Personalizing the interface of a smartphone is the first thing that many users start with after buying a new device. Owners of Xiaomi gadgets often look for a way to replace a standard image with a unique photo from their personal archive to make the device truly their own. The MIUI shell or the newer HyperOS provides ample opportunities for customization, but the process of installing wallpaper on the main screen has its own nuances, different from installing on the lock screen.
Unlike many other Android smartphones, Xiaomi’s system initially separates background images for the lock screen and desktop, which sometimes causes confusion.You can choose a static image, live wallpaper, or even create a complex widget with a photo album. Understanding the differences between these methods will allow you to create the perfect visual style.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at all the ways you can set your photos, look at widgets, and solve common problems with image quality or cropping. Follow the instructions to make your smartphone look exactly the way you want it to.
Basic installation method through the Gallery
The simplest and most obvious method that most Redmi and Poco owners use is to use the built-in Gallery app, which requires no additional software and works on all firmware versions, but it is important to choose the right image so that it does not lose quality when compressed by the system.
To start, open the Gallery app and select the photo you want. Click on the "More" button (usually three dots in the corner) or swipe up to see the action menu. In the list of options, find Set as Wallpaper. The system will tell you to choose where to apply the image: on the lock screen, on the desktop or on both screens at once.
After selecting the target screen, the framing editor will open, and you can shift the image to select the best composition. Note that the desktop trimming area will be wider, as the application icons should not overlap important details of the photo. Click Apply to save the changes.
☑️ Pre-installing check
It is worth noting that when using this method, the system can automatically apply filters or slightly change the color reproduction, adapting the image to the theme of the design. If you want the original unchanged, you should use other methods described below.
Using the “Themes” application for customization
Xiaomi’s official Themes app is a powerful tool that is often underrated, not only to download pre-made packages, but also to work with local images, providing more flexible zooming settings than a standard gallery, and you can find thousands of free high-quality wallpapers here.
To set your photo through this tool, run the Topic app and go to the profile (human icon). Select the Wallpaper section, then click on the local image icon (usually a square with a picture). Select the desired photo from the device's memory. The system will prompt you to apply it, and here you will have more control over how the image will lie on the desktop grid.
The advantage of using the Theme app is that you can preview it, see how the photo will match with your widgets and icons before you finally approve the choice, and you can also use the Wallpaper Carousel feature, which allows you to change images automatically.
⚠️ Warning: When downloading themes from third-party sources or unofficial stores, be careful. Some themes may contain ads or slow down the interface. Use only proven resources or an official store.
The Themes app also has a feature for creating your own live wallpaper from videos, if your smartphone model supports this option, which makes the interface more dynamic, although it can consume more battery power.
Setting up the Photos widget for a slideshow
If you want to keep your desktop photos constantly changing to create a live frame, you'll need a widget. It's a great way to always have your favorite moments in front of you without having to manually change the wallpaper. Widgets in MIUI and HyperOS work steadily and don't require constant application opening.
To install the widget, press the empty space on your desktop with your finger until the edit menu appears. Select Widgets (or "Add"). In the list, find the Photos or Gallery category. Drag the widget to your desktop. In the settings menu that opens, select the album from which the images will be taken and specify the frame change interval.
There are several types of widgets, from simple square bezels to large blocks that take up half the screen. Choose the one that best fits into your app grid. Some widgets allow you to customize the transition style between frames, adding dissolution or shift effects.
| Type of widget | Occupied seat | Functional | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classical. | 2x2 or 4x2 | Showing photos, clicking | Low. |
| Portrait | 2x3 | Vertical photo, the effect of depth | Average. |
| Slider | 4x4 | Automatic shift, effects | High. |
| Mini. | 2x1 | One photo, minimalism | Minimum |
Why can't the widget work?
If you save charge, it is better to choose a static widget or regular wallpaper.
Installation of live wallpaper from video
Modern. AMOLED-Xiaomi smartphone screens are ideal for displaying live wallpaper. Dynamic image can bring the interface to life, making it more attractive. However, installing video as a desktop background has its technical limitations and requirements.
You can't install random video on your desktop using standard means, which allows you to do so only for the lock screen or through special themes. To get around this limitation, you can use third-party apps like Video Live Wallpaper from Google Play. After installing this application, select the video file, adjust the settings (sound, scale, frame rate) and click "Install as wallpaper."
When using live desktop wallpaper, be aware that animations can be interrupted when swiping or opening heavy apps to save resources, and video wallpaper can cause the device to heat up when used actively, especially on models with mid-range processors.
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Use short video fragments (up to 10 seconds) for live wallpaper. Long rollers will take up a lot of RAM and can cause lags when scrolling through the desktop.
Some users prefer to use the "super wallpapers" that are available in newer versions of HyperOS, which are complex scenes with planets or landscapes that respond to touch and transition between screens, creating a depth effect.
Solving Quality and Scaling Problems
A common problem for Xiaomi users is blurring photos after installation. The system can aggressively compress images to save space or speed up desktop loading. To avoid loss of quality, use images with a resolution equal to or greater than the screen resolution of your smartphone.
If the photo is stretched or cut incorrectly, the problem may be in the aspect ratio: screens of modern smartphones are elongated format (for example, 20:9), while most photos are taken at 4:3 or 16:9. Before installing, trim the photo in the editor to the desired ratio so that the system does not do it automatically and with loss of quality.
You can also find the option "Increase font and interface elements" in the display settings, which can affect how the wallpaper looks on the desktop, shifting the visible area, and zoom back to the standard value if you notice distortions.
⚠️ Note: Do not use images in format HEIC (Apple standard - directly if you have an older version MIUI. Convert them into JPG or PNG before installation to avoid display errors or black screen.
To check the actual resolution of your screen, go to Settings → About Phone → All settings and find the line with the resolution of the display. Focus on these numbers when searching or creating wallpaper.
Frequent Questions and Answers (FAQ)
Why does the photo on the desktop look blurry, even though the original is clear?
Can I install different photos for left and right desktop?
How to remove the MIUI logo from the lock screen if it covers the photo?
Does the live wallpaper affect the speed of the smartphone?
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The quality of the final image depends on the original file: always choose a photo with a margin of resolution and the correct aspect ratio before installation.
Customizing the look and feel of a smartphone is a creative process that allows you to make the device unique. Experiment with widgets, themes and static images to find the perfect balance between the beauty and functionality of your Xiaomi.