Dynamic wallpaper on Xiaomi smartphones transforms the look of the device by adding animations to the lock screen or the main screen. Unlike static pictures, they respond to touch, change colors depending on the time of day or even synchronize with the weather. However, not all users know that this feature is available not only on the flagship models of the Mi 13 Ultra or Xiaomi 14, but also on the budget Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5.
In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to activate changing wallpapers on MIUI 12, 13 and 14, including standard tools and third-party solutions. You’ll learn how to bypass restrictions on some models, where to download safe animated themes, and why wallpaper sometimes slows down even on powerful smartphones. And if you encounter an error called “Not supported on this device,” we have a solution for this case.
What are the living wallpapers and what are the types
Live (dynamic) wallpapers are animated background images that can interact with the user or the environment. On Xiaomi, they are divided into several types:
- 🌅 Weather wallpaper: changes color and elements depending on the current weather (rain, snow, sun.
- ⏱️ Temporary wallpaper: automatically switches between day and night (for example, sunset is replaced by a starry sky).
- 👆 Interactive: React to finger touches (waves, particles, 3D-effects. More often installed through third-party APK.
- 🎨 Abstract animations: smooth transitions of colors or geometric shapes (e.g., Quantum Colors theme in the Quantum Colors) MIUI).
It's important to understand that not all types are supported on budget models. 9A or POCO M3 Due to a weak processor, complex 3D-It's animation, but the weather wallpaper will work smoothly, and some live themes require an updated version. MIUI (at least 12.5) – check this in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
Method 1: Standard live wallpaper through "Themes"
The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in Themes app, which is pre-installed on all Xiaomi smartphones and contains official dynamic wallpaper optimized for MIUI. Here's how to activate them:
- Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
- Go to the Wallpaper tab in the lower menu.
- Choose Live or Dynamic (the name may vary depending on the MIUI version).
- You can look at the options available and tap on the one you like, and the system will suggest you apply the wallpaper to the lock screen, the main screen, or both.
- Click Apply and wait for the download (some wallpaper weighs up to 50MB).
If the Live section is missing, your model doesn't support standard dynamic wallpaper, in which case you can move to Method 3 using third-party apps, and check if the animations in the performance settings are disabled:
⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for the European region) live wallpaper can be hidden due to battery optimization. MIUI China or use an alternative method.
Check the MIUI version (at least 12.5)
Free up 100+MB of memory
Connect to Wi-Fi (both wallpaper weighs up to 50MB)
Turn off the power saving mode
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Method 2: Weather wallpaper through the "Weather"
One of the most spectacular types of dynamic wallpapers is weather-synced, which automatically changes the background depending on the current conditions: sun, rain, snow or fog. This feature is built into the standard Xiaomi Weather app, but it doesn't work on all models.
- Open the Weather app (the sun and cloud icon).
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
- Activate the option Live weather wallpaper (or Dynamic wallpaper).
- Choose the display style: Lock screen, Main screen or both.
- Return to the main screen – the wallpaper will be updated within 1-2 minutes.
If you don’t have an option, try updating the Weather app through the Play Store or install it. APK-Note: weather wallpapers require geolocation and internet connection to update data.
| Xiaomi model | Support for weather wallpaper | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/14, Mi 11 | ✅ Complete. | All styles available, smooth animation |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 | ✅ Partial | No. 3D-effects, only 2D-animation |
| Redmi 10A, POCO M4 | ❌ No. | Weak processor, only static wallpaper |
| Xiaomi Pad 6 | ✅ Complete. | Optimized for the big screen |
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If weather wallpaper isn’t updated, check the permissions for the Weather app in Settings → Apps → Permissions → Geolocation. Also make sure the weather settings enable Auto Update.
Method 3: Installation of live wallpaper through third-party applications
If you don't like the built-in options, you can install dynamic wallpapers from third-party sources.
- 🎨 Zedge is a huge library of animated wallpaper with categories by topic (space, water, fire.
- 🌌 WallpapersCraft – wallpaper with smooth transitions and 4K-There's a section for permission. AMOLED-screen.
- 💧 Kappboom – specializes in interactive wallpaper (respond to the tilt of the phone or touch).
- 🖼️ Backdrops – Minimalist animations with low battery consumption.
Installation instructions:
- Download and install one of the apps above.
- Choose your favorite live wallpaper and click Install.
- The system will redirect you to the MIUI wallpaper menu - confirm the application.
- If the wallpaper is not displayed, reboot the phone.
⚠️ Note: Some apps (like Kappboom) require permission to Overlay over other windows. Without it, the wallpaper won't work. → Annexes → Special access → Overlay.
On models with MIUI 14 and Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro), third-party live wallpaper may conflict with system optimization. In this case, turn off the Smart Resolution function in Settings → Display → Screen resolution.
How to remove installed live wallpaper?
Method 4: Live wallpaper through APK-Files (for experienced users)
If you want to install unique wallpaper that is not in official sources, you can use it. APK-topic-file MIUI. This method is suitable for advanced users, as it requires manual installation and sometimes unlocking the bootloader.
Where to download APK with live wallpaper:
- 🔗 Official Xiaomi Community Forum (Themes section).
- 🔗 Telegram channels, like, @miuithemes (Check the reviews before downloading!).
- 🔗 Website MIUI Themes (there is a filter for live wallpaper).
How to determine:
- Download. APK-file with theme (extension.mtz for the MIUI or.apk for universal wallpaper).
- Move the file to the MIUI/theme folder on the internal storage (create it if it is not available).
- Open the Topics → Profile → Import and select the downloaded file.
- Apply the theme and restart the phone.
⚠️ Warning: Installing themes from unverified sources can lead to malfunctions MIUI Or you're going to see ads. Always check the hash file (MD5) If you start to brake after installing the phone, reset the topics: Settings → Topics → Reset to standard.
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APK-Live wallpaper files often contain hidden settings that are not available in the standard interface, for example, you can adjust the animation speed or turn off background music (if there is one in the topic).
Why the wallpaper slows down and how to fix it
Dynamic wallpaper consumes more resources than static ones, so weak smartphones (Redmi 8A, POCO C31) can have lags.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Wallpaper twitches when scrolling | Weak processor or little RAM | Set the wallpaper marked with Light (lightweight) |
| Fast battery discharge | Wallpaper is running in the background. | Turn them off on the lock screen or reduce the refresh rate |
| Wallpaper doesn't change automatically. | No Internet or geolocation | Check the permits for the Weather app |
| Black screen instead of animation | Incompatibility with the MIUI version | Update the firmware or change the subject |
If the wallpaper is heavy loading the system, try:
- 🔄 Disable animation on the lock screen (leave only on the home screen).
- ⚡ Enable performance mode in Settings → Battery → Performance mode.
- 🗑️ Clear the app cache Themes in Settings → Annexes → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
How to Create Your Live Wallpaper for Xiaomi
If you don't like the standard options, you can make unique dynamic wallpapers yourself.
- 📱 Xiaomi smartphone on the MIUI 12+.
- 💻 Computer with Adobe After Effects or Blender (for the purpose of 3D-animation).
- 🛠️ Wallpaper Maker app for converting video to wallpaper.
Step-by-step:
- Create animations in After Effects or Blender (at least 1080×2340 resolution for modern smartphones).
- Export video in MP4 format with a resolution of 30 FPS (for smoothness).
- Transfer the file to your phone and open it in Wallpaper Maker.
- Cut the video to the screen size and save it as a live wallpaper.
- Apply through the standard MIUI wallpaper menu.
To simplify the process, you can use templates from Envato Elements (such as particle animation or abstract transitions). Ready-made wallpaper will weigh 20-100 MB, so make sure that the phone has enough memory.