How to install your wallpaper on Xiaomi: all ways (including hidden)

Want to make your Xiaomi unique, but standard wallpaper in MIUI already bored? You are not alone: according to statistics, 68% of smartphone users change the background of the desktop in the first 3 days after buying. Fortunately, Xiaomi offers several ways to set their wallpapers - from simple to advanced, including methods to bypass the limitations of the system.

In this article you will find the most relevant ways. 2026 All models of the year, from budget Redmi Note 12 before the flagship Xiaomi 14 We're going to take a look at not only the standard methods through the gallery, but the hidden features. MIUI 14/15, And we're going to focus on the problems of screen resolution and optimizing images for live wallpaper. AMOLED-display.

1. Standard method: through the Gallery appendix

The simplest method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones without additional programs is suitable for static wallpaper in.jpg,.png or.webp formats with a resolution of at least 1080×2400 (for modern models).

An important nuance: MIUI automatically trims the wallpaper to the aspect ratio of the screen. If your image has non-standard proportions (for example, 16:9 instead of 20:9), part of the picture can be hidden. To avoid this, use online services for pre-trimming, for example, iLoveIMG.

• 📱 Open the Gallery app** and select the image you want.
• 🔍 Click on three dots in the lower right corner → Choose Set How to Install.
• 🖼️ In the menu that opens, tap Desktop Wallpaper (or Lock Wallpaper if you need to change the background of the lock screen).
• ✅ Confirm the choice by clicking Apply.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5) post-update MIUI 15 may be missing the option to Set How.In this case, restart the phone or use alternative methods from this article.

Upload the photo in maximum resolution|Cut under the aspect ratio of your screen|Check that format — JPG/PNG (not RAW or HEIC)|Make sure the file is no more than 10 MB-->

2. Through theme settings (for MIUI 12 and later)

If you want to set dynamic wallpaper or use an image as part of a theme, this method is better, and it also allows you to apply one background simultaneously to the desktop and lock screen, which is impossible through the Gallery.

Xiaomi limits the file size to 5MB for themes. If your image is heavier, compress it with TinyPNG or convert it to.webp (this format is supported with MIUI 13).

• 🎨 Go to Settings. → Registration → My subjects.
• ➕ Press the badge. + top-right → Choose Create a Theme.
• 📸 In the Wallpaper section, add wallpaper and select your image.
• 🔄 Set up where the background will be displayed: only on the desktop, only on lock or on both screens.
• 💾 Save the topic and apply it.

Standard of MIUI|Your pictures|Live wallpaper (dynamic)|Dark wallpaper for AMOLED|Abstract drawings-->

3. Installation of live wallpaper (including third-party)

Live Wallpapers are animated backgrounds that respond to touch or change over time. Xiaomi officially supports them starting with MIUI 11, but with limitations: you can only install wallpapers from the store theme or preloaded to the system.

To install custom live wallpapers (for example, from the WallpapersCraft app), you will need to bypass the limitations of MIUI.

1. Through ADB (requires PC and USB debugging).
2. LWP+ (not available on all models)

Let us consider both options in more detail.

Method 3.1: Installation via ADB (for power users)

This method allows you to unlock the installation of live wallpaper from any sources, but requires enabled debugging. USB It's good for Android 10 models.+.

adb shell settings put global live_wallpaper_enabled 1


adb shell pm grant com.android.wallpaper PERMISSION_SET_WALLPAPER_COMPONENT

Once you've done the commands, restart your phone. You can now install live wallpapers from any application, including Google Wallpapers or KWGT.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI EU) After this method, animation bugs may occur. If the wallpaper starts to "slow down", roll back the changes by the command: adb shell settings put global shell settings. live_wallpaper_enabled 0

Method 3.2: Application LWP+ (without root)

LWP+ is a modified version of Google’s standard live wallpaper app adapted for MIUI. It allows you to set animated backgrounds without ADB, but it doesn’t work on all models (issues arise on Redmi with MediaTek).

• 📥 Download. APK LWP+ APKMirror (version must be at least 4.5).
• 🔓 Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Annexes → Special access.
• 🎯 Install the app and select live wallpaper from its library.
• 🔄 Apply the background through the menu Set as wallpaper.

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If the live wallpaper isn't set, try first applying the standard static background through the Gallery, and then try again with the animated one.

4.Use of KWGT for custom wallpaper

KWGT (Kustom Widget Maker) is a powerful tool for creating interactive wallpapers with widgets, animations and dynamic elements.

Cons: for full work will be required KWGT Pro (worth). ~200₽) But there are presets on the web that can be imported in a few clicks.

• 📲 Install. KWGT Google Play.
• 🎨 Download your favorite template (for example, on Reddit or DeviantArt).
• ⚙️ Import it into KWGT via Load Preset menu.
• 🖼️ Use it as wallpaper by selecting Set as Wallpaper.

Example of popular templates for Xiaomi:

• 🌌 AMOLED Black – dark wallpaper with minimalistic widgetts (save battery life).
• ⚡ Neon Glow – Light elements optimized for 120 Hz.
• 📊 Minimal Clock – clock and weather wallpaper updated in real time.

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KWGT consumes more battery than standard wallpaper, but allows you to create a unique design with animation and interactive elements.Optimally for flagships with powerful processors (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3).

5. Solving Wallpaper Problems on Xiaomi

Even after a successful installation, the wallpaper may not display correctly, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

If none of these methods worked, check if you have a third-party launcher (like a Nova Launcher or Hyperion) that blocks wallpaper change through standard methods.

1. Return to the standard launcher (Settings → Home Screen → Default Launcher).
2. Apply wallpaper through the "Gallery" or "Themes".
3. Return to the third-party launcher - the wallpaper will remain.

6. Optimization of wallpaper for AMOLED-screen

If your Xiaomi is equipped AMOLED-display (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi) K60), Ordinary wallpaper may look dull or cause pixel burnout. To avoid this, follow the guidelines:

• 🌑 Use dark wallpaper with a predominance of black (pixels are turned off, saving charge).
• 🔄 Change the wallpaper every 1-2 months to prevent burnout of static elements.
• 🎨 Avoid bright colors (especially red and blue) at maximum brightness.
• 🔋 Turn on Adaptive Brightness in the Display Settings.

To create the perfect wallpaper under AMOLED, use:

• 🖌️ Pixelmator Pro (for Mac) – allows you to export images with real black (#000000).
• 📱 Adobe Photoshop Express (for Android) – there is a color replacement tool to remove gray undertones.

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To check if the color is really black on your #000000 wallpaper (not dark gray), open the image in any graphics editor and use the Pipetka tool.

7. Alternative methods: third-party applications

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party apps that offer more customization options, but may require additional permissions.

When using third-party apps, pay attention to the permissions they request. For example, Zedge requires access to storage, camera and microphone — this is redundant for simply changing wallpaper. If you are embarrassed by this, refuse installation or use F-Droid to find open-source alternatives.

FAQ: Frequent questions