How to change the charging background on Xiaomi: 5 working ways for all models

When you plug Xiaomi into charging, standard animation with percentages and backgrounds appears on the screen — usually a black screen with a brand logo or abstract pattern. But not everyone likes this minimalist design. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to personalize the charging background, including replacing it with your own images, animations or even live wallpaper. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for different versions of MIUI (12 to 15), and also talk about hidden chips that work even on budget Redmi and POCO.

It’s important to understand that customization options depend on the device model and firmware version. For example, flagship Xiaomi 13/14 and Black Shark support dynamic lock screen wallpapers that automatically apply to the charging background, whereas Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 may require manual tuning. We tested all methods on current devices (2023-2026) and weeded out outdated methods that stopped working after security updates.

If you want not just to change the picture, but to create a unique style - for example, with an animation of the charge level or a personal logo - the article has a section about third-party applications and the use of a new style. ADB-And for those who are afraid of breaking something, we've prepared safe alternatives without root rights and the risk of losing warranty.

1. Standard method via MIUI settings (no root)

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools. It works on most devices starting with MIUI 12, but with some limitations. For example, on the Redmi 10A or POCO M4 Pro, there may not be an option for a separate charging background setting, but it is definitely available on the Xiaomi 12T, 13 Lite and later.

To change the background:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Lock screen.
• 🎨 Select Wallpaper for the lock screen (on some models, the item is called Lock Style).
• 🖼️ Scroll down to the Background Charging section (or Charging Animation on New Firmware).
• ✅ Click Change and select an image from the gallery or standard wallpaper MIUI.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 Not supportive. GIF Videos or video (static images only).
• 🔄 On some devices, the charging background is tied to the lock wallpaper - you can not change them separately.
• 📏 The resolution of the picture is automatically cropped under the screen, so it is better to use images with an aspect ratio of 9:19 (for modern smartphones).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global (European firmware) option Background charging may not be available. In this case, try switching to MIUI China (requires unlocking the bootloader) or use alternative methods from the following sections.

2.Use of MIUI themes to change background

If your firmware doesn't have a direct option to change the charging background, you can bypass this limitation with the help of the themes. Many of the themes from the official MIUI Themes store change not only icons and fonts, but also the animations of the system screens, including charging.

How it works:

1. Open the Themes app (if not, download it from Google Play).
2. Type in charge animation, battery theme or lockscreen custom.
3. Choose a theme you like and apply it. Some themes (like Energy Flow or Neon Charge) completely replace standard charging animation.

Important: After applying the theme, restart the device – sometimes changes only take effect after the reboot.

If you don’t like the whole theme but like its charging background, you can try extracting individual items using a file manager (e.g. MiXplorer).

• 📁 Move to the /data/system/theme/[title].
• 🔍 Find files with the.png or.jpg extension that have charge or battery in their name.
• 📥 Copy them into a separate folder and use them as normal wallpaper.

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Before installing themes, check reviews - some users complain of bugs with the display of percentages of charge after applying custom themes.

3. background change via ADB (for advanced)

If the standard methods do not work, and you do not have root rights, you can use ADB-This is a way of doing things that are appropriate for MIUI 13/14/15 It allows you to replace the system files of the charging background without full firmware:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Xiaomi drivers.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and execute a command to check the connection: adb devices (the serial number of the device should appear).
2. Download the original charging background file (usually this one) charging_bg.png) from the system folder: adb pull /system/media/theme/default/charging_bg.png
3. Edit the downloaded file in Photoshop or any other editor, save it with the same name.
4. Download back to the device: adb push charging_bg.png /sdcard/
5. Move the file to the system folder (root or temporary permissions required) ADB root): adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/charging_bg.png /system/media/theme/default/ chmod 644 /system/media/theme/default/charging_bg.png reboot

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly changing system files can lead to bootloop ( looped boot).Before experimenting, make a backup through TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool. On Dynamic devices. RAM Expansion (e.g, POCO F4) After such manipulations, the cache can be reset - this is normal.

Important Data Backup | Check version MIUI| Install ADB on PC | Debugging resolution via USB on phone | Test image in correct resolution-->

4. Applications for charging background customization

If you don't want to go through system files, you can use third-party apps that don't require root rights, but they have limitations, like not working on MIUI 15 because of tighter security rules.

Top.-3 tested applications:

• 📲 Always On Display & Lockscreen – allows you to set up a separate background for the charging screen, supports GIF It's powered by Xiaomi. 12/13 and POCO F4, It may be in conflict with Google Assistant.
• 🎨 Charge Animation Changer is a specialized tool to replace charging animations. Requires the option to Install Unknown Sources in Security Settings enabled.
• 🔧 MIUI Customizer is a complete customization solution, including the charging background. MIUI 14, but on MIUI 15 may require protection to be rolled back through ADB.

How to install and configure (for example, Always On Display & Lockscreen):

1. Download APK from the official website or APKMirror (avoid pirate sources!).
2. Install by allowing installation from unknown sources.
3. Open the app and go to the Charge Screen section.
4. Select Custom Image and upload your image.
5. Activate Override System Animation (reboot may be required).

Challenges and solutions:

• 🚨 The Appendix does not apply changes → Check if the security is blocking it. MIUI (Open the settings. → Annexes → Permits → Autostart and turn on autostart for it).
• 🔄 Background resets after update → It's normal for me. MIUI. After the firmware update, you will have to reconfigure the application.
• 📵 Doesn't work for Redmi. 9A → Budget models often lack custom animation support. ADB from the previous section.

5. Root methods: complete freedom of customization

If you're willing to take drastic measures, getting root rights will open up unlimited possibilities to change the charging background.

• 🎬 Install Live Wallpapers (live wallpaper) on the charging screen.
• 🎵 Add your own music or sounds when connecting charging.
• 🛠️ Edit system animations through Framework-res.apk.
• 🔄 Change the background dynamically depending on the level of charge (for example, red at 0-20%, green at 80-100%).

This will require:

1. Unlock the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool (official method, but requires a wait of 7-15 days).
2. Install custom Recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox).
3. Switch Magisk to get root rights.
4. Use Root Explorer or MiXplorer to edit system files.

Example of editing with Root Explorer:

1. Go to /system/media/theme/default/.
2. Find the files: charging_bg.png — background; battery_charging.png — battery icon; charging_anim.zip — animation (if any).

Replace them with your files (require to save the originals!).

644

Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro), there may not be a direct path to system files. MIUI Customization or Battery Style Changer that automates the process.

For experimentation enthusiasts, there are even modules that add interactive elements to the charging screen — such as displaying weather, notifications or time. One of the most popular modules is Lockscreen Customizer for MIUI, which is compatible with MIUI 14 and later.

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Root methods give maximum freedom, but deprive of guarantees and can disrupt the work. OTA-Use them only if you are prepared for the consequences.

6. Alternative solutions: if nothing works

If your Xiaomi model does not support changing the charging background (for example, Redmi 8A or POCO M3), and you can not get a root, there are workarounds:

Method 1: Use a sealed cover

It sounds trivial, but it works: order a case with your design (for example, through AliExpress or local printing services). When the phone is on a charger, the background will shine through the transparent part of the case, creating the illusion of a custom background.

Method 2: Sticker on the screen

Buy a transparent sticker with your drawing and paste it on the screen in the charging display area. Minus - when using the phone, the sticker will interfere, so it is only suitable for "stationary" use (for example, on a desktop).

Method 3: External display

For Xiaomi with Miracast support (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), you can connect an external monitor or TV via Wireless Display and display custom charging animations via VLC or Kodi.

Method 4: Replace the screensaver with Always On Display

On devices with Always On Display (such as Xiaomi 12S Ultra), you can configure the display of custom image when charging:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Always On Display.
• 🎨 Choose Style. → Customized.
• 🖼️ Upload your image.
• ⚡ Turn on the option to show when charging.

This method does not change the background of charging, but creates a visually similar effect.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the charging background to Xiaomi