How to remove wallpaper from the lock screen on Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI 12-14

The lock screen on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a protection against accidental clicks, but also a business card of the device. However, standard wallpapers that are set by default or randomly selected by the system are not always pleasing to the eye. Worse, some users face a situation where the wallpaper on the lock screen can not be changed through the usual settings - the button is simply inactive or absent from the menu. This can be due to the features of the MIUI firmware, restrictions on some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro), or a bug after the system update.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to remove or replace wallpaper on the lock screen for Xiaomi, Redmi and other smartphones. POCO base MIUI 12, 13 and 14. You will learn how to circumvent system limitations, what hidden settings are responsible for the background lock, and what to do if standard methods do not work. ADB-This helps even when the interface is MIUI block the change.

Why can’t you change the wallpaper on the lock screen on Xiaomi?

The problem of not changing the background of the lock screen is typical for several scenarios:

• 📱 Firmware limitations: On some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) The lock wallpaper change function is disabled by the manufacturer to simplify the interface.
• 🔒 Security Policy: In corporate or educational devices, the administrator can block this option through the Device Policy Controller.
• 🐛 baga MIUI: After updating to MIUI 13/14 Some users complain about the disappearance of the item "Wallpaper lock" in the settings.
• 📦 Third-party launchers: Installing alternative shells (like Nova Launcher) may conflict with settings MIUI.

The most common problem is that you don't sync between your desktop wallpaper and your lock screen. By default, MIUI suggests you use one image for both screens, but sometimes this mechanism fails. Before you start radical methods, check the basic settings.

⚠️ Note: If your smartphone is linked to a Mi Account account with Find Device activated, resetting or manipulating firmware may lock the device.

Method 1: Standard Replacement through MIUI settings

On most Xiaomi devices, lock screen wallpaper changes through the same menu as the desktop background, but the algorithm depends on the version of MIUI:

1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
2. Go to the Wallpaper section → Lock screen.
3. Select a category (Minimalism, Nature, Abstraction, etc.) or click My Wallpaper to upload your own image.
4. After selecting, click Apply and confirm the change for the lock screen only or for both screens.

If the Lock Screen is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

1. Hold your finger on the free space on the desktop.
2. In the menu that appears, select Wallpaper.
3. Scroll down to the Lock Screen section (may be called Lock Screen in English firmware).

Is the “Themes” app running with the latest update?

Is there an active internet connection (to download new wallpaper)?

Are third-party launchers disabled (if used)?

Is the MIUI version checked in Settings → About Phone?

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On some devices (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K50), the option is hidden deeper.

Settings → Display → Wallpaper → Lock screen

⚠️ Warning: If no changes are applied after selecting a new background, restart the device. MIUI caches old wallpaper and requires a rebut.

Method 2: Using MIUI themes to change backgrounds

The MIUI theme system allows you to change not only icons and fonts, but also the background of the lock screen, which works even on devices where direct wallpaper replacement is blocked:

1. Open the Topic app.
2. Go to the Online Topics section (Internet connection required).
3. Choose any theme you like (such as Dark Mode or Minimalist).
4. Click Apply and wait for the download.
5. After applying the theme, check the lock screen – the background should change to standard for the selected theme.

If you don’t like the full theme design, but only need a locking background:

1. Apply the topic as described above.
2. Back to Topics → My subjects.
3. Click on the theme just installed and select Settings.
4. Remove the ticks from all elements except the Lock screen.
5. Confirm the change.

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If the background of the lock hasn’t changed after applying the theme, try clearing the theme app cache in the storage settings. This often solves the problem of displaying new wallpaper.

Method 3: Resetting wallpaper through hidden developer settings

If the standard methods don't work, you can try resetting wallpaper settings through developer mode, which is suitable for advanced users and requires caution:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the Wallpaper Reset option (could be called Reset Wallpaper).
4. Confirm the reset and restart the device.

After the reboot, MIUI will return the standard wallpaper for both screens, and you can reset the desired background through the Themes app or display settings.

If the wallpaper reset option is not in the developer menu, try an alternative method:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and activate Debugging over USB in the developer settings.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (macOS/Linux) Enter: adb shell settings put global wallpaper_locked 0
3. Reset the device.

Method 4: Manually remove wallpaper through file manager

The lock screen wallpapers in MIUI are stored in system folders and can be manually deleted, which requires root rights or access to hidden folders through an extended file manager (e.g., MiXplorer or Solid Explorer):

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as MiXplorer).
2. Go to /data/system/users/0/
3. Find files with names: wallpaper_locked.jpg or lockscreen_wallpaper
4. Delete or rename these files.
5. Reset the device.

After the reboot, MIUI will create new default wallpaper files, and you can set your background through standard settings. If there are no files in the specified folder, check the alternative paths:

/data/data/com.android.themes/files/wallpapers/


/system/media/theme/default/wallpapers/

⚠️ Note: Deleting system files without root rights can cause malfunctions MIUI. If you are not sure about your actions, use other methods from this article. Also remember that after updating the firmware system wallpaper can recover.

Standard settings MIUI|Annex “Themes"|ADB-team|File manager|Nothing helped.|Another way.-->

Method 5: Using Third-Party Applications

If the built-in MIUI tools do not allow you to change the lock background, you can use third-party applications.

• 📱 Wallpapers Craft: Allows you to install separate wallpapers for locking and desktop, even if you have a MIUI It blocks. It supports the animated backgrounds.
• 🎨 Zedge: Large wallpaper database with the ability to apply the image only to the lock screen. Requires permission to overlay on top of other applications.
• 🔧 Lock Screen Wallpaper Changer: A special application for changing the background of the lock, works on most versions MIUI.
• 🖼️ Muzei Live Wallpaper: Allows you to install dynamic wallpapers that automatically update (including lock screen).

Instructions for using Wallpapers Craft:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and select the Lock Screen section.
3. Upload your favorite image or select from the gallery.
4. Click Apply and confirm permission to change system settings.
5. If MIUI requests access to Overlay Settings, provide it.

Important: Some applications may conflict with MIUI Optimization, an embedded service that limits background processes. If they are reset after using wallpaper, disable optimization for the application:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Points (menu) → Special Access → Battery Optimization → Find the App and Turn Off Optimization

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The side of the application to change the lock wallpaper may require additional permissions, such as "Overlaid on other applications" or "Change system settings." Without these permissions, the background will not apply.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be deep MIUI settings or system files being damaged, in which case, try the following steps:

1. Update your firmware: Go to Settings → About Phone → Update your system and check for new versions of MIUI. Sometimes wallpaper bugs are fixed in fresh builds.
2. Reset the launcher settings: Open Settings → Applications → Application Management → MIUI Launcher (or POCO Launcher) and press Storage → Clear Data. This will return the standard wallpaper settings.
3. Perform factory reset: An extreme measure that will return all default settings, including wallpaper.Caution: this will delete all data from the device.Pre-reverse through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
4. Install custom firmware: For advanced users, firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience doesn't have MIUI restrictions on changing wallpaper, but it does require unlocking the bootloader and can be unwarranted.

If the problem occurs after installing a custom Recovery (such as TWRP), try reflashing the original boot.img for your model. Sometimes modifications to the boot partition affect the operation of system services, including wallpaper management.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the lock wallpaper to Xiaomi