How to install changing pictures on the lock screen Xiaomi: all the ways of 2026

Xiaomi’s lock screen is the first thing you see when you turn on a smartphone, and many users want to make it unique. Static wallpaper quickly gets boring, and dynamic background images add personality and visual dynamics to the device. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install changing images on the lock screen for Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark smartphones based on MIUI 12-15 (including HyperOS).

It’s important to understand that customization options depend on the firmware version and device model. For example, flagship Xiaomi 14 or POCO F6 support live wallpaper out of the box, while budget models like Redmi 12C may require workarounds. We’ll look at both official methods through Themes and alternative solutions using third-party applications, all of which work without root rights and do not violate warranty.

If you've tried to change the wallpaper on the lock screen before, but you've faced system limitations (like not being able to use a GIF or video), this guide will help you bypass them. We're also touching on the nuances of working with HyperOS, Xiaomi's new shell, where the background algorithm has partially changed. Ready to transform your smartphone? Then let's get started!

1.The official way: live wallpaper from the "Themes" section

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which offer a collection of dynamic wallpapers that automatically change depending on the time of day, the weather or when interacting with the screen.

  1. Open the Themes app (brush icon on your desktop).
  2. Go to the Wallpaper tab β†’ Lock screen.
  3. Choose Live Wallpaper or Dynamic Wallpaper (the name may vary depending on the version of MIUI).
  4. View the available options and click Apply on your favorite.

Among the popular options:

  • πŸŒ… Daily wallpaper: background changes from dawn to dusk (e.g. Earth & Sky collection).
  • β›… Weather wallpaper: displays current conditions (rain, snow, sun) based on Mi Weather data.
  • 🎨 Interactive: React to touch (e.g., bubbles or particles).
  • πŸ“± Adaptive: adapt to the color scheme of the interface (Super Wallpapers function on flagships).

Note: on HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) The path may be slightly different. Instead of the Topic, look for the Personalization section. β†’ Style. β†’ Lock screen wallpaper. HyperOS also has an option. AI-wallpaper that generates unique backgrounds based on your photos.

πŸ“Š What version? MIUI/HyperOS use?
MIUI 12/13
MIUI 14
HyperOS (MIUI 15)
I don't know.
other

2. Use of third-party applications (without root)

If built-in wallpaper isn't enough, you can install specialized apps from Google Play, which let you download gifs, videos or slideshows from the gallery.

AnnexFeaturesCompatibility
Wallpaper EngineSupport for live wallpaper (GIF, MP4), synchronization with PC, customization of animationsMIUI 12-15, requires ADB for lock screen
KLWP Live WallpaperCreating dynamic wallpaper with widgets (weather, time, notifications)All models, but you need customization skills
Video WallpaperPlaying video as background, supporting playlistsIt works on most devices, but can slow down.
Muzei Live WallpaperAutomatically change images from a gallery or online sources (Flickr, Reddit)MIUI 14+, stable operation

To apply wallpaper to the lock screen through these applications, you will need permission through ADB (Android Debug Bridge).

Install ADB Tools on PC

Enable USB Debugging in the Developer Settings (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version (7 times) β†’ For Developers)

Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trusted device

Adb shell appops set com.android.systemui SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW allow

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After completing these steps, you can select live wallpaper from third-party apps directly in the lock screen settings. On devices with HyperOS, an additional command may be required: adb shell pm grant com.app.name android.permission.SET_WALLPAPER_COMPONENT (Replace com.app.name with the app package).

⚠️ Note: When using Wallpaper Engine or KLWP on weak devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) You may be slowing down the interface. Before installing, check the reviews about compatibility with your model.

3. Manually adding GIFs or video to the lock screen

If you want to use your own animations (such as a GIF or short video), you can do this without third-party apps – through built-in MIUI tools.

  • πŸŽ₯ The video should be no longer than 15 seconds long and weigh up to 10MB.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ GIFs are supported only in.gif format with resolution up to 1080p.
  • πŸ”„ The animation will be played in a cycle without sound.

Installation instructions:

  1. Place the file in the DCIM β†’ Wallpapers folder on your phone.
  2. Open the Gallery β†’ find the file β†’ click More β†’ Set as wallpaper.
  3. Select the Lock screen and confirm.
  4. If the option is inactive, use the Files application β†’ long press on the file β†’ Set as wallpaper.

On some devices (such as the POCO X6 Pro), this method is unstable. If the animations are not playing, try:

  • πŸ“± Convert video to.mp4 codeced H.264 (via HandBrake).
  • πŸ”„ Rename the file to Latin (without Cyrillic and spaces).
  • πŸ”§ Set wallpaper through Settings β†’ Screen. β†’ Wallpaper. β†’ My wallpaper.

πŸ’‘

To create seamless animation, use the EZGIF service. Optimal settings: 30 FPS, 1080Γ—2340 resolution (for most Xiaomi), weight up to 8 MB.

4. Dynamic wallpaper via Mi Home (for HyperOS devices)

HyperOS has integrated with the Xiaomi ecosystem to synchronize lock screen wallpaper with other devices (such as Mi Band or Mi TV) to activate this feature:

  1. Make sure that the phone has the Mi Home app installed (download in the App Store or Google Play).
  2. Open Settings β†’ Connected Devices β†’ Mi Home
  3. Enable the option of Synchronizing themes.
  4. Select a source device (such as Mi Band 8) and set up display options.

Advantages of this method:

  • πŸ”„ Wallpaper is automatically updated when the device status changes (for example, when changing the dial to Mi Band).
  • 🎨 Exclusive topics related to fitness data (steps, pulse) are available).
  • ☁️ Synchronization works through the Xiaomi cloud, does not require constant connection of devices.

Limitations:

  • πŸ“΅ The feature is only available on HyperOS devices (starting with Xiaomi). 13T newer).
  • πŸ”’ You need to log in to Mi Account and connect at least one Xiaomi gadget.
How to check the HyperOS version?
Open Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version. If HyperOS 1.0 or higher is specified, your device supports this feature. On older versions (MIUI 14 and below), the option is not available.

5. Alternative method: wallpaper with paralax effect

If dynamic wallpaper is not suitable, you can install static images with the paralax effect (3D-This method works on all Xiaomi devices and does not require additional applications.

Instructions:

  1. Download paralax-enabled wallpapers (for example, from the Super Wallpapers collection for the Mi 11 or Mi Mix 4).
  2. Place the image in the DCIM β†’ Parallax Wallpapers folder (create it manually if it is not available).
  3. Open the Gallery β†’ Select a picture β†’ Install as wallpaper β†’ Lock screen.
  4. Activate the paralax effect option in wallpaper settings.

Where to get the right wallpaper:

  • 🌐 Official website of Xiaomi Themes (part of Parallax).
  • πŸ“± Telegram channels, like, @MiuiThemes or @XiaomiWallpapers.
  • 🎨 Parallax Wallpaper Creator on Google Play).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro) static dark wallpaper with paralax saves battery power compared to dynamic animations.

6. Problem Solving: Why doesn't wallpaper change?

If you followed the instructions but the wallpaper on the lock screen remains static, check the following points:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Wallpaper not applicableMIUI restrictions for third-party applicationsUse ADB (see section 2) or official themes
Animation slows downHigh load on the processorReduce the resolution of the GIF or turn off background processes
Wallpaper is reset after resettingSystem cache failureClear the cache in Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Themes β†’ Storage
No live wallpaper option.An outdated version of MIUIUpdate your firmware or use third-party apps

For devices with HyperOS, the following nuances are also relevant:

  • πŸ”„ If the wallpaper is not automatically updated, check the sync settings in Mi Account.
  • πŸ“± Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) You need to include the option Adaptive wallpaper in the Settings β†’ Screen.
  • πŸ”’ When using Privacy Protection (in HyperOS), wallpapers can be blocked. Add the Topics app to the exceptions.

πŸ’‘

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the lock screen settings: Settings β†’ Passwords and security β†’ Lock screen settings β†’ Wallpaper reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions about dynamic wallpaper on Xiaomi

Can I put a live wallpaper on the lock screen without ADB?
Yes, but the choice will be limited to built-in themes. Most Xiaomi devices require ADB or third-party apps with permissions to install GIFs or gallery videos, except for HyperOS models, where some of the restrictions are removed.
Why is my GIF cropped or stretched on the lock screen?
This is due to aspect ratio. The optimal resolution for wallpaper on Xiaomi is 1080Γ—2340 pixels (for most models), use editors like Canva or Photoshop to fit the image under the screen, and check that the wallpaper settings have disabled the option to stretch or fill.
Will the battery be discharged faster due to live wallpaper?
Yeah, but not critical. 12T and POCO X5 Pro, dynamic wallpaper increases battery consumption by 3-7% per day (when used actively). AMOLED-The effect is less if you use dark themes. To save charge, turn off animations in the wallpaper settings for sleep (Power Saving option in HyperOS).
Can I install a wallpaper from another Xiaomi screen?
Yes, if you copy wallpaper files (.apk or.mtz) from the /data/system/theme/ folder on an old device and install them through Topics β†’ Local. However, it requires root rights or ADB to access system folders, the alternative is to download the theme from the official directory using its ID.
Why did my wallpaper disappear after the HyperOS upgrade?
When you switch to HyperOS, the theme storage structure changed. Old wallpaper may not be supported due to the new rendering engine. Try: Update the Themes app on Google Play. Reset the lock screen settings (see section 6). Set the wallpaper again through Personalization β†’ Style. If the problem persists, contact Xiaomi with logs (Settings β†’ Phone β†’ Error Report).