How to make changing wallpaper on Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Xiaomi's changing (dynamic) wallpapers transform the look of the smartphone, adding freshness every time you unlock the screen. Unlike static images, they automatically change in time, event or even depending on the weather. MIUI This article will cover all the current ways, from embedded tools to third-party applications, including bypassing the restrictions for older models.

It is important to understand that the configuration options depend on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14) And the models of the device. 13/14 Support dynamic wallpaper out of the box, and budget Redmi Note 10/11 We've tested all the methods on the latest versions of the software (2026 year) and weeded out outdated solutions that stopped working after security updates.

If you want to do more than just change your images, and create full-fledged animations (like wallpaper with paralax effect or gesture response), you have to use third-party launchers. MIUI. Next – step-by-step instructions taking into account all the pitfalls.

1. Integrated dynamic wallpaper in MIUI: look?

Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi added limited support for changing wallpapers, but the feature is hidden deep in the settings:

  1. Open the Settings β†’ Wallpaper.
  2. Select the Dynamic tab (if not, your model does not support the function natively).
  3. Scroll down to the Automan or Theme of the Day section.

This section is available:

  • πŸŒ„ Wallpaper by time of day – change at dawn / sunset (requires access to geolocation).
  • 🌦️ Weather wallpaper – the background adapts to rain, snow or sun (works only with the Weather system application).
  • 🎨 Color themes – cyclical palette change (e.g. dark/light theme on schedule).

Limitations of the method:

  • ❌ It does not work on all models (for example, it is not available on Redmi). 9A and POCO M3).
  • ❌ No way to upload your images – only system templates.
  • ❌ The frequency of the change is fixed (usually once every 6-12 hours).
πŸ“Š What version? MIUI you have installed?
MIUI 14
MIUI 13
MIUI 12.5
Old version (up to 12)
I don't know.

⚠️ Note: On some devices after upgrading to MIUI 14 Dynamic tab goes missing. This is a bug related to regional firmware, the solution is to change the region in the settings to India or Global (but this can turn off some services, for example, Google Pay).

2.Use of the topics MIUI: shifting-function

Few people know, but at the center of the (MIUI Themes) has a hidden mechanism for changing wallpapers on a schedule, which works even on older models, but requires manual adjustment:

  1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
  2. Go to Wallpaper section. β†’ My wallpaper.
  3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select the Autoshift Settings.
  4. Activate the slider and set the interval (from 1 hour to 1 day).

Advantages of the method:

  • βœ… It works on all devices with MIUI 11+.
  • βœ… You can add your own images (up to 20 pieces in line).
  • βœ… No need to install third-party applications.

How to add your wallpaper to the driver:

  1. In the My Wallpaper section, click Add and select images from the gallery.
  2. Hold your finger on the wallpaper and drag them up the list to set priority.
  3. In the settings of the changeover, tick the necessary wallpaper.

Upload the wallpaper to the folder. DCIM/Wallpapers|Cut to screen resolution (for example, 1080Γ—2400 For the Redmi Note 12)|Check that format JPG or PNG (not HEIC)|Turn off gallery optimization in Settings β†’ Warehouse

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⚠️ Note: If after setting up the auto change wallpaper does not change, check the permissions for the Themes app in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Auto-start. Without it, the function won't work.

3. Third-party apps: top-3 flexible-tuning

If the built-in tools don't work, third-party apps come to the rescue, and we tested dozens of options and selected the three most stable ones:

AnnexFeaturesConsCompatibility
Wallpaper ChangerTime/geolocation driver, Live Wallpapers, Google Photos integration.The commercial is free.MIUI 12+, Android 9+
MuzeiDaily art wallpapers: blur and customize transparency; support for plugins (e.g. Earth View).No manual timer shift.All versions of MIUI
TapetGenerate unique patterns. Auto-update every hour. No need to upload images.Paid styles (from 100)β‚½).Android 8+

Instructions for setting up Wallpaper Changer (the most versatile option):

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Open it and provide permissions for the Warehouse and Wallpaper Installation.
  3. In the Sources section, add folders with wallpaper (for example, Download/Wallpapers).
  4. In Settings, set the shift interval (we recommend every 6 hours).
  5. Activate the Apply on unlock option so that the wallpaper changes when unlocked.

πŸ’‘

If the app doesn’t change the wallpaper automatically, add it to the battery optimization exceptions: Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Optimizing the battery β†’ All applications β†’ Wallpaper Changer β†’ No restrictions.

For Muzei, you will need additional configuration:

1. Install Muzei and the plugin (e.g., "Muzei with Unsplash").


2. In the Muzei settings, select the source of the wallpaper.




3. Enable the option "Blurr" (Blur) to the text on the screen remains readable.




4. In Settings β†’ Default Apps β†’ Wallpaper select Muzei.

4. Launchers with support for dynamic wallpaper

If you want more than just shifting pictures, but interactive wallpapers (responsive to touch, time of day or music), you'll have to use alternative launchers.

  • πŸš€ Nova Launcher + Muzei: Support for gestures and animations. Integration with Google Discover.
  • 🌌 Lawnchair: Built-in wallpaper change on schedule. Minimalist design without advertising.
  • 🎨 Action Launcher: Support for Live Wallpapers without lags.Adaptive icons for MIUI.

How to set up dynamic wallpaper in Nova Launcher:

  1. Install Nova Launcher and Muzei.
  2. In the Nova settings, select Settings β†’ Wallpaper. β†’ Dynamic wallpaper.
  3. Specify Muzei as the source of the wallpaper.
  4. In Muzei settings, select a plugin (such as Unsplash or Earth View).
  5. Set up the refresh rate (we recommend it every day).
What if the launcher is slowing down?
If after installing the alternative launcher, lags appear: 1. Turn off animations in the launcher settings (Settings) β†’ Animation. β†’ No. 2. Clear the launcher cache in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Nova Launcher β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache. 3. Turn off battery optimization for the launcher (see instructions above). 4. If the problem remains, try Lawnchair (it is lighter than Nova).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and HyperOS, some launchers may conflict with system gestures. If swipes stop working after installation (e.g., back-up), disable Full-screen gestures in Settings β†’ Display. β†’ Full screen mode.

5. The changing wallpaper through ADB: for advanced users

If you are ready to dive into the technical details, you can set up a wallpaper changer through ADB-This method works on all versions. MIUI, But it requires a computer connection.

What you need:

  • A computer with ADB Tools installed.
  • Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β€” Tap 7 times, then additionally β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging by USB).
  • A folder with wallpaper on the phone (for example, /sdcard/Wallpapers/).

Instructions:

  1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm debugging.
  2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Mac/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
  3. Run the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of the device.
  4. Set the wallpaper by default (example for the wallpaper1.jpg): adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.SET_WALLPAPER -d file:///sdcard/Wallpapers/wallpaper1.jpg
  5. For autoshift, create a script on a PC (like Python) that will send this command every N hours.

πŸ’‘

ADB-The method is the only way to configure wallpaper change on Xiaomi with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), where standard features are used. MIUI not.

Example of Python script for autoshift (requires python-adb installed):

from adbutils import adb


import time




import random




Connection to the device



device = adb.device




Wallpaper list



wallpapers = [




"/sdcard/Wallpapers/1.jpg",




"/sdcard/Wallpapers/2.jpg",




"/sdcard/Wallpapers/3.jpg"




]





while True:




# Choosing random wallpaper




wp = random.choice(wallpapers)




# Installation of wallpaper




device.shell(f'am start -a android.intent.action.SET_WALLPAPER -d file://{wp}')




#Pause 6 hours




time.sleep(21600)

⚠️ Attention: When in use ADB-commands do not interrupt the process of installing wallpaper - this can cause a failure of the system application com.android.wallpaper. If after the command the wallpaper has not changed, restart the device.

Problems and Solutions: Why the Wallpaper Doesn't Change

Even after you set it up correctly, the changing wallpaper may not work properly.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Wallpapers don't change on schedule.The app is killed by the battery optimizer.Add the app to battery exceptions. Check the time zone in Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Date and time.
Black screen after changing wallpaperIncompatible image format. System renderer failure.Convert the wallpaper into PNG Reboot the device in safe mode (Power button) β†’ Hold "Switch off" β†’ Safe regime).
Wallpaper is dropped on standardSystem update conflict, launcher reset.Turn off auto-update themes in Settings β†’ Topics β†’ Auto Update. Lock the launcher as the default application.

If none of the methods helped, try resetting the wallpaper settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find Wallpaper (or Wallpaper) and click Warehouse β†’ Clear the data.
  3. Reset the device.

On devices with MIUI 14 and HyperOS after wallpaper reset may require re-activation of the autoshift function in Settings β†’ Wallpaper. β†’ Dynamic.

7.The best sources of wallpaper for motor shifting

The quality of the changing wallpaper depends on the original images, and here are proven sources of high-quality images optimized for Xiaomi:

  • 🌍 Unsplash (unsplash.com/wallpapers): Free wallpaper in permit 4K. Categories: nature, cities, abstraction. API Automatic download (for example, via Muzei).
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Wallhaven (wallhaven.cc): The resolution filter (select) 1080p or 1440p). Support for a dark topic (useful for the AMOLED-screen).
  • 🎨 Backiee (backiee.com): Wallpaper with gradients and minimalist design, adapted to 19.5:9 and 20:9 (Xiaomi aspect ratio).
  • πŸ“± Zedge (Google Play app): Over 1 million wallpapers and Live Wallpapers. Built-in editor for cropping under the screen.

Tips for choosing wallpaper for auto change:

  • πŸ” Avoid images with small details – they will be illegible on the lock screen.
  • πŸŒ‘ For AMOLED-displays (Xiaomi) 12/13/14) Choose a dark wallpaper - this will save battery power.
  • πŸ“ The best resolution for most Xiaomi: 1080Γ—2400 (Full HD+) or 1440Γ—3200 (QHD+).
  • 🎨 For smooth change, use wallpaper of one color scheme (for example, all in blue tones).

πŸ’‘

To keep the wallpaper from stretching, cut it to the exact resolution of your screen. AIDA64 (Display section or GSMArena site (input your Xiaomi model).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing wallpaper

Can you make a changeable wallpaper on the lock screen and the home screen at the same time?
Yes, but only through third-party apps (like Wallpaper Changer or Nova Launcher). MIUI This feature is not available, and the wallpaper on the lock and the main screen can change independently of each other.
Why After Updating MIUI The dynamic wallpaper stopped working?
This is due to the change in the security policy in the new versions. MIUI. Solutions: Update the wallpaper change app (e.g. Wallpaper Changer). Check permissions in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Special permits β†’ Change the system settings. ADB, Repeat the setting (update resets some commands).
How to make the wallpaper change when connecting headphones or charging?
You will need the Tasker app for this. + AutoTools plugin.Algorithm: Create a task in Tasker with a Status trigger β†’ Equipment β†’ Headphones are connected. Add the plugin action. β†’ AutoTools β†’ Wallpaper and point the way to the image. Similarly, set the trigger to Charge. β†’ Minus method: Tasker paid (299)β‚½), and its operation requires a Root or ADB-permitting.
Is there a way to make live wallpapers with auto shifting?
Yes, but with reservations: Live Wallpaper Changer app can change Live Wallpapers by timer, but it hasn't been updated since 2021 and may not work on the site. MIUI Alternative β€” KLWP (Nova Launcher plugin that lets you create animations and adjust their time shift. On Xiaomi with HyperOS, animated wallpaper can slow down - turn off battery optimization for the player app.
Can you adjust the wallpaper change depending on the location (for example, at home and at work)?> This is where the app will fit. IFTTT (automation) + Wallpaper Changer: Instructions: Create an applet in IFTTT You enter an area with a trigger. Select Webhooks as your action and set the request to API Wallpaper Changer (premium version required) Give the coordinates of the house/work and connect to the desired wallpaper. The easiest option is to use Tasker with the condition Status. β†’ Location.