Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the intrusive visual component of the MIUI system or the new HyperOS. Instead of the usual clean desktop, when you turn on the user's device, you will find vivid images, news or even advertising banners, these are the so-called "Wallpaper Carousel" or "Glance", which are activated by default in most models sold outside China.
Many users are wondering how to remove the screensaver Xiaomi to return the phone classic look and improve speed. System wallpaper can consume additional traffic and CPU resources, which is especially noticeable on budget models. Fortunately, the company's engineers have provided the ability to disable these features, although sometimes the path to settings is not obvious.
In this article, we'll go into detail about all the ways to get rid of unnecessary graphics, how to turn off the wallpaper carousel, adjust a static image when you turn on, and remove advertising elements from system applications. A clean interface is not only aesthetics, but also a way to extend the life of the battery.
What is Wallpaper Carousel and Why It Is On by Default
Known as Wallpaper Carousel, the feature is a service that automatically changes the background image on a locked screen, and it is sourced from partner databases that are updated over the Internet. It looks like a constant change of beautiful landscapes or abstractions to the user, but technically it is a separate process in the system.
Xiaomi is implementing this service by default to monetize its devices, showing advertising integrations or simply taking up screen space, the manufacturer compensates for the low margins of hardware. However, for the end user, this often leads to unnecessary traffic consumption and the desire to unlock the phone faster so as not to see the flashing pictures.
It's important to understand the difference between regular live wallpaper and Carousel. Live wallpaper is an animated background that you choose. Carousel is a compulsory service that requires separate permission to access the network and storage, and disabling this feature is the first step to customizing your Android smartphone.
⚠️ Warning: After the firmware update, the theme settings may reset and the wallpaper carousel will turn on automatically again. Check the lock screen settings periodically after major system updates.
Disabling the wallpaper carousel through the theme settings
The easiest and safest way to remove the Xiaomi screensaver from the screen is through the theme menu, and that's where the master switch that controls the service is hidden, and you don't need superuser rights or a computer connection, it's done by regular means.
First, you need to open the Themes app, which is system-based on all the brand's devices. If you've removed it before, you'll need to restore it through the GetApps store or download the installation file. Inside the app, we're not interested in the directory, but in the user's personal profile.
Click on the person icon at the bottom right of the screen to get into Profile. Here, among the many options, you'll find the "Wallpaper Carousel" item. When you click on it, you'll see the current status of the function and the control button. The switch should be in the "Off" position.
Once turned off, the system may prompt you to select a static image from a gallery or standard sets, which will return the lock screen to the classic view, where only time, date and notifications are displayed, and now the screensaver when you turn on the phone will be static and predictable.
- 📱 Open the Themes app on the desktop.
- 👤 Go to the Profile section (human icon).
- 🎡 Select the item "Carousel wallpaper" in the list.
- ❌ Turn the switch to the "Off" position".
Setting up the lock screen and the style of the watch
In addition to the Carousel, the MIUI 13/14 and HyperOS have a separate mechanism called the Lock Screen, which allows you to change the style of the watch, add widgets and, most importantly, can again activate the change of backgrounds regardless of the main Carousel.
To get full control, go to Settings → Lock screen. Here you will see the option "Online Content" or "Recommendations." This is the one responsible for downloading images from the iOS-style network. Make sure the slider is off, otherwise efforts to turn off the Carousel may be in vain.
You can also customize the style of the watches on this menu, and some users mistake complex dials with second hand and dates for "saversavers." If you want minimalism, choose a classic digital format without additional decorations.
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Use static dark wallpaper for the lock screen – this significantly saves battery power on the screen. AMOLED-Xiaomi smartphone screens.
Importantly, newer versions of firmware can spread settings across menu items. If you don't find the option in the same place, check Always on and Lock screen. The logic of the system involves separating responsibility between the theme of the design and the system security settings.
⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications to lock the screen (such as HiLock or KLCK) Xiaomi system settings may conflict with them, in which case, disable the system lock screen completely.
Removing Advertising in System Applications (MSA)
Often, "savers" are the pop-up banners that appear when you open folders or launch applications, which is the responsibility of the MSA (MIUI System Ads) system service, which will not remove the wallpaper carousel, but will make the interface cleaner.
First, you need to revoke your consent to receive personalized advertising. Follow the Settings → Password and Security → Access to Personal Data. Find the msa list and turn off the switch. The system will insist on leaving everything as it is, requiring you to wait 10 seconds.
After disabling the MSA, it is also recommended to limit background activity for other system services such as GetApps and MIUI Daemon.This will prevent not only advertising, but also hidden transmission of data about your actions. The process may require repetition 2-3 times, since Xiaomi servers can return settings back.
☑️ Checklist for cleaning up ads
In some regions (e.g. Russia, Indonesia), MSA may not be listed or not be disabled, and in such cases, changing the region in settings (Settings → Additional → Region) to the United States or Germany, where advertising is less aggressive, helps.
Comparison of methods of cleaning the interface
Different phone models and firmware versions require a personalized approach. Global versions (Global) typically have less built-in advertising than Indian (India) or Chinese (China) firmware, and understanding the differences will help you choose the right cleaning strategy.
Below is a table to help determine which steps will be most effective for your case.Please note that on older versions of Android, some menu paths may differ.
| Type of screensaver/problem | Where to turn off | Difficulty | The effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wallpaper carousel | Application "Themes" → Profile | Low. | Static picture when blocking |
| Advertising in the system | Settings → Password and Security → MSA | Medium | Lack of pop-up banners |
| Online content blocking | Settings → Lock screen | Low. | Disabling widgets and news |
| Recommendations in folders | Settings → Desktop → Recommendations | Low. | Clean view of folders with applications |
As you can see from the table, most problems are solved software-based without the need for flashing, but if you're an advanced user, install custom launchers that completely replace the standard interface.
Use of third-party launchers and widgets
If standard methods like removing Xiaomi’s screensaver seem inadequate or difficult to use, there is a radical solution: installing a third-party launcher, and apps like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, or Smart Launcher replace the desktop and lock screen entirely.
When installing such a launcher, the system can request permission to use as the main one, after which the standard Xiaomi wallpaper will no longer appear, giving way to the settings of the new application, which gives maximum customization freedom and often improves the performance of the device.
The impact of launchers on the battery
It should be borne in mind that on new versions of HyperOS, the system can limit the functionality of third-party launchers, preventing them from completely blocking the lock screen. In such cases, the launcher will change only the desktop, and the lock screen will have to be configured through the standard theme menu.
- 🚀 Download the launcher from Google Play.
- ⚙️ Install it as a default application.
- 🎨 Customize the appearance of icons and grids.
- 🔒 For the lock screen, use the launcher widgets or turn it off.
Frequent questions and possible problems
Users often experience unusual behavior during the setup process, such as when the wallpaper carousel is turned off, the phone may suggest "restoring a beautiful lock" the next time it connects to Wi-Fi. This is the normal behavior of MIUI update agents.
Another common problem is that you can't find the Themes app, which in some global firmware can be hidden in the Tools folder or removed by the user, and without this component, you can't manage the screensavers through the profile, you need to reinstall it.
⚠️ Note: Do not remove system components related to the theme of the design, through ADB, If you're not sure what they're doing, it can lead to a bootloop.
If you have done all the work, but the screensaver still appears, check the installed applications. Some "memory cleaners" or "antiviruses" may have their own screen blocker functions that are activated on top of the system.
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Complete removal of intrusive elements requires a comprehensive approach: disabling the Carousel, setting up MSA and checking application access rights.
Conclusion and final recommendations
Getting rid of Xiaomi's screensavers and getting the phone back to its sleek look is a real possibility, with standard settings, and the key is to go through all menu items consistently, as the company often hides switches in different sections. Start with the Themes app, then check the lock screen settings and complete the process by disabling the MSA.
Regularly checking these settings after system updates will help keep the interface clean. Remember that modern smartphones are a powerful tool, and you have every right to customize it to yourself, removing all the excess.