How to change the charger screensaver on Xiaomi smartphones: 5 proven ways

The charger screensaver on Xiaomi smartphones is the first picture you see when you connect your device to the network. Standard animation with battery and interest can get boring, especially if you have been using your phone for a long time. Fortunately, the manufacturer and the enthusiast community offer several ways to change it, from official themes to deep customization through ADB.

Many users are unaware that the screensaver can not only be hidden, but also completely replaced with your own picture or GIF. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods - from simple to advanced - that work on most Redmi, POCO and Mi models running MIUI 12-14. Importantly, some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, so read the warnings carefully before you act.

If you’ve never changed system files, start with the safe options – the themes of the design or hidden settings MIUI. For experienced users, we have prepared instructions for working with ADB and modifying bootanimation.zip files. Don’t forget to back up before experimenting!

1.Official way: change through MIUI themes

Xiaomi allows you to change the charger screensaver through the official Themes app, but with limitations: not all themes support this feature, and animation can be reset after updates.

To check the available options:

  1. Open the Themes app (icon with brush).
  2. Go to the section My → Charging screensaver.
  3. Check the available options and use the one you like.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global) this section may not be available. If it is not available, try switching to regional firmware MIUI China or use alternative methods.

Advantages of the method:

  • 🔄 No need for root rights or technical knowledge.
  • 🛡️ Safe – does not affect system files.
  • 🎨 Animations with effects are available (e.g. falling leaves or abstraction).

Disadvantages:

  • 🚫 Limited choice – most of the topics are paid.
  • 🔄 After updating MIUI screensaver.
📊 What kind of change do you prefer?
Official themes
Manual file modification
ADB-team
Third-party annexes
I don't know what to choose.

2. Hidden MIUI settings: activation of alternative screensaver

MIUI firmware has a hidden feature that allows you to turn on an alternative charge saver, a minimalist indicator without animation, which works on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models without the need to install additional software.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Go to About the Phone. → Version. MIUI.
  3. Stick on the inscription MIUI version 7-10 times until the notification appears You became a developer!
  4. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
  5. Find the Charge Animation Style option and select Minimalist.

If the option is not on the menu, then your model does not support this feature, in which case try other methods from the article.

Make a backup copy of the data

Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)

Make sure the battery is at least 50% charged

Disable antivirus (if you use third-party utilities)-->

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO F3 Or Redmi Note 10 Pro, after activating the minimalist style, the charging percentage indicator may disappear, and to return it, you will have to reset the theme settings to the standard one.

3.Using ADB: Changing system parameters

For users willing to work with ADB, there is a way to change the screensaver via the command line, which does not require root rights, but requires an unlocked bootloader and enabled debugging over USB.

Step-by-step:

  1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
  2. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings.
  3. Connect your phone to your computer and execute the command: adb shell settings put global. charging_animation_enabled 0 This will turn off standard animation, leaving only the charging indicator.
  4. To get it back, type: adb shell settings put global charging_animation_enabled 1

To install a custom screensaver, you will need to replace the bootanimation.zip file in the system partition, which already requires root rights and can cause failures if you do something wrong.

What happens if you delete bootanimation.zip?
Without this file, the system will not be able to show the charge saver, and the screen will remain black until the OS is fully loaded.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can lead to soft-brick (the device won’t turn on, but it can be restored via Fastboot.

Third-party applications: risks and opportunities

There are apps on Google Play that promise to change the root-free charging saver, like Charge Animation Changer or Boot Animations, but most of them either don’t run on MIUI or require an unlocked bootloader.

Before installation, check:

  • 📌 Compatible with your model (read reviews!).
  • 🔍 Advertising or hidden payments.
  • 🛡️ Permissions required (if the application requests access to root or ADB, It's risky).

An example of a reliable application is Hex Installer (requires Magisk), which allows you to install custom bootanimation.zip without manual editing of system files.

⚠️ Note: Apps that offer a one-click change to the screensaver often contain malicious code. Use only verified sources such as: XDA Developers or the official Magisk repository.

5. Manual modification bootanimation.zip (for advanced)

This method gives you complete control over the screensaver, but requires root rights and knowledge of the structure of Android files. You can install any gif or sequence of images in bootanimation.zip format.

Instructions:

  1. Download bootanimation.zip (for example, with XDA) or create your own through BootAnimation Factory.
  2. With Root Explorer or ADB, copy the file to /system/media/ (pre-backup the original file!).
  3. Set the license 644 (rw-r-----).
  4. Reset the device.

The structure of the bootanimation.zip file must conform to the standard:

  • 📁 folder part0 — animation images (format) PNG, screen-permission).
  • 📄 Desc.txt file - playback parameters (example: 720 1280 24 for resolution and FPS).

Important: If the file gets corrupted or with the wrong permissions, the phone can hang on the MI logo when turned on, in which case only flashing through Fastboot will help.

💡

Before replacing bootanimation.zip, check it on another device or emulator. Incorrect settings in desc.txt can lead to a boot cycle.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To make the choice easier, we have collected the key features of each method in the table:

MethodDifficultyRequired. root/ADBRisk of failureCompatibility
Official themes⭐❌ No.⚠️ Low.All models on MIUI
Hidden settings⭐⭐❌ No.⚠️ Low.Most models
ADB-team⭐⭐⭐✅ Yeah (debugging)⚠️⚠️ Medium.All models.
Third-party annexes⭐⭐✅ Sometimes.⚠️⚠️⚠️ High-pitchedLimited.
Manual editing⭐⭐⭐⭐✅ Yeah)⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️ criticalAll models.

💡

For most users, the best option is official themes or hidden MIUI settings. Methods with ADB and root are suitable only if you are ready for possible failures and are able to restore the system.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When changing the charger screensaver, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

1. The screensaver does not change after the application of the theme.

  • 🔹 Make sure the theme supports the screensaver change (read the description).
  • 🔹 Reset the device.
  • 🔹 Check if the settings have reset after the update MIUI.

2. After ADB-commands, the screensaver disappeared completely.

  • 🔹 Replace the standard value: adb shell settings put global charging_animation_enabled 1.
  • 🔹 If it doesn’t help, reset the theme settings in Settings. → Topics → Drop it.

3.The device stuck on the logo after replacing bootanimation.zip.

  • 🔹 Download to Recovery Mode (Power buttons) + Volume up) and restore backup.
  • 🔹 If there is no backup, run the device through Fastboot.

⚠️ Note: If you use custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), standard methods for using custom firmware are available. MIUI If you do, look for solutions in the forums that are dedicated to your firmware.

Can I change the charger without root rights?
Yes, but the choice is limited. You can: Use official themes from the Themes app. Activate minimalist style through the developer's settings. ADB-commands (no root required, but debugging is needed) USB). For full customization (your own pictures / gifs), root will still need.
Why did the MIUI update drop the screensaver?
MIUI updates often reset custom theme and animation settings. This is due to Xiaomi's policy of overwriting system files when updates. To avoid the problem: Save the current theme backup in Settings → Themes → Mine → Save. After the update, re-apply the theme.
Can I put a live wallpaper as a charger screensaver?
No, MIUI doesn't support live charging wallpaper. The best you can do is: Install animated bootanimation.zip (requires root). Use the GIF as a static screensaver (root rights are also needed). Live wallpaper only works on the desktop, not in charging mode.
Will the warranty work if I change the screensaver through ADB or root?
Technically, any changes to system files (including ADB and root) can cause warranty service to be denied. However: If you return everything to its original state, the service center is unlikely to notice changes. Xiaomi does not usually check the charge saver for warranty repairs unless it is associated with software failures. The risk is minimal, but theoretically exists.
Where to download bootanimation.zip for Xiaomi?
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