Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often encounter an intrusive service called Wallpaper Carousel, which automatically changes images on the lock screen, periodically uploading promotional materials. For many Redmi 8 Pro users, this becomes a source of irritation, as it changes the familiar appearance of the device without the owner’s knowledge.
The main problem is not only visual change, but also traffic and charging costs. Background updates require a constant connection to the server, which can negatively affect the autonomy of budget models, and disabling this feature returns control of the device to the user.
In this article, we will discuss the algorithm for fully deactivating the service, where the settings are hidden, how to prevent re-enablement, and which system components are responsible for this process, and the instructions are relevant for current versions of the MIUI and HyperOS shells.
What is a wallpaper carousel and why turn it off
The wallpaper carousel is a system application integrated into the MIUI shell, originally conceived as a way to personalize, but has evolved over time into a channel for distributing ad content, especially on devices like the Redmi 8 Pro, due to the limited processor resources.
The main reason users want to remove the service is intrusiveness: images change even when the phone is in your pocket or connected to a charger, which is confusing, and frequent shifts of heavy high-resolution images load RAM.
- 📉 Reducing mobile traffic consumption on background image loading.
- 🔋 Increased battery life by switching off background processes.
- 🚫 Lack of banner ads and offers to install games on the lock screen.
- 🧹 Freeing the device’s cache from temporary image files.
It's worth noting that turning off the carousel doesn't affect the ability to manually install static wallpapers. You just return the standard behavior of the system, where the image changes only as you wish. This is a basic setup for comfortable use of the smartphone.
Search for system application in settings
The first step to getting rid of intrusive service is to find it in the installed program list. In MIUI, this component is often hidden or disguised as system services. On Redmi 8 Pro, it can be called differently depending on the firmware region.
Open the standard settings menu and go to the Apps section, where you select All Apps. The list that opens should be careful, as system processes often don’t have an icon or have a standard gear icon.
⚠️ Warning: Do not remove system applications that you are not sure of the name of. The error can lead to unstable interface operation or cyclical restart of the device.
The component is most often called Wallpaper Carousel, Wallpaper, or Wallpaper Carousel, and in some firmware versions it may be disguised as Security Services or System Components, but when you look at the description in detail, its function becomes clear.
If manual search takes a long time, use the search bar at the top of the app list, type in the keywords "wallpaper" or "carousel", which will instantly find the desired object to work with.
Step-by-step instructions for disabling the service
Once you find the app that changes the images, you need to log into its control menu, click on the name "Wallpaper Carousel" or "Wallpaper Carousel" in the list, and you will see an information page where you can take action with the application.
In the menu that opens, find the "Disable" or "Delete" button. Global versions of firmware often have a full-remove button, which is the best option. If only the "Disable" button is available, the system will stop running this process and it will disappear from the active list.
☑️ Shutdown algorithm
In some cases, you need to perform an additional action inside the application itself before turning off. If the delete button is inactive, first launch the application, enter its settings (usually three dots in the corner), and find the Receive Content switch.
After performing all the manipulations, it is recommended to restart the smartphone, this ensures that all background services associated with the carousel are completely stopped, and the cache is cleared. Check the lock screen - images should stop changing automatically.
Disconnecting through theme and screen settings
There is an alternative deactivation pathway that works through the personalization menu, which is effective if the direct deletion of an application is blocked by the operator or manufacturer in a particular version of the software, and allows you to disable the function at the interface level.
Go to Settings and select Lock Screen, where you can have a separate switch for Wallpaper Carousel or Image Selection, and you can put the switch to an inactive state, and the system will immediately stop downloading new content.
| Parameter | Location on the menu | Action. | The result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wallpaper carousel | Settings → Lock screen | Turn off the switchboard | Static picture |
| Get content | Appendix Carousel → Settings | Uncheck the box. | No download from the network |
| Carousel mode | Topics → Profile → Settings | Shut down. | Locking the function |
| Recommendations | Settings → Passwords and security | Disable recommendations | Less advertising in the system |
Also worth checking is the settings of the Themes app. Go to the user profile (human icon), click on the settings gear and find the wallpaper carousel. There may also be a switch that duplicates the main function. Disabling in all places guarantees 100% results.
It is important to understand that after updating the operating system, settings may go wrong. Periodically check these points so that the function does not activate again. Xiaomi often returns these services after major MIUI updates.
Why does the function turn on after the update?
Cleaning up data and preventing auto-start
Even after a shutdown, you may still have residual files in the system, so to clean the entire system, you must go to the wallpaper carousel app menu (if it is still visible on the list) and select Memory. You must click on the "Clean" and "Reset" buttons.
This procedure will remove all uploaded images from the cache, freeing up space in the internal memory of the Redmi 8 Pro. Often it is a crowded cache that causes the interface to slow down when unlocking the phone. Regular cleaning helps to maintain performance.
For advanced users, there is an option to limit auto-start. In the Apps menu, find Wallpaper Carousel, go to Auto-Start and make sure the switch is off, which will prevent the system from starting the process when the phone is turned on.
⚠️ Attention: If after all the actions, the carousel continues to appear, it may be built into the system partition recovery, in which case only disconnecting through the system will help. ADB or obtaining root rights that require high qualifications.
Remember that completely removing system components without proper skills can lead to a loss of warranty. Use the standard shutdown methods described above. They are safe and reversible at any time.
Alternative methods of blocking advertising
If standard methods don't work, you can use more radical but effective ways, one of which is to limit background activity. In the wallpaper carousel settings, find Activity Control and select No Background Activity.
You can also restrict the application's access to the Internet. In the app management menu (where the Open button is located), find traffic control or data usage. Disable Wi-Fi and mobile network access for this component. Without the Internet, the carousel will not be able to download new images.
💡
Use third-party launchers like Nova Launcher or Microsoft Launcher.They completely replace the standard lock screen and shell, ignoring the system settings of the Xiaomi carousel.
Another method is to turn off notifications, which will not remove the background change, but will eliminate pop-up advertising messages from the service. In the app menu, select Notifications and uncheck all ticks, which will make the carousel less visible.
Consider installing modified versions of system applications if you’re a confident user.However, for most Redmi 8 Pro owners, it’s easy to turn off network access and auto-start to forget about the problem forever.
💡
An integrated approach (disconnection + network ban + cache cleaning) gives the best result in the fight against intrusive MIUI services.