Personalizing the MIUI interface is the first step that makes a new smartphone truly yours. The owner of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro often faces the desire to replace the standard image with a personal photo or high-quality art. The lock screen is the most commonly used element of the interface, so its visual design makes a difference to the overall experience of the device.
The process of replacing the image in the MIUI shell may seem unobvious due to the presence of several settings menus. The system offers various sources for installing graphics: a gallery, embedded themes or online services. Understanding the logic of how these sections work will avoid confusion and quickly achieve the desired result.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available ways to install photos, we will look at standard methods through the gallery, working with the theme and solving typical problems when the system refuses to save changes, you will learn to manage lock wallpaper professionally.
Image Preparation and Format Requirements
Before you start settings, you need to make sure that the source file meets the technical requirements of the system. Redmi Note 8 Pro is equipped with a display with a resolution of 2340×1080 pixels. Using low-quality images will lead to the appearance of compression artifacts and blur on the screen.
The best solution is to use JPG or PNG files. MIUI system algorithms handle these containers best, and if you plan to use an image from an Internet resource, make sure it is saved in full size, not as a thumbnail.
⚠️ Note: Avoid using files with extensions WEBP or HEIC to install directly on the lock, as in some firmware versions this may cause a display error or black screen.
Also, you should consider the aspect ratio. Vertical images taken on the main camera can be cropped by the system if you do not choose the right zoom area. Horizontal panoramas will require significant zooming, which will reduce the detail of the central objects.
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Save the original photos in the cloud before the experiment with installing them on the wallpaper, so as not to lose quality when the system recompresses.
Classical method of installation through the Gallery
The easiest and most reliable way to change the background is to use the built-in Gallery app, which requires no internet connection and works even in air mode. The action algorithm is universal for most versions of Android in the MIUI shell.
To start, open the image and click on the three dots in the lower right corner of the screen. In the context menu that appears, select "Set as wallpaper." The system automatically goes to preview mode, where you can adjust the scale.
- 📸 Click the “Install” button at the bottom of the screen.
- 🔒 Select the “lock screen” option from the proposed list.
- ✅ Confirm the action if the system requests permission to change the topic.
- 🔄 Check the result by blocking the device with the power button.
It's important to note that when you select a gallery source, the system might suggest using the wallpaper carousel effect, which is a feature that automatically changes images. If you want a static photo, make sure the carousel switch is turned off before the final confirmation.
☑️ Pre-installing check
Use of the Topics application for customization
The Themes app provides deeper customization options, not just a photo, but also a change in the style of the watch, the date and the animation of the unlock, which is especially true for Redmi Note 8 Pro owners who want to unify the interface.
To set your photo through this tool, go to the user profile (the human icon in the lower right corner). Wallpaper or My Resources menus often have access to local files. However, a more advanced method is to create your own theme.
In Profile, look for the Create Theme button, where you can upload your image as a background for the lock screen, which allows you to adjust the position of the clock so that it doesn't overlap important details of the photo, and then you activate the theme, which takes a few seconds.
Secret topic menu
The advantage of the Themes method is that you can preview fonts and icons in combination with a new background, and you see the result before you apply the changes, and that eliminates the need to switch back and forth.
Setup of the Wallpaper Carousel Xiaomi
The Glance feature, which automatically uploads new images from Xiaomi partners, is worth noting, and many users want to turn it off, but some prefer to customize it to suit themselves by adding their albums.
To manage this service, go to Settings → Lock screen. This is the wallpaper carousel switch. Inside this menu, you can select the source of images. If you only want to see your photos, select My Albums.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Shift frequency | Image update interval | Every screen switching on |
| Source | Where do the pictures come from? | Local gallery |
| Wi-Fi only | Downloading content | Included for savings |
| Pocket mode | Reaction in the pocket | Activate |
Using a carousel with local albums creates a live photo frame effect. Every time you pull out a Redmi Note 8 Pro, you'll see a new image from your chosen folder, which is a great way to refresh the experience of the device without manually changing each file.
Solving problems with image installation
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where after all the manipulations on the lock screen remains a standard picture or logo MIUI. This can be caused by a failure in the system process System UI or crowded cache.
The first step should be to clear the cache of the Themes app. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find Themes and click Clear Cache. Don't confuse it with the Clear All button so you don't delete the downloaded themes.
⚠️ Note: If after resetting the themes, purchased or downloaded paid items disappeared, you will need to restore them through your Mi Account account in the application profile.
Another common reason is the "Simplified Mode" or "Silent Mode" mode, which is limited in customization options. Switch to standard mode in the screen settings to gain full access to the features.
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Resetting the cache of the Themes app solves 90% of the problems with the inability to install new wallpaper on the lock screen.
Features of working with AMOLED and LCD matrices
The Redmi Note 8 Pro features an LCD IPS matrix, not AMOLED. This is an important technical nuance that influences wallpaper choice. Unlike AMOLED, where black means off the pixel and saves energy, on the LCD, black is simply displayed by backlighting.
Therefore, using all-black wallpaper on this device will not give the effect of battery saving, as on flagships with OLED. Moreover, on a light background, you can see the features of the matrix backlight, such as the “glow effect” at the edges of the screen.
It is recommended to choose images with medium brightness. Too bright white wallpaper can visually make the screen frame wider due to the structure of the LCD panel. Dark but not black tones (for example, dark gray or dark blue) will look most advantageous and natural.