The wallpaper carousel on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is one of the most controversial features of the MIUI shell. On the one hand, it offers automatic background changes, refreshing the appearance of the desktop. On the other hand, many users complain about arbitrary traffic consumption, slowing down animations and even battery drain due to the background activity of the service. If you too have faced these problems or just want to regain control of the wallpaper, this article will help to completely deactivate the carousel without losing the functionality of the MIUI.
Unlike the standard settings shutdown (which often doesn’t work properly), we’ll look at three methods: through the phone’s menu, using ADB, and using third-party utilities. Each method has been tested on Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10, and POCO X3/X4 running MIUI 12-14. Importantly, some actions require developer rights or root access — we’ll separately specify where this is critical.
Before you start, make sure that on your device:
- 📱 Version. MIUI at least 12.5 (on old firmware, some methods do not work)
- 🔧 Developer mode is enabled (instruction below)
- 📶 Stable Wi-Fi connection (for downloading) ADB-tool)
- 🔋 Battery charge above 30% (to avoid failures when system files are changed)
1. disable the carousel through standard MIUI settings
The easiest way is to use the built-in shell options. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work 100%, especially after MIUI updates, but it's worth trying first.
Instructions:
- Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
- Go to Wallpaper section. → Wallpaper carousel.
- Turn off the slider Automatic change of wallpaper.
- Return to the main screen and check if the carousel disappeared when swiping to the left.
If the carousel is still active:
- 🔄 Restart the device – sometimes changes only apply after a reboot.
- 📂 Check if you have any other themes (they may conflict with the settings).
- 🚫 Remove the app cache Topics in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Topics → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (MIUI 13.0.4–13.0.6) The option to turn off the carousel may not be on the menu.
Enable the developer mode (7 taps by build number in "About phone")
Allow debugging over USB in "Settings → Additional → For developers"
Download Platform Tools from Google’s official website
Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable
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Deactivation of the carousel through ADB (no root)
Using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to disable the carousel at the system command level, it is more reliable than standard settings, but requires a connection to a computer.
Step-by-step:
- Download and unpack Platform Tools on PC.
- Connect Redmi to your computer and allow debugging over USB (a request will appear on the phone screen).
- Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools and type:
adb devices(Your device should be displayed. If not, check the drivers.)
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.miwallpaperThis command removes the carousel application for the current user without deleting system files.
After completion:
- 🔄 Reboot the phone.
- 📱 Check the absence of a carousel swipe left on the home screen.
- 🔧 If the wallpaper is dropped on the standard, install new ones manually through the Topics.
⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 11 Pro)+, POCO F4) This command can cause the desktop widgets to be reset.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
3. Removal of the carousel with third-party utilities
If the first two methods didn’t work, you can use specialized applications, we recommend MIUI Hidden Settings or Activity Launcher, which allow you to access hidden MIUI options.
Instructions for MIUI Hidden Settings:
- Download the app from Google Play.
- Open the Desktop section → Wallpaper Carousel.
- Turn off the options: 🔘 Enable Wallpaper Carousel 🔘 Auto Download Wallpapers 🔘 Network Usage (if available)
Save the changes and restart the phone.
For Activity Launcher:
- Install the utility from Google Play.
- Find the list of activities com.miui.home.
- Select WallpaperCarouselSettingsActivity.
- Turn off all sliders associated with the carousel.
| Method | PC required | Root is required. | Efficiency | Risk of failure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard settings | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ⚠️ Medium | ❌ Low. |
| ADB-team | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ✅ Tall. | ⚠️ Medium. |
| MIUI Hidden Settings | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Tall. | ❌ Low. |
| Activity Launcher | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Tall. | ❌ Low. |
💡
If the wallpaper is blurred after the carousel is turned off, reset it through "Themes → My Wallpaper → Local." MIUI sometimes resets the resolution of background images when changing the settings of the carousel.
4. Manual deletion of system files (for advanced users)
This method involves manual removal. APK-The carousel file requires root access or an unlocked bootloader, only use it if other methods have not helped!
Instructions:
- Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiWallpaperCarousel
- Delete or rename files: 📄 MiuiWallpaperCarousel.apk 📄 MiuiWallpaperCarousel.odex (if any)
Reset the device.
After removal:
- ✅ The carousel will disappear forever (even after the updates) MIUI).
- ⚠️ Some of the themes may not work properly.
- 🔧 To restore, it is enough to return the files back.
⚠️ Attention: Removal of system APK-Files can cause cyclic restart (bootloop) on some firmware MIUI 14.Before the action, make a backup copy through TWRP Or OrangeFox.
5. How to return the carousel (if you change your mind)
If after the shutdown you decide to restore the carousel, use one of the ways:
For the ADB method:
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.miui.miwallpaperFor manual removal:
- Download the original MiuiWallpaperCarousel.apk for your version of MIUI (can be extracted from the firmware via MT Manager).
- Place the file back in /system/priv-app/MiuiWallpaperCarousel/.
- Enter the rights 644 (r-w-r-----).
- Reset the device.
For third-party utilities: just turn the sliders back on to MIUI Hidden Settings or Activity Launcher.
💡
Disabling the carousel via ADB is the safest method among the "advanced" ones. It does not require root, is reversible and works on 90% of Redmi models.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after a successful shutdown of the carousel, users experience side effects.
Problem 1: The carousel is gone, but the wallpaper doesn't change when swiping.
- 🔧 Solution: Set wallpaper manually through Topics → Wallpaper. → Local. MIUI may reset the display settings.
Problem 2: After the MIUI update, the carousel reappeared.
- 🔄 Solution: Repeat the shutdown procedure (ADB Updates often restore system applications.
Problem 3: The Topic app gives an error after the carousel is removed.
- 🛠️ Solution: Clear the application data Themes in the settings or reinstall it through ADB: adb shell pm clear com.android.themes
Problem 4: The wallpaper change animation remains on the lock screen.
- 🔒 Solution: Disconnect separately the carousel to lock in Settings → Lock screen → Additionally. → Change of wallpaper.
7. Alternatives to wallpaper carousel for Xiaomi Redmi
If you don’t like the standard carousel but want a dynamic wallpaper, consider these apps:
- 🌄 Wallpaper Engine – Animated wallpaper with low battery consumption (requires) MIUI 13+).
- 🖼️ Muzei – Automatic wallpaper change from Google Arts & Culture collections.
- 🌌 Backdrops – minimalist wallpaper with manual change rate setting.
- 🎨 Zedge – a large base of static and live wallpaper with categorization.
Advantages of third-party solutions:
- ⚡ Less battery load (optimized better than battery) MIUI-carousel).
- 🎛️ More settings (shift interval, image sources).
- 🔒 No forced content downloads (like in a standard carousel).
⚠️ Note: Apps like the Wallpaper Engine may conflict with the MIUI Optimization. If wallpaper does not apply, disable optimization in the developer settings (Settings) → Additionally. → For developers → Shut down. MIUI Optimization).