How to change the wallpaper on the Xiaomi 5 watch: all ways to change the dial

The Xiaomi Mi Band 5 is one of the most popular fitness trackers on the market, combining functionality with stylish design. But even the most beautiful standard theme gets boring over time and you want something new. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided the ability to change the wallpaper (dials) directly from the mobile application. However, not all users know how to do this correctly — especially if it is about unofficial branded themes or third-party services.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can change backgrounds to Mi Band 5, from the standard method through Mi Fit/Zepp Life to custom dials with third-party tools, and why some wallpapers may not be installed, how to solve typical problems, and where to download safe themes. If you want to transform your watch but don’t know where to start, this is the guide for you.

Preparing for the change of wallpaper: what you need to know

Before you start changing your dial, make sure your watch and smartphone meet the minimum requirements.

• 📱 Application version: You must have the latest Mi Fit (for Android/iOS) or Zepp Life (new name for some regions).Older versions may not support new themes.
• 🔄 Synchronization: The Mi Band 5 watch must be connected to the phone via Bluetooth and successfully synchronized. Check this in the Profile → My Devices section.
• 🔋 Battery charge: Make sure the watch has a charge level of at least 20%. At low charge, some functions may be blocked.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: In some countries (e.g. China) exclusive themes are available that are not displayed in other regions.

If you plan to install informal dials (we will talk about them later), you will additionally need:

• 🖥️ Computer with ADB installed (for advanced users).
• 📂 Archive with a dial file in.bin or.fw format.
• 🔓 Unblocked access to Developer Options on a watch (optional, but simplifies the process).

⚠️ Warning: Installing informal themes can cause the watch to fail. If you're not sure about your skills, it's best to limit yourself to standard Mi Fit wallpaper.

Method 1: Change wallpaper through the official application Mi Fit/Zepp Life

This is the easiest and most secure method that most users will use, and the instructions are relevant for both versions of the application (Mi Fit and Zepp Life), since the interface is almost identical.

Steps to change the dial:

1. Open the Mi Fit or Zepp Life app on your smartphone.
2. Go to Profile section (the icon of the person in the lower right corner).
3. Choose your Mi Band 5 watch from the list of devices.
4. Slip on the item Dials or Wallpaper (depending on the version of the application).
5. Scroll through the list of available themes. Here you will see both standard wallpaper from Xiaomi and additional ones (if downloaded).
6. Select your favorite dial and click Install.
7. Wait for sync (usually 10-30 seconds).

The official theme catalog has several categories:

• 🎨 Classical – standard dials with analog and digital clocks.
• 🏃 Sports – wallpaper with an emphasis on pulse, steps and calories.
• 🌌 Animated - dynamic themes with moving elements (not available in all regions).
• 🖼️ Photos – the ability to upload your image as a background (requires additional action).

If you don't like them or have a few themes on the list, you can try updating the directory.

1. In the dials section, pull the screen down (pull-to-refresh gesture).
2. Or click on the update icon (round arrow) in the upper right corner.

⚠️ Warning: Some themes may be paid or require a subscription to Xiaomi Premium.

Method 2: Install your photo as wallpaper

One of the key benefits of the Mi Band 5 is that you can use your personal photos as the background of your dial, but it's a little more complicated than choosing a standard theme.

Steps to install your image:

1. Open the Mi Fit/Zepp Life app and go to the Dials section.
2. Choose the Photos category or My Wallpaper category (the name may vary).
3. Click Add a photo and select an image from the phone gallery.
4. Cut the photo to the size of the screen of the watch (recommended format is 120×240 pixels).
5. Confirm the installation and wait for the synchronization.

Important nuances:

• 📏 Resolution: The optimal image size is 120×240 px. If you upload a larger photo, it will be automatically cropped, which can distort the composition.
• 🎨 Colors: In dark backgrounds, numbers and icons read better. Avoid too colorful or light images.
• 🔄 Sync: After you set the photo, you may need to reboot the clock (press the button on the case for 10 seconds).

💡

To make your photo look harmonious, use online cropping services like iLoveIMG. Upload the image, select a 1:2 aspect ratio, and trim to 120×240 pixels.

Method 3: Installation of unofficial dials (for advanced users)

If you're bored with standard themes, you can try installing custom dials from third-party developers, a method that requires caution, because wrong actions can cause the clock to crash, and we recommend it only to power users.

Where to look for unofficial topics:

• 🌐 Forums and Communities: 4PDA (Section Xiaomi Mi Band) MiuiThemes
• 📦 Telegram channels: Mi Band Themes Xiaomi Watchfaces
• 🛠️ GitHub: Repositories with dial collections (see Mi Band 5 watchfaces on request)

The process of installing a custom dial:

1. Download the dial file in.bin or.fw format.
2. Connect the watch to your computer via ADB (it is required to enable the Developer Mode on the watch).
3. Use the command to install: adb push path/to/watchface.bin /sdcard/watchface.bin
4. Reset the clock (hold the 10 seconds button).

⚠️ Warning: Unofficial firmware may contain viruses or spyware. Download files only from trusted sources and check them with antivirus.

Solving typical problems when changing wallpaper

Sometimes users have difficulty trying to change the dial, and let's look at some of the most common errors and how to fix them.

If after changing the wallpaper, the clock began to slow down or overheat, try:

1. Remove the set theme and return the standard one.
2. Reset the clock (hold the 10 seconds button).
3. Reset the settings to factory (Settings → Reset to Mi Fit).

💡

If the watch has stopped responding to touch after setting the custom dial, don't panic. 90% of the time, a Mi Fit reset or a physical reset (holding the button) helps.

Where to download the safe wallpaper for Mi Band 5?

To avoid problems with viruses or incorrect topics, use only proven sources.

• 🔍 Official directory: The most secure option is the themes from the Mi Fit/Zepp Life app, which are moderated by Xiaomi and optimized for your model.
• 🤝 Community 4PDA: There is a special theme on the forum with a collection of dials for the Mi Band 5. Read reviews from other users before downloading.
• 📱 Notify & Fitness for Mi Band: A third-party app with advanced features including downloading additional themes.
• 🎨 WatchFace for Mi Band: A website where designers post their work. You can filter themes using a watch model.

Important: Never download dial files from questionable sites that offer "exclusive" themes for money. Official and vetted sources are always free.

Advice on the choice of wallpaper: what to consider?

Choosing a dial is not just a matter of aesthetics, it's also a matter of convenience.

• 👁️ Readability: Numbers and icons should read well in bright sunshine. Avoid light fonts on white backgrounds.
• 🔋 Energy: Animated themes use up batteries faster than static ones. If you want a long life, go for simple wallpaper.
• 🏃 Functionality: If you are actively exercising, choose dials that display your heart rate, steps, and calories on the home screen.
• 🎨 Style: You can pick a theme for your own image, like minimalist wallpaper for business style, and bright wallpaper for everyday wear.

Examples of successful combinations:

• 🏋️ For exercise: A dial with a large pulse display and a timer.

💡

If you change wallpaper often, create a folder on your phone with pre-cut photos at 120×240 px.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions