How to install your picture on the lock screen Xiaomi Redmi 8: 3 proven ways

The lock screen of the Xiaomi Redmi 8 is the first thing you see when you turn on your smartphone. Standard wallpaper from MIUI quickly get bored, and the ability to set your own photo makes the phone unique. However, not everyone knows that Redmi 8 has several ways to change the background image, from standard settings to hidden shell functions.

In this article, we will explore all the current methods, including the nuances for different versions of MIUI (11 to 14), learn how to circumvent the limitations of the system if your photo is not suitable for resolution, and what third-party applications will help expand the possibilities of customization, and also why sometimes wallpaper is reset after rebooting and how to fix it.

Preparation: what pictures are suitable for the lock screen

Before you install wallpaper, make sure your image meets the specifications of Xiaomi Redmi 8.The system automatically crops and zooms photos, but it does not always look aesthetically pleasing.

Optimal settings for the Redmi 8 screen (resolution 720×1520 pixels):

• 📏 The aspect ratio: 19:9 (or close to it) images with a ratio of 16:9 will be cropped on the sides.
• 🎨 Format:.jpg,.png or.webp. The system does not support.gif for static wallpaper.
• 📱 File size: up to 10MB. Heavy images may not load.
• 👁️ Contrast: Avoid too dark or light images, which merge with interface elements (hours, notifications).

If your photo is not suitable for resolution, use free online cropping services, such as ILoveIMG or Photopea. For Redmi 8, a template with a resolution of 1080×2160 (with a margin for trimming height) is ideal.

⚠️ Note: If you install wallpaper through the Gallery, the system can automatically stretch the image, distorting the proportions. MIUI-LAWS (described in the next section).

Method 1: through standard MIUI settings (the simplest)

This is a basic method that works on all versions of MIUI 11 to 14, requiring no additional applications to install, and takes less than a minute.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Lock Screen section (or Wallpaper → Lock screen in new versions of MIUI).
3. Click Change Wallpaper (or Add New)
4. Select the source: 🖼️ Gallery – to upload your photo. 🌄 Wallpaper. MIUI — standard collections from Xiaomi. 🎨 Live wallpaper – animated background images (not available on all firmware).

gallery

Apply

lock-screen

Main screen + locking

Now, the next time you turn on the screen, you'll see a new image. If the wallpaper hasn't changed, try rebooting your phone -- sometimes MIUI caches the old settings.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 12.5+ After the system update, the lock screen wallpaper is reset to the standard. MIUI-launcher (described below).

Method 2: Through MIUI-launcher (for precise setup)

This method gives you more control over the positioning of the image and works even if the standard settings do not save wallpaper. MIUI 11–14.

Instructions:

1. Press and hold the empty space on the home screen (not the icon!).
2. At the bottom of the screen, a menu will appear – select Wallpaper (or Themes in older versions).
3. Go to the tab My wallpaper (or Local).
4. Click + (plus icon) and select a photo from the Gallery.
5. Here you can: 🔄 Turn the image. ✂️ Cut to pixel accuracy (useful for collages). 🎨 Add a blur (the effect only works on the MIUI 12+).

Apply

Lock screen only.

The advantage of this is that you can save the original proportions of the photo without cutting it automatically, for example, if you want to place the portrait image in the center, rather than stretching it all over the screen.

Method 3: Third-party applications for advanced capabilities

If standard methods don't work (e.g., want animated wallpaper or precise positioning settings), use third-party utilities. We tested 3 reliable applications that are compatible with Redmi 8:

To install wallpaper through these applications:

1. Download and install the selected program from Google Play.
2. Select the image you like and click Install.
3. In the window that appears, select the Lock Screen (or Lock Screen in English).
4. Confirm the action and restart the phone (if the wallpaper is not applied immediately).

⚠️ Note: When using Muzei on MIUI 13+ You may need to disable battery optimization for the application. → Annexes → Application management → Muzei → Battery → No restrictions.

💡

If they don’t show up after installing wallpaper through a third-party app, try temporarily disabling the dark theme in the MIUI settings. Some apps conflict with system wallpaper when the dark mode is turned on.

Solving problems: Wallpapers are not installed or dropped

Sometimes Redmi 8 users experience some mistakes when changing their wallpaper, so let's look at typical situations and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Wallpaper does not persist after reboot

This is a common error on MIUI 12.5-13, which is associated with the caching of system files.

• 🔄 Cache Clearing: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Wallpaper. → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 📁 Manual installation: Place the photo in the folder /MIUI/theme/ (Create it if not and apply it through themes.
• 🔧 Resetting the launcher settings: In Settings → Select Resettings (does not delete data).

Problem 2: Image blurred or pixelated

This happens if the original photo is low resolution.

• 📊 File resolution (should be at least) 720×1520).
• 🔍 Format (convert.jpeg to.png for better quality).
• 🎨 Color profile (some photos in the CMYK Display with distortions - convert to RGB).

Problem 3: You can't install GIFs or videos

MIUI on Redmi 8 does not support animated wallpaper on the lock screen "out of the box".

• 🎬 Use Zedge or Video Live Wallpaper (requires Android 10)+).
• 🔧 Install a custom launcher (like Nova Launcher), but it will turn off some features MIUI.

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If none of these methods worked, check if your phone has a child account or guest mode, and these profiles limit changes to your system settings, including wallpaper.

Additional chips: how to make the lock screen unique

In addition to changing the wallpaper, Redmi 8 can configure other elements of the lock screen for personalization:

• ⏰ Change the style of the watch: Go to Settings → Lock screen → Clock style. 5 available+ Options (including minimalist and digital).
• 🔔 Set up notifications: C Settings → Notifications → Lock screen can hide confidential data or disable preview messages.
• 🎨 Add a weather widget: Activated in Settings → Lock screen → Widgets (not available on all firmware).
• 🔒 Hide interface elements: C Settings → Lock screen → Additionally, you can remove the prompts of swipes and operator icons.

The unique feature of Redmi 8 is that if you set the wallpaper with a predominant black color, the system automatically switches the text of the watch and notifications to white for better readability, which works even if you have a dark theme turned off.

For minimalists, there's a hidden function called wallpaper blurring, to activate it.

1. Set the wallpaper through MIUI-launcher (mode 2).
2. In the preview window, swipe your finger up the screen - a blur slider will appear.
3. Adjust the blur level (0 to 100%) and click Apply.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions