Personalizing the interface of a smartphone is the first step that every owner of a new device takes, wanting to give it an individuality. Owners of Xiaomi devices, including the sub-brands Redmi and POCO, have access to powerful tools for the shell MIUI or the new HyperOS, which allows you to flexibly customize the visual design. Changing a standard image coming from the factory, a unique photo or high-quality art can dramatically change the perception of the gadget in the hands of the user.
The process of replacing the screen background does not require deep technical knowledge or root rights, but in Xiaomi’s Android system there are several nuances that you should know about to achieve the perfect result: you can set a static image, use live animated wallpaper or even set up automatic change of images from the gallery at a given time. In this article, we will discuss all the available methods in detail so that you can choose the most suitable for your use scenario.
The simplest and most reliable method available on any firmware version is to use the built-in configuration menu of the system. This approach ensures that the image will correctly display on the lock screen and on the desktop without distortion of proportions. First, you need to unlock the smartphone and find on the home screen the Settings icon, which usually looks like a gear. After logging into the menu, you should scroll down to the wallpaper section or Wallpaper and personalization. Depending on the version of the operating system, this item can be in the list of the landscape, under the landscape or the space image. If you choose a picture you like, the system will suggest you apply it: you can only install it on the lock screen, only on the desktop, or on both screens at the same time. It is important to consider that on screens with a high refresh rate (120 Hz and above), static high-resolution wallpaper can consume slightly more energy when constantly redrawing the interface, although in practice this effect is minimal. If the standard gallery does not suit you, go to the following sections of the instructions.
Users often want to see their favorite photo taken on a smartphone camera or a picture downloaded from the Internet. You don’t need to search for special applications for this, because the image functionality in MIUI allows you to use any photo from the device’s memory. Open the Gallery app and select the desired image that you plan to use as a background. Click on the menu button (usually three dots in the corner or swipe up), and select the “Install as wallpaper” option from the action list that appears. The system automatically prompts you to frame the image from the main image, if you can avoid taking a photo from the main screen. Once the selection is confirmed, the system will ask where to apply the image, and it is important not to confuse the destinations, since the photo may look different on the lock screen due to the time and date widget. If you want to change the picture periodically, in the same menu you can select the option "Wallpaper Carousel", which we will explain in more detail below». 💡Use photos with at least a resolution 1080x2400 pixels to avoid loss of quality and the appearance of "grain" on the AMOLED-screen.
One of the most popular features in the Xiaomi ecosystem is Lock Screen Magazine, which allows you to automatically change the image on the lock screen every time you turn on the screen or on a given schedule. To activate this mode, go to Settings → Wallpaper and find the wallpaper carousel switch. Inside the carousel menu, you can choose the theme of images: it can be nature, architecture, cars or even motivational quotes. The system will download new images from the Xiaomi cloud storage using the Internet connection, you can also add your own mods to the updates. For example, you can only set an update when connecting to Wi-Fi so as not to waste mobile traffic. ⚠️ Note: Using a wallpaper carousel can increase battery consumption, as the background process constantly loads and processes new high-resolution images. 📊 What type of wallpaper do you prefer?Static photo of your children / petsAbstraction or minimalismLive video wallpaperAutomatic shift (Carousel)
Use of live and video wallpapers Owners of smartphones with AMOLED-They often want to take advantage of display technology by installing live wallpapers, and unlike static images, they are short video loops or interactive animations that respond to touch or a gyroscope. You can find them in the standard Themes app, which is pre-installed on all the brand devices. Go to the Wallpaper section inside the Themes app and filter the search by “Video” or “Live”. Here's a huge selection of free content, created by both the company's designers and the user community, and once you download and install that background, it will play back every time you're on your desktop or lock screen. It is worth noting that the use of video wallpaper requires more computing resources of the processor. ⚠️ Attention: On budget smartphones (Redmi A series or older models), heavy video wallpaper installation can lead to noticeable twitching of the interface and rapid heating of the case. If you notice a decrease in performance, it is better to return to static images. Where to find hidden wallpaper? in some versions MIUI Live wallpaper can be found in the appendix "Gallery» -> «Recommendations» -> section "Live wallpaper", where the system itself offers a video from your gallery, if they fit in the format.
If you don't have enough built-in functionality, Google Play offers a variety of customization-enhancing applications. Popular programs like the Wallpaper Engine (requires you to install a client on a PC for synchronization) or Backdrops provide access to exclusive art collections that aren't in standard themes. When you install a third-party application, you'll need to give it permission to display over other windows and access storage. Once set up, the program takes over the desktop background. Some applications allow you to create complex scenarios, such as changing the color of wallpapers depending on the time of day or weather conditions in your region, but you don't install security sources. Many free programs contain aggressive advertising or hidden miners. ⚠️ Warning: Avoid apps that require suspicious permissions (access to contacts, microphone) to simply change the picture on the screen. Always check developer ratings and reviews before installing. ☑️ Criteria for choosing an application for wallpaper Presence of the mode "Energy Saving" Absence of intrusive advertising High resolution content Security reviews in Play Market: 0 / 4
To make it easier for you to decide on the way to personalize, we have prepared a summary table that compares the main methods by key parameters. This will help you choose the best option depending on your priorities: battery savings, visual effect or ease of use. Battery Consumption Method Complexity of setting up Visual effect Static photo Minimum Low Standard Wallpaper Carousel Average Low High (Vario) Live Wallpaper High Average Maximum Third-Party Application Depends on the application High Maximum As you can see from the table, the classic static energy-efficient solution remains the best for you to use the day. At the same time, the wallpaper carousel offers a great balance between novelty and resource consumption, and for users who often change moods and preferences, a combination of methods is the ideal solution: A static desktop background for quick access to icons and a carousel on the lock screen for a change, which allows you to keep the system running fast by adding an element of freshness every time you look at your phone. 💡The optimal strategy is static dark wallpaper on the AMOLED-Charge saving screen and carousel on lock screen for aesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do they look blurry after installing wallpaper?
The original image is likely to be low resolution or not matching the screen proportions of your smartphone. When you stretch the picture, the system interpolates the pixels, which leads to loss of clarity. Use images with a resolution equal to or greater than the native resolution of your display.
Can I put my photos in the wallpaper carousel?
Yes, in the wallpaper carousel settings (in the Topic or Settings app -> Wallpaper) has a function to add local albums. Select a folder in the gallery, and the system will periodically display the photo from there on the lock screen.
Does the live wallpaper affect the speed of the phone?
On today’s flagship models, the impact is subtle, but on entry-level devices with less powerful processors and less RAM, live wallpaper can cause micro-latency when opening applications.
How to turn off automatic wallpaper change?
Go to Settings → Wallpaper → Wallpaper carousel and switch the switch to the “off” position. You can also remove the Wallpaper Carousel app through the application settings, if the system allows you to do this without losing data.