How to Put Your Wallpaper on Xiaomi: All Ways for MIUI 12, 13 and 14

Replacing standard wallpaper with Xiaomi or Redmi is one of the first things users want to do after buying a smartphone. However, the MIUI interface is not always intuitive, especially when it comes to downloading their own images. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install custom wallpaper, including bypassing system restrictions, working with themes and even manually placing files for power users.

It’s important to understand that the process can vary depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12, 13 or 14) and the device model. For example, on the flagships of the Xiaomi 13 series, the algorithm is simpler than on the budget Redmi Note 12, where you sometimes need additional permissions customization.

If you’ve ever had a problem with the system not seeing your wallpaper or offering only standard options, this article will help you understand the reasons and find a solution. We’ll also look at how to avoid common mistakes, such as loss of image quality when cropping or failures in live wallpaper.

Image Preparation: Wallpaper Requirements for Xiaomi

Before you set up wallpaper, make sure your image meets MIUI specifications.The system automatically scales and crops the pictures, but the wrong aspect ratio or low resolution can lead to artifacts.

The best options for wallpaper on Xiaomi:

• 📏 Permission: not less 1080×2340 full HD+ displays (e.g., Redmi Note) 11) or 1440×3200 for flagships (Xiaomi) 12 For accurate fit, use the native resolution of your screen.
• 🎨 Format:.jpg,.png (no transparency supported) or.webp. Avoid.bmp and.gif – they may not show up.
• 🔄 The aspect ratio is 18:9, 19.5:9 or 20:9 (depending on the model.
• 🖼️ File weight: up to 10MB. Heavy images may not be uploaded to the theme gallery.

If your photo doesn’t fit these parameters, use editors like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile to adjust. Pay special attention to the centering of the main object – when you install the wallpaper is automatically cropped under the screen with a cutout (for example, “monobrov” on Xiaomi 11T).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with AMOLED-With screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra) dark wallpaper reduces battery consumption. Avoid bright white backgrounds, which increase power consumption by up to 15%.

Method 1: Install wallpaper through the standard MIUI gallery

The simplest method that works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later is suitable for static images and does not require additional applications.

Instructions:

1. Save the desired image to your phone memory (for example, in the DCIM/Wallpapers folder).
2. Open the Gallery app and find your photo.
3. Slip on the image, then click on the three dots in the lower right corner and select Set as wallpaper.
4. Select the screen area: 📱 Home screen - background of the desktop. 🔒 Lock screen - background when unlocking. 🔄 Both screens - background synchronization.

Apply

If the option to Set as wallpaper is missing, check:

• 📁 The folder that contains the image (some system folders, for example) Android/data, blockage).
• 🔍 File format (e.g.,.heic is not supported without conversion).
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the gallery doesn’t update your thumbnails.

Download image to phone memory | Check file format (JPG/PNG)| Open through standard Gallery | Select "Install as wallpaper" | Adjust scale-->

Method 2: Using the "Themes" app for live wallpaper

The Themes app in MIUI allows you to install not only static but also live wallpapers (animated). However, for custom images, there are limitations: the system offers only pre-loaded collections. To get around this, use the following method:

Steps:

1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
2. Go to Wallpaper section. → My wallpaper.
3. Click + in the upper right corner and select Locals.
4. Select your image from your phone’s memory.
5. Set up the display area (paralax effects are available for live wallpaper).
6. Apply the changes by clicking Install.

If the Local section is not available:

• 🔄 Update theme app through Play Market.
• 📥 Install. APK-App version from apkmirror.com (relevant for regions where MIUI limits the functionality).
• 🔧 Enable Developer Mode and activate Debugging option USB — Sometimes it will unlock hidden settings.

⚠️ Warning: Live wallpapers from third-party sources (not from the official theme store) may contain advertising modules or spyware. Install only verified files from forums 4PDA or XDA Developers.

Static|Live (animated)|Gradient|Dark (for the sake of) AMOLED)|Your pictures-->

Method 3: Manual wallpaper replacement through file manager (for experienced)

This method is suitable for users who want to install wallpaper without cropping or use images in non-standard formats. It requires access to system folders and is suitable for firmware with an unlocked bootloader.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC or use a file manager with root permissions (such as Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /data/system/users/0/ or /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.android.themes/files/wallpapers/
3. Copy your image into a folder by renaming it in: wallpaper_lock.jpg — lock-screen, wallpaper_home.jpg — desktop.

644

Reset the device.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No automatic cropping – the image is displayed in its original form.
• ✅ Support for.webp and.avif formats (if the firmware supports them).
• ✅ Opportunity to install different wallpapers for light and dark themes.

Risks:

• ❌ Update MIUI file-discard.
• ❌ Incorrect access rights will cause the application to fail.

Method 4: Wallpaper Apps from Google Play

If the standard methods don't work, you can use third-party applications, which offer additional features: automatic fit to the screen cutout, collections. 4K-Wallpaper and even keyword wallpaper generation (for example, through AI).

Top.-5 Verified applications for Xiaomi:

When using third-party applications:

• 🔒 Disable Auto Update in Play Market if the app is paid – some wallpapers are blocked after the update.
• 📶 Upload wallpaper only via Wi-Fi - files in 4K Weigh 5-15 MB.
• 🛡️ Check App Permissions: Some request access to contacts or location for no reason.

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If the wallpaper from the app doesn't apply, try installing it through the Gallery after you download it. Some apps save files to hidden folders that MIUI can't see.

Solving problems: Wallpapers are not installed or dropped

Sometimes users find that the wallpaper is not applied or reset after rebooting, let's look at the typical reasons and ways to eliminate them.

Problem 1: Wallpaper does not appear in the selection list.

• 📂 The file is located in the system folder (for example, Android/obb). Move it to Pictures or Download.
• 🔄 File format is not supported. Convert to.jpg via Photo & Picture Resizer.
• 🔍 The file name has special characters (e.g.

Problem 2: Wallpaper is reset after the MIUI update.

• 🔄 This is standard behavior. To avoid resetting, use applications like Wallpaper Changer that capture settings.
• 📁 Create a backup of wallpaper in the cloud (Google Photo or Mi Cloud).

Problem 3: The wallpaper is slowing down the system.

• 🔋 Turn off animation in wallpaper settings (section Effects).
• 📉 Set a limit FPS Developer Settings (Limit background processes).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G) Some wallpaper features may be disabled due to local restrictions, in which case the change of region in the settings of the Xiaomi account will help (but this will affect the operation of services, such as Mi Pay).

Additional tips: how to make wallpaper perfect

To make the wallpaper look organic and not spoil the perception of the interface, follow these recommendations:

• 🎨 Color gamut: Make wallpapers for your theme color scheme, for example, for a dark theme. MIUI Blue or purple tones are suitable, and for light - pastel shades.
• 📱 Screen cutout: Use black-bar wallpaper at the top – this visually hides the “monobrov” (for example, on Xiaomi 11 Lite) NE).
• 🔄 Change frequency: If wallpaper is boring, set up an automatic shift via Muzei or Wallpaper Changer (interval: 1 hour to 7 days).
• 🖼️ Quality: For screens with resolution FHD+ And upload the wallpaper to the top. 4K, Even if the phone scales them, it will reduce pixelation.

To create unique wallpaper:

• 🎨 Use AI-based generators, for example, DALL·E or MidJourney (ask: "minimalist wallpaper for Xiaomi phone, dark theme, 1080x2340").
• 📷 Take a photo in manual mode (Pro Mode in Xiaomi camera) with a resolution of 48 MP, then trim under the screen size.

💡

For the perfect result, combine static wallpaper with dynamic icons (via Nova Launcher launcher) – this will create a unique interface style.

FAQ: Frequent questions about wallpaper on Xiaomi