Slideshow wallpaper on Xiaomi: 5 ways to set up automatic background change

Automatic wallpaper change on the lock screen or desktop is one of those “chips” that make using a Xiaomi smartphone more convenient and visually diverse. Instead of a static background, you can customize a slideshow of your favorite photos, arts or even dynamic themes that will change on a schedule, when unlocked or at specified time intervals.

But not everyone knows that MIUI offers several built-in ways to implement this feature, from standard “Live Wallpaper” to hidden settings in the Theme app. If the system is not enough, third-party apps from Google Play will come to the rescue. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including nuances for different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T, etc.), and give recommendations for optimizing performance – because a slideshow can affect battery consumption.

⚠️ Important: Functionality may vary depending on the version MIUI (for example, MIUI 14 and HyperOS menu interface changed. Before setting up, check the firmware version in Settings → The phone.

1. Built-in "Live Wallpaper" in MIUI: an easy way without apps

The most obvious and safe method is to use the built-in Live Wallpaper feature available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later, which allows you to create a slideshow of photos with a choice of shift intervals and transition effects.

To activate it:

1. Long press on the free space on the desktop.
2. Choose Wallpaper. → Live wallpaper.
3. Slip on the slideshow (or photo album in some versions).
4. Select a folder with images (for example, Gallery → Wallpaper folder).
5. Set up the Shift Interval (from 1 minute to 1 day) and the Transition Effect (smooth, shift, fade).
6. Apply wallpaper to the lock screen, desktop or both at once.

✅ Pros: does not require the installation of third-party applications, minimum battery consumption.

❌ Cons: limited settings (no timetable, you can not exclude individual photos).

2. Setup through the “Themes” app: hidden opportunities

Xiaomi’s Themes app not only offers ready-made designs, but also allows you to create customized slideshows with advanced options.

• 🔄 Different wallpaper for day/night time (automatic switching on schedule).
• 📁 Using cloud albums (such as photos from Google Photos or Mi Cloud).
• ⏳ Set up the duration of the display for each photo separately.

Instructions:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to Wallpaper section. → My wallpaper.
3. Click Create a slideshow (or Add Dynamic Wallpaper to HyperOS).
4. Select the source: 📂 Local folders (galleries). ☁️ Cloud Services (authorization required). 🌄 System collections (landscapes, abstractions).

Time-driver

Save the topic and apply it.

⚠️ Note: If the theme wallpaper does not change after applying, check the permissions for the theme app in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Storage. Without access to files, the function won't work.

3.Slideshow through "Gallery": an alternative method

Few people know, but the standard Gallery at MIUI can create slideshows not only for viewing, but also for wallpaper, a way that is convenient if you want to use a particular album (like "Vacation 2026") without unnecessary photos.

Algorithm of action:

1. Open the Gallery and select the folder with images.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Slideshow.
3. Set up the parameters: ⏱️ Duration of the display (from 2 to 10 seconds). 🔄 Reproduction order (random or consecutive). 🎵 Musical accompaniment (optional).

Set as wallpaper

lock-screen

desk

📌 Important: Wallpaper installed through the Gallery may be reset after the device is restarted. To avoid this, fix it in the lock screen settings (Settings) → Lock screen → Wallpaper style → Secure).

Third-party applications: enhanced capabilities

If built-in MIUI tools aren't enough, look at third-party apps that offer:

• 📊 Flexible schedule settings (for example, different wallpaper on weekdays and weekends).
• 🌐 Support for online galleries (Unsplash, Pexels, Wallhaven).
• 🛠️ Additional effects (blurring, dimming, overlaying widgets).

Top.-3 Slideshow applications for wallpaper on Xiaomi:

🔧 How to install wallpaper from a third-party application:

1. Download and install the application from the table.
2. Run it and set up the source of the wallpaper (local files or online).
3. Return to the desktop, press long → Wallpaper → Live wallpaper.
4. Select the installed application (such as Muzei or Wallpaper Changer).
5. Apply it to the right screen.

Download the application from the official source (Google Play)

Grant permissions to access files and photos

Disable battery optimization for the application (Settings → Battery → Optimization)

Reboot the phone after installation (recommended)-->

⚠️ Note: Some applications (e.g., Zedge) may conflict with the shell MIUI Check Xiaomi user reviews on Google Play before installing.

5.Slideshow on lock screen: individual settings

Setting up a slideshow for the lock screen has its own nuances, unlike the desktop, it is important to consider:

• 🔒 Security: Wallpaper should not overlap interface elements (watches, notifications).
• 🔋 Battery consumption: animation on lock consumes more energy.
• 📱 Compatible with Always-on Display (only) AMOLED-screen).

Instructions for the lock screen:

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen → Wallpaper style.
2. Choose Dynamic Wallpaper or Slideshow.
3. Set the source and the interval of the shift (recommended no more than 1 time in 30 minutes to save charge).
4. Activate Show on Always-on Display (if supported by your model).

💡 For models with Always-on Display (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi) K60) Choose wallpaper with dark colors – this will reduce battery consumption by up to 15% compared to light backgrounds.

6. Optimization of performance and battery

The wallpaper slideshow is not only beauty, it's also an extra load on the system. To avoid battery drain and lag, follow the recommendations:

📉 How to reduce charge consumption:

• ⏳ Increase the wallpaper change interval to 1 hour or more.
• 🌙 Use the dark wallpaper on AMOLED-screen.
• ⚡ Turn off animation in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 5 times to tap → Window animation = 0.5x).
• 🔄 Limit the background process for wallpaper applications in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.

⚠️ Note: On budget models (Redmi) 10A, POCO M4) frequent wallpaper changes (every 1-5 minutes) can lead to interface hangings. If you notice lags, increase the interval or roll back to static wallpaper.

💡

For maximum performance, use wallpaper in the resolution corresponding to your smartphone screen (for example, Full HD for the Redmi Note 12).

7. Problem Solving: Wallpaper doesn't change or disappears

If the slideshow has stopped working, check out the following points:

🔍 Checklist for diagnostics:

• 📂 Wallpaper folder is empty or moved (check the path in the settings).
• 🔄 Wallpaper dropped after the update MIUI (Re-apply them).

🛠️ How to Reset Wallpaper Settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Themes or Gallery, click Warehouse → Clear the data.
3. Reboot your phone and set up the slideshow again.

📌 For HyperOS models: If wallpaper does not apply, try temporarily disabling Adaptive Wallpaper in theme settings.

💡

If the slideshow is not running smoothly, try using a photo folder located in the root directory of internal memory (e.g. /storage/emulated/0/Wallpapers/).

FAQ: Frequent questions about slideshow wallpaper on Xiaomi