How to remove wallpaper from the lock screen on Xiaomi smartphones: all working methods

Why are the wallpapers on the Xiaomi lock screen not removed in the standard way?

The lock screen on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones running MIUI is often unpredictable, with users experiencing wallpapers that do not change through the settings menu, returning old images after rebooting or getting stuck in the same background. The reason lies in the shell architecture: MIUI caches lock wallpaper in a separate folder of the system, and some firmware versions (especially MIUI 12.5-14) block direct changes through the gallery.

Another common scenario is that wallpapers are automatically installed from the themes (Mi Themes) or synced with your Xiaomi account. For example, if you previously downloaded a wallpaper theme to block, the system may ignore your attempts to change the background through Settings. → Lock screen. In this guide, we will discuss all the current methods, from basic to advanced, including cleaning the cache, ADB-commands and even reset screen settings.

Important: The methods are different for different versions of MIUI. If you have a Xiaomi 13/14 with the latest firmware, some steps may require additional actions (e.g. unlocking Developer Options).

Method 1: Standard removal through lock screen settings

To start with, the obvious is trying to change wallpaper through built-in tools, which works on most Xiaomi devices unless the problem is due to system glitches or theme limitations.

1. Open the Settings → Lock screen.
2. Select Wallpaper Lock screen (on some devices – Lock Background).
3. Slip on the current background and choose Remove or Reset to standard.
4. If the option is not available, try to select a new image from the gallery - sometimes this "resets" the old wallpaper.

⚠️ Attention: POCO F5 Xiaomi 12T s MIUI 14 Delete may not be available, in which case move on to the next method.

Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone

Make sure the gallery has access to files (Settings → Apps → Permissions → Gallery)

Turn off the themes sync in your Xiaomi account (Settings → Xiaomi Account → Sync → Topics)

Restart your phone before changing the wallpaper

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Method 2: Clearing the cache of the “Block Screen” and “Themes” applications

If the standard method didn't work, the problem could be cached data. MIUI stores thumbnails of wallpaper in the cache of the applications responsible for blocking and themes. Cleaning will help "reset" settings.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find and select the Lock Screen app (or Lock Screen in English firmware).
3. Slip the vault. → Clear the cache.
4. Repeat the steps for the Themes application.
5. Reboot the phone.

After the reboot, try changing the wallpaper again through Settings → Lock screen. If the background is still unchanged, move on to the next method.

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If you have cleared the cache and the wallpaper is reset to standard, but you want to return your image, copy it to the DCIM → Wallpapers folder and select it from there, which will reduce the chance of the background sticking again.

Method 3: Delete wallpaper through file manager (manual method)

On Xiaomi devices, lock screen wallpaper is stored in hidden system folders. If you are ready for manual manipulation, you can delete files manually - but this will require a file manager with access to root (for example, MiXplorer or Solid Explorer) or developer options enabled.

⚠️ Note: Incorrectly deleting system files can cause the lock screen to malfunction. On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro), this method requires the bootloader to be unlocked beforehand.

1. Install a file manager with root support (or enable USB Debugging in Developer Options).
2. Cross the path: /data/system/users/0/wallpaper_info.xml /data/system/users/0/wallpaper
3. Delete the files wallpaper_info.xml, wallpaper wallpaper_lock (if).
4. Reboot the phone.

Once you restart, the system will generate standard wallpaper, and you can now set a new background through the settings.

Method 4: Resetting wallpaper through ADB-Teams (for advanced teams)

If manual file deletion is not suitable, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, but requires connecting the phone to your computer and enabling USB debugging.

Instructions:

1. Enable Developer Options (7 times tap the build number in Settings → About phone).
2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line (or Terminal on the PC). Mac/Linux) and execute: adb shell pm clear com.android.systemui rm /data/system/users/0/wallpaper_info.xml
4. Reset the device.

These commands will clear the system interface settings and delete the wallpaper information, and after rebooting, the lock background will reset to the standard one.

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ADB-commands are the most reliable way to reset wallpaper without root rights, but require minimal command line skills. If commands don't execute, check if the drivers are installed correctly. ADB PC-only.

Method 5: Reset the lock screen settings to factory

If none of the previous methods worked, the last resort is to reset the lock screen settings, which does not affect user data (photos, apps), but will return all lock parameters to factory ones, including wallpaper, password and notifications.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 12), a lock reset may cause a temporary loss of widget data on the home screen. → Additionally. → Backup.

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Slip on Reset settings → Reset the lock screen settings.
3. Confirm the action (a password may be required).
4. After restarting, set up the lock screen again.

This method is guaranteed to remove old wallpaper, but will require re-configuring your fingerprint, pattern lock, and other locking options.

Table: Method compatibility with MIUI and Xiaomi models

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to remove wallpaper from the lock screen, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

• 🔄 Wallpaper returns after rebooting. Reason: sync with Xiaomi account or themes. Solution: disable theme sync in Settings → Xiaomi account → Synchronization.
• 🚫 There's no "Delete" option in the wallpaper settings. Reason: firmware limitations. Solution: use ADB or resetting settings (Method 4 or 5).
• 📱 After the wallpaper was changed, the lock screen turned black. Cause: cache damage. Solution: clear the lock screen cache (Method 2).
• 🔒 You can't change wallpaper because of corporate policy: MDM-Limitations: Solution: contact the administrator or use ADB (if permitted).

If none of the methods worked, check if your device has custom firmware installed (e.g. Xiaomi.EU or Pixel Experience), in which case the algorithm for changing the wallpaper may differ.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions