The wallpaper carousel icon on the Xiaomi Redmi lock screen is one of the most annoying features of MIUI firmware, which the manufacturer stubbornly does not want to turn off through standard settings. This element not only takes up space on the display, but also accidentally activates when touching, preventing the rapid unlocking of the phone. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to remove the icon, from simple changes in settings to deep modifications of the system through ADB.
The problem is relevant for most Redmi models (including the Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C and the flagship series) on MIUI 12-14 firmware. It is important to understand that the methods differ in complexity and risk: some require superuser rights (root), others just a few clicks on the menu. We will start with the safest options and gradually move to radical solutions.
If you're not sure about your technical skills, we recommend that you try the first three methods first. ADB-commands and modification of system files β these methods give 100% result, but require caution.
1. Disconnect via theme settings (the easiest way)
In some versions of MIUI, the wallpaper carousel icon can be hidden through the standard theme menu.This method does not work on all devices, but it is worth checking it first - it does not require additional manipulation and is completely safe.
Instructions:
- π± Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
- π Go to the section My Wallpaper β Lock screen.
- βοΈ Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Wallpaper Settings.
- π« Look for the option to Show the icon of the carousel or Quick change wallpaper β turn it off.
If there is no such item, then your version of MIUI does not support this solution, in which case move on to the next method.
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Before changing themes, take a screenshot of the current wallpaper - after resetting the settings, they can reset to standard.
Resetting the settings of the "Themes" application
Sometimes the carousel icon appears because of a crash in the system application Themes. Resetting its data can return the standard behavior of the lock screen - without unnecessary elements. This method does not remove your wallpaper, but can reset some personalization settings.
How to reset:
- Open Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Find the Topics list (or com.android.themes).
- Select Warehouse β Clear data and Clear cache.
- Reboot the phone.
After you reboot, check the lock screen. If the icon is gone, the problem is solved. If not, move on to more radical ways. Attention: this method can reset your custom themes to standard ones.
β οΈ Warning: Some devices may not be able to install gallery wallpaper after resetting the Themes app, in which case it is enough to reopen the Themes app and wait for synchronization.
3. Use of the Light mode (MIUI Lite)
MIUI has a lightweight version of the interface, MIUI Lite (or "Light Mode"), which disables many visual elements, including a wallpaper carousel, which is originally designed for weak devices, but can be activated on flagships as well.
Activation of the regime:
- π§ Go to Settings. β Special facilities β Lite mode.
- π Turn on the option and confirm the reboot.
- π± After turning on, check the lock screen - the icon should disappear.
Cons of this method:
- π Simplified interface (less animations and visual effects).
- π Possible limitations in the functionality of some applications.
- π After the switch off, the icon can return.
If you don't like the lightweight interface, it's not really a good way to use it all the time, but it does confirm that the problem is with the standard firmware, and it can be solved software.
Modification of system files via ADB (for advanced)
If standard methods don't work, you'll have to go deeper, and one of the surest ways to do that is to turn off the icon via the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which doesn't require root rights, but requires you to connect your phone to your computer.
Step-by-step:
- π» Install. ADB-Drivers on PC and enable Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) β The phone. β Version. MIUI β 7 times press to unlock the developer mode, then Settings β Additionally. β For developers β Debugging by USB).
- π Connect the phone to the computer and type in the command line:
adb shell pm hide com.android.themesIf the team doesnβt work, try an alternative:
adb shell settings put secure lock_screen_show_wallpaper_carousel 0Once you've done the commands, restart the device. The badge should disappear.
β οΈ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB-commands can cause system failures. Before experimenting, back up your data through Settings β Additionally. β Backup and reset.
Install ADB-PC drivers
Enable debugging over USB on your phone
Connect your phone to the original cable
Make a backup copy of the data
Check the battery (minimum 50%)
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5. editing the build.prop file (requires root)
For root-right users, there is another reliable way to edit the system file build.prop. This method is guaranteed to remove the icon, but requires caution: incorrect changes can lead to a bootloop (cyclical reboot).
Instructions:
- π± Install a root-enabled file manager (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- π Cross the path. /system/build.prop Open the file in the text editor.
- βοΈ Add a line to the end of the file:
ro.miui.has_real_blur=1
ro.miui.lockscreen_wallpaper_carousel=0Save the changes, set the rights to 644 (rw-r--r---) and restart the phone. The carousel icon must disappear forever.
Important: If the phone stopped booting after building.prop editing, you need to restore the original file via TWRP or reflash the device.
Installation of custom firmware (extreme case)
If none of the methods worked, the last option remains to switch to custom firmware, for example, Pixel Experience, LineageOS or Xiaomi.EU. These builds are deprived of most of the βchipsβ of MIUI, including the annoying wallpaper carousel.
Advantages of custom firmware:
- π Clean Android without unnecessary elements.
- π Regular security updates.
- β‘ Ability to fine-tune the interface.
Disadvantages:
- β οΈ The risk of loss of warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked).
- π± Possible bugs with camera or sensors (depending on the model).
- π§ Requires bootloader unlock and installation TWRP.
If you decide to do this, follow the official instructions for your model on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums. For beginners, we recommend that you contact an experienced colleague or service center for help.
What happens if you donβt flash your phone correctly?
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To make it easier, we've put together a table of pros and cons of each method, and you need to be prepared for your own level of risk.
| Method | Difficulty | Required. root/ADB | Risks. | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Settings of topics | β | β No. | No. | Low (not working for everyone) |
| Resetting the annex βThemesβ | ββ | β No. | Resetting user themes | Medium |
| MIUI Lite mode | ββ | β No. | Simplified interface | Tall. |
| ADB-team | βββ | β ADB | Failures under wrong teams | Very high. |
| Editing by build.prop | ββββ | β Root | Bootloop for errors | Guaranteed |
| Custom firmware | βββββ | β Unlocked bootloader | Loss of warranty, bugs | Absolute. |
For most users, the best solution is ADB-commands -- they give a stable result without having to get root. If you're not ready for experiments, try resetting the Topics app or mode first. MIUI Lite.
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On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the wallpaper carousel icon often returns after updates. To avoid this, after using any method, turn off automatic themes updates in Settings β Themes β Settings β Auto Update.