Personalization of the smartphone interface is the first thing that many users start with after buying a new device. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco gadgets often face the desire to replace the standard image with their own photo from the device’s memory. The process of installing wallpaper on the Android shells of MIUI and the new HyperOS is implemented quite flexibly, but has its own nuances that are not always obvious at first acquaintance.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways to replace the background image in detail, from the classic installation through the system gallery to the creation of dynamic slideshows. You will learn how to properly adjust the display of the image on the lock screen and desktop to avoid stretching or poor-quality compression.
Regardless of whether you have a flagship Xiaomi 14 or a budget Redmi Note, the algorithm will be almost identical. We will look at the built-in tools of the system that allow you to manage visual style without installing third-party applications. Understanding these mechanisms will help you make the smartphone interface truly unique and convenient for everyday use.
Basic installation through the Gallery app
The simplest and most common method of replacing the background is to use the built-in Gallery app, which doesn't require you to find any additional settings in the phone's menu and allows you to quickly apply an image you just downloaded or transferred from another device, and the algorithm of actions is intuitive even for beginners.
To start, open the Gallery app and find the photo you want. Note that the system may suggest improving the image quality or applying a filter before installing, but this step can be skipped. Once you open the photo, click on the menu button, which is usually represented by three dots in the bottom corner of the screen or the icon "More".
In the action list that opens, select Set as Wallpaper. The system will offer you two uses for the image: on the lock screen or on the desktop. If you choose the desktop, the system will automatically crop the image according to the proportions of your screen, and you can move the framing frame to choose the best angle.
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For the best quality, choose the original images with a resolution of at least 1080x2400 pixels to avoid pixelation on modern AMOLED-screen.
It is important to note that when you install the lock screen, the system may suggest turning on the wallpaper carousel function. If your goal is a static image, make sure that the carousel activation switch is turned off, otherwise after a while the image may change to an advertising or thematic one from the Glance service.
Setting up through the menu Themes and Wallpaper
A more advanced visual management tool is the Theme System App, which provides access not only to pre-made sets, but also to local images stored in the phone’s memory, and provides a preview of how the picture will look when combined with widgets and icons.
To use this method, look for the Topic app on your desktop (an icon with a multicolored "T" or brush). At the bottom of the screen, go to the Profile tab (usually a man's icon). In the menu that opens, find the Wallpaper section, and here you will see several categories, including "Recommended", "Horizontal" and, importantly, "Local".
Select the Local tab, and the system will show all the images stored in the device's memory. This method is convenient because it allows you to immediately apply the picture to both screens or only one screen, making a preview. In addition, there is a preview mode where you can see how the wallpaper will look in the folded desktop.
⚠️ Note: When using the Topics menu to install local images, the system may suggest downloading additional resources or effects. Read pop-ups carefully to avoid installing unnecessary design packages.
You should pay special attention to the Super Wallpapers section, if your smartphone model supports this feature. Although this is not exactly a gallery installation, you can combine live effects with personal photos to create unique scenes. However, the Local tab is best for installing photos from the gallery.
Creating a slideshow on the lock screen
Xiaomi phone owners often want images to change automatically, and for this purpose, the system implements a "Wallpaper Carousel" or "Slide Show" feature, which allows you to create a dynamic gallery on the lock screen that will be updated every time you wake up the device.
To configure this feature, go to Settings -> Wallpaper and Personalization -> Wallpaper Carousel. Here you need to activate the switch Turn on the wallpaper carousel. After activation, click on My wallpaper or Add images to select specific photos from the gallery that will participate in the rotation.
The system allows you to adjust the frequency of changes in images flexibly, you can choose to update each time you turn on the screen or set a time interval, and there is also a feature called Smart Sort, which analyzes the content of the photo and tries not to show similar images in a row.
- 🖼️ Source selection: You can choose specific albums from the gallery or individual photos.
- ⏱️ Interval: Set up time for displaying one image before switching.
- 🔒 Lock screen: The function only works on a locked screen without affecting the desktop.
- 📶 Online Content: Optionally, you can add a subscription to online image sources mixed with your photos.
Using a carousel is a great way to not just pick one photo, but enjoy a whole collection of memorable moments, but it is worth remembering that active change of images can have a slight effect on battery consumption, since the screen and the processor are more active each time you turn on.
☑️ Setting up wallpaper carousel
Live wallpaper and video backgrounds
Modern smartphones Xiaomi with OLED-And so, with screens, you can put not only static images, but also video as wallpaper, which makes the interface more lively and interactive, and video wallpapers can respond to touch, or they can just play back in a loop.
A third-party app may be required to install video from the gallery by standard means, as native support for video backgrounds in MIUI is limited to certain formats or themes. However, if you have an MP4 or GIF file, you can use a built-in converter or Live Wallpaper app (often bundled or downloaded from GetApps).
The installation process is usually like this: you open the live wallpaper app, select the "Select video from the gallery" option, crop the desired snippet and apply it. The system automatically optimizes the video file so that it does not overload the processor. It is important to use short clips that last up to 15-30 seconds.
⚠️ Attention: Installing video wallpapers significantly increases battery consumption, especially on screens with high refresh rates, and it is recommended to use this feature only if you have a powerful battery or the possibility of frequent recharging.
There is also the Super Wallpapers format, which are complex animated scenes. Although it is difficult to upload your video to this format directly, you can find thousands of free options in the Xiaomi theme store that look like live video.
Quality and framing problems
A common problem with wallpaper installation is image quality degradation or improper framing. Android and MIUI have compression algorithms that can make beautiful photos blurry or grainy. In addition, the screen proportions of modern smartphones (usually 19.5:9 or 20:9) are different from standard photos (4:3 or 16:9).
If after installation you notice compression artifacts, try the following trick: before installation, slightly increase the sharpness and contrast of the photo in any editor. The system compressor when using wallpaper slightly "eats" the parts, so the source with a margin of quality will give the best final result.
To solve the framing problem, use the built-in cropping tool. When you select an area during the installation phase, pay attention to the grid. Stretching the highlight area outside the visible screen if possible, or select Full Screen mode, even if part of the image is trimmed on the sides.
Why do the wallpaper look worse on the menu than in the gallery?
Another important aspect is the dark theme: If you use a dark theme, the system can automatically darken the wallpaper to make the text of the widgets read better. Check the contrast settings in the Screen section if the colors appear faded.
Comparison of installation methods
To make it easier for you to choose the right way, we have prepared a comparative table of methods for installing wallpaper on Xiaomi devices. Each method has its advantages depending on your final goal.
| Method | Quality. | Flexibility of settings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through the Gallery | High. | Basic | Low. |
| Through Topics (Local) | High. | Medium | Low. |
| Wallpaper carousel | Average. | Tall. | Medium |
| Video wallpaper | Depends on the roller. | Tall. | Tall. |
As you can see from the table, the best way to use it is through the Gallery app or Locals in Themes, which balances quality and simplicity. Carousel is for those who like variety, and video wallpaper is for those who are willing to sacrifice autonomy for visual effects.
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The best way for most users is to install a high-resolution static image through the Gallery’s standard menu, as this ensures better compatibility and stability.
Additional Personalization Settings
After installing the wallpaper, it makes sense to pay attention to the associated settings, new versions of HyperOS and MIUI 14+ have a color adaptation feature, the system can automatically adjust the tone of icons and controls to the colors of your new background.
To activate, go to Settings -> Wallpaper and Personalization -> Color Scheme. Select the "Based on Wallpaper" option. This will create a harmonious visual ensemble where folders, notification curtains and menus will be combined with your photo.
Also, don't forget widgets. If you've got a motley photo, standard widgets can be hard to read, and then it makes sense to use semi-transparent widgets or Neomorphism widgets that are available in the theme store, which will make the desktop not only beautiful, but also functional.