Owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 smartphone often want to personalize the device to make it look unique. The standard MIUI shell interface, while functional, can seem boring when used for long periods. One of the most noticeable elements that users pay attention to every day is the lock screen and the process of connecting to the power source. Changing the system's visual response to connecting the cable is a simple but effective way to refresh the experience of the gadget without deep interference with the system.
There are several proven ways to achieve the desired result, from installing third-party applications to replacing system files. Each method has its own characteristics, complexity level and access rights requirements. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to change the charging animation on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 using secure tools and proven techniques that will not lead to loss of warranty or unstable device operation.
Before we start modifying visual effects, it's important to understand that standard MIUIs often limit this function, so we'll have to use specialized software from the Google Play store or file managers, and it's important to prepare the device in advance: free up space in memory and make sure the Internet connection is stable to download the necessary components.
Using specialized applications to change animation
The easiest and most affordable way for most users is to install third-party programs from the official app store, which do not require super-user rights (Root) and work on top of the standard system, the principle of their operation is to intercept the event of the charger connection and run their own video or graphics effect on the whole screen.
One of the leaders in this niche is the Charging Animation Battery app, which, once installed, requests permissions to display over other windows and access the battery status, and provides a vast library of pre-made animations that can be sorted into categories such as nature, space, abstraction, or popular characters.
- 📱 Variety: Thousands of free and paid animation options updated weekly.
- ⚙️ Flexibility: Ability to adjust the duration of the display, the volume of sound and the sensitivity of the proximity sensor.
- 🔋 Informative: Displaying the current percentage of charge and the time to fully charge right on top of the animation.
However, it is worth considering that such applications consume additional CPU and RAM resources. On the Redmi Note 8 model with a Snapdragon 665 processor, this can be noticeable if many heavy tasks are running simultaneously. In addition, free versions of programs often contain ads that can appear when the screen is unlocked.
⚠️ Warning: When installing charging animation apps, always check the list of permissions requested. If a simple widget requires access to your contacts or microphone, it is best to refuse to use it for personal data security reasons.
For those who prefer minimalism, there are lightweight versions of software like Video Battery Charging Animation, which let you upload your own short video files from the gallery and use them as a screensaver, which opens up endless possibilities for creativity, allowing you to charge videos with family, a favorite pet or a motivational video.
Customization of animation through the theme of MIUI design
The second method that is often overlooked is the use of the built-in MIUI Themes store, which is designed by developers around the world to create complex designs that change not only icons and wallpaper, but also system sounds, lock screen and, importantly for us, charging animations, which is more native to the system and less impact on autonomy.
To find the right topic, open the Topics app on your desktop. In the search bar, type in keywords like "Charging," "Animation," or "Battery." The results filter may not always be accurate, so it's sometimes useful to browse through popular categories or tops of the week. The topic description usually indicates which elements it changes.
The installation process takes only a couple of minutes:
- Select your favorite theme and click the “Download” button.
- After downloading, click "Apply".
- The system will warn you of the use of all elements; confirm the action.
- Connect the charger to check the result.
It is important to understand that not all themes, even with a beautiful preview, have a working charging animation on global versions of firmware. Chinese versions of themes can conflict with the European or Russian Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 software. If after applying the theme, you do not have animation, try using the theme settings to choose the use of only specific elements, eliminating wallpaper or lock screen, if you do not need them.
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Before installing a new theme, take a screenshot of the current lock screen settings so that you can quickly return to the familiar look if the new style does not like.
Some users are faced with a situation where the theme is set, but the animation is static. This may be due to the region restrictions in the settings of the Mi Account. Try temporarily changing the region in the Settings menu → Additional settings → Region to India or Indonesia, where the choice is richer, and then try again.
Manual replacement of system files (requires preparation)
For advanced users who want complete control over the look and feel of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, there is a method of manually replacing graphics files, which is more complicated and requires care, as an error in file names or paths can result in the animation simply not showing up. You will need a file manager with access to system folders, for example, MT Manager or Root Explorer.
The method is to search for an animation file in the system (usually a video format or a sequence of frames) and replace it with a modified analogue with the same name. The files may be in different directories depending on the version of MIUI, but often they are hidden in secure system partitions.
The main steps for the manual method:
- 📂 Search: Find the original charging animation file in the system (often has an extension.mp4 or).
- 🎨 Preparation: Create or download a replacement, strictly observing the original resolution and duration.
- 🔄 Replacement: Rename the new file in the original name and place it in the corresponding folder with the rights to record.
⚠️ Warning: Before any manipulation of system files, make sure to make a full backup of the data.Interference in the file structure can lead to a cyclical restart of the device.
Special attention should be paid to video resolution. The Redmi Note 8 screen has a resolution of 1080 × 2340 pixels. If you put animations with a different aspect ratio, it can stretch, crop or display with black fields. Use video editors on a PC or smartphone to bring the file to the desired parameters before replacing.
Where to look for animation files?
Use the Always On Display and Lock screen
Always On Display (AOD) technology allows you to display information on a screen that is off while it’s on. On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, this feature is software-intensive and can be customized to display stylish animations when you connect a charge. It’s not a full-fledged video saver, but an elegant graphics solution that saves battery compared to video files.
To activate, go to Settings → Wallpaper and Personalization → Always on screen. Here you can choose from a preset style or upload your own image. Some styles have dynamic elements that are activated exactly when the power cable is connected.
Advantages of using AOD for charging animation:
| Parameter | Description | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|
| Type of graphics | Static image or simple image GIF-animation | Low (using) OLED-selectively) |
| Duration | Works constantly or on a schedule | Depends on the timer settings |
| Difficulty | Minimum, two-click setting | Absent. |
| Compatibility | It works on all versions of MIUI 11/12. | Stable. |
It is worth noting that on IPS-Ecans (although in Note) 8 worth IPS, technology AOD emulated) such a regime may consume more energy than AMOLED, Because the entire matrix is illuminated, it is recommended that you set the timer to turn off the lock screen through 10-20 seconds after connection.
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Always On Display is a trade-off between beauty and energy efficiency, ideal for those who don’t want to install heavy-duty apps.
If standard AODs seem boring, you can create your own image in a graphics editor, add large percentages of charge to it, and set it as a background for the Always On mode, which creates the illusion of custom animation.
Compatibility issues and MIUI optimization
The MIUI shell is known for its aggressive power-saving system, which can automatically shut down charging animation applications as a resource-consuming background process, a common reason why animations stop working after hours or after restarting after installing a program.
To avoid this, you need to manually configure permissions for the selected application. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find your animation program and go to the Battery or Energy Saving section.
Necessary actions for stable work:
- 🔋 Operating mode: Select the option "No restrictions" This will prevent the system from killing the animation process.
- 🚀 Auto Start: Turn on the Auto Start switch so that the application starts with the system.
- 🔒 Fix: Open the app, go to the menu of running tasks (swipe from the bottom up and hold) and click on the lock next to the app.
Another problem is that it's a conflict with Dark Theme. Some animations, especially those created by enthusiasts, don't have color inversions, so when you turn on night mode, white animation can turn black and blend in with the background, or blind your eyes.
The Redmi Note 8 has been updated to Android 9 and MIUI 12. Newer versions of the operating system have stricter security rules that can block overlays from unknown developers. If the system issues a warning, it must be confirmed manually.