Animated wallpaper based on GIF-Files transform the look of a smartphone, making it unique. Xiaomi Redmi 9 owners often face a problem: standard settings MIUI They don't support the direct installation of GIFs as wallpaper, but there are a number of ways to get around this limitation, from built-in features to third-party apps.
In this article, you will find 5 proven methods, including beginners’ instructions and animation optimization tips. We will also discuss why some GIFs may not work, and how to prepare a file for seamless playback. All methods have been tested on Redmi 9 with MIUI 12-14, but will also be suitable for other Xiaomi models on similar versions of the shell.
Before you start, make sure that your smartphone is at least 30% charged – prolonged work with animated wallpaper increases battery consumption. Also prepare a gif: its resolution should match the Redmi 9 screen (720×1600 pixels) to avoid stretching or trimming.
1. Method: through built-in live MIUI wallpaper
MIUI has a hidden feature that supports live wallpaper, which allows you to install some types of animations, including converted GIFs.This method does not require the installation of additional applications, but only works with files in.mp4 or.webm format.
To convert the GIF to a supported format:
- 📱 Use online converters (for example, EZGIF) for.gif conversion →.mp4.
- ⚙️ Set the permit. 720×1600, bitrate 2 Mbps to avoid lags.
- 🔄 Check the duration of the video - optimally up to 10 seconds (cyclic playback).
Follow the instructions:
- Save the converted file to the DCIM → Wallpapers folder on your phone.
- Open the Settings → Wallpaper.
- Select the section "Live Wallpaper"** (may be called "Dynamic" in new versions of MIUI).
- Click “Add Live Wallpaper”** and specify the path to your.mp4 file.
- Set up the display area (trimming) and apply.
Convert to MP4/WEBM| Set resolution 720×1600|Limit duration to 10 seconds|Save to Wallpapers folder
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⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14+ The function of the live wallpaper can be hidden. To activate it, go to Settings. → About the phone and 5 times click on "Version" MIUI» — This will turn on the developer mode. → Additionally. → For developers, find the option “Activate live wallpaper” and turn it on.
2. Method: GIF Live Wallpaper app
If the built-in MIUI tools don't fit, use the third-party GIF Live Wallpaper app (available on Google Play) which is specialized for GIFs and supports:
- 🎨 Reproduction speed setting.
- 🔄 Cyclical repetition without pause.
- 📏 Automatic fit to screen resolution.
- 🔋 Optimization of battery consumption (mode "Savings»).
Step-by-step:
- Install the application and open it.
- Click “Select GIF”** and specify the path to the file on the phone.
- In the "Settings" section** adjust: 🔄 «Repeat: ** Enter an infinite cycle. ⚡ «Performance**: Select Balanced Mode. 🎯 «Position: **Center the image.
"Home."
"Block screen"**
| Parameter | Recommended value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| GIF authorization | 720×1600 | It is a Redmi 9 (HD+) screen. |
| FPS | 24–30 | A higher FPS will increase the load on the processor. |
| Duration | 3-10 sec. | Long GIFs can slow down the interface. |
| Format | .gif or.mp4 | MP4 supports better quality with less weight. |
💡
Before installing the GIF, check it in the Gallery app: if the animation is played in jerks, reduce the FPS to 15-20 fps in the editor.
3. Method: Convert GIF to Live Photo (for MIUI 13+)
MIUI 13 and later has support for Live Photo, short animated shots that can be used as wallpaper, to convert the GIF to this format:
- Download the IntoLive (iOS) or Motion Stills (Android) app.
- Import the GIF to the app and export it as.mov (Live Photo).
- Move the file to the DCIM → LivePhotos folder on your phone.
- Open Settings → Wallpaper → Live wallpaper and select the created file.
This method is suitable for gifs up to 3 seconds long, and longer files will be cropped automatically.
Why is Live Photo better than GIF?
Method: Use of KWGT (for advanced users)
If you need interactive wallpaper with a gif and additional elements (hour widget, weather), use KWGT Pro. This application allows you to create custom widgets with animation.
Algorithm of action:
- Install KWGT Pro and KLWP Live Wallpaper** (for full-screen wallpaper).
- Download a template with GIF support (for example, “Animated Wallpaper” in the “Explore” > app section).
⚠️ Attention: KWGT It consumes a lot of resources. 9 s 3/4 GB RAM is possible to slow down. To reduce the load, turn off unnecessary animations in the widget settings and reduce the resolution of the gif to 540×1200.
5. Method: Manual installation via ADB (for experienced)
For users with unlocked bootloader and root rights, the method of installing the GIF through ADB is available. This method allows you to bypass the limitations of MIUI, but requires technical skills.
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and activate “USB Debugging”** in the developer settings.
- Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
- Place the GIF in the /sdcard/Pictures/Wallpapers/ folder on your phone.
- The command in the terminal is: adb shell am start. -a android.intent.action.SET_WALLPAPER -d file:///sdcard/Pictures/Wallpapers/your_gif.gif -t image/*
- If the GIF is not installed, convert it to.mp4 and repeat the command with the modified extension.
Important: On the Redmi 9 with a Helio G80 processor, animated wallpaper can conflict with power saving features. If the phone overheats after installing the GIF, add the wallpaper app to the battery optimization exception list (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).