Xiaomi’s live wallpaper is one of the most memorable features of the MIUI shell, which has given smartphones a unique style. However, after the system updates, many users are faced with their sudden disappearance: instead of animated backgrounds, static pictures or even a black screen are left, the reason lies in the company’s policy: starting with MIUI 12.5 and above, Xiaomi gradually removes live wallpapers from the standard set, replacing them with Super Wallpapers (which work only on flagships) or completely removing functionality.
In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to bring back live wallpaper to any Xiaomi model, from budget Redmis to premium Mis and POCOs. Importantly, the methods vary in complexity and compatibility, so we’ll describe each in detail, pointing out the limitations and possible risks. If you’re not ready to experiment with system files, start with the simplest solutions — they often work even without root rights.
Before you start, make sure that on your device:
- 📱 Version. MIUI not lower than 11 (for old methods) or not higher than 14 (for new bypasses).
- 🔋 Battery charge more than 50% – some operations may take time.
- 📁 Backup of important data (in case of resetting settings).
1.Restore live wallpaper through a hidden themes menu
The safest way to do this is to use the built-in MIUI theme storage, where sometimes there are forgotten live wallpapers, which works on most devices with MIUI 12-14, but requires strict follow-up.
Go to Settings → Wallpaper → My wallpaper and follow the following steps:
- Scroll down to the "Systems" or "Standard" section.
- Press and hold your finger on any static background for 3-5 seconds. If hidden wallpaper is available, a context menu will appear with the item "Live Wallpapers" (or "Dynamic Wallpapers" in English firmware).
- Choose your favorite option and apply it. If the menu doesn't appear, try repeating the action with other backgrounds.
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13.5+ for the European region, this section may be blocked, in which case proceed to the following method.
Why is Xiaomi removing live wallpaper?
2. Installation of live wallpaper through APK-file
If the standard method does not work, you can manually install the original APK-Xiaomi's live wallpaper files. This is a good way to use a device with MIUI 12-14 and does not require root rights, but will require permission to install applications from unknown sources.
Download the archive with live wallpaper for your version MIUI (for example, MiuiDynamicWallpapers_12.5.3.apk for MIUI 12.5). Make sure the file matches your firmware - the incorrect version may not install or malfunction:
Download the correct version of APK| Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Access | Install APK through any file manager | Reboot device | Apply wallpaper through Settings → Wallpaper
-->
⚠️ Attention: Some APK-files may contain viruses or unlicensed content, and download them only from trusted sources such as forums. XDA Developers or 4PDA. After installation, the wallpaper will appear in the “My Wallpaper” section as a separate category.
| MIUI version | Compatible APKs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 12–12.5 | com.android.themes.dynamic | It works on 90% of devices, but can brake on weak chipsets (for example, Snapdragon 6xx). |
| MIUI 13–13.5 | MiuiDynamicWallpapers_13.0.4.apk | Requires to disable battery optimization for the Themes app. |
| MIUI 14 | SuperWallpapers_2.1.0.apk | For flagships only (Xiaomi 12/13, POCO F4 GT). There will be an error on budget models. |
3.Use of third-party apps with live wallpaper
If the original wallpaper was not restored, the alternative is third-party apps from Google Play, which are not identical to Xiaomi’s proprietary solutions, but offer a wide range of animations, including the use of a wide range of new features. 3D-Effects and interactive elements.
Best options:
- 🌌 Kappboom – Live Wallpaper with Always-On Display support AMOLED-screen).
- 🎨 Wallpapers Craft – customized animations with speed and color settings.
- 🌊 3D Parallax Background – wallpaper with paralax effect (respond to the tilt of the phone).
For installation:
- Download the app from Google Play.
- Open it and select the background you like.
- Click "Install" - the wallpaper will apply automatically.
- In Settings → Wallpaper, select “Live Wallpaper” as the source.
💡
If animation slows down, reduce the frame rate in the application settings or turn off background processes through Settings → Battery → Optimization.
4. Recovery through ADB (for advanced users)
This method is suitable for those who are ready to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which allows you to unlock hidden MIUI features, including live wallpaper, without obtaining root permissions. Importantly, incorrect ADB commands can disrupt the system, so follow the instructions strictly by step.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-Drivers (you can download from the official Android website).
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to unlock Developer Mode, then enable debugging in Settings → Additionally. → For developers).
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (CMD or Terminal).
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
- Use the command to unlock hidden wallpaper: adb shell settings put global miui_use_dynamic_wallpaper 1
- Restart your smartphone. Once turned on, the live wallpaper should appear on the standard menu.
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 Global) this command may not work due to changes in system settings:
adb shell am start -n com.android.themes/.module.dynamicwallpaper.DynamicWallpaperPreviewActivity5. Manual addition of live wallpaper via TWRP (for users with root)
If you're ready for radical measures and your device has a bootloader with TWRP installed, you can manually stitch live wallpaper through custom recovery, which is guaranteed to work, but requires technical skills.
Step-by-step:
- Download the archive with live wallpaper in.zip format (for example, MiuiDynamicWallpapers_TWRP.zip).
- Reboot the phone to TWRP (clip Power + Volume up).
- Select “Install” and specify the path to the downloaded archive.
- Confirm the installation with a swipe and wait for completion.
- Reboot the device. Wallpaper will appear in Settings → Wallpaper → Live wallpaper.
💡
Installation via TWRP is the most reliable way, but requires an unlocked bootloader, and on devices with a locked bootloader (such as the new Redmi for China), this method will not work.
⚠️ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through TWRP This can lead to a bootloop. Before the procedure, back up through the TWRP → Backup by selecting System and Data.
6.The Alternative: Creating Your Live Wallpaper
If neither method worked, why not make unique live wallpapers yourself? Apps like Video Live Wallpaper or GIF Live Wallpaper can do that, which converts videos or GIFs into animated backgrounds.
How it works:
- 🎥 Take a short video (such as a sunset or particle animation) or download a suitable GIF.
- 📱 Open the Video Live Wallpaper app and download the file.
- ⚙️ Adjust playback speed, cropping, and effects (such as blurring when locking the screen).
- 🔧 Apply wallpaper through the app menu.
Advantages of this method:
- 🎨 Customization – You control every element of animation.
- 📱 It works on all versions. MIUI Android.
- 🔋 Minimum battery consumption (with the right settings).
💡
To save charge, use dark videos or gifs on the AMOLED-The black pixels on these displays don't consume energy.