How to completely remove the wallpaper carousel on Xiaomi: a step-by-step guide

The wallpaper carousel on Xiaomi smartphones is a built-in MIUI feature that automatically changes background images on the lock screen or desktop. For some users, it is a convenient way to diversify the appearance of the device, but for others it is an annoying element that eats up traffic, battery power and can even transfer preferences to the Xiaomi cloud without explicit consent. If you fall into the second category, this article will help get rid of unnecessary features once and for all.

The problem is complicated by the fact that in different versions MIUI (12 to 14 and on different models (Redmi Note 11, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 et al.) The path to shutdown may be different. Moreover, after system updates, the carousel sometimes turns on again - and this requires radical measures. ADB-Teams for experienced users.

Why the wallpaper carousel appears again and how to prevent it

The main reason for the carousel to return after manual shutdown is the background MIUI processes. The system considers this feature "useful" and can activate it when:

• 🔄 Firmware updates (even minor)
• 📱 Resetting the lock screen settings
• 🌐 Connecting to new Wi-Fi networks (trigger to download "recommended" wallpaper)
• 🔋 Optimizing the system through security → Optimization

MIUI 13/14 adds a smart wallpaper mechanism that analyzes your actions (like frequent camera use) and selects the right backgrounds. It's not just aesthetics, it's data collection to personalize ads. You can't turn it off through standard settings, you'll need to tamper with system files.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using POCO Launcher or third-party launchers, wallpaper carousel can be controlled separately from system settings. In this case, first check the launcher settings in the Topics section. → Wallpaper.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

The most secure method that works on most devices (Redmi 10/11/12, Xiaomi 12T, POCO F4, etc.) is suitable for users who do not want to risk the stability of the system:

1. Open the Settings → Lock screen.
2. Select Lock Screen Wallpaper (or Wallpaper if the option is combined).
3. Scroll down to the wallpaper carousel section and move the slider to the off-site position.
4. Confirm the action by pressing Ready.

If the item "Carousel wallpaper" is not on the menu, try an alternative way:

1. Hold your finger on the empty space on the desktop.
2. Select Wallpaper → More (three dots in the upper right corner).
3. Turn off the option of automatic wallpaper change.

☑️ Checking the carousel shutdown

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On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro) after the carousel is turned off, the system can offer "alternative wallpaper" from partners. It's not a carousel, but also advertising content.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find themes (com.miui.miservice).
3. Turn off storage and internet permissions.

Method 2: Remove themes through theme settings (for MIUI 12-14)

In the newer versions of the firmware, the wallpaper carousel is integrated into the Themes app to completely deactivate it:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to Wallpaper section. → carousel.
3. Click on the gear in the upper right corner and select the carousel settings.
4. Turn off all sliders: 🔄 Automatic shift 🌐 Downloading over Wi-Fi 📱 Mobile data 🔋 Optimization of the battery (if any)

Remove all wallpaper

If your MIUI version doesn't have "Delete all wallpaper," it means the wallpaper is stored in the cache.

1. Settings → Applications → Themes → Storage.
2. Click Clear the cache and Clear the data.

⚠️ Attention: Cleaning the Themes app data will reset all your custom settings for themes, fonts and icons. Before the procedure, take screenshots of the current settings.

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If the wallpaper carousel is not removed through settings, it can be locked at the system level using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting a smartphone to a computer and works on all models, including the Redmi K50, POCO X4 Pro and Xiaomi 12 Lite.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
• 📱 USB-cable (preferably original)
• 🛠️ Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB phone-on

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
4. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) in the folder with ADB.
5. Enter the commands in turn: adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.miservice This command removes the "Themes" app for the current user (no root rights).
6. If the first command didn't work, try the alternative: adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.miservice
7. Reset the device.

Once you do this, the Themes app will be disabled, and the wallpaper carousel will disappear with it. To return the themes to functionality, do:

adb shell pm enable com.miui.miservice

Method 4: Manually delete system files (requires root)

For users with unlocked bootloaders and root rights (for example, through Magisk), there is a radical method - removing the system files responsible for the carousel, which is suitable for Xiaomi 11T, Redmi Note 10 Pro and other models with custom firmware.

Warning: Incorrect actions can lead to a bootloop (a looped reboot).Do backup (TWRP) before you start!

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Mixplorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/MiuiSystemUI/
3. Find the file. MiuiSystemUI.apk And make a backup copy of it (copy it on the backup). SD-map).
4. Open the file in a text editor (for example, via APK Editor) and find lines containing: com.miui.wallpaper.carousel
5. Delete or comment on these lines, then save the file.
6. Reset the device.

Alternative (less risky) option:

1. Move to the /data/data/com.miui.home/shared_prefs/.
2. Find the file. wallpaper_preferences.xml.
3. Open it and delete all mentions of carousel.
4. Save the changes and restart the launcher (or restart the phone).

Method 5: Using third-party launchers

If all the previous methods didn't work or seem too complicated, you can just replace the standard launcher with an alternative one, and it won't remove the wallpaper carousel from the system, but it will make it invisible.

• 📱 Nova Launcher (maximum customization)
• ⚡ Lawnchair (lightweight, with gesture support)
• 🎨 Microsoft Launcher (Integration with Windows)
• 🔧 POCO Launcher (optimized for Xiaomi)

How to install and configure:

1. Download the launcher from Google Play.
2. Open the app and select it as the default launcher.
3. Go to the launcher settings and turn off: 🔄 Auto-renewal of wallpaper 🌄 Dynamic wallpaper 📥 Downloading content from the Internet

Long press. → Wallpaper.

The advantage of this method is that there is no risk to the system, as well as additional customization options, and the disadvantage is that some MIUI functions (for example, Super Wallpaper) may become unavailable.

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.keyguard

But remember: this will disable all lock screen features, including PIN-fingerprint!-->

How to prevent the reappearance of the carousel

Even after successful removal, the wallpaper carousel may return.

1. Turn off automatic themes updates: Settings → Themes → Settings → Auto-Update Themes
2. Ban background activity: Settings → Applications → Themes → Battery → Background activity → Limit
3. Delete your Mi Account (if you don’t use the cloud): Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Delete your account
4. Turn off wallpaper sync: Settings → Accounts → Sync → Wallpaper (disable)
5. Use a firewall (such as NetGuard) to block the Themes app from accessing the Internet.

If you frequently install MIUI updates, check before each firmware:

• 📋 Settings of the carousel in Topics → Wallpaper.
• 🔧 Permissions of the application "Themes" in Settings → Annexes
• 🌐 Active connections to Xiaomi servers (via NetGuard or adb shell netstat)

💡

The most reliable way to prevent the carousel from returning is to combine the ADB+ shutdown with the use of a third-party launcher, which blocks the function at the system level and hides its interface.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When removing the wallpaper carousel, users often face the following problems:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📌 Availability of updates MIUI (Sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions).
• 🔍 Virus activity (some advar programs mimic wallpaper carousel).
• 📦 Conflict with other applications (e.g. Zedge or WallpapersCraft).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions