How to install your photo on the lock screen Xiaomi Redmi 7: 3 working methods

Xiaomi Redmi 7 is one of the most popular budget smartphones of the brand, but even its owners often face non-obvious moments when setting up. One of the frequent questions is how to put a personal photo on the lock screen if standard MIUI settings do not offer a direct path? In this article, we will analyze all the current ways – from built-in functions to workaround solutions for different versions of the firmware.

It is important to understand that MIUI is updated regularly and the location of menu items may vary depending on the version (for example, MIUI 10 and MIUI 12.5 will be different paths).We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will suit most users.

If you want not just to replace the wallpaper, but to set up a dynamic lock screen (with a changing background depending on the time of day) or use live wallpaper - at the end of the article there is a bonus section with instructions for advanced users.

1. Method through standard MIUI settings (the simplest)

This method works on most versions of Redmi 7 firmware (from MIUI 10 to MIUI 12.5) and does not require the installation of additional applications.

Steps:

• 📱 Open the Settings app (cog icon on the home screen).
• 🎨 Go to the Lock Screen section (in some versions) MIUI It could be called Wallpaper. → Lock screen).
• 🖼️ Select "Gallery" or "My Wallpaper" (depending on the firmware version).
• 📂 Find the photo in the folders and tap it. The system will suggest that you crop the image to the size of the screen, confirm the action.
• ✅ Click “Install” and select “Only Lock Screen” (or “Both Screens” if you want to sync with the main screen).

If you don't have a lock screen in your settings, your version of MIUI is using a different path.

1. Click the empty space on the main screen → select Wallpaper.
2. In the menu that opens, go to the Lock Screen tab.
3. Follow the instructions above (choice from the gallery).

⚠️ Note: On some Redmi 7 firmware (especially global ones), the custom wallpaper installation function on the lock screen can be disabled by default. In this case, resetting themes to standard ones will help: go to Settings → Topics → My themes and choose by default.

Photo saved in the gallery (not on the SD-map)

Image resolution of at least 1080×1920 pixels

On the smartphone enough free memory (minimum 500 MB)

Power saving modes are disabled (can block wallpaper changes)-->

2.Use of the “Themes” application for customization

If the standard method didn’t work, you can go around the official Themes app, which is suitable for MIUI 11 and later firmware, where the lock screen personalization is more flexible.

Instructions:

• 🎭 Open the Themes app (brush icon on the home screen).
• 🔍 In the search bar, enter Lockscreen or Lock Screen (in English/Russian).
• 📌 Choose any theme you like with the tag “customizable).
• 🖼️ After applying the theme, go to its settings (pencil icon or Edit).
• 📱 Here you can replace the background of the lock screen with your photo from the gallery.

The advantage of this method is the ability to further customize fonts, icons and animations of the lock screen. However, be careful: some themes from the MIUI store may contain advertising or collect data. We recommend using only official themes marked Verified.

MIUI 10

MIUI 11

MIUI 12/12.5

MIUI 13/14

I don't know.-->

3. Third-party applications: when nothing helps

If none of the above methods worked, we're left with third-party applications, and we've tested a few solutions and selected the most reliable ones.

Top 3 applications for changing the background of the lock screen:

• 📲 LockScreen Wallpaper Changer is a simple tool that supports automatic wallpaper change on a schedule.
• 🎨 KLWP Live Wallpaper Maker, for advanced users, allows you to create dynamic wallpaper with animation.
• 🔒 Zedge is a library of wallpaper and sounds that can upload images of itself.

Important: Google Play apps may not have full access to the lock screen MIUI Due to security limitations, it may be necessary to disable battery optimization for the selected application (in the Application settings) to function properly. → Permits → Auto-start).

Instructions for LockScreen Wallpaper Changer:

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and provide all the permissions you request (including Overlaying over other windows).
3. Choose Set Wallpaper → Lock Screen.
4. Upload your photo or select from the gallery.
5. Confirm installation and restart your smartphone (sometimes required to apply changes).

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (e.g, KLWP) require MIUI Optimization in the developer settings. This can lead to unstable smartphone operation. Before changing these settings, back up your data!

4.Why the photo is not installed: typical errors and decisions

Even following the instructions, Redmi 7 users often have trouble changing the background of the lock screen, and we will discuss the most common cases and how to fix them.

Error 1: The Lock Screen item is not in the settings

Reason: Your firmware uses a simplified interface (often found on global versions of MIUI for the European market).

• 🔄 Try changing the region in the settings: Settings → Additionally. → Region → Choose India or China (reset your phone after changing your region).
• 📥 Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) that allows you to set up the lock screen separately.

Mistake 2: Photos are cut or stretched

Reason: Impression resolution mismatch with smartphone screen. Redmi 7 has a resolution of 720×1520 (HD+), but for the correct display it is better to use a photo with a resolution of 1080×2160 (to avoid pixelation).

• 🖼️ Cut your photo in advance in any graphics editor (such as Snapseed or Photoshop Express) at an aspect ratio of 9:19.5.
• 🔄 In the wallpaper settings, select Fill instead of Size.

Error 3: Photo resets after rebooting

Reason: System cache failure or battery optimization conflict.

• 🧹 Clear the cache of the "Themes" app: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Topics → Clear the cache.
• 🔋 Turn off battery optimization for the app that was installed wallpaper: Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery → Find the application and select Without Limits.

💡

If after changing the background on the lock screen appeared artifacts (strips, blur), try to disable hardware acceleration in the developer settings (Disable). HW-It might help, but it'll reduce the smoothness of animations.

5. Dynamic wallpaper and live backgrounds on the lock screen

If you're tired of static photos, you can set up dynamic wallpapers (changing depending on the time of day) or even live wallpapers (with animations).

Method 1: Through the "Themes" app

Some themes in the official MIUI store support dynamic backgrounds, such as the Earth and Moon theme changing the wallpaper depending on the time of day.

1. Open “Themes” → Categories → Lock screen.
2. In the filters, select Dynamic or Animated.
3. Download your favorite topic and apply it.

Method 2: Third-party live wallpaper

To install live wallpaper (for example, with falling snow or waves) you will need:

• 📱 Install the Live Wallpapers or WallpapersCraft app from Google Play.
• 🎨 Choose your favorite live wallpaper and download them.
• 🔧 Apply through Settings → Wallpaper. → Live wallpaper.

Note that live wallpaper consumes an extra battery (up to 5-10% per day). If you notice an accelerated discharge, go back to the static backgrounds.

💡

Dynamic wallpaper through official MIUI themes is safer than third-party applications, as they are moderated by Xiaomi and do not contain hidden advertising.

6. Alternative methods for advanced users

If you're not afraid of experimentation and are willing to sacrifice the warranty, you can use advanced methods to change the background of the lock screen, these methods require unlocking the bootloader and / or root rights, so they are only suitable for advanced users.

Method 1: Editing system files through Magisk

With Magisk, you can replace the standard wallpaper in your system folders.

• 🔓 Open the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock).
• 📱 Install Magisk Manager and get root rights.
• 📁 Go to a root-access file manager (such as Root Explorer) /system/media/theme/default/wallpaper.
• 🖼️ Replace files lockscreen_wallpaper.jpg on their own (with the preservation of the original name and permission).
• 🔄 Reset the device.

Method 2: Use of the ADB-team

Without root rights, but with USB debugging enabled, you can try changing wallpapers via ADB:

adb shell settings put global lock_screen_wallpaper /sdcard/IMG_2023.jpg


adb shell settings put global lock_screen_wallpaper_enabled 1

Where /sdcard/IMG_2023.jpg — The path to your photo in the memory of the smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB or editing system files can lead to a "brick" of the device (complete failure). TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

7. Frequent Questions and Answers (FAQ)

8 Conclusion: Which way to choose?

So let's summarize:

• 🔹 For most users, the standard method will suit through settings. MIUI (Section 1. This is the safest and fastest method.
• 🔹 If the standard method doesn't work, try the Themes app (Section 2.
• 🔹 Third-party applications (Section 3) should only be used if the first two methods fail!
• 🔹 Advanced methods (Section 6) are suitable only for advanced users who are ready for possible system failures.

If you want maximum customization (dynamic wallpaper, animations, custom fonts), consider installing custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS).

And then I'll leave you with a little life hack: if you change wallpaper a lot, create a separate folder in the gallery (like Lockscreen) and save all the photos you like there, so you don't have to look for the right image when you change the background.