How to change the animation download on Xiaomi: 3 working methods with instructions

Bootanimation is the first thing you see when you turn on a Xiaomi smartphone. The standard MIUI logo or Redmi can get boring, especially if you like customization. Fortunately, you can replace it in a number of ways, from simple theme installation to manually editing system files through receptacles.

In this article, we will discuss three proven methods of changing the download animation on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO — It's important: some methods require an unlocked bootloader and root rights, so check in advance if your model is right. If you're a beginner, start with the method through MIUI-The most secure and does not require technical skills.

We warn you that the wrong actions can lead to a “brick” (inoperability) of the device, all manipulations you perform at your own risk. If in doubt, it is better to consult a specialist or consult the 4PDA and XDA-Developers forums for your particular model.

1. Method: Installation of animation through MIUI-topics without root)

The easiest way is to use the built-in function. MIUI-It's suitable for most of the devices on the base. MIUI 12/13/14 It doesn't require unlocking the bootloader or the rights of the superuser, but the choice of animations is limited to what the theme store offers.

How does it work? In MIUI, download animation is tied to the current theme of the design, and some themes include not only wallpaper and icons, but also custom bootanimation. Here's how to apply it:

• 📱 Open the Themes app on your smartphone.
• 🔍 In the search bar, enter the bootanimation request or boot saver.
• 🎨 Choose your favorite topic from the results (pay attention to the rating and reviews!).
• 📥 Click Apply and Confirm the Installation.
• 🔄 Restart the device – new animations should appear.

⚠️ Attention: Not all themes contain custom download animations. Sometimes only wallpaper or sounds change. Before installing, read the theme description - there should be a mention of bootanimation.

If you don't like the result, you can also get back standard animation by installing a different theme or resetting the theme to factory settings, which is completely safe, but it's not available, and there are more flexible options for advanced users.

2. Method: Replace bootanimation.zip via TWRP (unlocked bootloader required)

For those who are willing to go further, there is a method of replacing the bootanimation.zip system file through the TWRP custom recavator. This allows you to install any animation found on the Internet or created yourself, the main condition is an unlocked bootloader and installed TWRP.

Here's the step-by-step instruction:

1. Download the appropriate animation in.zip format. Make sure that its resolution matches the screen of your device (for example, 1080×2400 For the Redmi Note 10 Pro) Popular resources: 🌐 XDA-Developers (Section of your Model) 🌐 4PDA (themes) 🌐 BootAnimations.net

Rename the file

bootanimation.zip

Copy the file.

SD-map

Download to TWRP

1. Turn off the phone.


2. Press the Power button + Volume up (for most models).




3. Wait for the TWRP logo to appear.

TWRP:

• 📁 Go to Advanced. → File Manager.
• 🔍 Find the file. /system/media/.
• 🗑️ Delete the old file bootanimation.zip (swipe).
• 📤 Click Install, select your new one. bootanimation.zip and swipe for confirmation.
• 🔄 Restart the device (Reboot) → System).

Backup current animation (copy the original bootanimation.zip on PC)

Check the resolution of the new animation (should match the screen resolution)

Make sure that the file is called bootanimation.zip (without unnecessary characters)

Charge your phone at least 50% (to avoid shutting down during the process)-->

⚠️ Note: If the phone does not load after the replacement or the animation is displayed incorrectly (stretched, cropped), then the file is not suitable for your model:

1. Download back to TWRP. 2. Remove the installed bootanimation.zip. 3. Restore the original file from the backup or download the standard animation for your model from Xiaomi Firmware Updater.

This method gives you complete freedom in the choice of animations, but it requires caution. If you have never worked with TWRP, practice first on backups or study the guides on your particular model.

3. Method: Modifying animations through ADB (for advanced users)

If you don't have TWRP, but you have an unlocked bootloader and USB debugging mode is enabled, you can replace bootanimation.zip via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is more complicated than using TWRP, but does not require custom recovery.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Included Developer Mode and Debugging by USB phone-on.
• 🔌 USB-TypeC Cable (preferably original).
• 📁 File. bootanimation.zip new-animated.

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the ADB folder.
3. Check the connection command: Adb devices must display the serial number of your device.
4. Copy the original file on PC (in case of rollback): adb pull /system/media/bootanimation.zip bootanimation_original.zip
5. Upload the new file to the system folder: adb push path to your file/bootanimation.zip /sdcard/
6. Transfer the file to the system folder (root rights required): adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/bootanimation.zip /system/media/ chmod 644 /system/media/bootanimation.zip reboot

⚠️ Note: If the animations are unchanged after the reboot, your device uses a different boot mechanism (e.g., a different download mechanism, bootanimation.bin instead of.zip. In this case:

1.Clarify the animation format for your model on Xiaomi.EU. 2. You may need to convert.zip to.bin or edit other files (e.g. /system/bin/bootanimation). 3. Android 12+ devices may require a magisk patch.

This method is suitable for advanced users, as it requires working with the command line and understanding the structure of Android. TWRP or MIUI-themes.

💡

Before replacing your animations with ADB, check if your model supports mount -o rw, remount /system. On some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global), the system partition can be protected from writing even with root rights.

4.Where to download quality animation downloads for Xiaomi?

Not all bootanimation.zip files are suitable for your smartphone. To avoid problems with resolution or format, download animations only from trusted sources:

When choosing animation, pay attention to:

• 📏 Resolution – must match the screen resolution of your device (e.g, 2400×1080 for POCO F3).
• 🎞️ Format – Most Xiaomi supports.zip, but some models (like Android 13) may require.bin.
• 🔄 Frequency of personnel - optimally 30 FPS, Otherwise, the animation will slow down or twitch.
• 🎨 Style – Avoid animations that are too bright or flashy to strain your eyes.

If you want to create your own animation, you can use programs like After Effects + BootAnimation Factory plugin or online services like EZ BootAnimation.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When replacing the download animation, users often encounter common errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🚫 Animation does not change after file replacement Reason: Your device uses bootanimation.bin instead of.zip, or the file has incorrect access rights. Solution: Check the file format and rights (chmod) 644). For Android. 12+ You may need a patch through Magisk.
• 🔳 Phone does not boot after replacement Reason: Incompatible animation file or system data corruption Solution: Download to TWRP and restore the original bootanimation.zip backup.
• 🖼️ Animation is displayed stretched or cropped Reason: The file resolution does not match the screen resolution. Solution: Find the animation with the right resolution or edit it in Photoshop/GIMP.
• ⚡ Animation twitches or slows Reason: Too high frame rate or large file size Solution: Optimize animation to 30 FPS and squeeze it through EZGIF.

If you encounter a problem that is not on the list, look for a solution in the forums. 4PDA or XDA, specifying the exact model of your device and version MIUI/Android.

6.How to return the standard download animation?

If the experiment with custom animation failed or she just got tired, you can return the original screensaver in several ways:

• 🔄 Through MIUI-Set a standard design theme (usually called Default or Default) MIUI).
• 📁 Through TWRP/ADB: Download the stock firmware for your model. Remove the original firmware from it. bootanimation.zip (usually lies /system/media/). Replace the current file through TWRP or ADB (instructions see above).

Through resetting settings

Go to Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset. This will return all system files to factory files, but delete your data!

⚠️ Note: If you have installed custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU or LineageOS), the standard animation may differ from the original one. MIUI Global. In this case, download bootanimation.zip It's for your version of the firmware.

For devices with a locked bootloader, the only safe way to return standard animation is to reset through Settings or install a stock theme.

7.Safety and risks when changing the download animation

Replacing bootanimation.zip is a relatively safe procedure, but only if you follow the instructions and use compatible files.

• 🔴 Soft-brick – the device does not boot, but reacts to the device. Fastboot/TWRP. Most often it occurs due to incompatible animations or errors when copying files.
• 🔄 Cyclical Bootloop – The phone is constantly restarted during the animation phase, usually treated through a reboot. TWRP.
• 🛡️ Warranty violation – if you unlock the bootloader or get root, Xiaomi’s official service may refuse warranty repairs.
• 🔒 Problems with OTA-Updates – After changing system files, automatic updates MIUI It might break. In that case, you'll have to manually install the firmware.

To minimize the risks:

1. Always backup the original bootanimation.zip. 2. Check the file compatibility with your model and Android version. 3. Use stable versions of TWRP (download from the official website or twrp.me). 4. Do not change other system files unless you are sure of their purpose.

On devices with a locked bootloader and without root rights, it is impossible to replace the download animation - this is a security restriction MIUI. If your smartphone is still warranty and you are not ready to lose it, use only the method of using the device. MIUI-themes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi download animation