Changing the download animation MIUI 12 on Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

Bootanimation is the first thing a user sees when they turn on a Xiaomi smartphone. MIUI 12 with a logo and dynamic elements can be boring, especially if you want to personalize the device, but it's not as easy to replace it as wallpaper or alarm clock melody: system protects system files from changes, and incorrect actions are fraught with constant loading into recovery or even a "brick" of the device.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the animation load on the MIUI 12, including methods for devices with unlocked and locked bootloader, as well as alternative customization options through themes and third-party launchers. MIUI 12, which distinguish it from newer versions of the shell (e.g., a modified system partition structure) /product).

Why Standard Download Animation MIUI 12 may not like it.

Animation of loading in MIUI 12 is designed in a minimalist style: a black background, a white Mi logo and dynamic dots that symbolize the process of initializing the system:

• 🔹 Too boring – no bright colors or original elements typical of other firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS).
• 🔹 Non-informative – no progress bar or text log as in AOSP-Firmware, which complicates the diagnosis of hangings.
• 🔹 Inappropriate theme – if you use a dark or colored theme in the system, the standard boot looks alien.
• 🔹 Outdated - in MIUI 13/14 The animation has been redesigned and the owners MIUI 12 They may feel “deprived".

In addition to aesthetic preferences, there is a practical aspect: some users want to hide the fact of using Xiaomi (for example, for privacy) or add custom text with contact information in case of loss of the device.

Preparing the device: what to do before changing animations

Before proceeding with the replacement bootanimation.zip, Several critical steps need to be taken, and neglecting them can lead to loss of warranty, system failures, or even the inability to boot the device.

Make a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)|Check the version. MIUI device model|Ensure that the battery is sufficiently charged (minimum 50%)|Download the original firmware for your model|Prepare the cable. USB and PC with installed drivers-->

Pay particular attention to the following points:

1. bootloader status check. Go to fastboot mode (turn off the phone, then press Volume down). + Power) and look at the line Device unlocked: true/false. If false – the bootloader is locked, and most methods of replacing animations will not be available without unlocking.
2. Version. MIUI. V MIUI 12 The structure of system files is different from MIUI 11 or MIUI 13. For example, animation can be stored not only in the /system/media, but /product/media.
3. Model of the device. On some smartphones (for example, Redmi Note 9 Pro or POCO X3 NFC) unique animation formats that are incompatible with universal packages.

⚠️ Note: If your device is warranty-free, unlocking the bootloader or modifying the system files will cancel it. The manufacturer may refuse to repair even for non-firmware issues (for example, if the screen is damaged).

Method 1: Replacement bootanimation.zip on the unlocked loader (route is not required)

If your Xiaomi bootloader is unlocked, you can replace the download animation without getting root rights using fastboot or ADB. This method is suitable for most devices on MIUI 12, but requires carefulness.

Algorithm of action:

1. Download the new animation in.zip format. Make sure it is compatible with your screen resolution (e.g. for Redmi Note). 10 Pro needs permission. 1080×2400). Popular sources: 📁 XDA Developers (Segment of Xiaomi Themes & Apps) 📁 Telegram channels with custom animations

Rename the file

bootanimation.zip

Connect your phone to your PC

fastboot

Loudness down + Nutrition

Open the command line.

fastboot

fastboot flash bootanimation bootanimation.zip

For some models (e.g, POCO F2 Pro) alternative command may be required:

fastboot flash --slot=all bootanimation bootanimation.zip

Reset the device

fastboot reboot

⚠️ If after replacing the animation, the phone is stuck on the Mi logo for more than 5 minutes, forcibly restart it in recovery (clip Volume Up). + Powering and recovering the original file through ADB sideload.

adb pull /system/media/bootanimation.zip bootanimation_original.zip

This will allow you to quickly return the standard download if something goes wrong.-->

Method 2: Magisk (for root devices)

If you have Magisk installed, the most popular tool for obtaining root rights on Xiaomi, you can replace the download animation with the module, which is more secure than direct replacement of system files, since Magisk creates overlay without affecting the original data.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Magisk Module: 📱 Download the Bootanimation Replacer module (available in the Magisk repository). 📱 Open the Magisk app, go to the Modules section and click Install from Storage. 🔍 Find the module on request bootanimation and install it.
2. Prepare new animations: 📁 The file should be called bootanimation.zip and be in the folder /sdcard/bootanimation/. 🎨 Use BootAnimator (online tool with format support) to create your animations. MIUI).

Activate the module.

• 🔄 Reset the device.
• 📱 After downloading, open Magisk and make sure the module is marked as Active.

Advantages of this method:

• 🔹 Security – original files do not change, the risk of “brick” is minimal.
• 🔹 Flexibility – you can quickly return standard animation by disabling the module.
• 🔹 Compatibility – works even on DM-verity devices and AVB.

Method 3: Alternative methods without unlocking the bootloader

If your device’s bootloader is locked and you don’t want to unlock it (for example, because you lost warranty), there are a few workarounds that won’t replace the download animation completely, but will allow you to customize the appearance of the system during the initialization stage.

1.Use of the topics MIUI

V MIUI 12 is an embedded feature of those that can change:

• 🎨 Lock screensaver (appears after download animation).
• 🔧 Icons and fonts (indirectly affect the perception of the interface).
• 🖼️ Desktop background (you can choose the style of the desired animation).

How to apply the topic:

1. Open the Topic app.
2. Choose the section Popular or For MIUI 12.
3. Find a topic marked “Changes the lock screensaver” (for example, “Dark Matter” or “Pixel Experience”).
4. Click Apply and confirm the changes.

Installation of a custom launcher

Launchers like Nova Launcher or Hyperion Launcher don’t affect the animation of the boot, but they can:

• 📱 Hide the standard icons MIUI (including the logo on the desktop).
• 🎯 Change the animations of transitions between screens.
• 🖥️ Emulate the interface of other OSes (such as iOS or Windows).

3. Replacement of the logo MI on custom (only for some models)

On devices with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Mi 11 or Redmi) K40) You can turn off the logo lighting when downloading through the engineering menu:

1. In the phone app, dial the code ##4636##.
2. Go to Phone Information → Test menu.
3. Choose the Logo Test → Disable Boot Logo.

This method will not replace animation, but will make it less noticeable (the Mi logo will not be highlighted).

💡

Without unlocking the bootloader completely replace the download animation with MIUI 12 impossible. Alternative methods (themes, launchers) only make cosmetic changes without affecting the system partition.

Risks and Possible Problems When Changing Download Animation

Even with strict follow-up to instructions, modification of system files is always risky. MIUI 12 Most Common Problems:

To minimize the risks, follow these rules:

• 🔹 Test animations on an emulator (such as Android Studio) before installing on your phone.
• 🔹 Use files from trusted sources (e.g, XDA Developers or official Magisk repositories).
• 🔹 Do not change other system files in the process (e.g, boot.img oral).

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Redmi Note) 10 or POCO X3 GT) direct-substitute bootanimation.zip This can cause a failure of the disk markup. In this case, use only the method with Magisk.

How to Return Standard Download Animation

If you want to return the original animation after the experiments, do the following:

For devices with unlocked loader

1. Download the original firmware for your model.
2. Remove the file from the archive bootanimation.zip (usually images/system/media/ or images/product/media/).
3. Fastboot: Fastboot Flash bootanimation bootanimation_original.zip

For devices with Magisk

1. Open the Magisk app.
2. Go to the Modules section.
3. Find the Bootanimation Replacer module and click Delete.
4. Reset the device.

If the phone doesn't load

If the device is stuck on the logo or left in the bootloop after the changes:

1. Press Volume Up + Nutrition to enter recovery.
2. Choose Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.
3. If that doesn’t work, plug the phone into your PC and execute: fastboot erase bootanimation fastboot reboot This will remove the current animation and the system uses a backup (if any).

💡

If you often experiment with firmware, create a nandroid backup in the TWRP. It will allow you to restore the entire system (including boot animation) in a few minutes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the download animation MIUI 12

Check compatibility.

• 📱 Install animations via Magisk or fastboot (as described above).
• 🔍 If artifacts arise, change the color bit to RGB_565.