desired separation effect.
- 🔄 The carousel updates the images automatically with each screen turn on.
- 📶 Uploading new images requires an active internet connection.
- 🔋 The function may slightly increase battery consumption.
It's important to understand that Carousel is an ad-integrated service, and images can have brand logos or news headlines, and if you want complete sterility and no advertising, this may not be the right approach, and you'll have to look for more complex solutions.
⚠️ Attention: Turning on the wallpaper carousel requires broad access to location and usage statistics.
Setup through third-party launchers
The most flexible way to get dual wallpaper on modern versions of MIUI is to install a third-party launcher. Xiaomi's standard launcher tightly ties desktop wallpaper and lock (unless the carousel is included), but third-party shells like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher allow you to manage these settings independently.
Once you have installed the alternative launcher from Google Play Market, you will need to configure it as the default default. In the new launcher settings, find the Wallpaper and Style section. Here you can set a single image for your desktop while the lock screen remains system or is controlled by a separate locking application.
Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Points → Default Applications → HomeUsing a third-party launcher gives you access to thousands of free high-resolution images that can be set as a desktop background, and the lock screen can be left with a system image or configured through a separate application that simulates a standard lockscreen.
- 🚀 Third-party launchers often run faster than standard shells.
- 🎨 Thousands of free themes and icons are available in app stores.
- 🛠️ Ability to fine-tune the grid, fonts and animations.
⚠️ Warning: After installing a third-party launcher, some gestures may stop working MIUI, For example, swipe down to search or swipe sideways for widgets. You'll need additional customization or addiction.
This method is most stable for users who want complete control over the look and feel of their device.You are no longer dependent on Xiaomi firmware updates that can change the logic of the wallpaper again.
Application of screen-blocking applications
If replacing the launcher seems too radical, you can go the other way: leave the standard desktop, but replace the lock screen. There are specialized applications that intercept the moment the screen is turned on and show your image.
Popular apps like Lock Screen & Notifications or Hi Locker allow you to set a static picture or slideshow, and in the settings of this app, you choose the desired image that will be different from what you see on your desktop, so that the visual separation is achieved completely.
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Use "Pass-through" locking apps so that there is no delay or black screen before the desktop appears when unlocking.
However, this method has its own technical features: Third-party blockers require permanent permissions to display on top of other windows and access notifications, which can cause a conflict with the Android security system, and the phone will constantly ask for confirmation of the application.
| Parameter | Standard lockdown. | Third-party annex |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | Tall. | Medium (depending on OS) |
| Battery consumption | Minimum | Elevated |
| Security | Systemic | Depends on the developer. |
| Flexibility | Low. | Tall. |
When choosing such software, pay attention to the rating in the store and the date of the last update. Older apps may not work correctly on Android 12/13/14, causing freezes or not opening at all.
Set up live wallpaper and video backgrounds
Another way to visually differentiate between a lock screen and a desktop is to use live wallpapers, which, unlike static images, add speakers. Xiaomi can often install video wallpapers that will only play on one of the screens.
To implement this method, you can use the built-in Wallpaper app or download video wallpaper from Google Play. The key here is to use the wallpaper correctly. When you install it, the system usually asks: "Set locks on the screen," "Install on the desktop" or "Install everywhere."
By choosing Desktop Only for video and leaving a static image on lock (or vice versa), you get the desired effect. Video wallpaper can be resource-intensive, so keep an eye on the temperature of the device over long-term use.
How to convert any video to wallpaper?
It is also worth considering that the OLED-In the case of Xiaomi flagship displays, bright video wallpapers can consume more energy than a dark static theme, and battery optimization will depend on the brightness and duration of the video.
Solving and eliminating errors
Users may encounter a number of common problems during the setup process, often when the image is stretched, losing quality, or resets after rebooting, due to the scaling features of MIUI.
If the image looks blurry, make sure that its resolution matches the pixel density of your screen. For modern Xiaomi smartphones, it is recommended to use images with a resolution of at least 1080x2400 pixels. Less resolution will be programmatically stretched, which will lead to "soap".
- 📐 Use images with an aspect ratio of 20:9 or 19.5:9.
- 💾 Save the original photos in the cloud, so as not to lose quality when compressed by messengers.
- 🔄 After installing the new wallpaper, perform a full reboot of the device.
☑️ Checklist before installing wallpaper
The problem can also be in the theme system cache. If nothing helps, try clearing the theme application data through the application management menu, which will return the design settings to factory values and can eliminate the software glitch.
⚠️ Note: When cleaning the Themes application data, all the themes and widgets you have installed may be reset, and screenshots of important settings or the names of the themes used are recommended in advance.
Remember that each version of MIUI (Global, China, EEA, Russia) has its own features. What works on the Chinese version of the firmware may not be available on the global version.