Xiaomi smartphones, including the popular Redmi 8 model, offer users a wide range of options for personalizing the interface, allowing them to turn a standard device into a unique gadget. One of the most prominent and sought-after features is a wallpaper carousel that automatically changes images on the lock screen every time you wake up the phone. It's not just a visual effect, but a full-fledged service integrated into the MIUI shell that loads content from the company's cloud storage.
Many owners of budget and mid-budget devices often wonder why their gadget does not have this feature out of the box or why it works incorrectly. The fact is that the implementation of this technology is responsible for the system application, which may have different names depending on the firmware region: Glance for Mi, Lock screen magazine or simply “Carousel of wallpaper.” In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of installing, configuring and optimizing the service on Redmi 8.
It's important to understand that the activation process can vary depending on the version of the Android operating system and the MIUI layer installed on your device. We'll look at both the standard activation methods through the settings menu and how to force the necessary components to be installed if they were removed or missing from your firmware version. Get ready to dive into the world of deep customization of your smartphone.
Checking for availability of the system application Glance
The first step before any manipulation is to thoroughly diagnose the current state of the system. On Redmi 8, the application responsible for changing the images is often already preinstalled, but can be hidden or disabled by default in some regions. You need to go to Settings → Lock screen and carefully examine the available menu items. If you see the option “Wallpaper Carousel” or “Glance” but it is inactive, then the system component is present, but requires activation.
In some cases, especially on global firmware versions, you may find third-party counterparts or blank fields instead of the standard name, due to licensing agreements that Xiaomi has with content providers for different markets. If there is no standard application, the system may offer to install it from GetApps or Google Play, but only the official system components should be trusted.
⚠️ Warning: Installing modified versions of system applications from unverified sources can lead to unstable lock screen operation and the appearance of banner ads in unexpected places of the interface.
To check for hidden system packages accurately, you can use the hidden settings menu or specialized utilities to view installed applications. Type the word “Glance” or “Carousel” in your settings search. If the search does not give anything, and in the list of applications you do not see system processes with similar names, you will need manual installation. APK-file compatible with the architecture of your Snapdragon 439 processor.
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Before installing any system components, make a full data backup via Mi Cloud or local save to be able to roll back in the event of a crash.
Installation APK-wallpaper-file
If the standard methods to activate the function fail, the only working option is to manually install the installation package. For Redmi 8, which is based on the ARM64 architecture, you need to download the current version of Glance for Mi or Miui Daemon (depending on the version of MIUI), the files should be taken exclusively from proven resources, such as the official 4PDA forum or the Xiaomi.eu repository, to avoid the introduction of malicious code.
The installation process on modern versions of MIUI requires additional security permissions. The system will alert you to the potential danger of installing applications from unknown sources. You will need to go to Settings → Passwords and Security → Privacy → Special Access Rights → Install unknown applications and allow this action for your file manager or browser.
☑️ Preparation for installation APK
After a successful installation, take your time to turn on the feature immediately. First, you need to give the application all the permissions you need, including access to storage, geolocation (for local news), and work in the background. Without a background permit, the carousel will not be able to update images, and you will see a static picture.
| Annex version | MIUI Compatibility | File size | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glance 2.0 | MIUI 10 - 11 | ~15MB | Basic functionality, less advertising |
| Glance 3.5 | MIUI 12 | ~25MB | Support for video wallpapers, widgets |
| Lock Screen Magazine | MIUI 12.5+ | ~30MB | Integration with Mi Themes, high traffic |
| Global Stable | All versions. | ~20MB | Limited set of categories |
Configure parameters and categories of images
Once the technical part of the question is solved and the application is launched, you can access a rich settings menu. The interface may differ, but the logic remains the same: you choose the categories of images you want to see. On Redmi 8 with its HD+ screen, it is important to choose high-resolution content to avoid the effect of soapy images.
In the Categories or Interests section, you're asked to choose topics like nature, cars, celebrities, technology, art, and more. Glance's algorithm analyzes your preferences and how often you choose certain types of images (if you have a like feature), gradually forming a personalized feed. Don't pick too many categories at once, otherwise the tape will become chaotic.
You can also choose how often the image should change: each time the screen is turned on or less often, and some versions also offer Smart Lock, which shows not just a picture, but interactive widgets with news, weather or currency rates directly on the image.
Solving problems with battery consumption
One of the main problems with using dynamic wallpaper on budget devices such as the Redmi 8 with a 5000 mAh battery is the increased energy consumption. Constant screen operation, data loading over the network and graphics processing put a strain on the processor. However, the right setup allows you to minimize this effect without giving up a beautiful feature.
First of all, limit content downloads to Wi-Fi only. In the carousel settings, find the option “Mobile Download” and turn it off. This will not only save traffic, but also prevent constant network searches in the background, which significantly drains the battery. It is also recommended to turn off video wallpaper playback if this option is active, replacing them with high-quality static images.
⚠️ Warning: Video wallpaper can increase energy consumption 15-20% day-to-day on screen devices IPS, That's why they use it on Redmi. 8 Not recommended for active daytime.
Additionally, check the energy saving settings for the carousel app itself. Go to Settings → Battery → Charge Consumption, find the Glance app and set the No Limits mode only if the images have stopped updating. In normal mode, it is better to leave standard background activity restrictions so that the system can “sleep” the boot process when the phone is lying still.
Secret codes for diagnosis
Alternative applications for changing wallpaper
If Xiaomi’s regular carousel doesn’t work for you because of its advertising or lack of features, the Android ecosystem offers powerful alternatives: Apps like the Wallpaper Engine (requires a PC to set up), Murphy or Backdrops provide access to thousands of artworks, but they work on a different principle: they are individual launchers or overlays that can conflict with system lockdown.
Redmi 8 is a great fit for lightweight root-free apps, such as Lock Screen & Notifications - Hi Locker. They completely replace the standard lock screen by offering their own themes and widgets. Installing such a solution requires disabling the standard MIUI lock, which can affect the work of the fingerprint scanner or face unlock.
When choosing a third-party solution, pay attention to the permissions the app requests. If a simple wallpaper changer requires access to contacts, a microphone or SMS, it is better to abandon such a program. Data security on budget smartphones is often threatened by outdated Android security patches.