How to make changing wallpaper on Xiaomi phone: 5 ways with animation and without

Dynamic wallpaper on Xiaomi transforms the look of the smartphone, adding liveliness to the lock screen and the main screen. But many users do not know that in addition to the standard static images in the smartphone, the camera is not a real device. MIUI There are hidden features for automatic background changes, from time-of-day changes to full-fledged animation with paralax effects. This article will reveal all the ways to activate live wallpaper, including hidden settings and third-party applications that work even on budget Redmi models and other features. POCO.

We tested all the methods on the devices with MIUI 12-15 (including global and Chinese firmware) and identified key nuances: what formats are supported, how to avoid battery discharge and why some wallpaper is β€œslowing down”. Special attention will be paid to the unique function of Super Wallpapers from Xiaomi, which synchronizes animation with the sensors of the device – this effect is not available on any other Android smartphone without root rights.

Standard dynamic wallpaper in MIUI: Where to look and how to turn on

The manufacturer has already integrated basic "live" wallpaper into firmware, but access to it is often hidden behind non-obvious gestures.

  1. Long press on the free area of the main screen β†’ pick Wallpaper.
  2. Go to the Dynamic tab (on some models it is called Live Wallpaper or Animation).
  3. Scroll down - here are collected wallpaper with effects 3D-paralax (respond to the tilt of the phone) and time shifts (morning / day / night).

Among the built-in options are:

  • πŸŒ… Earth Alive – animation of the Earth’s rotation with real lighting (synchronized with the time of day).
  • 🌌 Super Wallpapers – exclusive wallpapers for flagships (for example, Mi 11 or Xiaomi 13), where the background changes when switching between screens.
  • 🎨 Color transitions – smooth change of gradients (save battery power).
πŸ“Š What wallpaper do you prefer on Xiaomi?
Standard static
Dynamic (3D/animation)
Super Wallpapers
Third-party live wallpaper
Never mind.

Important point: on budget models (Redmi Note 10, POCO M4 Pro) some animations may be slowed down by a weak processor:

⚠️ Note: If the wallpaper is "laying down", open Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI and tap 7 times on the line with the build number. β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers) turn on the option to Disable window animation - this will smooth the jerks without losing effect.

2. Super Wallpapers: How to activate the hidden feature on any Xiaomi

Super Wallpapers is a unique Xiaomi technology that creates a smooth transition between the lock screen and the main screen with a high-end screen. 3D-It is officially only available on flagships (Mi 10, Xiaomi 12), but it can be enabled on any device with a MIUI 12+ via hidden menu.

Instructions for activation:

  1. Download. APK-Super Wallpapers file (version must match your firmware!).
  2. Install the file through any file manager (allow installation from unknown sources in Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Special Access).
  3. Reboot your phone and press the desktop for a long time. β†’ Wallpaper. β†’ Super Wallpapers.

List of compatible wallpapers (available after installation):

Name of nameThe effectMinimum requirements
MarsFlight over Mars with craters4GB of RAM, MIUI 12.5+
EarthEarth's rotation with clouds3 GB of RAM, MIUI 12+
ForestAnimation of leaves and lightAny Xiaomi with AMOLED-screen
Snow MountainSnowfall and the Northern LightsMIUI 13+ (OpenGL 3.1 requires)

Check out the MIUI version (12 and above)

Download the right one APK forecast

Allow installation from unknown sources

Restart the phone after installation

Disable battery optimization for the "Wallpaper" application"-->

Challenges and solutions:

  • πŸ”„ Wallpapers are not set. β†’ Remove the cache of the Wallpaper application in Settings β†’ Annexes.
  • πŸ”‹ Strong battery discharge β†’ In wallpaper settings, reduce the animation frequency to Low.
  • βš™οΈ No Super Wallpapers tab β†’ Check the firmware region (only global or Chinese) MIUI).

3. Third-party applications for live wallpaper: TOP-5 playmarket

If there are few built-in options, use third-party solutions. We selected 5 proven applications that do not conflict with the existing system. MIUI and do not contain hidden advertising:

  1. Wallpaper Engine (free of charge) + Premium) Supports video wallpaper, interactive 3D-For Xiaomi, it is important: in the settings, turn off hardware acceleration, otherwise artifacts may be on screens with a high refresh rate (120 Hz).
  2. KLWP Live Wallpaper Maker Allows custom wallpapers with widgets (weather, time, notifications) on Xiaomi to disable Optimization MIUI application.
  3. Forest Live Wallpaper (free) Lightweight animation of the forest with changing lighting. Perfect for weak devices (Redmi) 9A, POCO C31).

πŸ’‘

Before installing third-party wallpaper, check the battery settings: go to Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Optimize the battery and add the wallpaper app to the exclusion list. This will prevent the animation from freezing.

How to install live wallpaper from the application:

  1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
  2. Choose your favorite wallpaper and click Install.
  3. In the window that appears, select Live Wallpaper (not "Static"!).
  4. Set up the scope: Lock screen, Main screen or both.

Warning for owners AMOLED-screen:

⚠️ Attention: On phones with AMOLED (Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi K50) static elements on live wallpaper (such as a watch) can cause pixels to burn out. Use dark themes or wallpapers with uniform lighting.

4. How to make wallpaper that changes by time of day

The automatic wallpaper change function is available without third-party applications.

  1. Long press on the desktop β†’ Wallpaper. β†’ Dynamic.
  2. Select wallpaper marked Day/Night (such as Sunrise or Cityscape).
  3. Click on the icon. βš™οΈ in the upper right corner and activate the automatic shift.
  4. Set time intervals (by default: 6:00-18:00 - day, 18:00-6:00 - night).

For advanced settings (for example, sunrise/sunset binding) GPS):

  • πŸ“± Install the Tasker app (paid) and create a profile with a time trigger.
  • 🌍 In the action, specify the command: am start -a android.intent.action.SET_WALLPAPER -d file:///storage/emulated/0/Download/wallpaper_day.jpg (switch off).
  • πŸ”„ Duplicate profile for night background.
How do you tie the wallpaper to the weather?
Download the app IFTTT And create an applet with a "Weather Changed" trigger. In action, select Change Wallpaper and link to the rain/sun/snow wallpaper. Xiaomi will need to connect to a Google account and allow you to use it. IFTTT wallpapering.

An alternative way to MIUI 14+:

In new versions of the firmware appeared the Thematic display:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Display. β†’ Thematic display.
  2. Turn on the Adaptive Wallpaper option.
  3. Choose a color palette – the system will automatically select wallpaper for the time of day and lighting.

5. Video wallpaper on Xiaomi: how to install and optimize

The wallpaper video looks spectacular, but it can quickly drain the battery.

  1. Download the video (format) MP4, permission 1080p, 10-30-second).
  2. Install the Video Live Wallpaper app (free).
  3. Open the video in the app and click Set as Wallpaper.
  4. In the settings, turn off the Sound and set Low quality to save energy.

Optimization for Xiaomi:

  • πŸ”‹ To save battery in Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Optimization Add the Application to Exceptions.
  • 🎞️ Use video with frame rate 30 FPS β€” 60 FPS gives a slight increase in smoothness, but greatly increases the load.
  • πŸ“± On devices with LCD-screen 9T, POCO M3) Video wallpapers consume 40% more energy than on the Internet AMOLED.

πŸ’‘

Video wallpapers reduce battery life by 15 to 25 percent, and use them only when connected to a charger or on devices with a 5000 battery.+ mic.

To create a loop (seamless reproduction):

  1. Open the video in the CapCut or KineMaster app.
  2. Cut the beginning and end so that the first and last frames match.
  3. Export without watermarks (permission) 1080Γ—2340 for most of Xiaomi).

6. Hidden chips: Unlock animation and gestures

MIUI It hides a few undocumented effects on wallpaper:

  • πŸ”“ Animation when unlocking: Set wallpaper from Dynamic, then to Settings β†’ Lock the screen, turn on Unlock animation. The screen will smoothly "unplug" when swiping.
  • πŸ‘† Gesture response: On paralax wallpaper (like Mountain), double tap the lock screen - the background will shift, opening hidden widgets.
  • 🎢 Synchronization with music: In the Wallpaper Engine application, activate the Audio Visualizer plugin - the wallpaper will pulse in the rhythm of the playing song.

To activate the hidden animation menu:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Tap 5 times on the line version MIUI.
  3. Enter ##6484## (not available on all models)
  4. In the menu that appears, select System Animation β†’ Level 1.5 (optimal balance of smoothness and performance).

7.How to roll back changes and return standard wallpaper

If dynamic wallpaper started to brake or discharge the battery, return the standard settings:

  1. Long press on the desktop β†’ Wallpaper.
  2. Select the tab Standard or Static.
  3. Click on any wallpaper and apply it to the Lock Screen and the Main Screen.

For a complete reset of wallpaper settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find Wallpaper and press Warehouse. β†’ Clear the data.
  3. Reboot the phone.

Recovery from failure:

⚠️ Warning: If after installing third-party wallpaper, the screen began to flash or display artifacts, reset through Safe Mode: Press the power button β†’ Hold it off long enough β†’ Select Safe Mode. Uninstall the problem app. Reboot the phone in normal mode.

FAQ: Frequent questions about dynamic wallpaper on Xiaomi

❓ Why the wallpaper doesn't work on my Redmi?
Reasons: An outdated version MIUI (Update the firmware. Animation in the developer settings is disabled (Settings) β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers β†’ The scale of the animation should be 1x). Battery Optimization Conflict (Add Wallpaper App to Exceptions).
❓ How to make wallpaper that changes when connecting charging?
Use Tasker: Create a Profile with a Status Trigger β†’ Nutrition β†’ Charging. In actions add Display β†’ Set the wallpaper and point the path to the file. MIUI 14+ You can use the built-in Adaptive Wallpaper function in the display settings.
❓ Why Super Wallpapers are slowing down POCO X3?
POCO X3 Has a Snapdragon processor 732G, Solutions: Reduce the frequency of animation in wallpaper settings. Turn off background processes in Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Optimize. Use lightweight wallpaper (e.g. Forest instead of Mars).
❓ Can you make a wallpaper that responds to the weather?
Yes, with help. IFTTT Or Tasker: In IFTTT Create an applet with a "Weather Changed" trigger. In action, select Change Wallpaper and download the rain/sun wallpaper. For Tasker, use the AutoTools plugin and variable %WEATHER. On Xiaomi MIUI 14+ Part of the functions are available through thematic display.
❓ How to transfer live wallpaper from one Xiaomi to another?
Methods: Copy the wallpaper file (usually in the /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.miui.home/files/wallpaper/) and set it up through Wallpaper. β†’ Local. For Super Wallpapers, move forward APK-File and re-install. Use Mi Mover (built-in data porting app).