How to download and install a wallpaper carousel on Xiaomi: all ways

The wallpaper carousel on Xiaomi smartphones is a dynamic feature that automatically changes the background of the desktop at specified intervals. It is available in MIUI 12 firmware and later, but not all users know how to activate it correctly or where to download additional collections. In this article, we will analyze the official and alternative methods of loading the carousel, look at compatibility with different models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3, Mi 11, etc.), and solve typical problems such as the lack of options in settings or errors in the use of wallpaper.

It is important to understand that the functionality of the carousel depends on the version of MIUI and the firmware region. For example, in global versions (Global ROM), some collections may be limited, while in Chinese (China ROM) more options are available. If you do not find the right option, do not rush to abandon the idea: below we will show you how to circumvent restrictions using third-party applications or manual installation of APK.

Before you start, check your firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have MIUI 11 or older, some methods may not work – in which case, consider upgrading your system.

Official method: download through MIUI themes

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Themes app, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones and contains both static wallpaper and dynamic carousels. Here's how it works:

Open the Themes app (a brush icon on your desktop). Go to the Wallpaper tab and select the Carousel or Dynamic Wallpaper category (the name may vary depending on the version of MIUI). Here you will see available collections that can be previewed by clicking on the thumbnail.

• 📲 Collection selection: Slip on your favorite carousel, then click Apply. The system will prompt you to choose the lock screen, desktop or both at once.
• ⏱️ Setting the interval: After application, open Settings → Desktop → Wallpaper settings and set the change rate (from 1 minute to 24 hours).
• 🔄 Collections Update: To download new carousels, pull the list down for an update or click More → Update.

If there are few collections available in your area, try changing the region in the Topic app.

1. Open the Topics → Profile → Settings.
2. Choose a Region and set up India or China – there are usually more options.
3. Restart the app and check the Carousel section.

⚠️ Note: When changing region, some interface elements may be displayed in English or Chinese. You can return the original settings in the same Region tab.

Downloading the carousel via APK: an alternative method

If the Topic application does not have the necessary carousels, you can install them manually through APK-This is a good way for advanced users, because it requires you to enable the installation from unknown sources:

First, download the APK carousel from a trusted source (e.g., the XDA Developers forum or MIUI Themes site). Make sure the file is for your version of MIUI - for example, the MIUI 14 carousel may not work on MIUI 12.

• 🌅 Sunset Series - Smooth change of sunsets;
• 🌌 Space Odyssey - Space landscapes;
• 🍃 Nature Flow – Dynamic Natural Motifs.

After downloading APK:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Installation settings.
2. Activate the option to Allow installation from unknown sources for your file manager (such as Files or Total Commander).
3. Run the downloaded APK and follow the installer's instructions.
4. After installation, restart the phone and check the Carousel section in the Themes app.

⚠️ Attention: Installation APK Check the reviews of the file on the forums before downloading and use antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes).

Download file from verified source | Check compatibility with MIUI | Enable installation from unknown sources | Backup data |Reboot phone after installation-->

Use of third-party applications for the carousel

If Xiaomi’s built-in tools don’t suit you, you can use third-party apps that offer more customization options, including customizing wallpaper intervals and supporting formats. 4K and AMOLED. Let's look at the top.-3 applications:

To set up the carousel through Wallpaper Changer:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Select the source of the wallpaper: Local files, Unsplash or Google Photos.
3. Set the change interval in Settings → Schedule.
4. Activate the option Apply to the desktop.

Important: Some applications (like Muzei) require permission to access storage and overlay over other windows, and without these permissions, the carousel will not work.

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If the wallpaper doesn’t change after installing a third-party app, check if the battery optimizer blocks it. Add the app to exceptions in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization

Solving wallpaper carousel problems

Sometimes users find that the carousel does not work or does not appear in the settings. Consider typical errors and how to fix them:

• 🔍 No Carousel section: This means your version is missing MIUI It doesn't support function. Update the firmware to MIUI 12+ or install China ROM (requires unlocking the loader).
• ⚙️ Wallpaper does not change automatically: Check the interval settings in Settings → Desktop → Wallpaper settings. If you have the option of gray, reset the Topics app settings.
• 📵 Carousel Loading Error: Clear the App's Cache Themes in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Topics → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔋 Carousel brakes: Dynamic wallpaper consumes extra resources. Turn off animation in Settings → Additionally. → Special effects or choose a lighter collection.

If the problem persists, try resetting your desktop settings:

Settings → Desktop → More → Reset settings

⚠️ Warning: Resetting your desktop settings will remove all widgets and icon locations. Preliminary screenshots of the current configuration.

Creating your wallpaper carousel

If you don't like standard collections, you can create your own carousel with personal photos, both Xiaomi's built-in tools and third-party apps will do. Here's how to do it through the Gallery:

Open the Gallery app and select the album with the photos you want to use. Click More → Create → Wallpaper Carousel.

• 🖼️ Select the order of the photos (manual or random);
• ⏳ Set the shift interval (from 10 seconds to 1 hour);
• 🎨 Use filters or trimmings to unify style.

For more flexible customization, use the Wallpaper Maker app (available on Google Play).

• 📏 Configure permission for Full HD or 4K;
• 🎭 Add transitions between wallpapers (for example, smooth blackout);
• 🔄 Export the carousel in a format compatible with MIUI.

Save the finished carousel in the DCIM → Wallpapers folder and apply it through the Themes or Gallery app.

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Own carousels from photos take up less battery than animated collections from the Themes app, as they do not use complex graphic effects.

Compatible with different Xiaomi models

The wallpaper carousel feature is not available on all Xiaomi devices, and the compatibility table for popular models is presented below:

If your model doesn’t support the carousel officially, try:

1. Update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI;
2. Install custom firmware (for example, xiaomi.eu);
3. Use third-party apps from Google Play.

For devices with AMOLED-screens (Xiaomi) 12T, POCO X5 Pro) it is recommended to choose carousels with dark colors - this will reduce energy consumption.

FAQ: Frequent questions about wallpaper carousel on Xiaomi