Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the desire to personalize their device beyond the standard static picture. The ability to change images on the lock screen automatically creates a sense of novelty every time you pick up the phone. In the shell of MIUI (and its new version of HyperOS), this feature is implemented through a special service that many users know as “Wallpaper Carousel” or “Glance”.
However, standard settings may not be obvious to the beginner, and intrusive advertising in the gallery is often annoying, forcing you to abandon the idea of a dynamic background. In this article, we will discuss how to correctly configure the slideshow images, what sources to use and how to turn off unnecessary notifications, while maintaining the functionality of automatic change of pictures. You will learn to manage this process so that it pleases the eye, not distract from using a smartphone.
It’s worth noting that the algorithms of the system can vary slightly depending on the firmware version and the region of the device. However, the basic principle remains the same for all models, from the budget Redmi to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
What is a wallpaper carousel and how it works
It's based on a system application that uploads images from multiple sources and displays them on a locked screen, not just randomly sampling images from your gallery, but a complex mechanism integrated into security and locking. Glance for MIUI is the official name of the service in global firmware versions, which is often preinstalled by manufacturers.
It's in the background, it's activated when the screen goes out, and it caches a set of images so that the next time you turn on the display, it changes instantly, without delays or twitches. AMOLED-screens, where frequent change of static images also helps prevent pixels from burning out, although the main goal is still aesthetics.
⚠️ Attention: Installing third-party themes from unofficial sources can lead to conflict with the system carousel. If you use custom themes, the automatic stock wallpaper change feature may be forced to be disabled by the theme developer.
The user can flexibly adjust frame rate and image categories, for example, selecting only landscapes or abstract graphics, excluding photos of celebrities or animals, and adapting the visual style to personal preferences without requiring constant manual intervention.
Activation of the standard Glance function on Xiaomi
To start the setup process, you need to go to the system menu. Open your device's settings and find the Lock Screen section. This is where all the options regarding the appearance of the locked state are concentrated. In some versions of MIUI, this item may be simply called "Screen Lock."
Inside the menu, look for the Wallpaper Carousel or Glance for MIUI. The switch should be activated. If you see the "Get new images," make sure it's on. This is a key setting that allows the phone to download new content over a mobile network or Wi-Fi.
☑️ Checking for Glance activation
Once turned on, the system will suggest selecting interests. It's not just a formality: the algorithm will analyze your preferences to suggest relevant content. Categories can include technology, nature, cities, cars and more. The more accurate you specify preferences at the start, the better the selection will be in the future.
It's important to distinguish between two types of display: a slideshow when the screen is on and a change only when the lock is on. The standard Glance function is focused specifically on the lock screen. If you want to change pictures on the desktop, you will need third-party widgets or live wallpaper, which is beyond the scope of this instruction.
Configure sources and categories of images
Deep tweaking allows you to eliminate unwanted content. Go to the carousel settings (usually the three dots or gear in the corner of the lock menu). Here you will see a list of sources. Some of them may be labeled as "Recommended" or "Sponsored." Disable those that don't match your taste.
You should pay special attention to the refresh rate. You can choose the interval from the settings menu: “Every time you turn on the screen”, “Every 15 minutes” or “Every day”. To save battery power and traffic, you should use “Every time you turn on” or “Every day” so that the phone does not waste resources while lying on the table.
| Parameter | Description | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency of update | Picture change interval | High frequency increases traffic consumption |
| Wi-Fi only | Download only via Wi-Fi | It saves mobile traffic but requires a network |
| Notifications | Screening of news | Maybe distract, maybe shut it down. |
| Categories | Image subjects | It affects visual perception. |
Using the local gallery tag in some firmware versions allows you to add your photos to the rotation, but this feature is often hidden or requires the installation of an additional wallpaper carousel plugin from the GetApps store. If you can not add your photos with standard means, it is worth considering alternative methods described below.
Using the Infinity theme for your photos
If standard Glance doesn’t allow personal photos to be uploaded to a lock slideshow, the popular Infinite theme (or “Infinite” in Russified versions) comes to the rescue, a legitimate way to get around system restrictions without getting root rights.
To start, open the Themes app on your smartphone. Type "Infinite" or "Infinite" in the search box. Find a theme with the appropriate icon (often just a black or white circle) and the authorship of MIUI or Xiaomi. Download and apply it. Don't worry, after setting up, we'll return your familiar look.
Once you apply the theme, the lock screen will change, click on it or swipe to open the settings menu, where you can select the albums from your gallery that will participate in the rotation, the theme algorithm will mix the selected photos and display them when you lock the device.
What to do if the topic is not applied?
It's important to understand that the Infinity theme only changes the lock screen, without affecting the desktop and icons if you don't want to. However, it can conflict with some of the features of Always On Display. If the Always On screen stops working after installation, you have to choose between it and the slideshow from your photos.
Third-party apps for advanced slideshow
When built-in tools are scarce, Google Play apps are coming into the arena, with Lock Screen Magazine or WidgetLocker (although the latter requires more complex customization) leading the way in this niche, replacing Xiaomi’s standard lock screen with its more functional one.
Installing such software requires broad permissions, you'll need to give access to device management, access to the gallery, and permission to display on top of other windows. Security is key here: only use proven applications with high ratings and a lot of downloads.
- 📸 Lock Screen Magazine – allows you to create playlists from photos, add weather and news widgets, fully copying the functionality of iOS or Samsung.
- 🎨 Wallpaper Engine – If you have a PC, you can stream live wallpaper to your phone, although it costs more battery.
- 🖼️ Mutewall is an application for automatic wallpaper change (although more focused on the desktop, some functions work on locking through integration).
⚠️ Attention: Third-party lock screens may conflict with the fingerprint sensor under the screen.The scanner may be slower or require a stronger push.Test the ease of unlocking before permanent installation.
The advantage of third-party solutions is complete independence from MIUI updates. You control the sources of images: it can be a folder on Google Drive, Dropbox or local folder. The flexibility of settings here is an order of magnitude higher than in stock solutions of the manufacturer.
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To prevent a third-party application from “flying out” of memory, find it in the list of running applications, click on the lock or select “Secure”, and set the “No restrictions” mode in the battery settings.
Optimizing battery consumption and traffic
Constantly loading high-resolution images is a load on the communication module and the processor. To minimize the impact on autonomy, set up the download only over Wi-Fi. In the wallpaper carousel menu, find the item "Download over the mobile network" and turn it off. The pictures will be updated when the phone is connected to the home network.
You should also limit background activity. If you rarely lock your phone during the day, changing wallpaper often during this time is pointless. Some advanced launchers allow you to adjust your schedule, for example, change the wallpaper only from 8:00 to 23:00. In standard Glance, this feature is not available, but you can use the "Traffic Saving" mode in the system settings.
Image resolution also matters. The system itself optimizes the images for screen resolution, but if you use third-party apps, make sure they don't try to download. 4K-resolution FHD+. This is an unnecessary waste of memory and processor time.
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Optimal setting for balance of beauty and autonomy: download over Wi-Fi, update each time the screen is turned on, use of compressed image formats (JPEG instead of PNG).
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Users often complain that the carousel stops working after a system update, usually because the new software resets permissions for system applications. Go to Settings → Apps → All applications, look for Wallpaper Carousel or Glance and check if network or storage permissions are disabled there.
Another common problem is that you get black bars or artifacts on your lock screen, which is often when you use third-party developers who aren't optimized for the notch of your particular smartphone's camera, so you'd better go back to the stock carousel or look for a theme that's labeled as compatible with your model.
- 🔄 Cache reset – if the pictures don’t change, try clearing the cache of the Themes and Wallpaper Carousel app».
- 📶 Network problems – check if the antivirus is blocking or DNS-filter connection to Xiaomi servers.
- 🔋 Energy saving – in the mode of “Ultra-energy saving”, the wallpaper change is always turned off forcibly.
If nothing works, you can try changing the region in your phone settings. Sometimes in India or Indonesia, the carousel is more stable or has more content sources than in Russia or Global, and once you change the region, the phone will reboot and services will be updated.