How to remove the wallpaper carousel on the Xiaomi phone

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face an intrusive feature that automatically changes the image on a locked screen, a system known as Wallpaper Carousel, designed to delight the user with new images, but in practice often causes irritation due to sudden changes in the background or the inability to put a static photo.

Fortunately, the developers have provided several ways to deactivate this service, and you do not need superuser rights or complex code manipulation.The process of disabling depends on the version of the MIUI operating system or the new HyperOS installed on your device, as well as the region specified in the settings.

In this article, we will take a look at all the current methods of solving the problem, from the standard settings menu to the use of hidden system functions, you can regain control of your lock screen and enjoy the images you choose without unnecessary interference.

Wallpaper carousel is a built-in service from Xiaomi that uploads and displays high-quality images on the lock screen. Initially, the idea was good: users get fresh visual content without having to search for it themselves, but implementation often leads to conflict with the user experience.

The main problem is the aggressive behavior of the algorithms: a smartphone can change the picture at the most inappropriate moment, block notifications or require unlocking to view the β€œrecommended” image, and consume Internet traffic and battery power while operating in the background.

⚠️ Warning: After the firmware update, the carousel settings may reset and the function is activated again.

Many users also complain about the inability to set their own photos as a static background while the carousel is turned on.The system forcibly replaces user choice with content from the Mi directory.

πŸ“Š How annoying you are to change the wallpaper on the locked screen?
It's always in the way, I'll turn it off.
Sometimes it's annoying, but it's tolerant.
I don't notice.
I like it, I leave it.

Disconnection through standard MIUI settings 12, 13, 14

The easiest and safest way to remove the carousel is to use the built-in settings menu. In modern versions of the shell, this item is not deep, but it is easy enough to find it if you know the exact path. The algorithm of actions is the same for most current models of Redmi and Xiaomi.

First, you need to open the main settings menu on your smartphone. Find the look and lock section. Depending on the firmware version, it may be called differently, but the layout logic remains the same. You need to find the Always on screen and lock.

β˜‘οΈ Algorithm to shut down carousel

Done: 0 / 4

Inside this menu, you'll see the wallpaper carousel option. You click on it and you'll be taken to the service management sub-menument, and you'll find the wallpaper carousel switch and you'll be inactive, and the system can request confirmation of action, so you can safely agree.

Once the function is turned off, the lock screen will return to the standard display of time and date against the background of your static picture. If this did not happen immediately, try locking and unlocking the device or restarting the smartphone.

Specifics of the configuration in the shell of HyperOS

With the release of the new HyperOS operating system, the menu structure has changed. Xiaomi is looking to unify the interface, so some items have been renamed or moved. The process of turning off the carousel here is also available, but the path to it has become a little more confusing.

You should go to Settings, then select Lock Screen, and unlike older versions of MIUI, you might need to log in to additional design options, look for the "Wallpaper Carousel" or "Glance" line, and this is the module that is responsible for dynamically changing content.

If you are using the Chinese version of firmware (CN ROM), the interface may be different with advertising integrations, in which case, after going to the merry-go-round menu, be sure to turn off the option "Receive recommendations" or similar to completely stop downloading data.

Importantly, HyperOS can insist on returning a beautiful wallpaper every time you change an image, just ignore these suggestions or choose "Do not show again" if this option is available in the dialog box.

Replacement of the Region Method for Complete Deletion of the Function

There is a time-tested life hack that allows you to not just disable, but actually hide the carousel function from the settings menu, based on the fact that wallpaper carousel service is not available in all countries due to licensing restrictions.

The method is to change the region of the device to a country where the service is not supported, Indonesia, India or Japan are the best options. After the region change, the "Wallpaper Carousel" item may disappear from the lock screen settings menu, which automatically deactivates the function.

To implement this method, perform the following actions:

  • 🌏 Open Settings and go to the Additional section.
  • πŸ“ Find the region and select, for example, Indonesia.
  • πŸ”„ Return to the lock screen menu and check for a carousel switch.
  • πŸ“Έ Set your static wallpaper before the menu is updated.

This method is particularly effective for versions of MIUI where the carousel switch is locked or missing, but it is worth remembering that changing the region may affect the performance of some localized applications and weather widgets.

RegionCarousel availabilityImpact on the systemRecommendation
RussiaPresent.Full functionalityDeactivation required
IndonesiaAbsent/HiddenMinimumTall.
IndiaPartially hidden.Changing widgetsMedium
ChinaIn attendance (Glance)Lots of ads.Not recommended

⚠️ Note: After changing the region, be sure to check the work NFC In rare cases, a change of country may require re-authorization in the Mi Account.

Using the theme of registration to block the service

Another elegant way to get rid of intrusive image change is by using third-party themes, and some of the themes created by independent designers at MIUI Theme Store have their own, hard-to-drive lock screens that ignore the carousel's system settings.

Find a theme called "Classic Lock Screen," "Simple Lock," or similar. When you install a theme, the system will suggest using components, including the lock screen, and agree to use all elements.

The advantage of this method is that you not only get no carousel, but often a more functional lock screen with convenient widgets. However, if you decide to change the theme back to the standard "Free", the settings of the carousel can return, and you have to repeat the procedure.

Keep in mind that installing third-party themes can slightly increase battery consumption, as the theme engine runs in the background. Choose light themes without complex animations for better performance.

Solving problems in the absence of a switch

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the "Wallpaper Carousel" option is in the settings, but the switch is inactive (surfaced) or absent at all, this is often found on devices purchased from official dealers with preloaded software, or on global versions with specific regional software.

In such cases, clear the application data for the carousel. Find the Apps section -> All Apps in the settings. In the list, look for a system application called Wallpaper Carousel, Wallpaper Carousel or Mi Glance.

Log in to the app information and select Clear Data and Clear Cache. Then try going back to the lock screen settings. Sometimes this will unlock hidden control options.

If this does not help, you can use the method of forced stop:

  1. In the "Wallpaper Carousel" application menu, click the Stop button.
  2. Turn off the internet (Wi-Fi and mobile data) immediately.
  3. Go to the lock screen settings and try to change the wallpaper.
  4. Only after installing a static image, turn the Internet back on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it safe to disable the system application "Carousel wallpaper"?
Yes, it's absolutely safe. The wallpaper carusole is a separate service module that doesn't affect the stability of the main system, calls or messages, and it won't break the phone.
Why does the carousel turn on again after the update?
With major Android or MIUI/HyperOS updates, system files are replaced, and default settings (including the carousel enabled) can be re-applyed.
Can I remove the carousel app completely?
Without root rights or use ADB-You can't remove the system application, but completely disabling it through the settings is equivalent to deleting it from the user's point of view, it doesn't consume resources or interfere with the work.
Does the carousel affect traffic consumption?
Yes, because it downloads high-resolution images from the Internet, and if you have a limited plan, turning off the carousel will save mobile traffic.