When you turn on a Xiaomi smartphone, the first thing you do is you get a branded animation with a Mi or Redmi logo on the screen. For many users, this standard screensaver becomes familiar, but what if you want to personalize the device to the smallest detail? Bootanimation is one way to highlight your gadget by adding a unique style or even humor to the inclusion process.
However, replacing bootanimation on Xiaomi devices is not as easy as changing the wallpaper or alarm melody. the company actively blocks the possibility of modifying system files, and in recent versions, the company has been using the same tools. MIUI 13/14 This process has become more complicated due to the tightening of security policies, and in this article we will discuss all available methods, from official (through topics) to advanced (with unlocking the bootloader and manual editing of the partition). /system). You will learn what tools you will need, what risks exist, and how to avoid the device’s “brick.
Before you start, consider that modifying system files can lead to loss of warranty, malfunction or even complete failure of the smartphone. If you are a beginner, start with safe methods (section "Method 1"), and experienced users can immediately move to manual editing (section "Method 3").
1 What is bootanimation and why it is difficult to change it to Xiaomi
Bootanimation is an animation file that is played when you turn on your smartphone after you load the kernel, but before you start the interface. MIUI. It consists of two parts:
- 🖼️ Images (animation frames in format) PNG or JPG, archived).
- 📜 Description (desc.txt file, where the playback parameters are indicated: resolution, frame rate, duration).
On most Xiaomi devices (including Redmi and Poco), this file is stored along the way. /system/media/bootanimation.zip. The problem is that the section /system It's not written secure, and even with root rights, it can't be changed without some manipulation:
- 🔒 Security policy MIUI: The company restricts access to system files to prevent accidental damage.
- 🛡️ bootloader lock: on new devices (Xiaomi) 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12) loader locked by default.
- 🔄 Integrity Checker: DM-Verity monitors changes in the /system and can block the download if modifications are detected.
Another nuance: in some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 or Poco) F4) boot animation can be sewn into a boot or vendor section, making it even more difficult to replace. Before you start, check if your device supports bootanimation modification through standard methods.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global Stable (official firmware for the international market) attempt to change bootanimation.zip Without unlocking the bootloader will lead to endless boot (bootloop), you can restore the work only through the Fastboot.
2. Method 1: Modifying animations through themes MIUI (rootless)
The safest method is to use the built-in theme function in MIUI. Some custom themes include not only wallpaper and icons, but also alternative download animation.This method does not require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, but does not work on all devices.
How to do this:
- Open the Themes app (the icon with a brush on your desktop).
- Go to the section My → Online topics.
- In the search bar, enter a bootanimation request or a boot saver.
- Select your favorite theme and click “Apply”.
- Restart the device to see the changes.
Limitations of the method:
- 🎨 It only works on MIUI China MIUI Global Beta. In stable firmware versions, the feature can be disabled.
- 🔄 Animation will reset to standard after the update MIUI.
- 📱 Not all themes support replacing bootanimation – often only wallpaper and sounds change.
💡
If you don’t search for “bootanimation” in your search for themes, try searching for keywords in English: “boot logo”, “startup animation” or “splash screen”.
If this method didn’t work, move on to more advanced methods — but remember that they require unlocking the bootloader and are potentially dangerous to the device.
3. Method 2: Replacement bootanimation.zip root rights (for unlocked devices)
If your Xiaomi smartphone is already unlocked (installed) TWRP or obtained root rights, you can replace bootanimation.zip This method works on most devices, but it requires caution.
Step 1: Preparing custom animation
Download the ready-made bootanimation (for example, from forums) XDA Developers or 4PDA) Or create your own. The file must meet the requirements:
- 📁 Format: ZIP-archive without compression (storage method: Store).
- 📄 Structure: There must be folders inside the archive part0, part1 (optionally) and desc.txt file.
- 🖥️ Resolution: Must match the screen resolution of your device (e.g, 1080×2400 For the Redmi Note 10 Pro).
Step 2: Copying a file into the system
Use Root Explorer (such as Solid Explorer) FX File Explorer or ADB:
adb shell
su
mount -o rw,remount /system
cp /sdcard/Download/custom_bootanimation.zip /system/media/bootanimation.zip
chmod 644 /system/media/bootanimation.zip
chown root:root /system/media/bootanimation.zip
rebootStep 3: Checking the Results
When the reboot is over, a new animation should appear, and if the screen is black or if the bootloop occurs,
- 🔧 Make sure the desc.txt file is correct (example of content below).
- 📏 Check the compatibility of animation resolution and screen.
- 🔄 Restore the original bootanimation.zip through TWRP.
| Parameter in desc.txt | Description | Example: Redmi Note 11 |
|---|---|---|
| width height fps | Permission and frequency of staff | 1080 2400 30 |
| p loop count | Number of repetitions of the animation part (p is part number, loop is number of cycles) | p 0 1 (one reproduction) |
| p pause duration | Pause between parts (in milliseconds) | p 1 5000 (pause 5 seconds) |
⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T POCO F5) The bootanimation file may not be stored in /system/media, /product/media or /vendor/media. Check all possible paths through ADB Shell team: find / -name bootanimation.zip 2>/dev/null
Download the appropriate animation (permission) = screen-resolution)
Make a backup of the original bootanimation.zip
Check for root rights (Magisk app)
Install a file manager with support for root (Solid Explorer)
Connect the debugging to USB (Settings → For developers)-->
Method 3: Magisk modification (for devices with locked system partition)
If the section /system It is protected from recording (which is typical for the MIUI 13/14), You can get around the limitations with the Magisk module:
- 🔓 Unlocked loader.
- 🤖 Installed by Magisk (version 25)+).
- 📱 System-as-root support (most modern Xiaomi have it).
Instructions:
- Download the BootAnimation Replacer for Magisk.
- Put yours in. bootanimation.zip folder /sdcard/Download.
- Open Magisk Manager, go to Modules → Install from storage.
- Select the downloaded module and confirm the installation.
- Reset the device.
Advantages of the method:
- 🔄 It does not require direct editing. /system.
- 🛡️ Maintains the integrity of DM-Verity (no bootloop risk).
- 🔄 Easy to roll back changes (remove the module in Magisk).
If the module fails:
- 🔧 Check Magisk Logistics (/cache/magisk.log).
- 📋 Make sure the file is bootanimation.zip Not compressed (use the archiver with the Store option).
- 🔄 Try an alternative module, such as Custom Boot Animation.
What if the animation has not changed after installing the module?
5. Method 4: Replace the boot logo (splash screen) via Fastboot
On some Xiaomi devices (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro, Poco) X3) You can change not only bootanimation, but also the boot logo (splash screen), a static image that appears immediately after power is turned on:
- 🔓 Unlocked loader.
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
- 🎨 Image in format BMP with permission appropriate to your device (e.g, 1080×2340 For the Redmi Note 10).
Step-by-step:
- Download the Xiaomi Splash Screen Flasher utility.
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press the Power). + Vol Down).
- Run the utility and select your device model.
- Please specify the path to your logo.bmp file.
- Click Flash and wait for the process to be completed.
Important: Not all Xiaomi models support splash screen replacement via Fastboot. On Qualcomm chipset devices (like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1), the odds are higher than on MediaTek (like Helio). G96).
| Model of the device | Support for Splash Replacement | Image resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | ✅ Yes. | 1080×2400 |
| Xiaomi 11T Pro | ✅ Yes, only through EDL) | 1220×2772 |
| Poco X3 NFC | ✅ Yes. | 1080×2400 |
| Redmi 9A | ❌ No (locked) | — |
⚠️ Warning: Incorrect resolution or image format will damage the logo partition. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and boxing).
6 Risks and How to Avoid Them: What Could Go Wrong
Changing bootanimation or splash screen is not the most dangerous modification, but it also carries risks.
Problem 1: Bootloop (Infinite Boot)
Symptoms: After the file is replaced, the device hovers on the Mi logo or reboots cyclically.
Reasons:
- 🔧 Incorrect file access rights (Chmod 644 not installed).
- 📏 Disparity between animation resolution and screen.
- 🔄 Damage to the desc.txt file.
Decision:
- 🔧 Boot in. TWRP and restore the original bootanimation.zip backup.
- 📋 Check the desc.txt file for errors (see above for an example of a correct file).
- 🔄 If TWRP No - run the firmware through Fastboot (command: fastboot flash system) system.img).
Problem 2: No animations playable (black screen)
Symptoms: Instead of animation, the screen stays black for 5-10 seconds, then loads. MIUI.
Reasons:
- 🖼️ File. bootanimation.zip empty.
- 📁 Incorrect archive structure (no folders) part0).
- 🔧 Magisk module not activated.
Decision:
- 🔧 Repackage the archive without compression (use) 7-Zip store).
- 📁 Check that there is a folder inside the archive. part0 pictured.
- 🔄 Reinstall Magisk module with cache cleaning.
Problem 3: The device does not turn on after changing the splash
Symptoms: The screen remains black, there is no vibration or charging indication.
Reasons:
- 🖥️ Incorrect image format (not incorrect) BMP 24-bit).
- 📏 Discrepancy of permission.
- 🔧 Error when running through Fastboot.
Decision:
- 🔧 Connect your device to your PC and check if it is detected in Fastboot (fastboot devices).
- 📋 If the device does not respond, transfer it to EDL-Mode (close test points or use fastboot oem edl).
- 🔄 Stitch the original logo.bin via Mi Flash Tool.
💡
Before any modifications to system files, be sure to create a full backup through TWRP team `adb backup`. This will allow the device to be restored in case of failure.
7. Alternative methods: if nothing works
If all of these methods fail, consider alternatives:
Option 1: Using Live Wallpaper as a “pseudo screensaver”
Some launchers (like Nova Launcher) allow you to install live wallpapers that are activated when you unlock the screen, which will not replace bootanimation, but will visually create a similar effect:
- Install the Live Wallpaper app (for example, 3D Parallax Background).
- In the launcher settings, select Wallpaper. → Live wallpaper.
- Configure the animation so that it starts when the screen is turned on.
Option 2: Installation of custom firmware
Some custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience) makes it easy to change bootanimation through settings.
- 🔓 Unlock the loader.
- 📱 Install TWRP.
- 🔄 Swipe alternative firmware (risk of loss of functionality, such as cameras).
Option 3: Hardware modification (for power users)
On some devices (for example, Xiaomi Mi). A2) You can replace bootanimation by editing the vendor partition:
- Download the damp section of the vendor through ADB: adb pull /dev/block/by-name/vendor vendor.img
- Open up. vendor.img Android Image Kitchen.
- Replace. bootanimation.zip file /media.
- Collect the image back and run through Fastboot.
This method requires deep knowledge and is risky – a mistake can lead to loss. IMEI or inoperability of the module NFC/Wi-Fi.