Installing wallpaper from your own gallery on Xiaomi smartphones seems like a simple task — until you face the typical problems: the image is cut curved, does not fit the resolution or does not appear in the list of available backgrounds. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of the process for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14), including hidden settings and workarounds for non-standard situations.
Xiaomi’s firmware is often limited in its choice of wallpaper sources, offering standard themes from Mi Themes instead of the gallery. However, even in such conditions, you can force the system to accept any photo you take – the main thing is to know where to look for the right options. We tested all methods on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13 Ultra models to ensure that the instructions are up to date for modern devices.
Why are gallery wallpapers not displayed in the settings?
The most common complaint of users is that the Gallery folder is not in the wallpaper selection menu, and the reasons can be different:
- 📱 An outdated version MIUI (Up to 12.5) – the gallery integration function was unstable.
- 🔒 Manufacturer restrictions: on some models (e.g, POCO M4 Pro) by default, local files are hidden.
- 🗃️ Photo saved in the "wrong" folder: the system searches for wallpaper only in the DCIM/Camera or Pictures.
- 📏 Inappropriate permission: MIUI ignores images with an aspect ratio other than the screen (for example, vertical photos for a horizontal desktop).
The solution depends on the specific reason. For example, if the problem is resolution, you can crop a photo directly in the standard Xiaomi editor (long press on the image → Edit → Cut). But with the limitations of the firmware you have to tinker, we will talk about this in the next section.
Method 1: Standard Method through "Themes" (works on 80% of devices)
This is the most obvious way, but it doesn't always work. MIUI 13/14:
- Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
- Go to Wallpaper section. → My wallpaper.
- Slip the + (or Add) button in the lower right corner.
- Select the Gallery from the source list.
- Find the right image and confirm the choice.
If you don't have a gallery item, don't despair. Try the following method.
- Check the resolution (minimum 1080×1920 for Full HD)
- Save the photo in the DCIM/Camera folder
Make sure the file is not HEIC (MIUI does not support it)
- Cut the image under the ratio of the sides of the screen-->
Method 2: A workaround through "Screen settings"
On some devices (e.g. Redmi 10C or POCO X3 Pro), access to the gallery is blocked in the Themes app, but remains in the system settings.
- Click the empty space on the desktop → select Wallpaper.
- In the menu that opens, tap on three points (⋮) top-right.
- Choose My Wallpaper → gallery.
- Find a photo and use it.
Important: on MIUI 14, this path may not be available -- instead of three dots, it'll be a "Themes" button.
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If the wallpaper is applied but looks blurry, try increasing their resolution to 1440×3200 (for AMOLED-using online services such as iLoveIMG.
Method 3: Using a file manager (for power users)
If the first two methods fail, you will have to manually copy the photo to the system folder with wallpaper, which requires root rights or at least access to hidden directories through a file manager (for example, MiXplorer or Solid Explorer).
Instructions:
- Download a file manager with root support (such as FX File Explorer).
- Go to /data/system/users/0/wallpaper Or (for newer versions of MIUI): /data/data/com.android.settings/files/wallpaper
- Copy your image into this folder by renaming it in: wallpaper_lock.jpg — lock-screen, wallpaper_home.jpg — desktop.
Reset the device.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions in system folders can lead to malfunctions MIUI. We recommend you to pre-create a backup of data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup.
| Xiaomi model | Supported method | Need root? | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | Method 1, Method 2 | No. | MIUI 14 has the option "Adaptive Wallpaper" |
| Redmi Note 12 | Method 1, Method 3 | For Method 3, yes. | Often cuts wallpaper by default |
| POCO F4/F5 | Method 2 | No. | In the screen settings there is a direct link to the gallery |
| Xiaomi Pad 6 | Method 1 (horizontal wallpaper only) | No. | Supports live wallpaper from the gallery |
Solving pruning and resolution problems
MIUI often automatically crops the wallpaper, disrupting the composition.
- 📐 Use templates: create wallpaper with resolution 1080×2340 (for most Xiaomi) and the central motive - so the trim will be less noticeable.
- 🔄 Turn off "Adaptive cropping": in the wallpaper settings, uncheck the tick from the option "Put under the screen.
- 🖼️ Try different formats: sometimes.png displays better than.jpg.
If the image is distorted, try installing it through a third-party app, like WallpapersCraft or Zedge, which lets you manually adjust the positioning of the wallpaper.
How to check the actual screen resolution?
Alternative methods: third-party applications and ADB
If none of the standard methods worked, radical measures remain:
Wallpaper annexes
Utilities like Wallpaper Set & Forget and Muzei can bypass the limitations of MIUI.
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Select a photo from the gallery in the utility interface.
- Click Set as wallpaper - the application will place the file in the desired system folder.
2. ADB teams (for advanced)
With ADB, you can force the wallpaper to be set.
- Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times according to version).
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.SET_WALLPAPER
- In the menu that opens, select a gallery.
⚠️ Attention: use ADB This may cause Mi Account (Xiaomi account) to crash.Untie your device from your account in Settings before experimenting. → Accounts.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even after a successful installation, wallpaper can behave strangely.
- ⚡ Wallpaper is reset after restarting: check if the power saving mode for the Topic application is turned on (Settings) → Battery → Choice of applications).
- 🔒 Black screen instead of wallpaper: it's a bug MIUI 14, solved by resetting the launcher settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Launcher → Warehouse → Clear the data).
- 🎨 Colors are distorted: turn off the option Adaptive colors in the wallpaper settings.
If the problem persists, try resetting the themes to the standard: Settings → Themes → My Themes → Reset.
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On devices with AMOLED-With screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra), dark wallpaper reduces battery consumption by 5 to 10 percent. Use black or dark gray backgrounds to save charge.