Why is MIUI 12 still relevant?
The MIUI 12 wallpaper has become a legend among Xiaomi smartphone owners. Despite the release of newer versions of the firmware, many users still prefer these background images for their unique design, adaptive colors and smooth animations. Especially popular are the dynamic wallpapers "Super Wallpapers", which change the appearance depending on the time of day and even respond to gestures.
But here's the problem: officially, these wallpapers are only available on devices with MIUI 12 and newer, and owners of older models or those who have switched to custom firmware have to look for workarounds. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to install them on any Xiaomi device, from the flagship Mi 11 to the budget Redmi Note. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, including manual installation via APK, use of themes and even transferring files through ADB.
Before you start, consider that some methods require an unlocked bootloader or root rights. If you are a beginner, we recommend starting with the simplest methods – they will work even for devices without additional manipulation.
Method 1: Installation through the official appendix "Themes"
The safest and easiest method is to download the wallpaper directly from the Theme app, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones, but not all MIUI 12 wallpaper is available in the public domain, so you have to use a little trick.
First, open the Topics app and go to Wallpaper, where you'll see a collection of background images, but the standard set may not include Super Wallpapers. To find hidden options, follow these steps:
- 🔍 In the search bar, enter the keywords: "MIUI 12", "Super Wallpaper or "Earth/Mars" (name-names of popular dynamic wallpaper).
- 📥 If the wallpaper is not displayed, try changing the region in the settings of the Topic app to India or China – there the collection is often wider.
- 💾 Once downloaded, the wallpaper will automatically apply to the lock screen and desktop. If this does not happen, restart the device.
Note that some dynamic wallpapers can brake on weak devices (e.g. Redmi 7A or Poco C3), in which case it is better to choose static options from the same collection.
Method 2: Manual installation through APK-file
If the wallpaper is not displayed in the Topic app, they can be installed manually by downloading APK-This method is suitable for most Xiaomi devices, including those that run on custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
Here's the step-by-step instruction:
- Download the MIUI 12 wallpaper archive from a trusted source (e.g., the XDA Developers forum or MIUI Themes site). Pay attention to the bit size of your device: ARM64 and ARMv7 need different versions.
- Unpack the archive and find files with the.apk extension. These are usually called com.android.themes.default or miui.wallpaper.
- Install APK through any file manager (e.g. Solid Explorer or FX File Manager). If the system blocks installation, allow installation from unknown sources in the security settings.
- After installation, restart the device and apply wallpaper through standard personalization settings.
Important: Some APK-files may contain viruses or advertisements. Before installing, check the file through VirusTotal or a similar service.
☑️ Preparation for installation APK
Method 3: Transfer wallpapers through ADB (for advanced users)
This method is suitable for those who are ready to work with the command line and have basic skills in working with ADB. It allows you to install wallpaper directly to the system folders, which ensures their correct operation even after resetting.
To start, make sure that your computer has ADB Tools installed, and your smartphone has USB debugging enabled (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
Follow the instructions:
adb devices # Checking the connection of the device
adb shell # Going to the shell
su # Getting root rights (if any)
mount -o rw, remount /system # Rewire the system to record
cp /sdcard/Download/wallpaper.apk /system/priv-app/MiuiWallpaper/ # Copying APK to the system folder
chmod 644 /system/priv-app/MiuiWallpaper/wallpaper.apk # Assignment of rights
reboot #RebootIf you don’t have root, you can try installing wallpaper in the user folder:
adb push wallpaper.apk /data/local/tmp/
adb shell pm install /data/local/tmp/wallpaper.apkCritical: Incorrect use of ADB can cause system failure. If you are not sure about your actions, you should use other methods.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
Method 4: Use of custom firmware with pre-installed wallpaper
If you like experimentation, you can install custom firmware that already integrates MIUI 12 wallpaper. For example, firmware based on MIUI Mix or Xiaomi.eu often includes advanced themes and background images.
Advantages of this method:
- 🎨 Complete set of Super Wallpapers without additional manipulation.
- 🔄 Regular updates and community support.
- 🛠️ Ability to fine-tune the interface.
However, there are also disadvantages:
- ⚠️ Risk of "bricking" of the device when installed incorrectly.
- 🔋 Possible battery or performance problems.
- 📱 The warranty on the device will be cancelled.
If you decide to take this step, follow the instructions for your model on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forum. be sure to back up your data via TWRP or Mi Flash Tool.
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Before installing custom firmware, check its compatibility with your Xiaomi model. For example, the firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Pro will not work for the Poco X3 Pro, even if they have the same processor.
Comparison of installation methods of MIUI 12 wallpaper
To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have compiled a comparative table:
| Method | Difficulty | Need root? | Are dynamic wallpapers supported? | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Through the Topics app. | ⭐ (simple) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (limitedly) | Minimum |
| APK installation | ⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | Viruses in unofficial files |
| Transfer through ADB | ⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ⚠️ Preferably. | ✅ Yes. | System failure in case of errors |
| Custom firmware | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (difficult) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (full set) | Loss of warranty, risk of "brick" |
As you can see from the table, the safest way to do this is to use the Themes app, but it doesn't always give you access to all the wallpapers, and if you want Super Wallpapers with Mars or Earth, you'll have to use APK or ADB.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When installing MIUI 12 wallpaper, users often encounter common errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
⚠️ Warning: If your smartphone starts to brake or overheat after installing wallpaper, remove it and choose the lighter option. Super Wallpapers dynamic wallpapers require significant resources and may conflict with other animations of the system.
Problem 1: Wallpaper does not appear in the settings after installing the APK.
- 🔄 Reset the device.
- 📂 Check that the file is installed in the correct folder (for manual transfer through the file). ADB).
- 🗑️ Remove the app cache Themes in the settings.
Problem 2: Dynamic wallpapers are not animated.
- 🔋 Make sure your device is running Balance or Performance (in battery settings).
- 🛠️ Update Google Play Services and MIUI last-minute.
- 📱 Check the compatibility of the wallpaper with your model (some animations only work on flagships).
Problem 3: After installing custom firmware, the wallpaper disappeared.
- 🔄 Re-apply the wallpaper through the theme settings.
- 📥 Reinstall. APK wallpapered.
- 🔧 Check if your personalization settings have dropped after the firmware.
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If MIUI 12 wallpaper doesn’t work on your device, it’s likely that the problem is that you don’t have OpenGL ES 3.1+ support or RAM, in which case you’ll try static versions of the same wallpaper.