Changing the wallpaper on Xiaomi’s smartphone seems like a simple task — until you encounter the nuances of the MIUI shell. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 14) and the firmware version, the process can be different: somewhere there are live wallpapers available, and somewhere they need to be installed through hidden menus. This instruction covers all the current methods, from standard to little-known, including solving typical problems like “no wallpapers” or “pice stretches”.
We tested each method on devices with MIUI 14/15 (Android 13/14) And highlighted the key points: where to look for settings for a dual screen (on models with a different screen). AMOLED-How to get around the restrictions on animated wallpaper, and why sometimes after updating, user background images are reset, if you want to not just change the picture, but optimize it for the resolution of your Xiaomi (for example, after updating, 2400×1080 For the Redmi Note 13 Pro+), You will also find practical advice here.
1. Standard method: through MIUI settings
The most obvious way is to use built-in shell tools, which works on all Xiaomi devices, including the budget Redmi and flagship Xiaomi 13T, but has limitations: for example, you can’t install live wallpaper without additional apps.
To change the wallpaper through the system menu:
- 📱 Long press on the free area of the main screen (or desktop).
- 🎨 At the bottom of the screen will appear a panel with options – select “Wallpaper” (or “Themes” on some firmware).
- 🖼️ Scroll down to the “My Wallpaper” or “Gallery” section if you want to upload your own image.
- ✅ Click “Apply” and choose where to use wallpaper: on a closed screen, the home screen, or both.
On models with Always-On Display (for example, Xiaomi 14 Pro) in this menu will appear an additional item “Wallpaper AOD” – here you can set a separate background for the constant lighting mode.
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If the gallery does not have a Wallpaper button, update the Themes app via Play Market or GetApps (the Xiaomi brand store).
2. Installation of wallpaper through the gallery: nuances for different formats
MIUI It allows you to install wallpaper directly from the Gallery app, but there are pitfalls here. GIF-Animation or Transparency Image (.png) can be automatically converted to a static image or stretched with distortions.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Gallery app and find the image you want.
- Touch the badge «⋮» (three points) in lower right corner → Select "Install how» → «Wallpaper».
- Adjust the framing area (if the image does not fit the screen resolution).
- Click “Ready” and select the screen(s) to apply.
For dual-display models (such as the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3), the screen selection option will appear in this menu: internal, external or both.
Why is the wallpaper stretched?
3. Live wallpaper and animations: how to get around the limitations of MIUI
By default, MIUI blocks the installation of live wallpaper (.livephoto,.mp4,.gif) through standard settings.
- Through the annex “Themes": 🛒 Open Topics → Wallpaper. → Live wallpaper. 🎬 Select one of the pre-loaded animations (e.g. Ocean or Clock»). ⚙️ Some of the silk can be downloaded here.mp4-files (up to 15 MB weight).
With third-party applications
- 📲 Install. KLWP Wallpaper Engine (available on Play Market).
- 🔧 In the settings of these applications, select the option “Install as a live wallpaper».
- ⚠️ On Xiaomi MIUI 14+ You may need permission to display on top of other applications (Settings) → Annexes → Special access).
On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra), animated wallpaper can increase battery consumption by 5-12% per hour. If you notice a quick discharge, check the energy saving settings in Settings → Battery.
4. Secret MIUI features: Double Wallpaper and Always-On Display
On devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra, Redmi K60 Pro) advanced wallpaper settings are available, which are hidden in the depths of the menu:
| Function | How to turn it on | Supported models |
|---|---|---|
| Double wallpaper (different on closed and main screen) | Long tap on the screen → “Wallpaper” → choose different images for each screen | All devices on MIUI 13+ |
| AOD (Always-On Display) | Settings → Screen → Always-On Display → Wallpaper | Models with AMOLED: Xiaomi 14, 13 Pro, MIX Fold 2 |
| Super wallpaper (3D-lean-out) | Themes → Super Wallpaper (requires downloading additional packages) | Flagships with gyroscope: POCO F5, Redmi K70 |
For Always-On Display, it is recommended to use wallpaper with dark colors (black, dark blue) to reduce battery consumption. AOD-The screen can reduce the battery life by 15-20%.
Use an image with a resolution of at least 1080p| Cut to an aspect ratio of 19.5:9| Reduce the brightness of colors (use dark tones) | Check text contrast (time/notifications must be read) | Save in PNG format (no artifacts)
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5 Problems and Errors: Why Wallpaper Is Not Installed
Even after doing the right thing, the wallpaper may not apply. Common causes and solutions:
- 🔄 Wallpaper resets after reboot: It's a bug MIUI, Solution: Turn off Adaptive Cleanup in Settings → Battery. → Settings → Optimizing memory.
- 🖼️ Image is cropped or stretched: MIUI It automatically adjusts the wallpaper to the screen resolution. To avoid distortion, use images with a resolution multiple of your display (for example, use images with a different screen resolution, 2400×1080 For the Redmi Note 12 Pro+).
- 🚫 No "Install as Wallpaper" option: Some firmware (especially global ones) have this item hidden.Solution: install Google Wallpaper from Play Market and use it to change the background.
⚠️ Note: If after changing the wallpaper there are artifacts (strips, flickering), check the frequency of the screen update in Settings → Screen. → Update frequency. On some devices (POCO X4 GT) At 120 Hz, conflicts with animated wallpaper may occur.
6. Optimization of wallpaper under AMOLED: how to save battery power
On devices with AMOLED-screens (all flagship Xiaomi and part of the series) Redmi/POCO) The black pixels on these displays don't consume energy, so the right background can extend the autonomy of the battery. 10–30%.
Optimization recommendations:
- 🌑 Use dark wallpaper with a predominance of black (for example, space, abstractions).
- 📉 Avoid bright colors (white, yellow, blue) – they load the matrix as much as possible.
- 🔍 Check for “hot pixels” (permanently glowing dots) that can cause your screen to burn out.
- 🔄 Change the wallpaper every 1-2 months to evenly distribute the load on the display.
To check the "energy efficiency" of wallpaper, use the AMOLED Wallpaper Test app (available on the Play Market), which shows how many pixels will actively consume energy.
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Nana AMOLED-Black background not only saves battery, but also reduces the load on the eyes in the dark.
7.Dumping wallpaper to factory: when it is needed
If you have problems with wallpaper after experimenting with it (flickering, lag, incorrect display), it is sometimes easier to return the factory settings, which is also useful before selling the device or transferring it to another user.
How to drop wallpaper:
- Open Settings → Wallpaper (or long-press on the screen → “Wallpaper”).
- Scroll down to the "System Wallpaper" or "Default" section.
- Select a standard background (usually an abstraction or MIUI logo).
- Confirm the application on both screens.
Some firmware (MIUI for China) may not have system wallpaper, in which case download the official wallpaper from themes.xiaomi.com (Mi Account is required).
⚠️ Warning: Once you reset the wallpaper, you also reset the Always-On Display settings and the app icons, and if you've used custom icons, you'll have to reset them.