Xiaomi’s modern smartphones are known for their flexibility in customization, allowing owners to turn a standard interface into a unique digital space. One of the most popular features is the ability to set different background images for different parts of the system, making use of the device more personalized and convenient. Standard galleries often offer only basic solutions, but the shell MIUI or HyperOS gives much more control over the visual component.
In this article, we will take a look at all the different ways you can change your background, from standard settings to advanced methods using third-party software, and not only will you change your picture when you unlock it, but you will also be able to create thematic areas for desktops, especially for those who are used to separating work and personal applications.
To start with, it's worth noting that the setup process doesn't require any deep technical knowledge. However, there are nuances that depend on the version of the firmware installed. We'll look at universal algorithms that will suit most users who want to refresh the look of their gadget.
Basic configuration through standard system tools
The easiest way to change the design is to use the built-in functionality of the Android operating system in conjunction with the corporate shell. You just need to go to the settings menu and select the section responsible for the appearance, where the user can select an image from the gallery or download a new one from the Themes cloud storage.
It is important to understand the difference between a static image and a live wallpaper. Statics consume less battery life, whereas animated options can affect autonomy. The system makes it easy to switch between these modes, offering previews before applying changes. On some Redmi and POCO models, live wallpaper can be turned off by default to save energy.
To set the picture, press and hold your finger on the empty desktop. In the menu that appears, select "Wallpaper". Opens a gallery where you can select a photo from the device's memory. After selecting, the system will suggest applying the image to the lock screen, the main screen or both.
Using standard tools ensures the stability of the interface, you will not encounter application conflicts or sudden resets, it is ideal for those who appreciate the reliability and ease of managing their Xiaomi device.
Separation of wallpaper for the lock screen and desktop
Many users want to see one image when the screen is on and another image completely on the desktop. In the MIUI shell, this is done through a preview mechanism. When you select a photo in a gallery, the system displays two previews: on top for lockscreen, on the bottom for desktop.
To implement this method, open the gallery and select the image you want. Click on three dots in the corner of the screen or the "More" button, then select "Install as wallpaper." A window will appear with sliders or buttons that allow you to assign the picture specifically to the Lock Screen or the Desktop.
☑️ Algorithm of installation of different wallpaper
If the standard gallery doesn't give you that choice, you can use the Themes app. Go to the user profile, click on the wallpaper icon and select "From the Gallery." In this interface, the separation is automatic, the system will ask where exactly you want to put the image.
⚠️ Note: When installing high resolution wallpaper (4K On Xiaomi budget models, the application process can take a few seconds.Do not interrupt the action to avoid the appearance of a black screen instead of a picture.
This approach allows you to create interesting visual contrasts, for example, on the lock screen you can leave a photo of the family, and on the desktop — an abstract minimalist background that does not distract from the icons of the application.
Use of the Application Topics for Enhanced Opportunities
The official Themes app is a powerful tool that is often underrated, and it allows you not only to download packages, but also to create your own mixes, so you can take a font from one theme, icons from another, and wallpaper from a third.
Inside the app, there's a Profile section where all your downloads are stored, and you can go to it and select Wallpaper and then from the Gallery, and there's often additional effects, like blurring or zooming, that are not present in the standard gallery, which gives you more control over the final result.
The Themes app also supports downloading content from an online catalog, where you can find high-quality artwork that is optimized specifically for Xiaomi screen resolution, eliminating the need to search the Internet for images and adjust their size.
Secret functions of the app Topics
Using this app also allows you to sync your chosen themes with your Mi Account, so if you change your phone or reset your settings, all your favorite designs can be quickly restored, which is especially useful when you change devices frequently.
Creating separate desktops with a unique background
One of the most useful features for productivity is the ability to make different wallpapers on different pages of the desktop. Standard Android tools can not do this, but in the Xiaomi ecosystem there is a solution through the function of “Second space” or third-party launchers.
But if you just want to visually separate the pages on one screen, you can use widgets. You can create a full-screen Photo widget and you can set the image on it, then you can hide the standard icons, but the more appropriate way is to use launchers.
Install a third-party launcher, like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, and they have a wallpaper section in their settings where you can set the rule, "Different wallpaper for each page," and once you activate this feature, when you swipe left or right, the background changes smoothly.
| Method | Difficulty | Impact on the battery | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard gallery | Low. | Minimum | Basic |
| Annex Topics | Low. | Low. | Medium |
| Third-party launcher | Medium | Average. | Tall. |
| Second space | Tall. | High. | Complete. |
The choice of method depends on your goals. If you want just a beautiful picture, you can use the gallery. If you want to completely redesign the logic of working with a smartphone, launchers will be the best choice for advanced users.
The Second Space Function as a Radical Solution
MIUI has a unique feature called Second Space, which creates a completely isolated environment inside a single phone, and in fact, you'll have two smartphones in one, the main one and the secondary one, each with its own apps, data and, of course, wallpaper.
To activate this feature, go to Settings → Special Features → Second Space. Once enabled, the system will prompt you to set up a fingerprint or pin code for quick switching. In this new space, you can set any wallpaper that will differ from the main profile.
It's ideal for separating work and personal life, with the main screen with strict corporate wallpaper and work messengers, and the second space with vivid personal photos and social networks, switching between them instantly and safely.
⚠️ Attention: Creating Second Space takes up extra memory on the internal drive. Make sure your Xiaomi device has at least one memory. 3-5 GB free space for comfortable work of two profiles.
This is the deepest level of customization available without the superuser rights (Root), which changes not just the image, but the entire logic of interaction with the device, allowing maximum data privacy.
Solving problems with display and quality
Sometimes, after installing new wallpaper, users face problems: the image is stretched, the colors look faded or the picture is not used at all, most often due to the inconsistency of the resolution of the picture with the screen parameters of your Xiaomi.
Modern smartphones have elongated screens with an aspect ratio of 20:9 or 19.5:9. If you try to set an old 16:9 photo, the system will either crop it or add black stripes. It is recommended to use images with a resolution of at least 1080×2340 pixels.
If the wallpaper floats when unlocked or the animation works in snatch, try clearing the cache of the Themes or Gallery app. It's also worth checking if the power saving mode is on, which often turns off visuals to save battery life.
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For perfect quality, always choose PNG or JPG images with 90-100% quality. Avoid compressed images from messengers, as when zooming on the smartphone screen they will look grainy.
If the problem persists after all the manipulations, it makes sense to check the system updates. Xiaomi engineers regularly release patches that fix graphics display bugs in different versions of MIUI and HyperOS.