The wallpaper carousel on the Xiaomi Redmi 9 lock screen is one of the most controversial features of MIUI. On the one hand, it automatically updates the background images, offering fresh options from the Xiaomi collection. On the other, many users find it intrusive: pictures change without request, eat up traffic and even slow down the unlocking of the smartphone. If you are tired of constantly changing wallpaper and want to return a static background, this article is for you.
We'll break down three proven methods, from basic MIUI settings to advanced ADB solutions and third-party utilities. Each method has been tested on Redmi 9 with current firmware versions (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS). Importantly, some options require administrator rights or USB debugging β if you're a beginner, start with the first section.
Before you start, consider that Xiaomi periodically updates the interface, so the location of menu items may vary slightly. If your smartphone is running on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the methods described may not work.
Why the wallpaper carousel appears on Redmi 9 and can it be turned off forever
Wallpaper Carousel is built into the MIUI shell and is activated by default on most Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi 9. Its task is to automatically download and install new wallpaper from the Xiaomi cloud library so that the user does not waste time manually choosing.
- π± Slowdown: With each wallpaper change, the system reloads the graphic cache, which can cause lags on budget models like the Redmi 9.
- π Traffic consumption: pictures are downloaded via the mobile Internet (if you do not turn off background data transfer for the Topics application).
- π Battery discharge: constant synchronization with Xiaomi servers increases power consumption by 5-10% (according to GSMArena tests).
- π¨ Imposed Content: Some wallpapers contain advertisements or promotional materials (e.g. announcements of new Xiaomi devices).
Can the carousel be permanently shut down? Technically yes, but with reservations:
- β Through standard settings - a temporary solution (MIUI Can return the function after the update).
- β Through ADB β Permanent shutdown but requires a PC connection.
- β Through third-party utilities - risky (may disrupt the system).
If you're not planning on getting root rights or installing custom firmware, the best option is a combination of the first and second method, and we'll go through each one in detail next.
Method 1: Disable the carousel via MIUI settings (without PC)
The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI options. It does not require additional software or technical skills, but has a limitation: after major system updates, the carousel can turn on again.
- Open the Topic app (an icon with a brush and palette). If it is not on the home screen, search the system (swipe down β search bar β βThemesβ).
- Go to the Wallpaper tab (usually it opens by default).
- Slip on the current wallpaper on the lock screen (it will be illuminated by the frame).
- In the window that opens, select Static Wallpaper or My Wallpaper (depending on the MIUI version).
- Scroll down and find the wallpaper carousel (or Automan) switch - turn it off.
- Return to the main screen and check: the wallpaper on the lock should stop changing.
If the item Carousel wallpaper is not on the menu, try an alternative way:
- Click the empty space on the main screen β Wallpaper.
- Select the Lock Screen β Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
- Turn off the Automatic Shift or Carousel option.
Turn off mobile internet (to avoid background loading)
Close the "Themes" application in multitasking
Check the current version of MIUI (Settings β About Phone)
Make a backup copy of the wallpaper (if you use custom wallpapers)-->
β οΈ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13.0.6 for Redmi 9) the carousel option is hidden. In this case, proceed to Method 2 using the ADB.
Method 2: Complete disabling via ADB (for power users)
If the carousel continues to work after the shutdown in the settings, you will have to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which removes the function at the system level, but requires connecting the smartphone to the computer, the advantage: after completing commands, the carousel will not return even after the MIUI update.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- π USB-cable (preferably original).
- π± Included Debugging by USB Redmi 9.
- π¦ Installed Xiaomi and ADB-tools drivers.
Step-by-step:
- Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings β About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI until you become a developer!. Return to Settings β Additional β Developer. Enable USB debugging and confirm the action.
- Connect your smartphone to your PC and select File Transfer (not Charge!) mode.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices If the device appears in the list (for example, 1234abcd device), go further. If not, install Xiaomi drivers.
- Follow the commands to disable the carousel: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.miwallpaper adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.miwallpaper The first command removes the updates to the Theme app, the second - disables it for the current user.
- Redmi 9 Reboot with the Command: Adb Reboot
Once you restart, the wallpaper carousel will be completely deactivated and the control point will disappear from the settings.
adb shell pm enable com.miui.miwallpaperWhat if the ADB canβt see the device?
β οΈ Note: Some users report that after disabling com.miui.miwallpaper, all wallpapers (including custom ones) stop working.In this case, restore the application to the command above and use Method 3.
Method 3: Use of third-party applications (alternative)
If the first two methods didn't work or you don't want to mess with ADB, you can use third-party utilities. We tested three apps that successfully block the carousel on Redmi 9:
| Annex | Demands a Root. | Efficiency | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wallpaper Changer Stopper | β No. | ββββ (block 90% of cases) | It may be a conflict with MIUI Launcher. |
| MIUI Hidden Settings | β No. | βββ (It doesn't work on all firmware) | Requires permission to access settings |
| Tasker + AutoTools | β No. | βββββ (flexible setting) | A complex setup for beginners |
We recommend starting with Wallpaper Changer Stopper:
- Download the app from Google Play.
- Open it and provide access to Special Options (necessary to block wallpaper change).
- Enable the Block Wallpaper Changes option.
- Reboot Redmi 9.
For advanced users, Tasker is suitable:
- π± Create a task with the condition Event β System β Wallpaper Changed.
- π Add the Task action β Set Wallpaper and specify your static background.
- π Activate the task β now with every attempt MIUI Change the wallpaper will be installed on your version.
π‘
If after installing a third-party application, wallpaper is reset to standard, try turning off battery optimization for it: Settings β Applications β Application Management β [Utility Name] β Battery β Without restrictions.
β οΈ Apps like Wallpaper Changer Stopper may stop working after update MIUI. In this case, you will have to re-configure or use ADB.
What to do if the carousel returned after the MIUI update
Xiaomi regularly releases updates for Redmi 9, and sometimes they reset custom settings. If the wallpaper carousel reappears, follow the algorithm:
- Check the version of MIUI: Go to Settings β About Phone. If the version has changed (for example, from 12.5.4 to 12.5.6), then the update has overwritten your settings.
- Repeat Method 1: Go to Themes β Wallpaper and turn off the carousel again. Sometimes it helps to reset the wallpaper to standard (Settings β Wallpaper β Reset).
- Use ADB (if previously disabled): Connect Redmi 9 to your PC and execute the command: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.miwallpaper
- Reverse to previous firmware (extreme): If the carousel is critically intrusive and other methods are not helping, you can return the old version of MIUI via Fastboot.
If the problem repeats after each update, consider a custom firmware option (like Pixel Experience) that doesnβt have a built-in wallpaper carousel. However, this requires unlocking the bootloader and may take away warranty.
π‘
After updating MIUI, always check the status of the carousel in the settings β sometimes it turns on automatically, even if it was previously disabled through ADB.
How to return the wallpaper carousel if you need it
If you change your mind and want to return the automatic wallpaper change, do the following:
- π Through settings:
Through ADB
adb shell pm enable com.miui.miwallpaperThrough third-party applications
Disable the lock in the utility settings (for example, in Wallpaper Changer Stopper).
If the carousel does not change after the return, check:
- π Internet connection (carousel requires access to Xiaomi servers).
- π Synchronization settings in Topics β Settings β Auto-update.
- π΅ Background Limitations for Application Themes in Battery Settings.
This will not shut down the carousel completely, but will reduce traffic consumption.