Wallpaper carousel on Xiaomi: how to turn on and configure dynamic background images

Dynamic wallpaper, automatically changing at specified intervals, has become one of the chips of firmware. MIUI. The wallpaper carousel feature allows you to turn a lock screen or desktop into a live gallery, where photos are replaced by each other like in a slide show. POCO face a problem: the option is either hidden in the depths of the menu, or is not at all in the standard settings.

In this article, we will analyze all the ways to activate the carousel - from official methods to the latest versions. MIUI 14/15 You will learn how to configure image sources (including Google Photos and local folders), optimize wallpaper change rates, and eliminate common errors like gray screen or no animation. Particular attention will be paid to the differences between global and Chinese firmware, where the location of options can be radically different.

Wallpaper Carousel is a function of MIUI, It cycles the background images on the lock screen or desktop, and unlike static wallpaper, it creates a live screen effect, where the photos from the selected collection alternate at a given interval (from 1 minute to 24 hours).

The main advantages of the function:

  • 🎨 Visual diversity: The screen is never boring thanks to automatic image rotation.
  • πŸ“Έ Cloud Integration: Support for Google Photos, Mi Cloud and Local Folders.
  • ⚑ Energy efficiency: by AMOLED-Dark wallpaper screens reduce battery consumption.
  • πŸ”„ Flexible settings: shift frequency selection, random/sequential order, album filters.

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12), the carousel supports even dynamic wallpaper with paralax effect, where the background responds to the tilt of the device. ADB third-party.

πŸ“Š What carousel function do you use more often?
Only on the lock screen.
On the desk.
On both screens.
Not using.

In the latest firmware versions, the path to the carousel settings is standardized, but may vary slightly depending on the regional build. ROM) European (EEA ROM) version:

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Go to the Lock Screen section.
  3. Select Lock Screen Wallpaper (Lock Screen Wallpaper).
  4. Click on Wallpaper Carousel.
  5. Activate the switch in the upper right corner.

After activation, the system will prompt you to select the source of the images:

  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Local Albums: Photos from the Gallery (Folders) DCIM, Pictures).
  • ☁️ Google Photos: Cloud-based albums (authorization required).
  • πŸŒ„ Standard wallpaper MIUI: Collections from Xiaomi (landscapes, abstractions).

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for setting up the carousel

Done: 0 / 4

Important: On devices with Chinese firmware (China) ROM) The path may be different. For example, on Xiaomi. 12S Ultra option hidden in Settings β†’ Display. β†’ Additional settings β†’ If there's no point, you'll need manual activation through the carousel. ADB (see section below).

On devices with MIUI 12.5 and below (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro or POCO X3 NFC) The carousel function is often disabled by default or hidden. To enable it, use one of the methods:

Method 1: Through the "Themes" appendix

Some assemblies allow you to activate the carousel through the standard Topics app:

  1. Open Topics β†’ Wallpaper.
  2. Scroll down to the Carousel section.
  3. Select an album and click Apply.
  4. Back to Settings β†’ Lock screen and activate the option.

Method 2: ADB (for experienced users)

If the option is not in the menu, you can unlock it by the team. ADB. Warning: Incorrect commands could disrupt the system.

Step-by-step instructions for ADB
1. Install Platform Tools on PC. 2. Turn on the debugging. USB In Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (press 7 once) β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers. 3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global wallpaper_carousel_enabled 1 4. Reset the device. 5. Check the appearance of the wallpaper carousel in the lock screen settings.

In some models (for example, POCO F3) after ADB-The team needs to be installed additionally APK-Wallpaper Carousel file from the firmware archive, available for download on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA, But be careful with the sources!

The choice of source is not only the visual diversity, but also the stability of the function.

SourceAdvantagesDeficienciesRequirements
πŸ“ Local albumsInstant download, no dependency on the InternetTakes up space in memory, limited amountPhotos in folders DCIM/Pictures
☁️ Google PhotoAccess to thousands of photos, automatic updatesInternet requirements, possible download delaysInstalled Google Photos app, authorization
πŸŒ… Standard wallpaper MIUIOptimized for the screen, high qualityLimited choice, repetitive imagesLatest version of the "Themes" appendix
πŸ”— Third-party applications (e.g., Muzei)Advanced settings, support API (Unsplash, Flickr)Could be in conflict with MIUI, battery consumptionInstallation APK, permissions to draw over other applications

To add local albums:

  1. In the carousel settings, select Add an album.
  2. Specify the folder (for example, DCIM/Camera or Pictures/Screenshots).
  3. Configure filters: portrait / album only, by date, by ratings.

πŸ’‘

If the carousel is slowing down when using Google Photos, limit the number of images you download. To do this, in the Google Photo settings, turn off the High Quality option and select Traffic Savings.

For Google Photos, it's important:

  • πŸ”„ Enable Autosynchronization in the application settings.
  • πŸ“Ά Use Wi-Fi to upload high-quality images.
  • πŸ”’ Give permission to access the storage in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Google Photo β†’ Permits.

Even after you set it up properly, users are still experiencing bugs, and here are the most common bugs and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Warning: If the lock screen turns black or gray after the carousel is activated, check if the feature conflicts with the theme you have installed. β†’ Topics.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Carousel is offlineNo menu option, outdated firmwareUpdate MIUI or use ADB (see above)
Wallpaper doesn't change.Too much time, synchronization errorSet the interval of 1-5 minutes, restart the phone
Black screen instead of wallpaperConflict with theme or launcherReset the theme to standard, disable third-party launchers
Photos from Google Photos are not uploadedNo internet, background restrictionsCheck the connection, turn off traffic savings for Google Photos
Carousel resets after rebootingWallpaper cache errorClear the cache in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Wallpaper. β†’ Warehouse

If the carousel is not operating smoothly:

  1. Check if the power saving mode is on for the Wallpaper app.
  2. Turn off battery optimization for Google Photos (if used).
  3. Delete the cache and the Topic app data.

πŸ’‘

On devices with MIUI 13 and newer carousel may conflict with the Super Wallpapers function. If the wallpaper doesn't change, turn off Super Wallpaper in the lock screen settings.

Additional chips: animation, paralax effect and third-party applications

Standard carousel MIUI offers basic features, but with the help of additional settings or third-party tools you can expand the functionality:

1. Animation of wallpaper change

On devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi) K60 Pro) a smooth transition between images is available to activate it:

  1. Turn on the carousel (see section above).
  2. Go to Settings. β†’ Display. β†’ Additional settings β†’ Animation of the system.
  3. Choose Smooth animation or Default animation.

2.The paralax effect (3D-wallpaper)

The depth effect at which the background responds to the phone's tilt is only available on flagship models (Xiaomi). 12S, 13 Pro) and requires:

  • πŸ“± Activation through ADB: adb shell settings put global parallax_wallpaper_enabled 1
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Use of special wallpaper (downloaded to Topics) β†’ paralax).

If the standard capabilities MIUI Not enough, try it:

  • 🎨 Muzei Live Wallpaper: Supported by API Unsplash, Flickr, Reddit.
  • πŸ”„ Wallpaper Changer: Flexible interval and filter settings.
  • πŸ“± Kappboom: carousel with video wallpaper support.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party apps, turn off the standard carousel MIUI, Some launchers (like Nova Launcher) can block wallpaper animations - in which case, go back to the standard launcher. MIUI.

Comparison of carousels on different Xiaomi models

The functionality of the wallpaper carousel varies depending on the model and firmware version. Below is a comparison table for popular devices:

ModelSupport for the carouselDynamic wallpaperParalax effectNotes
Xiaomi 13/13 Proβœ… Yes (MIUI 14+)βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes. ADB)Supports Google Photos and Local Albums
Redmi Note 12 Pro+βœ… Yes (MIUI 14)❌ No.❌ No.Limited Shift Animation
POCO F5βœ… Yes (MIUI 14)βœ… Partially.❌ No.Requires manual activation on Chinese firmware
Xiaomi 11T Proβœ… Yes (MIUI 13)βœ… Yes.❌ No.He's in conflict with Super Wallpaper.
Redmi 10A❌ No (MIUI 12.5)❌ No.❌ No.Required. ADB third-party

On budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M4 Pro) the carousel is often absent from the box:

  • Update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI.
  • Use alternative launchers (such as Microsoft Launcher) that support dynamic wallpaper.
  • Install the Muzei or Wallpaper Engine (requires root).
πŸ” Why the wallpaper carousel disappeared after the update MIUI?
After major updates (e.g., with the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) The carousel settings can reset. Try: Clear the Wallpaper app cache. Reset the theme through Settings β†’ Manually turn on the carousel through ADB (Adb shell settings put global wallpaper_carousel_enabled 1). If the option is gone, check if it has been removed in your region (for example, in the Indian or Russian build).
⚑ Can I make a carousel on a desktop (not just on a lock)?
Yes, but with reservations: MIUI 14/15 The carousel works on both the desktop and lock screen. Select the option to Apply on both screens when you set up. MIUI 12.5 The carousel is usually only available for the lock screen and will require third-party software for the desktop (e.g. Nova Launcher). + On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi). 11) when you turn on the carousel on the desktop, battery consumption may increase 5–10%.
πŸ“± How to make a carousel from a video or GIF?
Standard carousel MIUI It doesn’t support video wallpaper, but there are workarounds: Install the Video Wallpaper or Kappboom app from Google Play. GIF You can use it as wallpaper in the gallery. MIUI, Important: Video wallpaper significantly increases battery consumption (up to 15-20% per hour when used actively). AMOLED It is recommended to use dark video.
πŸ”’ The carousel doesn't work after resetting?
After hard reset or reset via Settings β†’ Recovery and reset carousel may be disabled. Solution: Update Wallpaper and Themes apps through Play Market. Turn the carousel back on lock screen settings. If no option is available, follow the command ADB (On some devices (e.g., on some devices, POCO X4 Pro) after reset, you need to re-authorize in Google Photos, even if the carousel is configured for local albums.
🌍 Can I use a carousel with wallpaper from the Internet (Unsplash, Pexels)?
Yes, but not through standard settings. MIUI. Options: πŸ“± Install Muzei Live Wallpaper and connect the source (e.g. Unsplash). πŸ–ΌοΈ Download your favorite wallpaper manually to the folder Pictures/Wallpapers And add it to the carousel. ☁️ Upload images to Google Photos and select the album as the source. When using Muzei, adjust the wallpaper refresh interval manually (recommended). 1 time 6 hours to save traffic).