How to install your photo on the lock screen Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi’s lock screen is the first thing you see when you turn on a smartphone, and personalizing this element makes using the device more comfortable. Many users of Redmi, POCO or the flagship Mi models want to replace the standard wallpaper with a personal photo, but do not always understand how to do it correctly. Depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14) and the phone model, the process can be slightly different, and some nuances – for example, image cropping or animation support – often go unnoticed.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to put your photo on the lock screen, including hidden MIUI features that avoid automatic cropping or use dynamic wallpaper. You’ll also learn how to solve typical problems (such as when a photo is not saved or displayed blurry) and which image formats are best for different Xiaomi models. If you want your smartphone to reflect your style from the first second of inclusion, read on.

Why are standard wallpapers on the lock screen not suitable?

The manufacturer installs universal wallpaper on Xiaomi that suits most users, but rarely takes into account individual preferences.

• 🎨 Personalization: Your photo on the lock screen makes your smartphone unique and easily recognizable.
• 🔍 Quick access to information: you can use an image with important reminders (e.g. schedule or contacts).
• 📱 Single style: wallpaper on the main screen and lock screen can be harmoniously combined.
• 🔒 Additional security: Personal photos make it harder for attackers to guess yours PIN standard-wallpaper.

In addition, research shows that users are more likely to unlock a phone if a pleasing personal image is displayed on the screen — a psychological trigger that increases interaction with the device. However, not everyone knows that MIUI allows not only static wallpapers to be installed, but also dynamic (for example, with the effect of paralax) or even video wallpaper on some models.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with AMOLED-screens (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi) K60) And dark wallpaper reduces power consumption, and if you pick a light photo, the battery will go down faster.

Photo Preparation: Size and Format Requirements

Before you set an image, you have to prepare it properly. MIUI automatically trims and zooms the photo, but if you don't take into account the technical requirements, the result can be disappointing: important details will be cut or the image will become blurred.

If your photo doesn't meet these requirements, use any graphics application (such as Adobe Photoshop Express, Snapseed or even the standard Gallery editor in MIUI) to adjust. Pay special attention to the central part of the image - it will remain visible after the clipping. For example, if you want to place a portrait, make sure that the face is in the center of the frame.

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To avoid trimming important details, add uniform fields (such as Canva or Photoshop) with an aspect ratio of 9:19 to your photo, ensuring that MIUI does not cut the edges.

Method 1: Install photo through "Settings" (classical method)

This is the easiest and most versatile way to work on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later. Instructions are suitable for the Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13/14 and other models.

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 versions).
3. Select the option to Change Wallpaper or My Wallpaper.
4. Click the Gallery and select the photo you want.
5. Adjust the scale and position of the image with gestures (can be increased / reduced with two fingers).
6. Click Apply or Set on the Lock screen.

If the Lock screen option is not on the menu, try the alternative path: Settings → Display → Wallpaper → Lock screen. On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global), this section may be called Wallpaper.

Photo is in screen resolution | Image is not blurred or pixelated | Important details are in the center | File saved in JPG/PNG-->

⚠️ Note: On devices with Always-On Display (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), a personal photo on the lock screen may not appear in mode. AOD. Instead, it'll show you a standard theme. To fix this, go to Settings. → Always-On Display → Style and select the option Like on the lock screen (if available).

Method 2: Using the Themes app for dynamic wallpaper

If you want your photo on the lock screen to have a paralax effect (moved when the phone tilts) or be part of a dynamic theme, use the standard Themes app. This method works on MIUI 13/14 and supports animation. Here's how to do it:

1. Open the Themes app (brush icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Wallpapers (or Wallpapers) tab.
3. Choose My Wallpaper or Custom category.
4. Click Add Wallpaper and select a photo from the gallery.
5. Activate the Dynamic Effect option (if available).
6. Apply the wallpaper to the lock screen.

The advantage of this method is that you can combine your photo with elements of system themes (for example, add a watch or weather widgets on top of the image). However, keep in mind that dynamic wallpaper can slightly increase battery consumption - by 3-5% compared to static ones.

Static (normal photo)|Dynamic (with paralax effect)|Video wallpaper|Standard topics MIUI-->

If the Dynamic Effect option is inactive, it means that your Xiaomi model does not support this feature. For example, Redmi 10A or POCO M4 Pro budget devices often do not have this option.

Method 3: Install photo through the "Gallery" (fast method)

Not everyone knows that you can change the wallpaper of the lock screen directly from the Gallery app without going to the settings, which saves time and is suitable for those who often change photos.

1. Open the gallery and find the photo you need.
2. Tap the image and hold your finger for 1-2 seconds to create a context menu.
3. Select the option to Set as (or Set as).
4. In the window that appears, press the wallpaper of the lock screen.
5. Adjust the position and scale, then confirm the choice.

This method is convenient because it allows you to immediately see how the photo will look on the lock screen. However, it is not available on all versions of MIUI. If the option is set as missing, update the Gallery app through Google Play or use alternative methods.

Problem Solving: Photos are not installed or displayed incorrectly

Sometimes users experience a personal photo on the Xiaomi lock screen not being saved, blurred or reset after a reboot, and here are the typical reasons and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: Photos are cropped incorrectly

If MIUI cuts off important parts of the image, it means that the aspect ratio does not match the screen.

• 📏 Use a photo with a ratio of 9:19 or 9:20.
• 🖼️ Hand-cut the image in the editor, leaving the central part.
• 🔄 Try turning the photo to 90.° — Sometimes it helps to avoid automatic pruning.

Problem 2: Photos are reset after update

After updating MIUI or restarting the device, the wallpaper can reset to standard wallpaper, due to a failure in the system cache.

• 🔄 Reset the photo through Settings → Wallpaper.
• 🧹 Clear the app's cache Themes in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Topics → Clear the cache.
• 📥 Make sure the photo is stored in internal memory (not on the computer). SD-map).

Problem 3: Photos blurred or pixelated

This happens if the image resolution is too low.

• 🔍 Check the resolution of the photo (should be at least) 1080×2340).
• 📤 Use the original photo, not a compressed version of messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).
• 🛠️ Increase sharpness in the editor (e.g. in Lightroom).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) When you install wallpaper through the Themes, you may have a "failed to use wallpaper" error, due to budget firmware restrictions, solution: use the method through Settings or third-party applications (about them in the next section).

Alternative methods: third-party applications and ADB

If the standard methods don't work or you want to expand the possibilities of personalization, you can use third-party tools.

Wallpapers Craft app

This app allows you to fine-tune the position of the photo on the lock screen, avoiding automatic MIUI cropping. Download it from Google Play and follow the instructions:

1. Open Wallpapers Craft and select a photo.
2. Set up the display area using the grid.
3. Export the result and install through Settings → Wallpaper.

Using ADB to Force Wallpaper Installation

For advanced users: if MIUI blocks wallpaper change (e.g. on enterprise devices), you can use ADB. This method requires the developer mode on and is only suitable for advanced users.

adb shell cmd wallpaper set --user current --category lock_screen --file /sdcard/Download/your_photo.jpg

Where /sdcard/Download/your_photo.jpg — Be careful: misuse of your photo. ADB It could cause system failures.

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The side of the app (such as Wallpapers Craft or Muzei) often offer more options for customizing wallpaper than standard MIUI tools. However, they can conflict with system services, so check reviews on Google Play before using.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing wallpaper on Xiaomi lock screen