Personalizing your smartphone is the first step to turning a standard device into a unique gadget that reflects your style. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices often face the desire to change the standard Mi or Redmi logo that appears when you boot the operating system. However, unlike setting up desktops, changing the saver when you turn on (Boot Animation) requires a deeper understanding of the structure of Android and the shell of MIUI or HyperOS.
With standard tools, it is unfortunately impossible to replace the download animation with an arbitrary video or picture due to security restrictions and manufacturer license rights. However, there are a number of proven methods to bypass these restrictions or visually replace the static lock screen, creating the illusion of a modified screensaver. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods, from secure methods through themes to advanced manipulation of system files.
It is important to understand that any actions involving changing system files carry certain risks. Incorrect modification of the /system partition can lead to a cyclic reboot of the device, known as bootloop. Therefore, before starting any procedures, it is strongly recommended to create a full backup of important data and strictly follow the instructions adapted to your particular smartphone model.
Features of MIUI and HyperOS boot
The Android operating system on Xiaomi devices is modified by the MIUI shells and the new HyperOS, which have a rigid boot structure. The process of turning on the phone begins with checking the Bootloader, after which the system accesses the memory section where the brand logo and initial animation are stored. By default, these files are protected from recording by ordinary users.
Xiaomi developers implement these restrictions to ensure system integrity and prevent malware from being installed at a deep level. The standard settings menu allows you to change only the lock screen and desktop wallpaper, but does not affect the stage before the interface is fully loaded.
For those who want to change the system animation, the only official but limited way is to change the region or use certain themes that can replace some graphic elements, although not always affect the logo itself at the start.
Using the Themes app for visual replacement
The safest and most affordable method to try to change the visual style of the download is to use the built-in Themes app. Although direct replacement of the Mi logo is rare due to company policies, some author's themes contain modified interface elements that can change the behavior of the screen when you wake up or start loading.
To find the right design, you need to open the Themes app on your desktop and search. The search bar should type in queries like "No Logo", "Clean Boot" or the names of popular custom themes. Once you install the theme and apply it through the Profile → Themes menu, the phone can suggest a reboot, during which you can notice changes.
- 🎨 Open the Topics app and go to the Top or New".
- 🔍 Use search for keywords related to minimalism or custom downloaders.
- ⚙️ Apply themes in full, including lock screen components and systems.
- 🔄 Restart the device to check the result.
⚠️ Note: Not all themes are guaranteed to change the logo when turned on. Most of them only change the icons and lock screen. If the logo remains the same after applying the theme, then this theme does not contain modifications to the system bootloader.
It is worth noting that the effectiveness of this method depends on the version of MIUI or HyperOS. In new versions of firmware Xiaomi is increasingly tightly controls the substitution of system resources, so old themes may not work correctly or be completely ignored by the system.
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If the standard theme store doesn’t work, try downloading the theme file (.mtz) from third-party verified resources and installing it through the “Import” menu in the Themes app.
Unlock the bootloader and obtain Root rights
For a real and guaranteed screensaver replacement, you need to access the system partition where the animation files are stored, and that's impossible without unlocking the Bootloader and setting the superuser rights (Root) through, for example, Magisk. It's a complex process that requires preparation.
The first step is to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool utility on your computer, which will link the Mi Account to the device and require a wait of 7 to 168 hours. Once successfully unlocked, you can install a custom recavator (TWRP) and use it to implement Magisk for Root rights.
Root rights give you complete control over the file system, allowing you to replace protected files, but once you get those rights, Google Pay (or Google Wallet) and some banking applications stop working unless you use special concealment modules, and the manufacturer's warranty on the software is reset.
☑️ Preparation for system modification
| Parameter | No Root rights. | Root-rights. |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement of the logo | Impossible. | Possible. |
| Guarantee | It's still there. | Cancellation. |
| Security | Tall. | Reduced. |
| Banking | Complete. | Requires customization |
Replacement of animation system files
Once you have access to Root, you can start replacing files directly. The download animation is usually stored in the directory. /system/media/ or /system/product/media/. Key files that need to be found often have names like bootanimation.zip or Xiaomi-specific files MIUI_Logo.png.
You'll need a Root-enabled file manager, such as MT Manager, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer, and you'll need to give the manager super-user rights once you open the manager, then you'll need to take the /system/media/ path (the path may vary slightly depending on the model), and before you replace the original files, you'll be sure to copy them to a secure location on the memory card or to the cloud.
The new animation needs to be prepared in advance. The file format should be strictly the same as the original. If you replace bootanimation.zip, the structure of the archive should be followed (usually the part0 folder with images and the desc.txt file). If the image of the logo is replaced, it should be in PNG format with the correct screen resolution of your device.
An approximate path to files:
/system/media/bootanimation.zip
/product/media/MIUI_Logo.png
/data/system/theme/animation/Once you copy a new file to the system folder, you need to set the correct Permissions. Usually, system files require rw-r mode.--r-- (If the rights are incorrectly issued, the system will not be able to read the file at start, which will result in the logo getting stuck.
⚠️ Note: Inconsistency of image resolution with screen resolution or erroneous file access rights bootanimation.zip likely 99% You can have a computer and a recovery cable on hand through Fastboot.
What to do if your phone is in Bootloop?
Alternative: Live Wallpaper and Always On Display
If the risk of modifying system files seems too high, there is a great alternative that allows you to achieve a similar visual effect without interfering with the code of the system (AOD) for AMOLED-screen.
While it doesn't change the Mi logo at launch, it drastically changes the device's perception immediately after unlocking: MIUI and HyperOS have a built-in live wallpaper store, as well as support for third-party apps from Google Play, such as the Wallpaper Engine or Video Live Wallpaper.
Always On Display allows you to display information, time, or custom images even when the screen is off, and it creates a sense of uniqueness from the moment you pick it up. → Always on screen and lock.
- ⏱ Set up a lock screen timeout for longer wallpaper display.
- 🖼 Use high quality video wallpaper for depth effect.
- 🔋 Optimize battery consumption by turning off AOD nightly.
- 🎨 Synchronize the theme with live wallpaper for a single style.
The use of live wallpaper has little to no effect on the stability of the system, unlike the bootloader modification, which is ideal for users who want beauty but are afraid to "brick" their smartphone.
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Live wallpaper and AOD are a safe way to personalize that does not require Root rights and does not violate the warranty, providing visual diversity immediately after unlocking.
Possible problems and solutions
There are a number of errors that can occur when you change system files, and the most common problem is Bootloop, where the phone is endlessly rebooted, which happens if the file that is replaced is corrupted, has an incorrect format, or is incompatible with the firmware version.
Another problem is a broken sensor or touchscreen after boot, which is a rare but possible side effect of interference with system resources if drivers or conflicting libraries were affected, in which case only a full reset or flashing helps.
Users may also find that the animation is not displayed and the phone turns on with a black screen before the desktop appears, which means that the system has not found the animation file or failed to decode it, in which case you need to return the original file from the backup.