How to turn on Xiaomi wallpaper: 5 ways to use all versions of MIUI

Why Xiaomi can’t change the wallpaper and how to fix it

You've just bought a new Xiaomi smartphone or upgraded your MIUI firmware, but you can't figure out how to change the wallpaper on the home screen? This problem is familiar to many users - especially after switching from pure build Android or iOS. The fact is that the MIUI shell has a unique desktop customization logic that differs from standard solutions.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to change wallpaper to Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, including installing live wallpaper, animated themes from the Mi Theme Store, and even wallpaper from third-party apps. And also find out why sometimes the “Set Wallpaper” button is inactive and how to fix it without resetting the settings.

Important: On models with MIUI 14+ (such as Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12), the path to wallpaper settings has changed - now they are hidden in the Personalization menu. If you have an old firmware version, use alternative methods from this instruction manual.

Method 1: Standard wallpaper change via MIUI settings

The easiest way to change wallpaper on Xiaomi is to use built-in shell tools, which works on all models, from the Redmi 4X to the flagship Xiaomi 14.

  1. Open the "Settings" (cog icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to Wallpaper section (MIUI 14+ – Personalization → Wallpaper).
  3. Select the source: 📱 Gallery - their own photos 🌄 Standard - wallpaper from Xiaomi 🎨 Live wallpaper - animations 🛍️ Theme Store – Uploading New Themes

Install it on the main screen.

Set on both screens

If the "Install" button is inactive, check:

  • 🔄 Update Mi Theme Store to Google Play – sometimes glitches are linked to an outdated version.
  • 📵 Reboot the phone – it resets the cache of system applications.
  • 🛠️ Clear the application data Themes in settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Topics → Warehouse → Clear the data).

☑️ Preparation for wallpaper change

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Installation of live wallpaper (animation, 3D, dynamic)

The live wallpaper on Xiaomi looks impressive, but not everyone knows how to install it properly. MIUI has two types of animated wallpaper:

  1. Built-in live wallpaper (available in the Wallpaper menu) → Live wallpaper).
  2. Third-party live wallpaper (installed via Google Play or.apk).

For the installation of built-in live wallpaper:

  1. Go to the settings → Wallpaper → Live wallpaper.
  2. Choose your favorite animation (e.g. Ocean, Space, or Clock).
  3. Press Preview, then Set.
  4. Choose which screen to use (main, locks or both).

If you want to install live wallpapers from Google Play (like KWGT or WallpapersCraft):

  • 📲 Download the application (for example, KLWP Live Wallpaper Maker).
  • 🖼️ Select the wallpaper in the application and click "Install".
  • ⚙️ In the wallpaper settings MIUI Choose Live Wallpaper. → My wallpaper and find a downloaded version.

💡

If the live wallpaper is slowing down, open Settings → Battery and Performance → Performance Mode and select High Performance. This will eliminate the animation lags.

⚠️ Note: On budget models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) If you notice a quick discharge, go back to the static wallpaper.

Do you want to put a personal photo or a downloaded image on the home screen? MIUI doesn't do it as clearly as it does on pure Android. Here are two working methods:

Method 1: Through the Wallpaper menu

  1. Open the Settings → Wallpaper.
  2. Select the Gallery at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Find the right photo and cut it (you can scale with two fingers).
  4. Click Set and select the screen.

If the first method did not work (on older versions of MIUI):

  1. Open the gallery and find a photo.
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Set as → Wallpaper.
  3. Cut the image and save it.

If the photo is not installed:

  • 📏 Check the resolution – the minimum for wallpaper on Xiaomi should be 720×1280 (full HD — 1080×2340).
  • 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes the gallery doesn’t update your thumbnails.
  • 🗑️ Clear the gallery cache (Settings) → Annexes → gallery → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
Why is the photo from the gallery not installed as wallpaper?
If the photo is saved in.HEIC (iPhone) format, MIUI will not recognize it. Convert to.JPG or.PNG through any online converter.

Method 4: Wallpaper from Mi Theme Store (themes and packages)

Mi Theme Store is the official Xiaomi theme store, where you can download not only wallpaper, but also full design packages (icons, fonts, sounds).

  1. Open the Themes app (brush icon on your desktop).
  2. At the bottom of the screen, select the Wallpaper tab.
  3. Scroll down and select a category (e.g. Nature, Abstraction, Minimalism).
  4. Click on the image you like → Download → Apply.

If the Mi Theme Store does not open:

  • 🌍 Check your internet connection (theme store requires a stable connection).
  • 🔓 Make sure you don’t have an ad blocker (like AdGuard) – it can block access to Xiaomi servers.
  • 📥 Update theme app via Google Play.
Problem.Reason.Decision
The "Apply" button is inactiveIncompatibility of theme with MIUI versionUpdate your firmware or select another theme
The wallpaper has been downloaded, but it is not installedLack of memory in /systemClear the cache of themes (Settings → Warehouse → Clean)
The store doesn't open.Blocking by region or VPNTurn off VPN or change region in Mi Account settings
Wallpaper only applies to the main screenDefault settings in MIUIWhen installing, select Set on both screens

⚠️ Note: Some of the themes in the Mi Theme Store contain ads or collect data!

📊 How often do you change your phone wallpaper?
Every day.
Once a week.
Once a month
Only when buying a new phone

Method 5: Wallpaper through third-party applications (Zedge, Walli, Backdrops)

If you don't like the built-in wallpaper in MIUI, you can use third-party apps.

  • 🎨 Zedge – a huge base of wallpaper and ringtones.
  • 🖼️ Backdrops – High-quality photos from Unsplash.
  • 🌌 Walli - wallpaper from designers.
  • 🎮 GO Wallpaper - for gamers.

How to install wallpaper through Zedge:

  1. Download and install Zedge from Google Play.
  2. Launch the application and select the Wallpaper section.
  3. Find the image you like and click on it.
  4. Select Set Wallpaper → MIUI Wallpaper.
  5. Cut the photo (if necessary) and apply it.

If the wallpaper is not displayed after installation:

  • 🔄 Restart your phone - sometimes MIUI doesn't update the cache.
  • 📂 Check if the image is still in the folder. Download/Zedge.
  • 🛠️ Install wallpaper manually through the Gallery → Set as wallpaper.

💡

Third-party apps (such as Zedge) often offer wallpaper in 4K resolution, which is important for Xiaomi flagships with 2K+ screens (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra).

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even after installing the wallpaper correctly, Xiaomi may not work properly, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1. Wallpaper is dropped after reset

The reason: failure of the launcher MIUI Launcher.

Decision:

  • Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → Launcher.
  • Press Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
  • Reboot the phone.

2. live wallpaper slows down or is not animated

Reason: Battery savings or low performance.

Decision:

  • Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Performance Mode.
  • Choose High Performance.
  • Add the live wallpaper app to the battery optimization exceptions.

3 Wallpaper only applies to the main screen

Reason: The default setting in MIUI.

Solution: When installing wallpaper, select Install on both screens (main + lock).

Reason: An outdated version of MIUI or an application failure.

Decision:

  • Update the firmware through Settings → About the phone → System update.
  • Clear the Gallery app data.
  • Use an alternative method (via Settings → Wallpaper).
How to return the standard MIUI wallpaper?
Go to Settings → Wallpaper → Standard and select the default wallpaper for your model (e.g. MIUI 14 Default).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I put a video like a wallpaper on Xiaomi?
Yes, but only through third-party apps like Video Live Wallpaper or KLWP. The standard MIUI settings don't have that feature. Note that video wallpaper is very draining.
Why did my wallpaper disappear after the MIUI update?
When major updates (e.g., MIUI 13 to MIUI 14) reset some personalization settings. To return wallpaper: Check if the original image is still in the Gallery. Set the wallpaper again through Settings → Wallpaper. If the wallpaper was from the Mi Theme Store, download it again.
How do you make sure that the wallpaper changes automatically?
MIUI doesn’t have an automatic wallpaper change feature built in, but you can use: Google Wallpapers (there is a “Daily Wallpaper” feature), Muzei Live Wallpaper (changes wallpaper on schedule), Zedge (the premium version has a car driver). After installing the app, select it in Settings → Wallpaper → Live wallpaper.
Can I put the wallpaper on the lock screen separately from the main screen?
Yes, MIUI supports this. When you install wallpaper, select: Lock screen only for lockscreen; Homescreen only for homescreen; Set screens on both screens synchronously; If the option is inactive, update firmware — older versions of MIUI (up to 12) didn't support this.
Why is the wallpaper from Mi Theme Store paid?
Most of the themes and wallpapers in the Mi Theme Store are free, but some premium packages require payment, and can also be paid: Topics from famous designers, exclusive wallpaper for flagships (Xiaomi 13T, Mix Fold 3), animated wallpaper with unique effects, you can pay through Mi Wallet or a tied bank card, the average price is 50-300 rubles.