How to remove live wallpaper on Xiaomi MIUI 12

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the desire to personalize their device by setting dynamic background images. However, over time, these animations can become annoying, distracting or simply consume too much system resources. Live wallpaper on the MIUI 12 platform is implemented quite deeply, and simply removing a file from the gallery does not always lead to the desired result.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the dynamic content in the MIUI 12 shell, learn how to properly deactivate animations, clear the cache of system services and return a static image without losing the performance of the gadget, which is especially true for models with a small amount of RAM.

The process of returning to standard design can vary depending on the specific firmware version and region. We will consider universal methods that will suit most users of Redmi and Poco. Removing system live wallpaper through the application manager requires caution, as it can affect the work of the theme of the design in general.

Why you should give up dynamic backgrounds

Using animated images on the desktop is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also a serious strain on the hardware of the smartphone.The processor and graphics accelerator are forced to constantly process the video stream, which leads to faster battery discharge. For budget models, this can be a critical factor in reducing battery life.

In addition, background processes that render animations take up part of RAM. In multitasking conditions, this can lead to more frequent downloading of applications from memory and slow switching between them. Failure to “live” the interface often makes the device more smooth and responsive.

⚠️ Attention: The constant operation of complex animations can lead to heating of the smartphone case, especially in hot weather or when using navigation.

Another important aspect is visual noise: dynamic elements can distract from app icons and widgets, making the interface less readable. Static, high-quality images often look more professional and do not tire the eyes with prolonged use of the gadget.

Standard way to disable through settings

The easiest and safest way to get back to static is to use the built-in tools of the system, so you don't need third-party software or super-user rights, just go to the personalization menu and choose a static image from the options or upload your photo.

First, you need to unlock the device and go to the main menu. Find the Settings icon, which usually looks like a gear. In the list of options that opens, you should scroll down to the section that is responsible for the appearance. In different versions of MIUI, it can be called differently, but most often it is Wallpaper or Always on screen and wallpaper.

Once you log in, select Local or Gallery. You click on any static image that suits you. The system will automatically apply it to replace the current animation. If you want to use your photo, click + or From Gallery and select the file you want.

It is important to note that in some design themes, dynamic wallpaper can be built directly into the theme, in which case a simple change of picture may not remove the effect completely, then you will either need to change the theme to a standard one, or edit the parameters of the theme itself through the Theme app.

Removal through the app Topics and Wallpaper

If the standard path failed, you should use the specialized Theme app, which is preinstalled on all Xiaomi smartphones. This is where all downloaded or system packages with animation are stored. Deleting the animation source ensures that it disappears from the desktop.

Launch the Themes app and navigate to the user profile by clicking on the man icon in the lower right corner. Here, select Wallpaper. You'll see a list of all the background images ever installed. Find active live wallpaper on the list - they often have the corresponding mark or video player icon.

Click on the image to open the preview. At the bottom of the screen, an delete button should appear (usually a basket icon or a Remove button), and once confirmed, the file will be deleted from the device's memory, and the system will automatically switch to a standard static image.

⚠️ Note: When removing system wallpapers through the Themes app, make sure you have a backup static image so that the screen doesn’t turn black or reset on a default background without your knowledge.

In some cases, deletion can be blocked if the wallpaper is part of an active system theme, then you need to first switch to the theme Classic or Default, and only then delete the animation files, this will prevent conflicts in the interface.

Clearing the data service Wallpaper Carousel

Often the cause of intrusive animation is Lock Screen Magazine, which periodically changes images on the lock screen and can download dynamic content from the Internet, and to get rid of it completely, you need to clear the services.

Go to Settings and find the Wallpaper Carousel section. If you don't have one on the main menu, search by settings by entering the service name. Inside the menu, turn off the switch to Turn on Wallpaper Carousel. This will stop automatic image change.

For a deeper cleanup, go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find Wallpaper Carousel (may be called Wallpaper Carousel) on the list. Click Memory and select Clean → Clear Everything. This will delete all cached images and settings.

Once you do this, the lock screen will stop changing the images and the load on the processor will be significantly reduced, which is especially useful for users who prefer minimalism and speed.

Use of third-party launchers

If MIUI 12’s built-in tools fail to remove the animation or it returns after a reboot, a radical solution is to install a third-party launcher: programs like Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher or Smart Launcher completely replace the standard desktop and ignore the system settings of live wallpaper.

Once you install this app, the system will suggest you choose it as your primary one. By selecting a third-party launcher, you will have full control over the icon grid, transition animations and, of course, background images. Most launchers offer live wallpaper support optionally and are disabled by default.

The advantage of this method is not only to remove animations, but also to fine-tune the interface to your needs. You can resize icons, add gestures and adjust control panels. However, it is worth remembering that third-party launchers also consume resources, although often optimized better than stock ones.

⚠️ Note: When installing a third-party launcher, make sure you only download the app from the official Google Play Store to avoid introducing malicious code.

To return to the standard interface, it will be enough to simply delete the installed launcher or select the MIUI system launcher in the Home settings. This action is safe and will not damage the user's personal data.

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Before installing a new launcher, take a screenshot of the location of your icons so that you can quickly restore the usual desktop structure.

Performance problems after installing live wallpaper

Users often notice that once the dynamic background is set, the phone starts to run slower, which is because the video processor has to decode the image constantly, even when you are not actively interacting with the screen. On older Redmi or Poco models, this can cause noticeable delays (lags).

Also, live wallpaper can conflict with other visuals of MIUI 12, such as super wallpaper or blur effects, which leads to increased RAM consumption. If you notice that apps are flying out or the phone is warming, the first thing to do is check what is being used on the desktop.

You can use a built-in optimization tool to diagnose this, run the Safety app and press Accelerate, and if the system suggests closing the wallpaper processes, it will confirm that they have a negative impact on performance, and then returning to static is a necessary step.

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Turning off animated backgrounds is the fastest way to boost the performance of an old smartphone without losing personal data.

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