How to Change Fingerprint Animation on Xiaomi: All Ways (2026)

Why users want to change the standard animation scanner

The fingerprint unlock animation on Xiaomi is a small but noticeable interface detail that appears every time you unlock the screen. The standard animation in MIUI (especially in versions 12-14) is a wave or flash around the scanner that can get boring over time. Some users want to personalize it to their own style, others want to speed up the unlock process, and still others encounter bugs when the animation “hang” or slow response of the scanner interferes with comfortable use.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to change animations, from simple settings in the MIUI menu to advanced methods using ADB and modified firmware. It’s important to understand that not all methods are universal: some work only on certain models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12), and others require unlocking the bootloader or root rights.

If you're a beginner and you're afraid of breaking something, don't worry: the first two methods (via settings and themes) are completely safe and reversible, and for experienced users, we've prepared instructions for working with system files and customizing through Magisk.

Method 1: Change through MIUI settings (without root)

The easiest way to change animations is to use the built-in MIUI tools. Unfortunately, in the latest firmware versions (starting with MIUI 13), Xiaomi removed the direct option to change the scanner animation, but it can be returned through hidden settings or workarounds.

Here's what we need to do:

1. Open Settings and go to Screen → Unlock (on some models, the path may differ: Settings → Password and Security → Fingerprint).
2. If you have MIUI 12 or older, try holding your finger on the scanner for 5 seconds – sometimes this causes an extra menu with animation settings to appear.
3. On some devices (like the Poco F4 or Redmi K50), the option is hidden behind the developer mode. To activate it: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Click on the line with the version 7 in a row until the notification “You became a developer” appears. Go back to the main settings menu, open Additional → For developers and find the item “Picture Animation” (if any).

If none of these methods worked, don't worry: your model probably doesn't support changing animations through standard settings, so move on to the next method.

💡

On some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU), the option to change the scanner animation is available by default in the Settings menu → Screen → System Animation.

Method 2: Install custom themes with new animation

One of the safest ways to change animations is to use third-party themes from the official MIUI Themes store. Many themes change not only wallpaper and icons, but also system animations, including unlocking by fingerprint.

Here's how to do it:

• 📱 Open the Themes app (icon with brush on desktop).
• 🔍 In the search box, type in queries such as “Fingerprint animation”, “Custom unlock” or “Fingerprint animation».
• 🎨 View the available themes and select the one where the description indicates the change in the scanner animation. Popular themes: Dark Matter, iOS 16 Style, Pixel Experience.
• 📥 Press "Apply" and wait for installation. After that, restart the device.

The downside of this method is that the themes often change the entire visual sheath, not just the animation of the scanner, so if you don't like the new design, you can bring back the standard theme, but the animation will also reset.

Make sure the theme supports your version MIUI|Read the reviews – some topics may be slowing down|Make a backup of the current theme in Settings → Topics → My subjects.|Check if the theme conflicts with other modifications (e.g. Magisk modules)-->

Method 3: Modifying system files via ADB (for advanced)

If the standard methods didn’t work, you can try changing animations through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which does not require root rights, but involves working with system files, so improper actions can lead to a failure of the interface.

You'll need:

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB-tool.
• 📱 Initiated debugging mode USB on a smartphone (in settings for developers).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
3. Download custom animation archives (such as the XDA Developers forum or 4PDA), usually with the.zip or.apk extension.
4. Transfer animation files to the system folder (example of command for MIUI 14): adb push fingerprint_anim.zip /sdcard/ adb shell su -c "mount -o rw,remount /system" adb shell su -c "cp /sdcard/fingerprint_anim.zip /system/media/theme/default/
5. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: Not all firmware allows you to rewrite system files without root. If after a restart the phone freezes or animations disappear completely, try returning the original files or resetting the settings.

Method 4: Magisk modification (root required)

There are many more options available for users with an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed. There are special modules that replace the standard scanner animation with a custom one. For example, the popular Fingerprint Animation Changer module allows you to choose from dozens of options or download your animations.

Step-by-step:

• 📱 Install Magisk Manager (if not already installed) and make sure root rights are active.
• 🔍 Download the module to change the animation (for example, with the XDA or Telegram channels).
• 📁 Open Magisk Manager, go to Modules and click “Install from Storage».
• 🔄 Select the downloaded module and wait for the installation. Reboot the device.
• 🎛️ After restarting, open the module app (if any) and select your favorite animation.

Advantages of this method:

• 🎨 Wide selection of animations (including animations from Samsung, OnePlus or Pixel).
• 🔄 It is easy to return standard animation (just turn off the module).
• 🛠️ Support for updates (many modules are updated regularly).

⚠️ Attention: Installing an incompatible module can lead to a bootloop (loop reboot).Always do a backup through TWRP before experimentation!

Method 5: Manual editing of animation files (for experts)

This method is only suitable for users who are confident in working with APK decompilation and editing system files. We will briefly describe the process, but remember: improperly changing files can lead to complete inoperability of the fingerprint scanner.

What you need:

• 💻 Programs: APKTool, Notepad++, 7-Zip.
• 📱 Root access and system backup.
• 🔧 Animation files in.xml or.png format (can be found on the XDA create).

Algorithm of action:

1. Download the system application responsible for animation (usually MiuiSystemUI.apk or Framework-res.apk).
2. Decompile it with APKTool:
3. In a file. output_folder/res/drawable Find files related to the scanner animation (usually called fingerprint_* or fp_*).
4. Replace them with your files (save original names and formats!).
5. Compile the APK back and install it via ADB or TWRP.

⚠️ Note: This method requires a deep knowledge of modifying Android. APK, Choose another way or ask for help on profile forums.

💡

Before you manipulate your system files, make a full backup through TWRP or an app like Swift Backup, which is the only way to restore your phone if something goes wrong.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change the animations of the scanner, users often encounter common errors, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

• 🚫 Animation disappeared completely: Check if the scanner is disabled in the settings (Settings) → Password and security → Fingerprint, if you've used it ADB Or Magisk, try to get the original files back.
• 🐢 Animation slows down: Disable all third-party Magisk themes and modules. Clear cache in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Topics.
• 🔄 Scanner stopped working: Reboot your phone in Safe Mode (hold the power button) → «Restart Safe Mode. If the problem persists, reset the scanner settings (Settings) → Password and security → Fingerprint. → Delete all prints).

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be deeper, such as system files being damaged or the scanner's hardware failure, and we recommend that you contact Xiaomi's service center.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions