Many Android users do not even suspect that their smartphone can display data-i="32">. This feature doesn't just decorate the interface - it helps to visually separate tasks: work applications on one screen, entertainment on another, and important notes on a third. Unfortunately, standard Android tools often hide this feature or implement it inconveniently. different wallpapers on each desktop. This feature doesn't just decorate the interface - it helps to visually separate tasks: work applications on one screen, entertainment on another, and important notes on a third. Unfortunately, standard Android tools often hide this feature or implement it awkwardly.

In this article we will look at all current methods settings for individual wallpapers - from the built-in tools Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI and Google Pixel Launcher to third-party launchers like Nova Launcher i Microsoft Launcher. You will learn how to bypass manufacturer restrictions, which applications actually work without rootrights, and how to avoid common setup mistakes. And at the end it awaits you a unique table of compatibility of methods with popular brands of smartphones -there is no such information even on the official forums!

Why don’t the standard Android settings show this function?

The fact is that pure Android (for example, on smartphones Pixel or Motorola) does not initially support different wallpapers on desktops. This feature appears only in customized shells from manufacturers - but even there it is often “hidden” in the depths of the menu. Here are the main reasons:

  • 📱 Google Pixel Launcher (and other stock launchers) believe that the user only needs one background for all screens - this makes it easier to synchronize settings via Google Account.
  • ⚙️ Manufacturers like Samsung or Xiaomi add a feature, but make it available only through Settings → Wallpaper and style → Advanced options, which many do not notice.
  • 🔒 Some brands (for example, Oppo or Realme) block this option in regional firmware, leaving it only for Chinese versions of smartphones.
  • 🛠️ In Android 12+, Google introduced restrictions on changing wallpapers via ADB, which complicated the work of third-party utilities.

Interesting fact: in earlier versions Android 4.4 KitKat this function was available by default, but later it was removed “to simplify the interface.” Now only certain manufacturers return it - and then selectively.

📊 What launcher do you use on Android?
Stock (from the manufacturer)
Nova Launcher
Microsoft Launcher
Another third party
I don’t know what it is

Method 1: Built-in manufacturer tools (without applications)

If your smartphone is from Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei or Honor, most likely the function is already in the system - you just need to find it. Here's how to do it on the most popular skins:

For Samsung One UI (Galaxy S23/S22/A54, etc.)

  1. Long press on an empty space on the desktop → select Wallpaper.
  2. Scroll down and click Additional settings (or Wallpaper settings in new versions).
  3. Activate the switch Different wallpaper for each screen.
  4. Select the screen (swipe left/right) and set a separate image for it.

For Xiaomi MIUI (Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5, etc.)

  1. Open Settings → Wallpaper.
  2. Locate the tab at the bottom of the screen Desktop and swipe left to see thumbnails of all screens.
  3. Click on the thumbnail of the desired screen and select wallpaper for it.

Check the MIUI/One UI version in the smartphone settings

Make a backup copy of the current wallpaper (via "My Files")

Close all applications before changing settings

Reboot the phone if the wallpaper is not applied-->

⚠️ Attention: On some models Xiaomi (especially with MIUI 14+), the function may not be available if the Light version or Battery prioritymode is activated. Disable these options in the battery settings.

For Huawei EMUI / HarmonyOS (Mate 50, P60, Nova 11 and etc.)

Here the algorithm is slightly different:

  1. Long press on the desktop → Styles and wallpapers.
  2. Select Wallpaper → Desktop.
  3. A panel with screen thumbnails will appear at the top of the screen - tap the one you want and set the wallpaper.
Brand Supported models Path to setup Limitations
Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, A-series (2021+) Wallpaper → Additional settings Does not work on devices with DeX Mode
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11+, POCO F4/5, Mi 12/13 Settings → Wallpaper → Desktop Not available on MIUI for Android Go
Huawei Mate 40+, P50+, Nova 9/10 Styles and wallpapers → Wallpaper → Desktop Requires turning off "Smart Mode"
Oppo/Realme Find X5, Reno 8, Realme GT 2 Settings → Personalization → Wallpaper Works only on ColorOS 13+
💡

If your model does not have this function, try updating the firmware to the latest version - manufacturers sometimes add it in new releases.

Method 2: Nova Launcher - the most flexible option

Nova Launcher is best solution for those who want complete control over their desktops. The application is paid (≈300₽), but there is a free version with basic functions. Here's how to set up different wallpapers:

  1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play and make it your default launcher.
  2. Long press on the desktop → Settings.
  3. Go to Desktop → Scrolling wallpaper.
  4. Activate the option Different wallpapers for each screen.
  5. Go back to the desktop, swipe left/right and click on the icon Wallpaper at the bottom of the screen to change the background for the current screen.

🔹 Nova Launcher Advantages:

  • 🎨 Support live wallpaper (including Google Wallpapers) for each screen separately.
  • 📏 Ability to customize wallpaper indents (useful for screens with cutouts).
  • 🔄 Automatic change of wallpaper on a schedule (for example, day and night).
  • 🛠️ Works even on pure Android (Pixel, Nokia, Motorola).

⚠️ Attention: In the free version of Nova Launcher, you can configure different wallpapers only for the first 3 desktops. For unlimited quantities you will need Nova Launcher Prime.

How to return the standard launcher after Nova?

To roll back to the stock launcher, go to Settings → Applications → Default Launcher and select the standard option. All Nova settings will be saved and you can return to it later.

Method 3: Microsoft Launcher - a free alternative

If Nova Launcher seems too complicated, try Microsoft Launcher —it's free and integrates with Windows 11 (synchronizes wallpapers with your PC). Instructions:

  1. Install Microsoft Launcher from Google Play.
  2. Launch the application and allow all file access requests.
  3. Long press on the desktop → Settings wallpaper.
  4. Select Different wallpapers for each desktop.
  5. Swipe between screens and set individual images.

🔹 Microsoft Launcher features:

  • 🖥️ Synchronization wallpaper with Windows 11 (if you use one account Microsoft).
  • 📊 Built-in application usage statistics (useful for productivity).
  • 🔒 No advertising, but collects anonymous telemetry (can be disabled in settings).

📌 Important: Microsoft Launcher can conflict with some Xiaomi and Huawei due to MIUI/EMUI restrictions. If after installation the launcher resets itself, try disabling Battery optimization for it in the phone settings.

Method 4: Dynamic wallpaper applications (Wallpapers Craft, Muzei)

If you want not just static pictures, but dynamic wallpapersthat change depending on the time of day or weather, try specialized applications:

Wallpapers Craft

This application allows you to create unique wallpaper for each desktop with effects parallax, gradients and even animation. How to set up:

  1. Set Wallpapers Craft from Google Play.
  2. Select Multi-wallpaper in the main menu.
  3. Click Add wallpaper and select images for each screen.
  4. Apply settings and select Wallpapers Craft as wallpaper source in settings launcher.

Muzei Live Wallpaper

Muzei automatically changes wallpaper from selected sources (for example, Unsplash or 500px) and supports different desktop backgrounds when used together with Nova Launcher. Algorithm:

  1. Install Muzei and Muzei — Nova Launcher Plugin.
  2. In settings Muzei select wallpaper sources.
  3. In Nova Launcher activate Scrolling wallpaper and select Muzei as provider.
💡

Muzei consumes more battery than static wallpapers, but allows you to customize the refresh rate (for example, once a day).

Method 5: Manual change via ADB (for advanced)

If none of the above methods work (for example, on Google Pixel or Nokia with stock Android), you can try changing the wallpaper via ADB. This method requires connection to a computer and basic knowledge of the command line.

📌 What you will need:

  • 🖥️ A computer with installed ADB Tools.
  • 📱 Enabled USB debugging on the smartphone (Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).
  • 🖼️ Wallpaper in format .jpg or .png, downloaded to the folder /sdcard/Pictures/ on the phone.

🔧 Instructions:

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.SET_WALLPAPER

adb shell cmd wallpaper set --backend live_picker --component com.android.wallpaper/.module.LiveWallpaperPreviewActivity

Unfortunately, pure Android does not support different wallpapers at the system level, so this method only allows force change wallpaper on all screensFor separate settings you will need:

  1. Install Tasker and plugin AutoInput.
  2. Create a task that will simulate swiping and selecting wallpaper through the standard menu.
  3. Link a task to a gesture or widget.

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB may cause the launcher to malfunction if you enter incorrect commands. Always make a backup copy of your wallpaper before experimenting!

💡

If ADB seems too complicated, try the application Wallpaper Changer —it automates the process of changing wallpaper through accessibility.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after proper settings, different wallpapers may not work correctly. Here are the most common ones. errors and ways to fix them:

Problem Possible cause Solution
Wallpaper resets after reboot The launcher was reset by the optimization system Add the launcher to battery exceptions (Settings → Battery → Optimization)
Wallpaper does not scroll with the screen Disabled option in launcher settings Enable Wallpaper scrolling in Nova/Microsoft Launcher
Black screen instead of wallpaper Conflict with theme or energy saving Disable Dark Theme or Adaptive Brightness
Wallpaper only applies to one screen Limitation of the free version launcher Upgrade to the Premium version or use another launcher

🔹 Additional tips:

  • 🔄 If the wallpaper is slow, try reducing its resolution to 1440×2560 (for Full HD+ screens).
  • 🎨 For AMOLEDscreens, use wallpaper with a black background - this will save battery power.
  • 📱 On some Samsung the function may conflict with Bixby Routines - disable automatic rules for wallpaper.
Is it possible to install different wallpapers without third-party launchers on pure Android (Pixel, Motorola)?

No, pure Android (without shells from manufacturers) does not support this function at the system level. You will need it. install a third-party launcher like Nova or Microsoft Launcher.

Why did different wallpapers stop working after the MIUI update?

In new versions of MIUI (14+) Xiaomi sometimes removes this function for "performance optimization". Try:

  1. Roll back to the previous firmware version via MIUI Downloader.
  2. Use Nova Launcher as an alternative.
  3. Clear application cache Themes (Settings → Applications → Manage applications).
How to make the wallpaper automatically change depending on the time of day?

The application is suitable for this Muzei + plugin Muzei — Nova Launcher Plugin. (for example Unsplash with the tag “morning/evening”) and set the schedule in the settings Muzei. You can also use Wallpaper Changer with a timer.

Will different wallpapers work if I use widgets?

Yes, widgets do not conflict with different wallpapers. However, on some launchers (for example, Samsung One UI), widgets may “stick” when swiping between screens. In this case:

  • Reduce. number of screens up to 3-4.
  • Disable transition animation in the launcher settings.
  • Use Nova Launcher —it is better optimized for widgets.
Is it possible to set a video or GIF as different wallpapers?

Technically yes, but with reservations:

  • 🎥 Nova Launcher + Video Live Wallpaper — allows you to assign different videos to screens, but drains the battery a lot.
  • 🖼️ GIF Live Wallpaper —supports GIFs, but can be slow on weak smartphones.
  • ⚠️ On AMOLED-screens, video wallpapers lead to pixel burnout (burn-in).

To save battery, it is better to use static wallpaper or Muzei with a slow change of pictures.