The standard charging animation on Xiaomi Redmi 9 can get boring over time, especially if you want to personalize your smartphone. Fortunately, the manufacturer and the development community offer several ways to change it, from simple settings in MIUI to deep modifications through ADB or custom firmware. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, their pros and cons, and give recommendations for security.
It's important to understand that not all methods are equally safe. For example, changing system files without a backup can lead to a cyclical reboot or even a device "brick." We'll go into detail on how to minimize risks and what to do if something goes wrong. If you're a beginner, start with the simplest methods and then move on to the most complex ones.
1. Method: Using the built-in MIUI themes
The safest and most official way to change charging animation is to use MIUI themes. Xiaomi allows you to install custom themes that can include not only wallpaper and icons, but also charging animations. This method does not require root rights or technical skills.
But there's a caveat: not all themes have modified charging animations, which are usually bundled with full-fledged "dark" or "dynamic" themes, and you should also consider that after resetting or updating MIUI, the theme may reset to a standard one.
- 📱 Open the Themes app on the main screen.
- 🔍 In the search bar, enter “charge” or “battery animation".
- 🎨 Choose your favorite theme and click Apply.
- 🔄 Restart the device to make the changes effective.
If you don’t have them, try downloading them from Xiaomi’s official theme directory. note that some themes may be paid or require registration with Mi Account.
2. Method: Change through ADB (without root)
For more advanced users, there is a method of changing animations through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which does not require root rights, but involves working with the command line, you can replace the standard animation with any other one if you have the right file in.zip or.apk format.
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Attention: Incorrect use of ADB can cause system failures. Before starting, back up your data via Settings → About Phone → Backup.
Here's the step-by-step instruction:
- Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
- Turn on USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode), then go back to Settings → Additional → Developers → Debugging on USB.
- Connect Redmi 9 to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
- Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:
adb devices(Your device should be displayed. If not, check the drivers.)
adb shell
settings put global battery_animation_style 1(This command will activate an alternate animation style if it is supported by your version of MIUI.)
You'll need an additional file to install custom animations, which you can find on forums like XDA Developers.
adb push /path/to/your/animation.zip /sdcard/
adb shell su -c "cp /sdcard/animation.zip /system/media/"⚠️
Note: If the device is stuck on the Redmi logo after the reboot, the animation file is incompatible with your firmware. In this case, you will have to reset the settings via Recovery Mode (press Power). + Volume Up with the phone turned off. ADB Tools on PC|Enable debugging on USB phone-on|Create a backup copy of the data|Check the compatibility of the animation file with MIUI--> 3. Method: Install custom firmware (requires unlocking the bootloader) If you are willing to take drastic measures, you can install custom firmware like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Havoc-OS. These firmware often offer advanced animation settings, including charging. However, this method requires: 🔓 Unlock the bootloader (will result in resetting all data!). 🛠️ Custom recovery installations (TWRP). 📦 Manually select compatible firmware for Redmi 9 (codename Lancelot). The process of installing firmware is beyond the scope of this article, but we will give key recommendations: Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (can take up to 72 hours). TWRP Recovery for Redmi 9 (see the current version on twrp.me). Download firmware and GApps (if you need Google services). TWRP, follow the instructions for your firmware. ⚠️ Warning: Incompatible firmware can lead to loss IMEI Check user reviews on forums before installing. Firmware Support for Charging Animations Difficulty Installation Stability LineageOS Yes (via settings) Average High Pixel Experience Yes (Pixel style) Medium Medium Havoc-OS Yes (Extended settings) High Low MIUI by Xiaomi.eu Limitedly Low High What to do if the sensor does not work after the firmware? If after installing custom firmware, the sensor stopped responding, most likely, a version was installed that is incompatible with your hardware: 1. Back in TWRP and stitch another firmware. 2. Restore the original MIUI via Fastboot (instructions for [4PDA](https://4pda.to/)). 3. Check if the sensor is disabled in the developer settings (Settings) → For developers → Entering → Disable the sensor). 4. Method: Magisk modules (requires root) If your device has root rights and Magisk is installed, you can use special modules to change the charging animation. This method is flexible and reversible: if something goes wrong, you can simply turn off the module. 9: 🔋 Battery Animation Changer – allows you to choose from pre-installed animations. 🎨 MIUI Customization – advanced settings of themes and animations. 🔄 QuickSwitch - to replace system icons and animations. Installation instructions: Download the module in.zip format (for example, with the help of the system). XDA Open Magisk Manager and go to Modules. Click Install from storage and select the downloaded file. Reboot the device. After reboot, the new animation settings will appear in the Settings menu. → Additionally. → Magisk modules or in the module app. If the animation hasn't changed, check the Magisk log for errors. 💡Before installing the module, check its compatibility with your version. MIUI. Some modules only work on firmware before MIUI 12.5.5 Risks and how to avoid The risks involved are the most common problems and ways to prevent them: 🔄 Cyclical reboot (bootloop) – occurs when animation files are incompatible. Solution: Load to Fastboot Mode and run the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. 🔋 Fast battery drain - some custom animations increase power consumption. Solution: roll back to standard animation or use optimised modules. 🚫 Blocking Mi Account – when unlocking the bootloader, Xiaomi can block the account on the Internet 7-30 Solution: link the device to your account in advance and don't break the unlock rules. ⚠️ Warning: If you sell or transfer a phone after modifications, be sure to return the standard firmware. Castom animations and root rights can cause denial of warranty service. 6. Alternative solutions: live wallpaper and applications If you do not want to interfere with system files, you can use live wallpaper or third-party applications that simulate charging animations. For example: 🖼️ Live Wallpapers – Some wallpapers display battery level with animation. 🔌 Battery Widget Reborn – widget with custom charging display styles. 🎮 Always on Display – if your Redmi 9 supports AOD, You can adjust the way you display charging on a locked screen, and these methods don't change the system animation, but they visually create a similar effect, the main advantage is safety and there is no risk of breaking the phone, and the minus is the additional battery consumption (especially for live wallpaper). Example of Battery Widget Reborn configuration: Install the app from Google Play. Add the widget to the home screen. Select the animation style (e.g., "Circle" or "Wave") in the widget settings. Activate the display on the lock screen (if you want to). 💡Third-party apps are the safest way to change the visual display of charging, but they don’t replace system animation and can consume an extra battery. FAQ: Frequent questions: Can I bring back the standard charging animation after the changes? Yes. If you used themes MIUI — Just apply the standard theme. ADB — Adb shell settings put global settings battery_animation_style 0 For custom firmware or Magisk modules, roll back to the original firmware or remove the module. Why did the animation change the phone start warming up? It can happen for two reasons: Castom animation is poorly optimized and it loads the processor. Background processes (such as Magisk or an incorrect module) conflict with the system. → Battery → Battery status. If the heating is critical, return the standard settings. Does this method work on Redmi? 9A/9C/9T? Partially. 9A and 9C They have a different processor (Helio). G25/G35 Helio G80 redmi 9), therefore: Topics MIUI — work equally. ADB-Castom firmware, you need to look for versions specifically for dandelion (9A/9C) or angelica (9T). Before experimenting, specify the model of your device in Settings → The phone. → Model. How do you back up before you change? We recommend two ways: Local copy: Settings. → The phone. → Backup → Local backup. Through Mi Cloud: Settings → Accounts. → Mi Cloud → Backup (requires authorization) For complete security, also copy folders /sdcard/DCIM, /sdcard/Downloads and /sdcard/MIUI/Theme Where to download secure animation files for Redmi 9? Reliable sources: 🔗 XDA Developers (Redmi 9) 🔗 4PDA (theme) 🔗 Telegram channel MIUI Custom Avoid random files from unknown sources – they may contain malicious code!