How to change the lock screen on Xiaomi: all the ways from MIUI 12 to HyperOS

The lock screen is the first thing you see when you turn on Xiaomi, and it is not only aesthetically important, but also the usability of the smartphone. Many users do not even suspect that standard wallpaper with the MIUI logo or abstract patterns can be replaced with personalized images, animations or interactive widgets. Moreover, new versions of the firmware (for example, HyperOS) have advanced customization capabilities that allow you to turn the lock screen into a full information hub.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to change the lock screen on Xiaomi, Redmi smartphones, POCO From basic settings in the Topics menu to hidden features for power users, you will learn how to install static wallpapers, live wallpapers, add weather or music widgets, and how to bypass system limitations if standard methods do not work. We will focus on the nuances for different versions of firmware: MIUI 12/13/14 HyperOS, as the algorithm of actions in them may differ.

Standard method: change through theme settings

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It is suitable for most models, including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12/13, POCO F5/X5 and other devices based on Android 12-14. The main advantage of this method is the absence of risk of disrupting the system, since all changes are applied through the official menu.

To change the lock screen wallpaper:

1. Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
2. Go to the Wallpaper section → Lock screen.
3. Select a category: 🌄 Standard – wallpaper from Xiaomi (abstractions, landscapes, minimalism). 📸 My photos – upload a personal image from the gallery. 🎨 Live wallpaper - animations (not available on all models). ⚡ Super wallpaper — 3D-effects (requires) MIUI 12.5+).

Apply

Note: On some devices (e.g., POCO M6 Pro), the Lock screen section may be hidden behind the Still tab or Screen Settings. If you don't see the right item, update the Themes app via Google Play or check for system updates in Settings → About Phone → Software Update.

Personalization through the gallery: a quick way

If you need to quickly change the background of the lock screen to your favorite photo, you don’t need to dig into the theme settings. Xiaomi provides a shorter path through the Gallery app. This method works on all devices with MIUI 11 and newer, including budget models like the Redmi 10A or POCO C55.

Instructions:

1. Open the gallery and select the image you like.
2. Slap the icon. ⋮ (three points) in upper right corner.
3. In the menu, select Set as → Lock screen wallpaper.
4. If necessary, cut the photo (the system will offer the optimal aspect ratio).
5. Press Ready or Apply.
6. 📱 Third-party applications: Popular options: KLWP Live Wallpaper Maker is for custom animations. Wallpapers Craft is a live wallpaper with a live image. 3D-Muzei Live Wallpaper automatically changes the background of art collections. After installing the app, select the wallpaper in its menu, then apply through the Themes. → My wallpaper.

Warning: Live wallpaper can increase battery consumption, especially if you use GPS or weather data. On budget models (like the Redmi 9A), this can lead to a noticeable reduction in battery life. If you are faced with overheating or rapid discharge, go back to static wallpaper.

Widgets on the lock screen: weather, music, notifications

Modern MIUI and HyperOS firmware allow you to add widgets to the lock screen — small information blocks that display the weather, control music or show the latest notifications — which is convenient if you want to quickly access key information without unlocking your phone.

How to add widgets:

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen (or Settings → Desktop → Lock screen in HyperOS).
2. Select the lock screen widgets.
3. Activate switches next to the desired elements: ☀️ Weather - temperature, forecast. 🎵 Music - Player control. 📱 Notifications — latest communications. ⏰ Alarm clock - the next time to wake up.

Set up the display (size, position, transparency).

Limitations:

• On some models (e.g. POCO X3 Pro), widgets can only be displayed in the unlocked state (after swiping up).
• In HyperOS, weather widgets require the Exact Location enabled in the privacy settings.
• Third-party widgets (such as those from Google or Samsung) are not supported.

Update the firmware to the latest version

Enable time and date synchronization

Check the permissions for the Weather app

Turn off power saving mode (may block widget updates)-->

Hidden features: customization through ADB (for experienced)

If standard MIUI capabilities are not enough, you can use the hidden settings available through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for advanced users, since it requires connecting a smartphone to a computer and working with the command line.

• 🔓 Unlock hidden themes of the lock screen.
• 🎨 Change the color and style of watches, fonts, notification icons.
• 📵 Disable ads in the topic menu (relevant to the MIUI Chinese-made).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on USB Debugging on your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (tap 7 times to activate Developer Mode) Settings → Additional → For Developers → Debugging over USB (enable)
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (CMD) Enter: Adb shell settings put global lock_screen_customize 1 This team will unlock additional customization options.
4. Reset the device.
5. Now, new options will appear in Settings → Lock screen (for example, choosing the style of the watch or hidden themes).

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause system failures. Before experimenting, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset. Also note that after the firmware update, some changes may reset.

Problems and Solutions: What to Do When the Lock Screen is Unchanged

Sometimes users find that lock screen wallpapers don't update or reset after a reboot, and the reasons can range from firmware bugs to conflicts with third-party applications.

If none of the methods helped, try resetting the themes:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Themes → Storage.
2. Click Clear Data (not just cache!).
3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: On some HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14), the Themes app data reset can remove all downloaded wallpaper and desktop settings.

Third-party applications: alternatives to standard wallpaper

If you don't like the built-in MIUI, you can use third-party apps to customize the lock screen, which offer advanced features such as:

• 🖼️ Dynamic wallpaper (changes depending on the time of day).
• 🔒 Password screens with a unique design.
• 📊 Widgets with advanced statistics (steps, pulse, exchange rate).

Top.-5 applications:

1. Zedge is a huge library of wallpaper and live wallpaper with custom collections.
2. WallpapersCraft is a wallpaper with support for 4K and animations.
3. KWGT Kustom Widget Maker – creating custom widgets for the lock screen.
4. Always On Edge is a simulation of Always-On Display for devices without hardware support.
5. Lock Screen & AppLock is an alternative lock screen with additional security features.

Important: When using third-party apps for the lock screen, turn off battery optimization for them, otherwise widgets and animations may not be updated. You can do this in Settings → Applications → Application Management → [App name] → Battery → Without restrictions.

💡

Third-party lock screen apps may conflict with MIUI system services. Before installing, check for compatibility reviews with your smartphone model.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions