How to make a live wallpaper by clicking on Xiaomi: all ways 2026

Live touch wallpaper is one of the most spectacular features of today’s Xiaomi smartphones, which transform the look of the device by adding interactivity, from weather changes to particle animations with every touch. However, standard MIUI settings don’t always allow this feature to be activated in one click. In this article, we’ll look at all the working methods for setting dynamic wallpapers on press, from built-in tools to third-party applications, including solutions for different versions of the firmware.

It’s important to understand that the capabilities depend on the smartphone model and the MIUI version. For example, the flagship Xiaomi 13/14 and Redmi Note 12 support advanced animations out of the box, while budget devices like the Poco M5 may require additional manipulation. We tested all methods on current MIUI 14/15 firmware (Android 13/14) and selected only working solutions without risk to the system.

What are "live wallpapers on press" and how they work

Live Wallpapers are animated background images that change when interacting with the screen. At Xiaomi, this feature is implemented through:

  • πŸ”Ή Built-in wallpaper MIUI β€” A limited set of animations (e.g., "Bubbles" or "Particles") that are activated when unlocked or pressed on the free area of the screen.
  • πŸ”Ή Third-party applications – expand opportunities: 3D-effects, gesture reactions, weather integration (e.g, KWGT or Wallpaper Engine).
  • πŸ”Ή ADB-commands - for advanced users, allow you to unlock hidden firmware functions.

Technically, animation is run through the onTouch event handler on Android. In MIUI, this mechanism can be limited by the manufacturer to save battery power. For example, on Redmi 10, live wallpaper only works on the lock screen by default, and on Xiaomi 12T – on the home screen, but with a delay of 1-2 seconds.

The speed of reaction and smoothness of animation depend on:

  • πŸ“± Processor performance (on Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 animations work without lag, on Helio) G88 may slow down).
  • πŸ”‹ Optimization MIUI β€” In some regional firmware, the function is disabled by default.
  • 🎨 Difficulties of wallpaper β€” 3D-Models consume more resources than 2D-animation.
πŸ“Š What Xiaomi model do you use?
Xiaomi 13/14 series
Redmi Note 12/11
Poco F5/X5
Redmi 10/9
Another model

Method 1: Built-in live MIUI wallpaper (without applications)

The easiest method is to use standard wallpaper from Xiaomi, which is already optimized for battery saving and does not require additional software installation. MIUI 12–15:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Wallpaper (or long tap on the free area of the home screen β†’ β€œWallpaper”).
  2. Select the Live Wallpaper tab (on some devices it is hidden - see spoiler below).
  3. Scroll through the list and select wallpaper marked "Responsive to touch" (e.g., "Sea waves" or "Space particles").
  4. Click "Apply" and select Lock Screen and/or Main Screen.
What to do if there is no "live wallpaper" tab?
On some devices (e.g. Redmi 9A or Poco M3), the tab is hidden. To unlock it: 1. Install the update for the MIUI launcher via Google Play. 2. Reboot the smartphone. 3. If the tab never appears, use Method 3 (ADB).

Note: Built-in wallpaper may not respond to each tap, but only to:

  • πŸ”“ Screen unlocking.
  • πŸ‘† Long-term retention (long press) in a free area.
  • πŸ”„ Swipe up/down (on some models).

πŸ’‘

To check if the function works, set the wallpaper "Bubbles" and touch the screen - new bubbles should appear.

Method 2: Apps for live wallpaper with tap reaction

If built-in wallpaper isn't enough, use third-party apps. We tested 5 popular solutions and selected the best ones for stability and functionality:

AnnexReaction to tapSupport for MIUICons
KWGT Kustom Wallpaperβœ… Complete (configurable)βœ… Yes (requires) KWGT Pro)It's hard to set up a beginner.
Wallpaper Engineβœ… Yes (limited)⚠️ Partially (lag on weak devices)Paid, high battery consumption
Live Wallpaper Makerβœ… Yes (simple effects)βœ… Yes.Few free templates
3D Parallax Background❌ No, only a gyroscope)βœ… Yes.Not responding to tap.
Muzei Live Wallpaper⚠️ Only when the time changes.βœ… Yes.No direct reaction to touch

Recommended KWGT For advanced users and Live Wallpaper Maker for beginners. KWGT:

  1. Install KWGT Kustom Wallpaper and KWGT Pro Key.
  2. Download the template with a tap reaction (for example, here).
  3. Import the template to KWGT and set up triggers (Touch β†’ Tap Action).
  4. Apply wallpaper through Settings β†’ Wallpaper β†’ Live wallpaper.

⚠️ Note: Apps like the Wallpaper Engine may conflict with optimization MIUI, It's overheating. It's Xiaomi with Snapdragon processors. 7xx and below we recommend to disable the background activity of the application in the battery settings.

Method 3: Unlock hidden functions through ADB (for advanced)

If your device doesn’t support live wallpaper by default, you can activate hidden settings via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works on MIUI 13-15, but requires a PC connection.

You'll need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with ADB-tools installed.
  • πŸ“± Included debugging by USB (Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers β†’ Debugging by USB).
  • πŸ”Œ USB-TypeC Cable (Original, Undamaged).

Steps:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
  2. Open the command line in the adb folder and execute: adb shell settings put global live_wallpaper_enabled 1 adb shell settings put secure live_wallpaper_tap_effect 1
  3. Reset the device.

On some devices (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro) after these commands appears hidden tab "Dynamic wallpaper" in the settings, where you can select additional effects.

⚠️ Attention: Wrong ADB-commands may disrupt the system. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset.

1. Check the MIUI version (should be 13+)

2. Enable debugging over USB

3. Install Xiaomi drivers on PC

4. Download the latest version of platform-tools

5. Connect the original cable-->

Method 4: Using KWGT + Tasker for customization

For complete control of animations, combine KWGT and Tasker.

  • 🎯 Adjust different effects for short/long tap.
  • πŸ”„ Change the wallpaper by time of day or location.
  • 🎨 Add interactive elements (e.g. tapu weather).

Example of settings:

  1. Install Tasker and KWGT.
  2. In Tasker, create a task with the Display β†’ Touch β†’ Tap trigger.
  3. Add the action Plugin β†’ KWGT β†’ Send Touch Event.
  4. In KWGT, adjust the reaction to an event (for example, a change of color or the appearance of particles).

This method takes time to set up, but gives you maximum flexibility. Finished profiles for Tasker can be found on XDA-Developers.

πŸ’‘

The combination of KWGT + Tasker is the only way to customize unique animations that are not found in standard MIUI wallpaper.

Solving the problems: why do not work live wallpaper on press

If the wallpaper does not respond to tap, check:

Problem.Reason.Decision
The wallpaper doesn't change when pressed.Disabled animation in the settingsGo to Settings β†’ Wallpaper β†’ Settings of live wallpaper and turn on β€œTouch Reaction”
Lags and brakesA weak processor or many background processesDisable unnecessary applications in Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Optimization
Wallpaper is reset after resettingLauncher cache errorClear the cache of the MIUI Launcher application in the application settings
No "Live Wallpaper" tab.Regional firmware restrictionsInstall global firmware or use ADB

On devices with MIUI 14+ and Android 13+, a background activity restriction may be triggered to remove it:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Optimization.
  2. Find a live wallpaper app (like KWGT) and select "No Limits".

If the problem persists, try:

  • πŸ”„ Reset the launcher settings (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Launcher MIUI β†’ Warehouse β†’ Drop it).
  • πŸ“₯ Update the firmware to the latest version (via Settings) β†’ Updating the system).
  • πŸ› οΈ Install an alternative launcher (e.g., Nova Launcher) if the problem is standard.

Best live wallpaper for Xiaomi with a reaction to tap (Top)-5)

We have selected 5 proven wallpapers that work consistently on Xiaomi and respond to touch:

  1. "Fluid Simulation" (for KWGT) is a simulation of a fluid that travels in waves at tapa. Download.
  2. "Touch Particles, which is the appearance of luminous particles at the touchpoint. AMOLED-screen.
  3. Weather Live Wallpaper – changes the background depending on the weather + reaction to tap (rain, snow).
  4. Neon Glow Tap – Neon flashes when pressed, optimized for Xiaomi 13 Ultra.
  5. 3D Earth is a rotating Earth with tapoo zooming capability.

For installation:

  1. Download the.klwp or.kwgt file.
  2. Import it to KWGT via Load Preset.
  3. Set up tap triggers in the editor.

πŸ’‘

To save battery, reduce FPS animations in KWGT settings to 30 frames/sec. – This is enough for smoothness.

FAQ: Frequent questions about live wallpaper on Xiaomi

Can I make a live wallpaper by pressing Redmi 9/9A?
On the Redmi. 9/9A With standard firmware, the function is limited: πŸ”Ή Use Live Wallpaper Maker – it works stably on weak devices. πŸ”Ή Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) where support for live wallpaper is better. G35/G80 complex animations will slow down.
How to turn off the wallpaper if it drains the battery?
Go to Settings β†’ Wallpaper, select static wallpaper. If you use KWGT: Open the app. Hold your finger on the current wallpaper β†’ "Delete." In KWGT settings, turn off Background Play.
Why did the MIUI update disappear?
It's a known problem. MIUI 14β†’15. Decisions: πŸ”Ή Reset the launcher settings (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Launcher MIUI β†’ Drop it). πŸ”Ή Reset the wallpaper through KWGT orientation. πŸ”Ή If it doesn't help, do it. ADB-team-up.
Can I customize different wallpapers on the home screen and lock screen?
Yes, MIUI supports this: Select live wallpaper in Settings β†’ Wallpaper. When using, specify "Lock screen only" or "Home screen only." For KWGT, you need to create two separate presets and apply them through the application settings.
How do you make the wallpaper react to a double touch?
Standard MIUI wallpapers do not support double-touch.Solution: Use Tasker + KWGT (see Method 4). Set up a Double Tap trigger in Tasker and link it to animation in KWGT. Ready profile for Tasker: link.