How to install a screensaver on a Xiaomi TV: a step-by-step guide

Changing the boot logo, or so-called screensaver, on Xiaomi TVs is one of the most popular ways to personalize the device. Many users want to get rid of the standard, often intrusive Mi TV or Android TV logo that appears every time they turn on the technology, instead, you can install your own image, the logo of your favorite team, or even animation, if the model allows.

The process of replacing the image is not a regular function of the settings menu, so you need to perform certain technical actions. You will need to prepare the image file in the correct format and choose the method of implementation: USB-scaling-up ADB. It is important to understand that interference with system download files always involves minimal risks, so the procedure should be approached carefully.

In this article, we will break down all the available methods that are relevant to current versions of MIUI for TV firmware and pure Android TV. We will look at file preparation, installation methods and possible problems that you may encounter. Following the instructions will help you safely change the visual style of your TV launch.

Preparation of the image file and format requirements

The first and critical step is to properly prepare the graphics file. Xiaomi Android-powered TVs have strict requirements for resolution, weight and format of the image to be used as a screensaver. If the file doesn't meet the specifications, the system will simply ignore it and upload the standard logo.

The optimal format is PNG with transparency support or JPG without compression. The image resolution should strictly correspond to the matrix of your screen. For most modern models, it is 1920Γ—1080 (Full HD) or 3840Γ—2160 (4K). Using a picture of a different size can lead to stretching or black fields.

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Use graphics editors like Photoshop or GIMP to accurately size the canvas 1920x1080 pixels before saving the file.

Special attention should be paid to the weight of the file. The system partition of the bootloader has limited memory, so the image should not be too heavy. It is recommended that the weight of the file does not exceed 2-3 MB. Excessively large files can cause a read error or freeze during the booting stage of the TV BIOS.

Rename a file often requires the exact name matching that the bootloader expects. This name may differ from firmware to firmware, but the most common standard is the following: mi_logo.bmp Before starting the procedure, it is recommended to clarify the current file name for your particular model in specialized forums.

  • πŸ–ΌοΈ File format: PNG (preferably BMP/JPG high-quality.
  • πŸ“ Permission: Strictly 1920Γ—1080 or 3840Γ—2160 screenwise.
  • πŸ’Ύ File weight: Preferably up to 2MB for fast download.
  • πŸ“› File name: mi_logo.bmp, bootuplogo.png or startup.png.

Substitution method USB-accumulator

The easiest and safest way not requiring a connection to a computer via cable is to use the USB-This method works on most Xiaomi and Mi Box TV models. The idea is to put the prepared file in the root of the drive and start the process of updating the logo through an engineering menu or a special script.

Format it first. USB-file-storage FAT32. This is a must because the TV bootloader may not see the file system. NTFS Or exFAT early on. After formatting, copy the renamed image file to the root folder of the flash drive without putting it in any folders.

β˜‘οΈ Pre-installing check

Done: 0 / 1

You need to insert the flash drive into the USB-The action may vary depending on the firmware version, and on some models, just turn on the TV with the flash drive inserted, and the system will find the logo file and prompt it to update. Other models require you to log into the Recovery menu or use the remote to call a special button combination.

⚠️ Warning: If after switching on with a flash drive, the TV starts flashing or goes into a cyclic reboot, immediately remove it. USB-This means that the file is damaged or not suitable.

If automatic detection didn't work, use the method of renaming system files through the file manager if you have Root rights, but on standard firmware this is impossible without unlocking the bootloader. USB-The method often relies on the manufacturer's hidden update mechanism triggered by the specific file name on the USB drive upon boot.

Using ADB for Advanced Users

For those who are not afraid of the command line, the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) method provides the most flexible control over the system, which allows you to replace the logo file directly in the system partition if you have access to the file system. However, it is worth remembering that modern versions of Android TV have protected partitions, and direct recording can be blocked.

The first step is to activate the developer mode on the TV. β†’ About the device β†’ Build and click on "Build" 7 times in a row. Once the "You're a developer" notification appears, a new "Developer" item will appear in the menu. USB.

How do you know? IP-TV address?
IP-The address can be found in the Settings section β†’ Network β†’ Network status. You can also install Network Analyzer on your phone to see all the devices on your local network.

Connect your computer and TV to the same Wi-Fi network. Install ADB drivers on your PC. Open the command line and type in the command to connect:

adb connect 192.168.1.XX:5555

Where 192.168.1.XX β€” it IP-Once you've successfully connected, you can try sending a file replacement command, but without root rights, you can only replace custom themes, not the system bootlog. A full replacement often requires an unlocked bootloader (Unlock Bootloader), which is difficult for Xiaomi TVs and not for all regions.

  • πŸ’» A PC with installed is required SDK Platform Tools.
  • πŸ“‘ The TV and the computer must be on the same network.
  • πŸ”“ Root rights are often required to write to the system partition.
  • βš™οΈ You need to know the basic commands. Linux/ADB.

Change the logo through the engineering menu

Some Xiaomi TVs, especially older ones or those designed for the Chinese market, have a hidden engineering menu that you can access using a combination of buttons on the remote when you turn on the TV, which allows you to calibrate the screen, test the sound and, importantly for us, change the boot logo.

Popular combinations to enter include pressing the menu button or settings (cog icon) on the remote when the Mi logo appears. Sometimes you need to use the joystick of the remote: clamping the center of the joystick or pressing the Back + Menu combination. The exact combination depends on the specific board (Mainboard) inside the TV.

Once you're on the menu (usually a list of English or Chinese text), you'll find a item that contains the words Logo, Factory, or Upgrade. Inside, you'll find an option called "Update Logo from USB." Once you select it, the TV will try to read the file from the connected USB drive.

⚠️ Warning: In the engineering menu, it is highly recommended not to change the settings, the value of which you do not know. Miscalibration of the matrix can ruin the color reproduction forever.

If standard combinations don’t work, your firmware may block access to this menu, in which case you can wait for a software update or search for specific codes for your model on profile forums like 4PDA or XDA Developers.

πŸ“Š What method of installing the screensaver you plan to use?
Through USB-flash drive: Through ADB ← In the Menu: While I’m afraid to try

Compatibility issues and different versions of MIUI TV

The Xiaomi TV ecosystem is highly heterogeneous, with global firmware versions (Global ROMs) very different from China ROMs and India’s. In global versions, Android TV (Verified Boot) security often blocks any attempts to modify system files, including the logo.

On PatchWall TVs (often found in India and some CIS regions), the boot mechanism can be tightly tied to the manufacturer's servers, in which case, even if the file is successfully replaced, the next time the TV connects to the Internet, the original logo can be automatically restored.

The table below will help you navigate the features of different versions of the software:

POS versionDifficulty replacingI need a Root.The risk of blocking
China ROMLow.Often not.Minimum
Global ROMHigh-pitchedYes.Medium.
Android TV (Google Certificate)Very tall.I'll be sure.High-pitched
PatchWallcriticalYes.Possible ban

Owners of Google Certified Android TVs (such as the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick or the new P1) should be prepared to avoid the standard methods of changing the boot logo due to locking the bootloader.

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The success of a screensaver replacement depends on 90% of the firmware version and the regional affiliation of your TV.

Possible risks and system recovery

Any interference with the download process carries risks. The worst scenario is when the TV stops turning on, hanging on a black screen or logo, which happens if the logo file is corrupted, incorrectly sized, or recorded with an error.

In most cases, the Xiaomi TV has a self-healing mechanism. If it can't read the new logo correctly several times in a row, it can reset the changes. However, if the partition structure of the bootloader was damaged, you may need to flash through UART (sawder wires to the board) or use a special Mi Flash tool in Emergency Download (EDL) mode.

To minimize the risks:

  • πŸ”‹ Do not turn off the TV during the replacement process.
  • πŸ’Ύ Have the original logo file on hand (backup before replacing if possible).
  • πŸ“Ί Make sure that the image file does not contain any encoding errors.

⚠️ Warning: If the TV has stopped responding to the remote and only the indicator is on, try pressing the power button on the case (not on the remote) on the 15-20 second-on-seconds.

Hard Reset is often used to restore performance, and on many models, this is done by pressing the Settings button and the Menu (or Back) on the TV off, while power is supplied. In the Recovery menu that appears, select Wipe Data.

Where can I get the original logo?
The original logo file can often be found online on the request for a β€œstock bootlogo [TV model]” or extracted from a firmware file (ROM) using an archiver by finding the file in the /res/images folder.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I put a video instead of a picture?
The TV bootloader works before the Android operating system loads, so it can only read static images. It needs an operating system that is already running to play video. There are modified downloaders, but they are extremely rare and unstable.
Will the warranty fly off after the logo change?
Technically, any software intervention not provided by the manufacturer can be a reason for denial of warranty service. However, if you make a full reset (Wipe Data) and return the original logo file (or update the firmware on top), there will be no trace of interference in the software part. Physical traces of opening the warranty are removed accurately.
Why does the TV turn on longer after the logo is replaced?
This may be because the new image file has more weight or a complex pixel structure that is harder for the processor to decode at low frequencies at start-up, and there may be damage to the file system, causing error checks at each boot.
Does this work on the Xiaomi Mi Box S?
On the consoles of the Mi Box S series, changing the boot logo is much more difficult, since it uses a protected Google bootloader. USB-You don't have a flash drive, you need to unlock the Unlock Bootloader, which is not possible on all versions of the device, and you need to install a custom recap (TWRP).