How to change the wallpaper on the Xiaomi phone: all ways for MIUI

Why Xiaomi Wallpapers Are Boring and How to Replace Them

Even the most modern Xiaomi or Redmi, after a couple of weeks of use, begins to seem boring — and the reason for this is not performance, but monotonous factory wallpaper. The manufacturer installs a standard set of images on all devices that quickly become boring. Fortunately, MIUI offers several ways to personalize, including built-in tools and third-party solutions.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of changing wallpaper on Xiaomi, POCO and Redmi smartphones running MIUI 14/15. You will learn how to install static and live wallpaper, where to download high-quality images, and what to do if the system does not save changes.

Before you go to the instructions, make sure that your device has the latest firmware version installed. Some features (such as animated wallpaper) may not be available on older versions of MIUI. Check the relevance of the software in the Settings menu → About Phone → System Update.

Method 1: Change wallpaper through standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It works for most models, including the Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and POCO F5.

1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on the home screen).
2. Go to the Wallpaper tab in the lower menu.
3. Select a category: 🌄 Nature - landscapes, sunsets, mountains 🖼️ Abstraction – geometric patterns, gradients 🎨 Minimalism – monochromatic or with barely noticeable textures 📱 Live wallpaper - animated options (not available on all models)

Apply

Lock screen

Main screen screen

If there are no suitable options on the list, click Download at the bottom of the screen – the system will load additional wallpaper from the Xiaomi cloud. Note: some live wallpaper can increase battery consumption by 5-10%, as it is constantly animated.

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To return standard Xiaomi wallpaper, go to Themes → Wallpaper → My wallpaper and select the option marked “Default”.

Method 2: Installation of wallpaper from the Gallery

If you already have a favorite image (like a photo or picture from the Internet), it can be set as wallpaper directly from the Gallery app, which works on all Xiaomi devices, including older models like the Redmi 9A or POCO M3.

Instructions:

1. Open the gallery and find the image you want.
2. Slip on the photo, then tap on the three dots in the lower right corner.
3. Select Set How → Wallpaper.
4. Adjust the scale and position of the picture (you can zoom or move your finger).
5. Click Apply and select the screen(s) to install.

If the image is too small, the system will automatically stretch it, which can worsen the quality. For best results, use images with a resolution of at least 1080×2400 (for modern smartphones) or 1440×3200 for flagships such as Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

Have a resolution not lower than Full HD (1080p)| JPG/PNG format (WEBP is not supported in MIUI)| 9:20 or 9:19.5 aspect ratio for modern models | File size not more than 10 MB (otherwise it may be lags)

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Method 3: Live Wallpaper and Dynamic Themes

Live Wallpapers are animated background images that respond to touch or change over time. MIUI has built-in options, but there are limited options, and you'll have to use third-party apps to get more features.

How to include standard live wallpaper:

1. Get into Themes. → Wallpaper. → Live wallpaper.
2. Choose one of the available options (such as Bubbles, Hours or Weather).
3. Press Preview, then Apply.

For the installation of custom live wallpaper:

1. Download the app from Google Play, for example: 🌊 KLWP Live Wallpaper Maker – to create your own animations 🎮 Wallpapers Craft - Collection 3D-wallpaper 🌌 Muzei Live Wallpaper – Automatically changes background images

Open the app and select wallpaper.

Themes → Wallpaper → My Wallpaper

Method 4: Hidden Xiaomi Wallpaper – How to Find Them

Few people know, but in MIUI There are hidden wallpapers that are not displayed in the standard menu, and you can activate them through system files or special commands. These wallpapers are usually minimalist and optimized for the user. AMOLED-screen.

How to access hidden wallpaper:

1. Download a file manager with access to root folders (such as Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Cross the path: /system/media/theme/default_wallpapers/
3. Copy your favorite images (they have names like this). miui_wallpaper_*.jpg) in the folder DCIM.
4. Set them up as wallpaper through the Gallery.

Alternative method (without manual copying):

1. Install the MIUI Hidden Wallpapers app from Google Play.
2. Choose Hidden or AMOLED category.
3. Put it on the wallpaper and apply it.

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Xiaomi’s hidden wallpaper is optimized for AMOLED-screens and have a real black color (RGB: 0.0.0), which saves battery power on devices with such a display.

Method 5: Wallpaper through third-party applications

If built-in options are not enough, you can use third-party services.

How to install wallpaper through Zedge:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Select a category (such as 4K or AMOLED).
3. Slip on the image you like and click Install.
4. Choose where to apply: Home screen, Lock screen or both.

Download images in PNG format for better detail.