Live wallpaper on Xiaomi transforms the look of a smartphone, adding dynamics and personality. Unlike static pictures, they respond to gestures, time of day or even weather, creating a unique user experience. However, standard MIUI features often limit the choice of such wallpapers - especially on budget models of Redmi or POCO, where the function can be completely disabled.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install changing wallpaper on Xiaomi devices, including bypassing system constraints. MIUI 14/13, Third-party applications (including those that work without root), as well as how to create your own animations. 13 Pro to budget Redmi Note 12.
What is a live wallpaper and why it is not on all Xiaomi
Live wallpaper (or dynamic wallpaper) is animated background images that can:
- 🌅 Change depending on the time of day (for example, the sunset is replaced by the night sky).
- 👆 Respond to gestures: phone tilt, touch or swipe.
- 🌡️ Adjust to the weather (rain, snow, sun) or location.
- 🎨 Use it. 3D-effects or paralax (layers moving at different speeds).
Despite the obvious advantages, Xiaomi limits this feature for several reasons:
- Hardware limitations: Budget models (such as the Redmi 10A or POCO M5) do not support smooth animation due to a weak processor or small amount of RAM.
- Saving charge: Live wallpaper increases the load on the battery, which is critical for devices with a small battery capacity.
- MIUI Policy: In some regions (e.g. Europe), the feature is disabled by default due to performance optimization.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global (European firmware) live wallpaper may not even be available on flagships, in which case the change of region to India or China through the settings will help.
Method 1: Built-in live wallpaper in MIUI (official method)
If your Xiaomi supports dynamic wallpaper out of the box, it will take no more than a minute to install it, and this method works on most devices with MIUI 12 and later, including:
- 📱 Xiaomi 12/13/14 series (all models).
- 📱 Redmi Note 11 Pro/12 Pro and older.
- 📱 POCO F4/F5 and flagship models.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings → Wallpaper (or long tap on the desktop → Wallpaper).
- Select the Live Wallpaper tab (if it is not, the method is not suitable).
- View the available options: usually abstract animations, natural landscapes or themes from Xiaomi (like Super Wallpapers for Mars or Earth).
- Slip on your favorite option and click Apply. Choose where to display the wallpaper: on the lock screen, desktop or both.
If the Live Wallpaper tab is missing, try updating MIUI to the latest version or use alternative methods from the following sections.
☑️ Checking support for live wallpaper
Method 2: Installation via the Themes app (for all models)
Xiaomi’s official Themes app offers hundreds of dynamic wallpapers, including exclusive options for Mi Account holders, which works even on budget devices but requires an internet connection.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Themes app (if not, download from Google Play).
- Go to Wallpaper section. → Live wallpaper.
- Select a category (e.g. 3D, Weather, or Abstraction).
- Slip on your favorite option and click Download (some wallpaper paid - up to 100 rubles).
- After downloading, click Apply and select the screen (locks, desktop, or both).
Advantages of this method:
- ✅ It works on most devices, including Redmi. 9A or POCO X3.
- ✅ Regular updates to the collection (new wallpapers appear weekly).
- ✅ Possibility of previewing animation.
⚠️ Attention: Some live wallpapers from the app Themes can brake on weak devices. If lags appear after installation, remove the wallpaper and choose an easier option (for example, without installing it). 3D-effects).
Method 3: Third-party applications for live wallpaper (without root)
If the built-in options don't work, you can install dynamic wallpaper through third-party apps, and we tested the top-end solutions that are compatible with MIUI, and we selected the best ones:
| Annex | Features | Support for MIUI | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| WallpapersCraft | More than 10,000 live wallpapers, categories by topic, 4K support | ✅ It works on all models. | Advertising, some wallpaper paid |
| KLWP Live Wallpaper Maker | Creating custom animations, integration with weather and music | ✅ Requires settings for MIUI | A complex interface for beginners |
| Muzei Live Wallpaper | Automatic wallpaper change (for example, paintings from museums) | ✅ Optimized for weak devices | Limited animation |
| 3D Parallax Background | The Depth Effect (Paralax) When Tinning the Phone | ✅ Works on MIUI 12+ | Paid version for 200₽ |
Instructions for WallpapersCraft (the easiest option):
- Download and install the app from Google Play.
- Open it and select the Live Wallpapers section.
- Find your favorite option and stick to it.
- Click Set Wallpaper → Choose Home Screen or Lock Screen.
- If wallpaper does not apply, go to Settings → Wallpaper → Live wallpaper and select the downloaded version manually.
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Before installing third-party wallpaper, check the battery settings: add the app to the optimization exceptions, otherwise the animation may slow down.
Method 4: Manually Add Live Wallpaper via APK (for experienced)
This method is suitable if you want to install exclusive wallpaper from other manufacturers (for example, from Samsung or Google) or custom animations.
- 📱 Smartphone with MIUI (version).
- 🔧 File Manager (e.g. Mi File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
- 📂 APK-live wallpaper file (can be downloaded from XDA Developers).
Step-by-step:
- Download. APK-a live wallpaper file (e.g. Google) Wallpapers.apk or Samsung Live Wallpapers.apk).
- Install the file through any file manager (allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security).
- Open the settings → Wallpaper → Live wallpaper.
- A new app (like Google Wallpaper) will appear on the list. Select it and use wallpaper.
On devices with MIUI 14 may need to disable signature verification APK through ADB-team:
adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1This command temporarily unlocks the installation of modified APKs, but requires a connection to a PC.
⚠️ Attention: Installation APK Use only files from trusted forums (e.g., files from trusted forums, XDA or 4PDA) Check them for viruses through VirusTotal.
Method 5: Creating your own live wallpaper (for creative users)
If the options don't work, you can create unique dynamic wallpapers with specialized applications.
- 🎨 KLWP Live Wallpaper Maker – for complex animations with weather, time and music data.
- 🖌️ Wallpaper Engine (port from PC) – import of animations from Steam works.
- 📹 IntoLive – converting video to live wallpaper.
Instructions for IntoLive (turn the video into wallpaper):
- Download IntoLive from Google Play.
- Open the app and select a video (up to 15 seconds long) from the gallery.
- Cut the video to the desired fragment and adjust the parameters:
Make Live Wallpaper
Settings → Wallpaper
KLWP will take more time to set up, but the result is worth the effort:
Example of code for KLWP (simple time animation)
The solution to the problems: why live wallpaper does not work on Xiaomi
If the wallpaper is not displayed or braked after installation, check the following points:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Wallpaper not applicable | MIUI restrictions for third-party applications | Set wallpaper through Settings → Wallpaper, not from the app |
| Animation slows down | A weak processor or little RAM | Choose wallpaper without wallpaper. 3D-effects or reduce resolution |
| Wallpaper is reset after resetting | Battery optimization kills the process | Add the wallpaper app to the exceptions in Settings → Battery |
| No sound in the animation. | MIUI blocks sound playback on the lock screen | Use wallpaper without sound or disable lock in Settings → Sounds |
If the wallpaper still doesn’t work, try:
- Clear the cache of the Wallpaper application in Settings → Apps.
- Reboot the phone.
- Update MIUI to the latest version.
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On devices with MIUI 14 and later, live wallpapers may conflict with the Super Wallpapers feature. Turn it off in wallpaper settings if the animation doesn't start.