How to install wallpaper on the lock screen Xiaomi with MIUI 12: all ways and life hacks

The lock screen is the first thing you see when you turn on your smartphone, and the overall impression of the device depends on its design. Xiaomi owners on MIUI 12 firmware often face the question of how to quickly and error-free change the background on the lock, especially if the standard settings do not offer the necessary options. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from basic to advanced, including solving typical problems like “gray background” or reset wallpaper after a reboot.

Many users mistakenly think that to change the background of the lock necessarily need root access or third-party launchers. In fact, MIUI 12 provides several built-in tools, and for advanced features, a few simple tricks. It is important to consider that some features may differ depending on the model (Redmi Note 10, POCO X3, Mi 11) and regional firmware.

Method 1: Standard wallpaper change via MIUI 12 settings

The easiest method is to use the system’s built-in tools, which are suitable for most Xiaomi models, including the MIUI 12-based Redmi, POCO and Mi (and newer backwards compatible versions), with the main advantage of not requiring additional apps.

To change the background of the lock:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Lock Screen section (or Wallpaper → Lock screen in some firmware).
3. Select the wallpaper of the lock screen.
4. Scroll down to the My Wallpaper or Gallery section, then tap on the desired image.
5. Click Apply or Install (some versions will require you to confirm the selection for the lock screen only or both screens).

Note that if there is no Wallpaper option, your firmware limits this function, then move to Method 2.

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If the gallery does not have a suitable image, download the picture in advance to the folder. DCIM/Wallpapers — This will be displayed on the list of available wallpapers.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F3 with global firmware) after updating to MIUI 12.5 option to separate wallpaper lock and main screen may disappear.This is due to Xiaomi’s policy of unification of the interface.

Method 2: Using the Themes app for unique wallpaper

The Themes app (or Themes in English) allows you to not only change icons and fonts, but also install exclusive wallpaper for the lock screen, a method suitable for those who want to go beyond the standard images.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open the Themes app (brush icon on the home screen).
• 🔍 In the search bar, type in a request, such as a lockscreen wallpaper or lock wallpaper.
• 🖼️ Choose your favorite topic from the results (pay attention to the rating and number of downloads).
• 📥 Click Download, then Apply.
• ✅ The pop-up will prompt you to choose where to install the wallpaper - mark Only the lock screen.

The advantage of this method is access to thousands of free wallpapers from the Xiaomi community, but beware: some themes may contain ads or change other interface elements (for example, notification icons).

Method 3: Installation of wallpaper through the gallery (hidden function)

Few people know, but MIUI 12 has a hidden way to set any image from the gallery to the lock screen, even if standard settings don't allow it.This method works on most devices, including the Redmi 9, POCO X3 NFC and Mi 10T.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Gallery app and select the photo you want.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Set as.
3. In the menu that appears, select Lock Screen Wallpaper.
4. Confirm the choice by clicking Apply.

If there is no lock screen wallpaper, try the following:

• 📂 Move the image to the folder DCIM/Wallpapers.
• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 🔧 Check if the experimental functions are disabled in Settings → Special facilities → Functions laboratory.

- Resolution of at least 1080×1920 pixels

- JPEG or PNG format

- No important details at the edges (can be cut)

Contrast colors for better visibility of notifications

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⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro with custom firmware), this method can cause wallpaper to reset after rebooting. To fix the changes, set the wallpaper again after turning on the smartphone.

Method 4: Third-party applications for enhanced capabilities

If the built-in MIUI 12 tools don't work, you can use third-party apps that allow you to install live wallpaper, animations, and adjust blur and scroll effects.

• 🎨 Wallpapers Craft – wallpaper editor with support for paralax effect.
• 🖥️ KLWP Live Wallpaper Maker – to create dynamic backgrounds (requires customization skills).
• 🌄 Zedge - a large base of static and animated wallpaper.
• 🔒 Lockscreen Wallpaper Changer – a specialized application for changing the background of the lock.

To install wallpaper through a third-party application:

1. Download and install the app from Google Play.
2. Choose your favorite image or create your own.
3. Click Install and select Lock screen only.
4. Confirm permissions (if access to storage is required).

Important: Applications like KLWP can conflict with MIUI energy-saving modes. If the live wallpaper doesn't work after installation, add the app to battery exceptions (Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization).

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Third-party applications provide more features, but can consume additional battery and RAM, and the optimal choice is static wallpaper from the gallery or themes.

Solving the Problem: Why Wallpaper Is Not Installed or Reset

Xiaomi users often encounter common mistakes when changing lock wallpapers, and let’s look at the most common cases and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Wallpaper does not apply (the “Apply” button is inactive)

Causes and solutions:

• 📵 No Recording Rights: Check permissions for Themes or Gallery app in Settings → Annexes → Permits.
• 🔄 Cache failure: Clear the Topics app cache through Settings → Annexes → Application management.
• 📱 Firmware restrictions: On some devices (e.g. Mi) A3 Android One: The split wallpaper function is disabled.

Problem 2: Wallpaper is reset after rebooting

This is a typical MIUI 12 error related to system optimization.

• 🔧 Reinstall the wallpaper after rebooting (sometimes helps to “fix” them).
• 📁 Place the image in the folder MIUI/wallpaper (Create it manually if it is not available).
• 🔋 Turn off the Adaptive Battery in Settings → Battery (can block background processes).

Problem 3: The background of the lock is blurred or trimmed

It's associated with automatic scaling in MIUI, to avoid:

• 📏 Use images with a resolution that matches your screen (e.g, 1080×2400 For the Redmi Note 10 Pro).
• 🖼️ Manually cut the picture in any graphic editor, leaving the center of the composition intact.
• 🔍 In the wallpaper settings, select Fill instead of Size.

Additional tricks: animations, widgets and hidden features

MIUI 12 hides some interesting possibilities for customizing the lock screen, and here's what you can do besides changing the static background:

1. Dynamic Wallpapers (Super Wallpapers)

Some flagships (such as the Mi 11 Ultra) have Super Wallpapers, animated gesture-responsive wallpapers, to enable:

1. Go to Settings → Wallpapers → Super Wallpapers.
2. Choose a theme (such as Earth or Mars).
3. Apply to the lock screen.

If the option is not available, it can be activated via ADB (PC and USB debugging are required).

2. Widgets on lock screen

MIUI allows you to add widgets (weather, calendar, music) directly to the lock:

• 🌡️ Swipe your finger to the right on the lock screen.
• 🔧 Click Edit and select the desired widgets.
• 🔄 Drag them to the desired location.

3. Hidden gestures

On the lock screen, non-obvious combinations work:

• 🎵 Double touch – Launch the camera (configured in Settings) → Lock screen → Gestures).
• 🔍 Swipe Down – Quick Access to Notifications.
• 📱 Press the application icon – the context menu will appear (on some models).

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To remove the inscription “MIUI” or the operator logo from the lock screen, install dark wallpaper and turn off the display of information in Settings → Lock screen → Additional settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about wallpaper on the lock screen Xiaomi