Xiaomi Redmi 9T is a popular smartphone with good value for money, but standard charging animation can get bored. Whether you want to install an animated logo of your favorite brand, a minimalist indicator or a dynamic screensaver, in this article we will discuss all working methods. It is important to understand that changing system files always involves risks, so we emphasize safe ways and warn about the possible consequences.
Many users do not even realize that charging animations can be changed without root rights – just use hidden MIUI settings or third-party themes. However, deep customization (for example, installing your own.zip archives) will require unlocking the bootloader and superuser rights. We will describe each method in detail so that you can choose the best option based on your technical skills and readiness for experiments.
Why Standard Charging Animation May Not Succeed
Manufacturers rarely focus on the design of the charging screen, limiting themselves to a static logo or a simple percentage indicator. The Redmi 9T default displays the Mi logo with an animation of the battery filling - functionally but boring. Here are the main reasons why users want to change it:
- 🎨 Aesthetics: the desire to personalize the device to your own style (for example, themed animations for fans of cyberpunk or retro games).
- 🔋 Informative: The standard indicator does not show the charging current or battery temperature, which is important for advanced users.
- 😴 Fatigue from monotony: after a year of use, a boring screensaver begins to annoy.
- 💡 Functional Chips: Some custom animations display the time to fully charge or support gestures (e.g., double tap to turn on a flashlight).
In addition, the modified animation can serve as a marker for recognizing your device in public places (for example, if you and a friend have the same Redmi 9T). However, before you start making changes, assess the risks: incorrect replacement of system files can lead to a bootloop ( looped reboot) or loss of warranty.
Method 1: Using the built-in MIUI themes
The safest and easiest method is to install themes from the official MIUI Themes store. Many themes include not only wallpaper and icons, but also custom charging animations. Here's how to do this:
- Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
- Go to For Me → Charging Animation (or search for “charging” through search).
- Choose your favorite theme and click Apply. Some themes require downloading (free or paid).
- Connect the device to charging - the animation will update automatically.
Advantages of the method:
- ✅ Does not require root rights or unlock the bootloader.
- ✅ All changes are reversible – you can return standard animation in one click.
- ✅ Official method that does not violate the guarantee.
Limitations:
- ❌ The selection of animations is limited by what it offers. MIUI (about 20-30 options).
- ❌ Some topics may conflict with the shell, causing slowdowns.
💡
Check other users’ reviews before using the theme – some animations may not display correctly on Redmi 9T due to screen resolution (HD+) features.
Method 2: Install custom animation via ADB (without root)
If the built-in themes are not enough, you can manually replace animation files through ADB (Android Debug Bridge. This method doesn't require root rights, but it does involve working with system folders. 9T firmware MIUI 12.5+ path to animation files: /system/media/bootanimation.zip and /system/media/miui_bootanimation.zip.
First, prepare:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-tool.
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
- 🎨 Ready.zip file with animation (you can download from the forums) XDA Developers or builders themselves).
Instructions:
1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
3. Check the connection:
adb devices
(The serial number of your device should be displayed).
4. Copy backup of the original animation:
adb pull /system/media/bootanimation.zip bootanimation_original.zip
5. Upload your custom file to the system folder:
adb push your animation.zip /sdcard/
6. Move the file to the system folder (requires write rights):
adb shell
su
mount -o rw,remount /system
cp /sdcard/your animation.zip /system/media/bootanimation.zip
chmod 644 /system/media/bootanimation.zip
7. Reset the device:
rebootDownload ADB-pc-tool|Enable debugging on USB phone-on|Create a backup copy of the original animation|Prepare custom ZIP-animation|Check the compatibility of animation with Redmi screen resolution 9T (1600×720)-->
If the device doesn't turn on or is stuck on the logo after the reboot, use Fastboot mode and return the original file:
fastboot flash bootanimation bootanimation_original.zip
fastboot rebootWhat to do if the animation is incorrect?
Method 3: Replace animation with Magisk (for stitched devices)
If your Redmi 9T is unlocked and installed by Magisk (to obtain root rights), you can use modules that automatically replace the charging animation, which is more flexible than ADB, and allows you to return everything back through the module manager.
Popular modules for Magisk:
| Module | Description | Compatibility with MIUI | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BootAnimations | Allows you to choose animation from the gallery or install custom ZIP-file | MIUI 12–14 | XDA |
| MIUI BootAnimation Changer | Specialized module for Xiaomi devices with support for themes | MIUI 11–13 | Telegram channel |
| Custom Boot Animation | Simple module to replace bootanimation.zip without manual copying | Any version | GitHub |
Installation instructions:
- Download the module in.zip format (do not unpack!).
- Open Magisk Manager → Modules → Install from storage.
- Select the downloaded file and wait for the installation to be completed.
- Reset the device.
- After the reboot, open the module app (if any) and select animation.
⚠️ Warning: If after installing the module, the phone stops loading, go to Recovery (press Power). + Volume up when turned on) and remove the module via Magisk → Modules. → Do not install modules from unknown developers, they may contain malicious code.
Method 4: Creating your own charging animation
If you don't find the right animation, you can create it yourself.
- 🖌️ Image editing software (Photoshop, GIMP, Krita).
- 🎬 The BootAnimation Factory (After Effects).
- 📏 Knowing Redmi's screen resolution 9T: 1600×720 pixel.
Step-by-step:
- Preparation: Create a series of images (e.g. frame1.png, frame2.png, etc.) with the same resolution. You need 30-60 frames for smooth animation.
- Assembly ZIP-Archives: The structure of the archive should be: bootanimation.zip ├── part0 (folder) │ ├── frame1.png │ ├── frame2.png │ └──... └── desc.txt file desc.txt must contain: 720 1600 30 p 1 0 part0 where 720 1600 — screen height and width, 30 — FPS, p 1 0 part0 — frame-file.
- Testing: Before installing on your phone, check the animation on your PC using BootAnimation Preview (Android) or online services.
Ready-made templates for inspiration:
- 🌌 Space theme: animation of the starry sky with a charging planet.
- 🎮 Gamers: Minecraft-style indicator or Cyberpunk 2077.
- 🔥 Minimalism: only percentages of charging with a gradient background.
💡
When creating an animation, keep in mind that Redmi 9T use AMOLED-screen (in models with Pro suffix) or IPS. For AMOLED It is better to use dark tones to reduce battery consumption during the screensaver display.
Risks and how to avoid them
Any manipulation of system files carries potential threats, and here are the main risks and ways to minimize them:
| Risk | Reason. | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Bootloop | Incorrect replacement of bootanimation.zip or error in desc.txt. | Always back up the original file and check the animation for compatibility. |
| Loss of guarantee | Unlock the bootloader or obtain root rights. | Use root-free methods (theme or ADB) or return everything to standard before contacting the service. |
| Battery overheating | Too bright or dynamic animation increases the load on the processor. | Give preference to static or minimalistic screensavers with dark tones. |
| Conflict with MIUI updates | After updating the system, custom animation may reset. | Use Magisk modules that automatically restore changes after updates. |
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 9T firmware MIUI Global Stable Some system folders are protected from writing even through ADB. If the mount command -o rw,remount /system returns the read-only file system error, you will need to temporarily disable protection via Magisk or flash it on custom recovery (TWRP).
How to Return Standard Charging Animation
If the experiment failed or you just want to get it back to normal, use one of the methods:
- 🔄 Through themes MIUI: Get into Themes. → Mine. → Charging animation and select the option "By default".
- 📥 Through ADB: Restore the original file with the command: adb push bootanimation_original.zip /system/media/bootanimation.zip
- 🧹 Using Magisk: Remove the installed module in Magisk Manager → Modules.
- ⚙️ Through resetting settings: the extreme option - Settings → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge → Resetting settings (deletes all data!).
If after the animation replacement the phone does not turn on:
- Go to Fastboot (clip Power + Volume down when turned on).
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute: fastboot erase bootanimation fastboot reboot
- If that doesn’t work, run the original boot.img through Fastboot.