How to install wallpaper on Xiaomi smartphone: 7 proven ways

Installing new wallpapers on Xiaomi’s smartphone is an easy way to refresh the look of the device, but not everyone knows about all the methods available. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13 Ultra, etc.) and the version of the MIUI firmware, the process may be slightly different, and some functions are hidden from the eye. In this article, we will analyze not only the standard methods through the Gallery and Themes, but also little-known tricks – from installing live wallpapers to manual replacement through the file system.

We will focus on the problems that users face: why wallpaper is reset after a reboot, how to circumvent the restrictions of MIUI on third-party images, and why some images are stretched or cut. You will also learn how to save your favorite wallpaper when resetting settings or updating firmware - this information will be useful even for experienced Xiaomi owners.

1. Installation of wallpaper through a standard gallery

The most obvious and quick way is to use the built-in Gallery, which is suitable for most models, including the Redmi 10, POCO F4 and Mi 11 Lite, but has limitations on resolution and image format.

Open the Gallery and select any image. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner (or the More button) and select Set as Wallpaper. The system will offer three options:

• 📱 Lock screen – the image will only be on the locked screen.
• 📱📱 Home screen – background for the desktop.
• 🔄 Both screens – one image for locking and home screen.

Once selected, the system will suggest cropping the image to screen resolution. Here's the catch: MIUI often automatically zoomit the image, which can cause important details to crop. To avoid this, turn off the Auto-Pruning option (if available) or manually zoom before installing.

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If the wallpaper after installation looks blurry, check the resolution of the original image. For Xiaomi with a Full HD+ screen (2400×1080), the optimal wallpaper size is 2160×2160 pixels (for cropping under both screens).

2.Use of the “Themes” application for dynamic wallpaper

The Themes app (or Themes in the global version) is not only a collection of designs, but also a powerful tool for installing animated and adaptive wallpapers. Here you can find both official wallpapers from Xiaomi and custom works, the main plus is support for live wallpapers that respond to touch or the time of day.

To set wallpaper through the Topics:

1. Open the Themes app (brush icon on your desktop).
2. Go to the Wallpapers section.
3. Select category: Static, Dynamic or Super Wallpaper (for models with a AMOLED-screen).
4. Click on the image you like and select Apply.

Note the Super Wallpapers section, which is an exclusive feature for flagships (Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 12 Pro, etc.), where the wallpaper is smoothly animated when scrolling through the desktop, but they have a drawback: they consume up to 10-15% of the additional battery charge per day.

3. Installation of wallpaper through the file system (for experienced)

If standard methods do not work (for example, after updating) MIUI You can manually install them through the file system, and this requires access to root folders, but it doesn't need root rights. POCO M4 Pro.

You'll need:

• 📁 File Manager with access to system folders (e.g. MiXplorer or Solid Explorer).
• 🖼️ Wallpaper in.jpg or.png format with a resolution of at least 1440×1440 pixel.

Instructions:

1. Copy your wallpaper to /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Wallpapers (if you don’t have a folder, create one).
2. Rename the file to wallpaper_lock.jpg (for the lock screen) or wallpaper_home.jpg (desktop).
3. Reset the device.

This method ensures that the wallpaper will not reset after the system update, as MIUI The default is to search for files in this folder, but be careful if you use it. wallpaper_lock.jpg, And then you install new wallpaper through the gallery, the system can create a file conflict.

Third-party wallpaper applications: pros and cons

Google Play offers hundreds of wallpaper apps, but not all are optimized for MIUI. Some apps (such as Zedge or WallpapersCraft) can conflict with system settings, which either prevents wallpaper from being installed or resets after a reboot.

We tested 10 popular applications and compiled a table with the results:

The best choice for Xiaomi is Muzei (for automatic change) or WallpapersCraft (for high-quality static images). Avoid apps that require root access or ask to disable MIUI Optimization - this can lead to unstable system operation.

Check out the reviews on the job MIUI|Check the permissions (no access to the permissions) SMS/call)|Make sure the app is updated in the last few days. 3 month|Test for compatibility in safe mode-->

5. Why are the wallpapers dropped or not installed?

One of the most common problems with Xiaomi is that the wallpaper suddenly returns to normal after a reboot or update, and the reasons may be different, but most often the fault is:

• 🔄 Themes app cache – if it is corrupted, the system does not save settings.
• 📱 Energy saving mode – limits background processes, including the use of wallpaper.
• 🔧 Mistake in MIUI Launcher – Standard Launcher sometimes resets settings when you upgrade.

Decisions:

1. Clear the application cache Themes and MIUI Launcher in Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Turn off energy saving for Themes in Settings → Battery → Applications selection.
3. If you have a problem after the update, roll back to the previous version of MIUI or wait for the patch.

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If the wallpaper is only reset on the lock screen, it's the fault of the Lockscreen module. Try turning off the wallpaper on the lock screen in the security settings and turn it on again.

Another common complaint is that the wallpaper gets stretched or cut, and it's because of a mismatch in the aspect ratio, for example, if your image is 16:9 and your smartphone screen is 20:9, the system automatically zooms in.

• Use wallpaper with a resolution of 1080×2340 (for 20:9) or 1440×3200 (for flagships).
• Cut the images in advance in the editor (such as Snapseed or Lightroom).

6. Hidden MIUI features for wallpaper

MIUI hides some useful things that few people know about, like:

• 🎨 Set up wallpaper blur on the lock screen: go to Settings → Lock screen → Additionally. → The blurring effect.
• 🔄 Use different wallpapers for dark and light topics: in Topics → Wallpaper select the image and click Set up for dark mode.
• 📅 To set automatic change of wallpaper on a schedule: in Topics → Settings → Wallpaper-driver.

Another hidden possibility is dynamic weather-based wallpaper.

1. Install the Weather & Clock Widget app (from Xiaomi).
2. In the themes → Wallpaper, select the weather category.
3. Set up the location and display style (rain, snow, sun, etc.).

These features are not available on all models, such as the scheduled driver only works on devices with MIUI 13 and later (Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 12T, etc.). These options may not be available on older smartphones (Redmi 9A, POCO M3).

7.How to save wallpaper when resetting or updating?

When you reset your settings or update your firmware, custom wallpaper is often lost. To avoid this, follow the following steps:

1. Export Wallpaper: Copy files from /storage/emulated/0/Pictures/Wallpapers to your computer or cloud.
2. Create a backup of themes: in Topics → Profile → Backup save the current design.
3. Use third-party launchers: For example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair let you save wallpaper settings regardless of the system.

If you are planning to upgrade MIUI through Recovery, be sure to:

• Backup the Wallpapers folder.
• Remember the path to wallpaper in Themes → My wallpaper (click on the image and see its location).

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After resetting, do not restore wallpaper through Mi Cloud, this can lead to file conflict.

For models with an unlocked bootloader (e.g., POCO F3 with custom firmware), you can use TWRP to back up the /data/system partition where wallpaper settings are stored. However, this method requires technical skills and can lead to loss of warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about wallpaper on Xiaomi