Changing the wallpaper on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you encounter the nuances of MIUI or the new HyperOS firmware. Even power users are sometimes lost when the standard menu does not offer the expected options and downloaded pictures refuse to display correctly. This article covers all possible scenarios, from a basic replacement through the gallery to manually installing live wallpaper through ADB.
We’ll look at not only the obvious ways (which work on 90% of devices), but also the rare tricks for older models like the Redmi Note 4X or new flagships like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. We’ll focus on the problems with screen resolution, black bars on the edges and glitches after the system update. If your phone doesn’t see wallpaper or offers only 3 standard themes, here you will find a solution.
1. Standard method: via MIUI/HyperOS settings
The most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi devices regardless of the firmware version is suitable for changing both static wallpaper and animated themes from the official store.
Instructions:
- 📱 Long pressing in the free place of the main screen → Select “Wallpaper” (or “Themes” in older versions) MIUI).
- 🖼️ At the bottom of the screen, tap "My wallpaper» → «Local (for uploaded images) or Online (for those from the store).
- ✅ Select the picture you like, adjust the scale and position, then click "Apply».
In HyperOS (starting with the Xiaomi 13/14 series), the interface has changed a little: instead of “Them”, there is now a separate “Styles” section, where the wallpaper and icons are configured separately. If you do not find the right item, check the system updates in Settings → About Phone → Update MIUI.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F3 Global firmware) the wallpaper section may not be in the long tap menu, in which case use an alternative path: Settings → Display. → Wallpaper.
2. Installation of wallpaper through the gallery (if the standard method does not work)
If the wallpaper section is missing after the system update or the phone does not respond to a long press, you can install the image directly from the Gallery app, which is especially relevant for devices with custom firmware or after resetting.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Gallery app and select the desired image.
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → “Install as” → “Wallpaper”.
- Adjust the framing area (on some models only scale is available, without bias).
- Choose where to apply: “Home screen”, “lock screen” or “both”.
If you don't have the "Set as Wallpaper" option, check the image resolution. MIUI ignores files with a resolution below 720p or a format other than.jpg/.png. Use the standard wallpaper from the archive to test:
Resolution of at least 1080×1920 (for Full HD)
JPG/PNG format (WEBP not supported)
File size up to 10 MB
9:16 or 18:9 aspect ratio (for cut-out models)
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On devices with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro or Black Shark 5) when installing dark wallpaper through the gallery can trigger a bug with “backlit” black areas. AMOLED-Optimized themes from the store MIUI.
3. Live wallpaper: how to install and customize
Animated wallpaper on Xiaomi is installed differently than static. The system supports two types:
- 🌊 Standard live wallpaper from the theme store (free and paid).
- 🎮 Castom animations through third-party APK (requires unlocking the loader).
For the installation of standard live wallpaper:
- Go to the settings → Wallpaper → Live wallpaper.
- Choose the animation you like (e.g. Ocean Waves or Space).
- Click Download (if the wallpaper is paid, you will need to pay through Mi Account).
- After downloading, tap "Apply" and select the screen (lock or main).
If the battery is quickly drained or slowed down:
- 🔋 Turn off animation on the lock screen (leave only on the home screen).
- ⚙️ Reduce frame rate in wallpaper settings (if available).
- 📱 Check the temperature of the processor in Settings → Battery → Battery status.
How to install custom live wallpaper (for advanced)
4. Problems with changing wallpaper and their solutions
Even on new Xiaomi devices, users are experiencing wallpaper changes, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Wallpaper is reset after resetting | Cache failure of the "Themes" app | Clear the cache to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Themes → Storage |
| Black stripes on the edges | Inconsistency of the parties | Cut the image to 18:9 or 19.5:9 in the editor (e.g. Snapseed) |
| You can't put wallpaper on the lock screen. | Limitation of corporate policy (on some models for China) | Change the region to Settings → Additional → Region to “Russia” or “India” |
| Wallpaper does not apply (the "Apply" button is inactive) | A damaged file or insufficient rights | Check the file resolution (should be at least 1080p) or restart your phone |
If none of the methods helped, try resetting the settings of the Themes app:
Settings → Applications → Application Management → Themes → Storage → Reset Settings⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14), resetting the "Tem" settings can result in the removal of all uploaded fonts and icons. → Memory. → Backup.
5. Hidden features: how to install wallpaper through ADB
For power users who don’t have the standard method (for example, on custom firmware like LineageOS), there is a way to install wallpaper through ADB. This method is also useful if you need to apply wallpaper on multiple devices at the same time (for example, in a corporate environment).
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times on version, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
- Download ADB Tools and unpack into any folder.
- Place the wallpaper in the /sdcard/Pictures/ folder on your phone (e.g. wallpaper.jpg).
- Run commands in the terminal (replace wallpaper.jpg in your file name): adb shell su cmd wallpaper set /sdcard/Pictures/wallpaper.jpg --backend live_picker
To apply wallpaper on the lock screen, use the command:
cmd wallpaper set /sdcard/Pictures/wallpaper.jpg --backend lock_screenadb root
6.The Best Wallpaper Sources for Xiaomi
Not all wallpapers look equally good on Xiaomi screens, but here are some proven sources with AMOLED and LCD-optimized images:
- 🌄 Official theme store MIUI — Safe but limited options for some regions.
- 🎨 WallpapersCraft – filter by resolution and aspect ratio (select the following: 1080×2400 most models).
- 🖥️ 4K Wallpapers – high-quality wallpapers for flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3).
- 🤖 Telegram channels – regularly updated collections with support for dark theme.
For Always-On Display devices (such as the Xiaomi 12T Pro), choose wallpaper with a minimalist design so that time and notifications don’t merge with the background. Avoid light wallpaper on AMOLED – they increase battery consumption.
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For models with 120Hz screen (e.g. POCO F5), use wallpaper with a resolution of at least 1440p to avoid pixelation when scrolling.