Automatic wallpaper change on the lock screen and desktop is one of the most popular features in firmware MIUI. The wallpaper carousel allows you to update the background picture daily (or even hourly), making interaction with the Xiaomi, Redmi or smartphone. POCO But not everyone knows that this option is hidden in the depths of the theme settings and requires the right setup.
In this article you will find detailed instructions for activating the wallpaper carousel on devices with MIUI 12–14, including ways to solve typical problems (e.g., when the background doesn’t change or resets after a reboot) and we’ll also explore alternative methods for older firmware and model versions without official feature support. All steps are illustrated with screenshots and checked on current devices – from Xiaomi 11T Pro to Redmi Note 12.
What is a wallpaper carousel and how does it work in MIUI
Wallpaper carousel (or dynamic themes) is a function MIUI, This is a system that automatically changes the background images on the lock screen and/or desktop on a given schedule. Unlike static wallpaper, it uses a set of images (from 2 to 20).+), They are replaced by each other with a given frequency: once an hour, a day, a week or at each unlocking of the screen.
The function works based on themes MIUI, Some themes initially support the carousel (usually as described in the description), others require manual adjustment:
- 📱 Support for the function depends on the version MIUI: into MIUI 12.5+ It's working steadily, and in MIUI 11 and below may not be available.
- 🔄 Image source: Pictures are downloaded either from the theme or from the user gallery (in newer firmware versions).
- ⏱️ The shift interval is customized individually, but the minimum threshold is 1 hour (in some topics - 30 minutes).
Xiaomi doesn’t officially advertise this feature, so many users don’t even know it exists, and the wallpaper carousel is one of the easiest ways to refresh the look of a smartphone without installing third-party launchers.
Preparation: Verification of MIUI version and compatibility
Before you start setting up, make sure your device supports the wallpaper carousel.
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Check the version. MIUI line MIUI.
- If the version is lower MIUI 12.5, functionality may be limited (see section on alternative methods).
It is also important to consider regional firmware: on global (Global) and Chinese (China) versions. MIUI There are different sets of themes available. For example, in Chinese firmware, the carousel is often more stable, but requires Russification.
| MIUI version | Support for the carousel | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 14 | ✅ Complete. | There is a built-in shift interval setting. |
| MIUI 12.5–13 | ✅ Partial | Manual activation through themes is required. |
| MIUI 11–12 | ⚠️ Limited. | It only works with certain topics. |
| MIUI 10 and below | ❌ Absent. | We need third-party applications. |
⚠️ Attention: On devices with POCO Launcher (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) wallpaper carousel may conflict with the brand launcher, in which case it is recommended to temporarily switch to the standard launcher MIUI.
Step-by-step instructions: how to turn on the wallpaper carousel
The setup process consists of three steps: downloading the appropriate theme, activating the carousel and adjusting the shift interval. Follow the instructions carefully - skipping steps can lead to failures.
Step 1: Download theme with carousel support
Not all themes in the store Themes support automatic wallpaper change to find the right one:
- Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
- Go to Wallpaper section. → Carousel (or Dynamic in older versions).
- Select a theme marked Automan or Dynamic.
- Click Apply and wait for the download.
Popular carousel themes are "Nature Dynamic," "Abstract Shift," "Minimal Clock." If you don't have a Carousel section, try manually typing a dynamic wallpaper into your search.
Step 2: Activate automatic shifting
After the topic has been applied:
- Return to the main screen and make a long tap in the free space.
- Choose Wallpaper. → Lock screen (or desktop).
- Put it on the icon. ⚙️ Settings in upper right corner.
- Activate the wallpaper driver switch.
If you don't have an option, you don't have the theme that supports the carousel. MIUI last-minute.
Step 3: Set up the shift interval
V MIUI 14 and MIUI 13 You can choose the frequency of the wallpaper change:
- 🕒 Every hour is suitable for frequently used devices.
- 🌅 Every day is the best option for saving charge.
- 🔄 When unlocking – the wallpaper changes with each screen turn on (the most resource-intensive mode).
To save the settings, press Ready and restart the device. After that, the wallpaper will automatically update.
Downloaded theme marked "Dynamic" or "Automan"|
The "Wallpaper Man" switch is enabled in the settings|
Selected shift interval (hour/day/unlock)|
Test: The wallpaper changed after waiting-->
Solving the problem: why the carousel doesn’t work
If the wallpaper does not change automatically, the reasons may be as follows:
Problem 1: Theme doesn't support the carousel
More than 60% of the items in the store MIUI They don't have a changeover function, even if the name has the word "Dynamic" in it:
- Apply the subject.
- Hold your finger on the desktop → Wallpaper. → Settings.
- If there is no Automan option, the theme is not appropriate.
Solution: Download the theme from the official Carousel section or use third-party apps (see next section).
Problem 2: Resetting wallpaper after rebooting
This is a common mistake in MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 13. Cause of a conflict with the system cache:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the Themes app and clear its cache.
- Reboot the device and re-apply the theme.
Problem 3: Wallpaper changes, but not everyone
If the carousel works but uses only 2-3 pictures from the set, check:
- 📂 Wallpaper folder: Some themes don’t load all images due to limitations MIUI.
- 🔄 Synchronization settings: in Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account should be enabled synchronization of topics.
- 📥 Theme Update: Go to the Topics Store and check for updates.
⚠️ Warning: On devices with Redmi Note 10 Pro and Xiaomi 11 Lite, a bug is known in which the carousel only works on the lock screen, but not on the desktop.
Alternative methods: third-party applications
If you have a version MIUI It doesn't support the carousel, or you don't like standard themes, you can use third-party apps:
- 🎨 Wallpaper Carousel (Play Market) – supports custom folders with images and flexible spacing settings.
- ⏳ Muzei Live Wallpaper – Changes Wallpapers on a Schedule, Integrates with Google Photos.
- 🌄 Zedge – has a built-in autoshift function for wallpaper from the collection.
For installation:
- Download the app from Google Play.
- Open it and select the folder with the wallpaper (or use the built-in collections).
- Set the change interval in the application settings.
- Apply wallpaper through Settings → Wallpaper.
Third-party solutions have the advantage of having more control over image sources and intervals, such as Wallpaper Carousel, which allows you to adjust wallpaper changes at specific times of the day (light in the morning, dark in the evening).
How to get around the limitations of MIUI for third-party wallpaper?
Optimization: How to reduce battery consumption
Automatic wallpaper change is not the most resource-intensive feature, but with frequent updates (for example, every hour), it can increase battery consumption by 3-5% per day, to minimize the impact of:
- 🔋 Increase the shift interval to 1 time per day.
- 📁 Use optimized images (resolution no higher) 1080p, format JPEG instead PNG).
- 🚫 Turn off animation in the theme settings (if there is an option).
- 🌙 Activate dark themes – they reduce the load on the screen.
It is also recommended to turn off the carousel on the desktop, leaving it only for the lock screen.
- Hold your finger on the desktop → Wallpaper.
- Select the Desktop and set a static image.
- Leave the carousel for the lock screen.
| Shift regime | Battery consumption (per day) | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Every hour. | ~5% | Not optimal for weak devices. |
| Every day. | ~1% | Better balance. |
| When unlocked | ~3–7% | Only for the flagships of the AMOLED-screen. |
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If you use AMOLED-screen (for example, on Xiaomi 12 Pro), choose dark wallpaper for the carousel – this will reduce battery consumption by 15-20% due to the shutdown of the pixels.
Tips for choosing themes for the carousel
To make the wallpaper carousel look harmonious and not annoying, follow these recommendations:
- 🎨 Uniform style: Choose themes with the same type of wallpaper (for example, only landscapes or abstractions).
- 🌈 Color gamut: Avoid sharp contrasts between pictures (for example, bright red background after dark blue).
- 📏 Resolution: Images must be tailored to your screen (e.g. for Xiaomi) 13 Ultra — 3200×1440).
- 🔍 Preview: Before downloading, look at all the wallpaper from the theme (stick on the theme icon) → Viewing).
The best sources of themes for carousel:
- 🏆 Official store MIUI — Safe but limited choice.
- 🌍 Sites like Wallhaven or Unsplash – you can create your own collection and download through Wallpaper Carousel.
- 📱 Telegram channels (e.g, @MIUIThemes) — Unofficial themes with unique wallpaper.
⚠️ Note: When using unofficial themes (.mtz files), there is a risk of installing malware. download them only from trusted sources and check through VirusTotal.
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Topics marked “Super Wallpaper” (e.g., for Mars or Earth) DO NOT support the carousel – they dynamically change the background depending on the time of day, but not on schedule.