Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often encounter an intrusive service that automatically changes images on a locked screen, a feature known as Wallpaper Carousel that is designed to decorate a device but in practice often becomes a source of annoyance and advertising. Many users wonder how to permanently get rid of this feature and return a static image.
The problem is that the company’s aggressive monetization policy is introducing advertising modules even into basic system applications. The wallpaper carousel is a standalone system application of com.miui.misystem that is not removed by standard root-free methods, but can be completely deactivated. In this article, we will look at all the available ways to disconnect, from simple settings to advanced methods through ADB.
Not only will the service be removed from visual noise, it can also have a positive impact on the autonomy of your gadget. Background content loading and location tracking for image selection consume the resources of the processor. Let's take a detailed look at how to regain full control of your device.
What is a wallpaper carousel and why it interferes
The wallpaper carousel (or Glance) is a built-in service in the shell of MIUI and HyperOS that replaces the static block image on a slideshow. Originally conceived as a way of personalization, it has now transformed into a channel for distributing advertising content. Instead of beautiful landscapes, users often see promotions, news and sponsored images that cannot be swiped or deleted.
The main problem is that this service is deeply integrated into the security system and lock screen, and it works even when the phone is in your pocket, periodically calling the servers to update the tape, which leads to an invisible but constant consumption of mobile traffic and battery power.
⚠️ Warning: Complete removal of the system application can lead to unstable operation of the lock screen.It is recommended to first try the standard shutdown through the settings before resorting to radical measures.
It also collects analytics about your preferences to offer more relevant content, which is an additional risk factor for privacy-seeking users, and understanding the nature of this component is the first step to effectively neutralizing it.
Basic disconnection through system settings
The safest and easiest way to get rid of intrusive image changes is to use built-in customization tools, you don't need to connect to a computer or install third-party software, just go through the settings menu carefully, because the location of items can vary depending on the version of MIUI.
To start, unlock your smartphone and go to the main menu. Find the Settings icon (cogs). In the list that opens, look for the section associated with the design or lock screen. In newer versions of firmware, this path is often hidden inside the Always On screen and Lock Screen menu.
Follow the following steps to deactivate the service:
- 📱 Click on the wallpaper carousel item in the lock screen settings menu.
- 🚫 Turn the switch to Turn the wallpaper carousel on the off position.
- 🗑️ If you are asked to remove the uploaded pictures, agree to free up space.
- ✅ Check that your static photo is now displayed on the lock screen.
☑️ Checklist of disconnection in settings
Once you do this, the system will stop loading new images, but in some cases, especially on global firmware, the switch may return to active after the reboot, and if it does, a deeper intervention in the system services is required.
Removal through the app menu and hiding
If the standard switching doesn't work, you can try to find the application itself in the installed program list. The service is often disguised as Wallpaper or Wallpaper Carousel. You can't remove it as a regular application, but you can turn it off or hide it from the interface.
Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps. Find the Wallpaper Carousel in the list. Click on it and select the option to Disable or Remove Updates. This action will return the app to the factory version, which often does not have auto-start rights without re-activation by the user.
It is also worth checking the theme settings, as some third-party themes can force this service to activate:
- 🎨 Open the Themes app on your device.
- ⚙️ Go to the user profile (human icon) and select Settings.
- 🚫 Find the wallpaper carousel item and turn off the display on the lock screen.
Why is the removal button grey?
It's important to note that after the operating system update, the settings may get lost, so after every major Android or MIUI update, it's recommended that you double-check the status of this service, which will take a minute, but save you from re-appearing ads.
Advanced removal via ADB (for power users)
The most effective method to ensure complete removal of the service is the use of Android Debug Bridge tools (ADB). This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer through USB-The cable and basic command line skills are safe, if you follow the instructions, and you don't need to get a Root license.
To start, you need to activate the developer mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7 times on the MIUI Version (or OS Version). After that, a new section Additional or Advanced Settings will appear in the settings menu, where you need to find For Developers.
Turn on the USB Debugging Tools. Connect your phone to your PC. Download and unpack Platform Tools from Google's official website. Open the command line in the tool folder and enter a command to check the connection:
adb devicesYou'll see a request for debugging permission on your phone screen -- press OK. If the console displays the serial number of the device, the connection is successful. You can now remove the carousel packet.
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Use the command "adb shell pm list packages | grep wallpaper" to find the exact name of the packet if standard deletion does not work.
To delete, enter the following command, which will force the application to be removed for the current user:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.misystemOnce the command is successfully executed, the service will disappear from the system. If you want to return it, the command will help: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.misystem.
Comparison of disconnection methods
The choice of method depends on your technical background and goals. A simple switch off in the settings is suitable for most users, whereas ADB gives full control. Below is a table that helps you decide on the choice of method.
| Parameter | System settings | Appendix menu | ADB Teams |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Low. | Medium | Tall. |
| Risk of error | Absent. | Minimum | Medium. |
| Efficiency | Partial | Medium | Complete. |
| Return of function | Lightweight | Medium. | Demands a PC. |
As you can see from the table, ADB is the most powerful tool, but it requires a computer, and if you can't connect your smartphone to your PC, use a combination of disabling in settings and removing app updates.
⚠️ Attention: When working with ADB Be careful when typing commands. Removing other system packages (such as those associated with a phone or message) can cause your smartphone to fail.
Possible problems and solutions
Users may encounter various difficulties in the process of disconnecting, such as a menu item that may not be available, or the system will claim that the service is necessary for the device to work, often due to regional restrictions or the specifics of the firmware version.
If you can’t find the disconnection point, try changing the region in the settings. Go to Settings → Additional settings → Region and select a country where Xiaomi services are less aggressive, such as the United States or Germany. After changing the region, check the lock screen settings again.
There may also be problems with third-party launchers, and some shells, such as Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher, may conflict with the standard MIUI lock screen.
- 🔄 Try to temporarily return the standard launcher.
- 🔒 Turn off the carousel in standard settings.
- 📲 Go back to your usual snail.
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Changing the region to “USA” or “India” often hides unnecessary menu items and makes the interface cleaner, as these regions have strict privacy laws.
Another common problem is that the service is automatically turned on after a security update, because the updated system component resets user preferences to default ones, and the only solution is to repeat the shutdown procedure immediately after installing the updates.