Changing the visual design of a smartphone is not just a whim, but a way to personalize the device to suit yourself. Xiaomi device owners often wonder how to change the static logo that appears when the operating system starts. The standard "Mi" logo or the inscription "Xiaomi" can seem boring after hundreds of gadget inclusions. Fortunately, the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS provide flexible tools for customization, although some methods require careful approach.
The process of replacing boot screens ranges from simple settings on the menu to deep modification of system files through Root rights. It is important to understand that a secure logo replacement at start-up (bootlogo) is different from changing the lock screensaver. In this guide, we will discuss all available methods, their risks and features for different versions of firmware, you can choose the option that suits your level of training and smartphone model.
Before you start taking action, you need to learn the basic principles of how the Android bootloader works on devices of this brand. Any intervention in the system partition requires care to avoid turning the phone into a brick. We will consider both the standard personalization tools and advanced methods for power users.
Difference between lock screensaver and load logo
Many users confuse the lock screen and the boot screen, although technically they are completely different elements of the interface. The boot screen (Bootlogo) is an image that appears immediately after you press the on button when the phone is still vibrating and initializing the hardware. At this point, the operating system is not yet running, and you see a graphic file stitched into the corresponding partition of memory.
The Lock Screen screens appear after the system has booted, but require the user to unlock, and it is the one that most often works with standard themes. → Wallpaper and personalization, and there are no risks to the stability of the device, it is the first step to customization, which is safe for any user.
If you want to change the "Mi" image that hangs for a few seconds when you turn it on, you can't do that with simple settings, you need special tools or superuser rights, but if you like a standard logo but want to diversify the waiting screen, use built-in themes.
- 🔍 Download screen: Displayed before Android launch, requires Root rights or special software to replace.
- 🔒 Lock screen: part of the interface MIUI/HyperOS, Changes through the “Subjects” app».
- 🎨 Wallpaper: background image of the desktop, has no relation to the system boot process.
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Use the Wallpaper Carousel feature in the lock screen settings so that images change automatically every time you wake up your smartphone.
Using the “Themes” application for customization
The easiest and safest way to change the visual experience of a smartphone when you use it is to work with the official Theme app. Although it does not change the "Mi" logo at launch, it completely transforms the lock screen, creating the illusion of a new system. The catalogue has thousands of designs created by both Xiaomi and independent designers.
Accessing the enhanced functionality sometimes requires you to change your region in settings. Go to Settings → Additional Settings → Region and select India or Indonesia. This will open up access to more free themes that may not be available in your region by default. Once you select your favorite theme, click Apply and the changes will take effect instantly.
Some themes include complex animations and interactive elements that make the unlocking process unique. However, it's worth remembering that heavy themes with live animation can slightly increase battery consumption.
⚠️ Warning: When installing themes from third-party sources (not through the official app), always check the files with antivirus. APK-Files may contain malicious code.
Replacement of the Mi logo with Root rights
For those who want to replace the system logo "Mi" when turned on, you will need to obtain the rights of Root (superuser).This gives full access to the file system, but also deprives of warranties and can disrupt the work of banking applications.
After obtaining Root rights through Magisk or similar utilities, the logo file (logo.png or mi_logo.png) You can replace it in the system partition. It's usually on the way. /system/media/ Or in a model-specific partition, where you can edit your system files using Root-enabled file managers, like Root Explorer or MT Manager.
It is critical to respect the resolution and format of the image. The logo should be in PNG format with a transparent background (alpha channel) and accurately match the screen resolution of your device. Incorrect file size or format can lead to a black screen when you turn on or cyclic restart (bootloop).
☑️ Preparation for the replacement of the logo
The process of replacing the image is like this: you copy the original logo file to a safe place, then replace it with your image with the same name, then you need to reboot the device, and if the image does not appear or the phone is acting strange, you need to immediately return the original file via Recovery or your computer.
Modification through PCs and utilities
There are some PC utilities that automate the process of replacing a logo without working directly with files inside a phone. Software like Xiaomi Logo Changer (or its current forks) allows you to download a picture from your computer and embed it into your phone via Fastboot mode, which requires an installed ADB and Fastboot driver on your computer.
To work with these utilities, the phone needs to be put into fast boot mode, and this is done by turning off the device and then pressing the volume down and the power button at the same time. When the bunny in the earpiece hat appears on the screen, the phone is ready to connect over USB. The computer recognizes the device, and the program can transmit a new logotyp.
Using a PC utility is often safer, as many of them have the function of automatically restoring the original logo in the event of a failure.However, the risk remains always.
fastboot flash logo logo.pngThe above is an example command that these utilities perform in the background, which directly writes the image file to the device memory logo section. Using the command line manually requires high skill and accurate knowledge of partition names for a particular Xiaomi model.
What is the logo partition in Android memory?
Comparison of customization methods
The choice of method depends on your goals and willingness to risk the stability of your smartphone, and here is a table comparing the main ways to change the visual design when starting and using the device, which will help you weigh the pros and cons before starting procedures.
| Method | Difficulty | Risk to the system | Necessary rights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annex “Themes” | Low. | Absent. | No. |
| Change of wallpaper | Low. | Absent. | No. |
| Replacement through Root | Tall. | High-pitched | Root + Unlock BL |
| PC Utility (Fastboot) | Medium | Medium/High | Unlocking BL |
As you can see from the table, standard methods are not risky, but limited in the ability to change the logo of the "Mi". Advanced methods give full control, but require technical knowledge. For most users, the best choice is a combination of a quality theme and live wallpaper.
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Safe customization is possible without Root rights, but replacing the Mi system logo always carries the risk of loss of warranty and potential failures.
Possible problems and solutions
When modifying system files, there may be unexpected situations, the most common problem is the black screen when turned on or the endless reboot. If the phone stops loading after replacing the logo, don't panic. In most cases, the device can be saved by returning the original file.
If you have custom Recovery installed (like TWRP), you can connect your phone to your PC in Recovery mode, copy the original logo file back to the system partition and reboot. If the Recovery stock or phone isn't in recovery mode, you'll have to use Fastboot mode and command to flash the logo partition with the original file.
- 🔄 Cyclical reboot: Most often caused by a corrupt logo file or an incorrect image format.
- ⚫ Black screen: the phone can work but not display the picture due to resolution incompatibility.
- 🔋 Battery discharge: If the phone is “hanging” on the logo, the battery may sit down completely, making it harder to enter recovery mode.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to replace a logo if the battery is below 50%.Sudden power outage while writing to the memory partition can cause permanent damage to the bootloader.
Another problem may be that Verified Boot may be disrupted, and the system may issue a warning that the software has been modified and require confirmation each time it is turned on, which is normal behavior for an unlocked bootloader, but this may be annoying for some users.