Xiaomi Mi 9T (He's a Redmi. K20 in some regions, it is still one of the most popular smartphones of the brand due to its powerful hardware and AMOLED-But even years after the release, owners are looking for ways to refresh the look of the device β and super wallpaper (or "live wallpaper") becomes the perfect solution. Unlike static images, they respond to touch, change color depending on the time of day, or even display animations when unlocked.
However, standard MIUI tools donβt always allow you to install such wallpaper without restrictions. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods β from official themes to manual installation via ADB β and also tell you how to avoid common errors. All instructions are relevant for the Mi 9T based on MIUI 12/13/14 and Android 10/11.
What is super wallpaper and why it doesnβt work out of the box
Super Wallpapers are dynamic background images that Xiaomi introduced in MIUI 12.
- π Landscape β smoothly change color depending on the time of day (for example, the sunset is replaced by the night sky).
- π¨ Abstract β contain animations during interaction (touching, swipes).
The problem is that the Mi 9T was not officially included in the list of devices that support this feature.
- π± Restrictions on the model: Xiaomi blocks super-wallpaper for devices with 720p-screens or a weak processor (although Mi is a 9T has FHD+ AMOLED Snapdragon 730).
- π Version. MIUI: On old assemblies (MIUI 11 and below) feature is not available even for supported smartphones.
- π¦ Regional restrictions: In some firmware (e.g. for Global) ROM) super-wallpaper hidden.
Fortunately, we can get around these limitations and we will show you how.
Method 1: Installation through the official app "Themes"
The easiest method is to use the built-in Themes app. This is suitable if your Mi 9T runs on MIUI 12 or later, but super wallpaper doesn't show up in the gallery.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
- Go to Wallpaper section. β Super wallpaper.
- If there is no section, enter a Super Wallpaper or Dynamic query in the search bar.
- Select your favorite theme and click Apply.
If super wallpaper doesnβt appear in search results, try:
- π Change region: In the Topics settings, choose India or China - there is a wider collection of wallpapers.
- π₯ Update the app: Go to Google Play and check for updates MIUI Themes.
Change region to "India" |Update the "Themes" app |Clear the app cache |Reboot the smartphone-->
β οΈ Warning: Some super wallpapers from Themes may brake on Mi 9T If you've got lags after you've used them, return the standard wallpaper.
Method 2: Hand-mounted APK with super wallpaper
If the official method did not work, you can install wallpaper manually through APK-This method requires a little more effort, but gives access to hidden themes that Xiaomi does not distribute through the store.
Where to get APK:
- π Official sources: Sites like XiaomiThemes or XDA Developers (Look for themes marked Super Wallpaper).
- π Telegram channels: For example, @MIUIThemes or @XiaomiSuperWallpapers.
How to determine:
- Download. APK-superwallpaper file (for example, MarsSuperWallpaper.apk or EarthSuperWallpaper.apk).
- Move the file to the phone's memory.
- Install any file manager (such as Solid Explorer) and run the APK through it.
- After installation, go to Settings β Wallpaper and select a new theme.
| Name APK | Wallpaper type | Size | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| MarsSuperWallpaper.apk | Landscape (Mars) | ~50MB | MIUI 12+ |
| EarthSuperWallpaper.apk | Landscape (Earth) | ~70MB | MIUI 12+ |
| AbstractSuperWallpaper.apk | Abstract. | ~30MB | MIUI 11+ |
β οΈ Attention: Install APK Some files may contain viruses or adware. Before installing, check the file through VirusTotal.
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If after installing the APK, the wallpaper does not appear in the settings, try restarting the phone or clearing the theme app cache (Settings β Applications β Application Management β Themes β Storage β Clear the cache).
Method 3: Installation via ADB (for power users)
If previous methods have failed, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to unlock hidden super wallpapers that are already on the system, but not displayed in the menu.
What you need:
- π₯οΈ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
- π± Included Debugging by USB on Mi 9T (Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI β 7 times press to unlock Developer Settings, then enable debugging).
- π USB-cable (preferably original).
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Execute the command to unlock super wallpaper: adb shell settings put global super_wallpaper_enabled 1
- Reboot your phone. Then you'll see the Super Wallpaper section in the wallpaper settings.
If the section never appears, try the additional command:
adb shell am start -n com.android.themes/.module.superwallpaper.SuperWallpaperPreviewActivityWhat if the ADB canβt see the device?
Method 4: Using third-party launchers
If you don't want to mess with ADB or APK, you can install a third-party launcher with support for live wallpaper, such as Nova Launcher or Lawnchair.
How it works:
- π² The launcher replaces the standard interface MIUI, Allows you to install any wallpaper, including dynamic.
- π¨ Some launchers (e.g, KWGT) Support customization β you can create your own animations.
Instructions for Nova Launcher:
- Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
- Download the live wallpaper app (like WallpapersCraft or Live Wallpapers).
- In the launcher settings, select Wallpaper β Live wallpaper and apply your favorite theme.
The downside of this method is that the live wallpaper will only work on the home screen, not on the lock screen, and it can drain the battery faster.
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The launcher side is the most versatile way, but they donβt replace Xiaomiβs super wallpaper completely. For full effect (including the lock screen), itβs better to use official methods.
Method 5: Firmware custom recaveri (for enthusiasts)
This method is only suitable for users who are willing to risk losing their warranty and have experience with custom firmware, and allows you to install super wallpapers through TWRP or OrangeFox.
What needs to be done:
- Unlock Bootloader on Mi 9T (official instructions from Xiaomi here).
- Install a custom recap (TWRP)
- Download Zip archive with super wallpaper (for example, XDA).
- Go to TWRP, select Install and flash the archive.
Pros and cons of the method:
| Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|
| β Full customization (you can install any wallpaper, including ported from other devices). | β The risk of βbrickingβ the phone in case of an error. |
| β It works even on older versions. MIUI. | β Requires unlocking Bootloader (data reset). |
| β It can be combined with other modes (e.g. Magisk). | β Loss of official updates OTA. |
β οΈ Note: Firmware custom recovery voids the warranty Xiaomi.In addition, incorrect actions can lead to data loss or damage to the system. TWRP beforehand.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after a successful installation, super wallpapers may not work properly, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:
1. Wallpaper is not displayed in the settings
- π Reboot the phone.
- π Check that APK-The file is installed correctly (sometimes you need to move it to the /system/priv-app/ rod).
- π§ Update. MIUI last-minute.
2. Animations slow down or not smooth
- π Turn off the energy saving mode (Settings) β Battery β Performance mode).
- ποΈ Clear the app's cache Topics.
- π Reduce wallpaper resolution (some super-wallpapers are optimized for wallpapers) 2K/4K-screen).
3. Wallpaper is dropped after reset
- π Set the wallpaper through ADB (3-way).
- π Set the theme in the settings (Themes) β My subjects. β Secure).
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If super wallpaper drains the battery, try turning off animations in wallpaper settings or go to a static version of the same theme.