How to install your picture on the lock screen Xiaomi: all ways 2026

Xiaomi's lock screen is the first thing you see when you turn on a smartphone, and its design can tell you about your style or mood. -- Many Redmi users, POCO They want to replace the standard background with their favorite photo, meme or art, but they don't always understand how to do it correctly. MIUI (12, 13, 14 or 15) and the device model process may be different — somewhere enough a couple of clicks, and somewhere you need to bypass the limitations of the system.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change wallpaper on the lock screen: from official methods through settings to alternative solutions for older versions of firmware. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes (for example, when a picture is cropped or loses quality), what image formats are supported, and what to do if the system does not allow you to change the background (AOD) We have prepared a separate section with the nuances of the settings.

It doesn’t matter if you want to put a photo of loved ones, an abstract drawing or the logo of your favorite game – after reading this manual, you can do it for yourself. 2-3 Let's get going!

Official method: via MIUI settings (for new versions)

The easiest and safest method is to use built-in tools. MIUI. It runs on most of Xiaomi’s current smartphones, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13 and other devices with firmware MIUI The main condition: the phone must unlock the wallpaper change function (sometimes it is limited in corporate or children's profiles).

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Open the Themes app (an icon with a brush and palette). If it is not on the home screen, search the system (Conductor) → Search → "Topics").
2. In the lower menu, select the Wallpaper tab.
3. Scroll down to the Lock Screen section and tap it.
4. Click Add Wallpaper (or Select from Gallery, depending on version) MIUI).
5. Select the desired image from the Gallery or upload a new one.
6. Adjust the scale and position of the picture (if required), then click Apply.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M4 Pro) after selecting the photo, the system will suggest applying it only to the home screen or to the lock screen!

Image with resolution not lower 1080×2340 (full HD+ display)

The photo does not contain important details around the edges (they can be cut off)

The device is connected to charging (to avoid discharge during the process)

Power saving modes are disabled (they can interrupt the application of themes)

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If the image looks blurry or pixelated after application, the problem is most likely in the resolution of the original file.

If your model is not in the table, focus on the screen resolution specified in the characteristics of the device. → The phone. → Screen characteristics.

Photo by loved ones/friends

Landscapes/nature

Abstractions/drawings

Memes/humor

Brand/Game logos

Other-->

Alternative method: through the Gallery appendix

Not everyone knows, but in MIUI You can change the wallpaper on the lock screen right from the standard Gallery, and this works on most devices, including Redmi and the Redmi. POCO, But it may not be on some custom firmware, and the advantage of this method is that it's fast and you don't have to search for the application.

Instructions:

1. Open the gallery and find the image you want.
2. Slip the photo to open it in full screen mode.
3. Click on the three dots in the lower right corner (or swipe up if you have gesture control).
4. In the menu, select Set as → Lock screen wallpaper.
5. Adjust the framing area (if necessary) and confirm the choice.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 for European region) this menu item may not be available, in which case use the first method or update the Gallery app via Google Play.

If the image is not displayed correctly after installation (for example, it is offset or stretched), try the following:

• 📏 Use an image with an exact aspect ratio, as in the table above.
• 🔄 Reboot the device — sometimes it helps to reset the wallpaper cache.
• 🛠️ Update the firmware to the latest version (in Settings) → Updating the system).

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If you want the wallpaper on the lock screen and the home screen to match, select the "Set as Wallpaper" menu to save time and avoid visual dissonance.

For older versions. MIUI (11 and below: circumvention of restrictions

Owners of devices with MIUI 11 or earlier versions (e.g. Redmi Note 8, Mi 9) often face a problem: the system simply does not allow you to change the wallpaper on the lock screen through standard settings.

There are two proven ways to get around this limitation:

Method 1: Use of third-party launchers

Some alternative launchers (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair) allow you to change the wallpaper on the lock screen even where it is prohibited by regular means.

1. Install a launcher from Google Play (like Nova Launcher).
2. Launch it and install it as the default launcher (when the system is requested).
3. In the launcher settings, find the Wallpaper section or Lock screen settings.
4. Select an image and apply it. Some launchers will require additional permissions (for example, Overlay on top of other applications).

The disadvantage of the method: after returning to the standard launcher MIUI Wallpaper can fall off. To avoid it, use the second method.

Method 2: Manual file copying (for advanced users)

This method requires root rights or access to a file manager with superuser rights (such as MiXplorer or Solid Explorer) and is suitable for power users, as improper actions can lead to system failures.

Instructions:

1. Download and install a root-enabled file manager (such as MiXplorer).
2. Cross the path: /data/system/users/0/ Find the file. lockscreen_wallpaper (or wallpaper, the name may be different).
3. Copy your image into this folder by renaming it in lockscreen_wallpaper (The format should be.jpg or.png).
4. Change the file access permissions to 644 (read for all, write for owner only).
5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Incorrectly changing files in the folder /data/system/ This can cause a cyclical reboot or reset. Before experimenting, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Features for Always-On Display (AOD)

Xiaomi devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra, Redmi) K50 Xiaomi 13 Pro supports Always-On Display (AOD), It's a time, notifications and wallpaper that you can even turn off. AOD nuanced.

Here's what you need to know:

• 🖼️ Not all images are suitable for AOD. The system automatically darkens the image to reduce power consumption, and bright or colorful wallpaper may look dull.
• ⚡ Impact on the battery. AOD spends 1-2% To save energy, use dark wallpaper with a minimum of white pixels.
• ⏱️ Display time. In settings. AOD You can choose how long the screen will be active after locking (from 5 seconds to Always).

How to set up wallpaper for AOD:

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen → Always-On Display.
2. Turn on the function if it is disabled.
3. Select the display style (such as Dial or Image).
4. Slip on Wallpaper and select a picture from the gallery.
5. Set the brightness and shutdown timer.

On devices with MIUI 14 and newer in AOD Dynamic Wallpaper mode is available, which changes the background depending on the time of day (for example, sunset in the evening and dawn in the morning). AOD Item Dynamic wallpaper and download the appropriate package from Thems.

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For maximum battery life, use static dark wallpaper in the AOD. Avoid white or light elements, which consume more energy. AMOLED-screen.

Problems and Solutions: Why the Image is Not Set

Even following the instructions, users sometimes encounter errors when changing the wallpaper on the lock screen.

If none of the methods helped, try resetting the theme settings to the standard:

1. Open Topics → Profile (human icon in upper right corner).
2. Click on the three dots in the top menu and select Reset Settings.
3. Confirm the action and restart the device.

After resetting, try resetting the wallpaper. 90% of the time, it solves the problem.

How to make animated wallpaper on the lock screen

Standard facilities MIUI do not support installation GIF Or Live Wallpapers on the lock screen, but there are workarounds, and you'll need a third-party app like Video Live Wallpaper or something like that. KLWP.

Instructions for KLWP (You need to purchase the Pro version):

1. Install KLWP Live Wallpaper Maker from Google Play.
2. Open the app and create a new preset (+ → New Preset).
3. Add animation or video through Media → Video.
4. Save the preset and apply it as wallpaper through Set Wallpaper.
5. In the settings, select Lock Screen (lock screen).

⚠️ Attention: Animated wallpaper significantly increases battery consumption (up to) 5-10% hourly AOD). Use them only when connected to a charger or if you have a powerful battery (e.g., a battery pack, 5000 mach and higher).

Alternatively, use dynamic wallpaper from Google:

• 🌄 Install the Wallpapers app from Google (link).
• 🎨 Select the section Live wallpaper and download the animation you like.
• 🔄 Apply it to the lock screen through the app menu.

These wallpapers are optimized for charge savings and look more smooth than homemade ones GIF.

Security: Can I hack my phone on the wallpaper?

Many users worry that personal photos on the lock screen could become a vulnerability for hackers or scammers.

Myths and facts:

• 🔍 Myth: "You can recover a password or a pattern lock on wallpaper." Fact: There is no technology that allows you to crack a lock from the background image. /data/system/.
• 📸 Myth: "Photos from the lock screen can be used for social engineering." Fact: Theoretically, yes, if there's personal information on the wallpaper (like a passport or ticket photo), but that's true of any picture you post on social media.
• 🛡️ Myth: "Wallpaper slows the unlocking of the face." Fact: No, the background of the lock screen does not affect the work of Face Unlock or the fingerprint scanner.

Safety recommendations:

• 🚫 Do not use photos of documents, tickets, credit cards or other sensitive data on wallpaper.
• 🔒 If you are afraid of leaking personal photos, set a blurred background through applications like Blur Wallpaper.
• 🔄 Change wallpaper regularly (e.g. once a month) to reduce the risk of using it for targeted attacks.

If you are selling or transferring your phone to another person, remember to reset your wallpaper to the standard:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Choose Reset Theme Settings (not a full reset!).
3. Confirm the action.

💡

Wallpaper on the lock screen does not directly affect the security of the device, but can be an indirect source of information about you.

FAQ: Frequent questions