How to turn on the wallpaper carousel on Xiaomi Mi9: detailed instructions with a photo

Introduction: what is a wallpaper carousel on Xiaomi and why it is needed

The wallpaper carousel feature on Xiaomi smartphones is a dynamic system that automatically changes background images on the lock screen or desktop on a predetermined schedule. On the Mi9 model (released in 2019), this option works through the standard Theme app, but its activation is not always obvious to users. Many owners do not even suspect that their device supports this feature, although it is built into the MIUI firmware since version 10.

The main advantage of the carousel is the visual diversity without manual intervention. Instead of manually selecting new wallpapers once a week, the system does it for you, picking up images from the gallery, standard Xiaomi collections or even online services (depending on the version). MIUI). Nana Mi9 The function is particularly relevant due to AMOLED-screen with support for deep black color - wallpaper with dark colors look on it as contrasting as possible and save battery power.

However, there are nuances: some firmware features hidden in the depths of the menu, and in the latest versions of MIUI 12/13, the algorithm for its operation has changed. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to enable the carousel, from the standard path to alternative methods for custom firmware, and also explain how to avoid typical errors (for example, when the wallpaper does not change or reset after a reboot).

Compatibility Check: Does the carousel work on your Mi9?

Before you start setting up, make sure your device supports the function. On the Xiaomi Mi9 (codenamed cepheus), the wallpaper carousel is available under three conditions:

• 📱 Version. MIUI: 10.2 and above (on earlier firmwares, the function may be missing or may not work smoothly).
• 🖼️ Type of wallpaper: The carousel only works with dynamic themes or custom collections (not static images).
• 🔧 Firmware region: on the global (MIUI Global and Chinese (MIUI China versions are enabled by default, but on some custom builds (e.g. xiaomi.eu) may require additional manipulations.

To check the MIUI version, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you have firmware installed below 10.2, first update the system through Settings → Software Update. For the Mi9, the current version for 2026 is MIUI 14 (based on Android 13), but the wallpaper carousel works on older builds as well.

⚠️ Note: On some modifications Mi9 (for example, Mi9 SE or Mi9 Lite) Themes application interface may differ. If you don't have "Carousel" on your menu, try resetting the app settings via Settings → Annexes → Topics → Warehouse → Clear the data.

Method 1: Incorporating the carousel through the standard "Themes" app

This is the simplest and most official method that works on most Xiaomi devices, including the Mi9.

1. Open the Themes app (an icon with a brush on your desktop or in the app menu).
2. Go to the wallpaper section (in the lower menu).
3. Select the Carousel category or Dynamic Wallpaper category (the name may vary depending on the MIUI version).
4. Click on any wallpaper collection marked Automan or Carousel (e.g., "Daily Wallpaper" or "Landscapes").
5. In the window that opens, click Apply and select where to activate the carousel: on the Lock Screen, the Desktop or both.
6. Set up the wallpaper interval (the options are usually available: Every hour, Every day, Every week).

After you use the wallpaper will automatically change according to the chosen schedule. To check that the function is working, lock the screen and unlock it in 10-15 minutes - the background should be updated.

If the Topic app does not have a "Carousel" section, try the following:

• 🔄 Update the Themes app via Google Play (if you have global firmware).
• 🌐 Switch to another region in the theme settings: Open Topics → Profile → Settings → Region and select India or China (these regions are more commonly available).
• 📲 Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) – sometimes this will unlock hidden options.

Method 2: Manually adjust through gallery (for custom wallpaper)

If you don't like the standard Xiaomi collections, you can create your own carousel with personal photos.

1. Open the Gallery app and select the folder with the images you want to use as wallpaper.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Set as Wallpaper (or More → Set as).
3. In the menu that opens, select the Wallpaper Carousel (if there is no such option, go to method 3).
4. Tick the necessary photos (at least 3-5 pieces) and click Next.
5. Set the shift interval and apply the changes.

An important caveat: this method only works if the photos are compatible with the Mi9 screen (2340×1080 pixels). If the images are smaller, they will stretch, which can worsen the quality. Also make sure that the photos are in the phone's internal memory - with a microSD, the carousel may not work stable.

⚠️ Note: When using custom wallpaper in Xiaomi carousel Mi9 You may have a bug when you reset your device to a standard background. To avoid this, log the wallpaper before you restart: go to Settings. → Lock screen → Wallpaper style and select Fixed.

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If the carousel does not update the wallpaper at the appointed time, check the battery optimization settings for the Themes app. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization, find the Themes app and select Unlimited.

Method 3: Activate via hidden settings (for power users)

On some firmware (especially custom) option carousel wallpaper hidden, but it can be enabled through hidden settings of the developer or ADB-This is a method that is suitable for those who are willing to work with technical tools.

Method A: through the developer settings

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to the main settings menu, open Additional → for developers.
3. Find the option to Enable Wallpaper Carousel (or Dynamic Wallpaper) and activate it.
4. Reset the device.

Method B: via ADB

If there is no option in the developer settings, try sending it. ADB-team:

adb shell settings put global dynamic_wallpaper_enabled 1

Once you have completed the command, restart your phone. To check if the change has worked, open the Topic app — the Carousel section should appear.

On MIUI firmware 12.5 and later, this method may not work due to changes in the system configuration structure, in which case it is recommended to use third-party applications (see method 4).

Method 4: Third-party applications for wallpaper carousel

If the standard methods did not work, you can use third-party utilities. For Xiaomi Mi9, the following applications will work (available on Google Play):

To install wallpaper through a third-party application:

1. Download and install one of the applications from the table.
2. Provide all necessary permissions (access to storage, auto-run).
3. Select the source of the wallpaper (gallery, online collections) and set up a schedule.
4. Apply wallpaper through the app menu (usually there is an option to "Install as wallpaper" or "Activate the carousel").

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Muzei) may conflict with system wallpaper MIUI. If the background does not change after installation, go to Settings → Annexes → Manage applications and disable autorun for standard application Topics.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after you set up the wallpaper carousel on the Xiaomi Mi9 correctly, it can malfunction. Let’s consider the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:

Problem 1: Wallpaper doesn't change

Possible causes and solutions:

• ⏳ Wrong interval: Make sure the time period you have chosen (e.g., "Every day") has not expired. Try setting the interval Every hour for the test.
• 🔋 Battery Optimization: Add Themes app to the optimization exception list (see tip above).
• 📵 Internet Absence: If you use online wallpaper, check your network connection.
• 🔄 Cache failure: Clear application data Topics in settings.

Problem 2: Carousel resets after reboot

This is a well-known MIUI bug that's connected to the system launcher.

• 🔧 Install a third-party launcher (such as Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher).
• 📌 Set up the wallpaper through Settings → Lock screen → Wallpaper style → Fixed.
• 🔄 Reverse to an older version of the Themes app (if the problem has occurred after the update).

Issue 3: Low quality wallpaper

If the wallpaper looks blurry or pixelated:

• 📏 Check the resolution of the original images (optimally — 2340×1080 for Mi9).
• 🎨 In the carousel settings, disable Adaptive Scaling (if any).
• 🖼️ Use wallpaper in format PNG instead JPEG for better detail.

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If none of these methods worked, try resetting the Themes app to factory settings. Go to Settings → Apps → Themes → Storage → Clear the data. After the reset, you'll have to reconfigure the carousel, but that often solves the problem with the carousel.

Additional chips: how to make the carousel wallpaper even cooler

The standard MIUI carousel is just the beginning, and here are some life hacks to get the most out of the feature:

• 🌅 Dark wallpaper for AMOLED: Use a collection with a predominance of black color (for example, "Space" or "Abstraction") - this will save battery power and reduce the load on the eyes.
• 🕒 Time of day binding: In some firmwares, you can adjust the wallpaper change depending on time (for example, light during the day and dark at night.
• 🎵 Dynamic wallpaper with music: Install the Music Visualizer app and connect it to the carousel - the wallpaper will change in time of the music being played.
• 📅 Wallpaper calendar: Apps like Calendar Wallpaper allow you to overlay date and events on top of changing wallpapers.

For minimalists, there's another trick: create your own collection of black-and-white wallpapers and adjust the carousel to a shift every 30 minutes. This will visually refresh the screen without distracting from the main tasks. To make the wallpaper black and white, use any graphics editor (such as Snapseed or Lightroom) with a Monochrome filter.

Prof tip: If you use Always-On Display (AOD) on the Mi9, pick up wallpapers with minimalist elements (such as thin lines or dots) for the carousel, which will allow the clock and notifications on the off screen to remain readable without getting lost in the background.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions