How to change boot animation on Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

Boot animation is the first thing you see when you turn on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO. The standard MIUI or HyperOS logo gets boring over time, and many users want to install something more original, from minimalist logos to full-fledged animations. However, replacing boot animation with Xiaomi is not as easy as changing desktop wallpapers – this will require access to system files and sometimes even unlocking the bootloader.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods for changing boot animations on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (including models on HyperOS). You will learn how to prepare a smartphone, where to download high-quality animations, and what risks can arise from improper actions (for example, hanging on a logo or loss of warranty).

Why Xiaomi’s standard boot animation doesn’t change through settings

Unlike wallpaper or notification sounds, boot animation on Xiaomi is hard-wired into the system section /system/media. The manufacturer specifically restricts access to this file (bootanimation.zip) to:

• 🔒 Prevent Inadvertent Damage to System Files by Inexperienced Users.
• 📱 Keep the brand uniform – all Xiaomi devices load with branded animation.
• 🛡️ Protect your device from potentially harmful modifications (for example, if an attacker replaces animation with phishing).

Even with root rights, bootanimation.zip won't be easy to replace -- MIUI/HyperOS checks system file checksums. Any change without the correct signature will lead to bootloop. So you either need to use Magisk (for unlocked bootloaders) or patch the firmware through TWRP to replace animations safely.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a locked bootloader (Xiaomi blocks it by default), any of the described methods will require prior unlocking via the Mi Unlock Tool.This will result in a complete data reset and may void the warranty.

Method 1: Replace boot animations with Magisk (for root devices)

If your Xiaomi is already unlocked and Magisk is installed on it (or you are ready to do so), then you can replace the animation without risking damage to the system. This method works on most models, including Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 and others with Android 12+.

You'll need:

• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with unlocked bootloader and installed Magisk.
• 💻 Computer with ADB Fastboot (for backup of original animation).
• 🎨 File. bootanimation.zip with new animation (can be downloaded from the XDA Developers or builders themselves).

Steps to replace:

1. Download the Magisk animation replacement module (such as BootAnimations or Custom Boot Animation) from the Magisk Modules repository.
2. Transfer the bootanimation.zip file to /sdcard/Download folder on your phone.
3. Open Magisk Manager, go to the Modules section and install the downloaded module.
4. Restart the device – new animation should appear the next time you turn on.

Backup the original bootanimation.zip via ADB|

Check the compatibility of the module with your version of Magisk|

Make sure the animation file supports your screen resolution |

Disable the antivirus (it can block the installation of modules)-->

If the animations are unchanged or the device is stuck on the logo, then the bootanimation.zip file is incompatible with your firmware.

1. Download to TWRP (or Fastboot if TWRP isn’t).
2. Remove the installed module through Magisk → Modules.
3. Restore the original animation from the backup.

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Before installing custom animation, check its resolution. For example, for Xiaomi 13 Pro with a 2K screen, animation with a resolution of 1440×3200 will suit, and for Redmi Note 12 (FHD+) – 1080×2400. The inconsistency of resolutions will lead to stretching or cropping the picture.

Method 2: Manual editing bootanimation.zip via TWRP

If Magisk is not installed on your device (or you do not want to use it), you can replace the animation manually through the custom TWRP Recovery. This method is more risky, since it requires direct editing of the system partition, but does not depend on root rights.

What needs to be done:

1. Install TWRP for your Xiaomi model (instructions are available on the official website).
2. Download the appropriate bootanimation.zip file (e.g., with XDA or 4PDA).
3. Move the file to the external SD-card or internal memory (but not system folders!).
4. Boot to TWRP (on the phone turned off, press Power + Volume up).
5. In TWRP, go to Advanced → File Manager.
6. Find the original file along the way /system/media/bootanimation.zip and rename it in bootanimation_bak.zip (It's a backup).
7. Copy your new bootanimation.zip into /system/media/ folder.
8. Change the file access permissions to 644 (long press). → Permissions).
9. Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: If after replacement, the smartphone got stuck on the Xiaomi logo and does not load further 5 In the minutes, the animation file is corrupted or incompatible, and in this case, you need to return the original file. bootanimation_bak.zip through TWRP Or reflash the device via Fastboot.

Method 3: Using ADB for temporary replacement (no root)

If you don’t want to unlock the bootloader or install TWRP, you can temporarily replace the animation via ADB. This method only works until the first reboot, but allows you to test the new animation without risk.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times) → Additional → For developers).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/Download/custom_bootanimation.zip /system/media/bootanimation.zip chmod 644 /system/media/bootanimation.zip reboot

Once you reboot, you'll see new animations, but they'll disappear after the next system update or reset. You'll still need root or TWRP to permanently replace them.

Own (my own photos/hyphs) |

Minimalist logo (for example, only the inscription) POCO)|

Animation from another firmware (Pixel, iOS, Samsung) |

Dynamic. 3D-animation (fire, particles, abstraction)|

Other-->

Where to download high-quality boot animations for Xiaomi

Not all bootanimation.zip files are suitable for your device, but here are proven sources with animations optimized for Xiaomi:

When choosing animation, pay attention to:

• 📏 Screen resolution (should match your device).
• 🎞️ Format of staff (PNG, compressively).
• ⚡ Android version (some animations only work on Android 12)+).
• 🔄 Presence of desc.txt (without this file, animation will not be played).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes have problems replacing boot animations, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

• 🚫 The device hung on the logo after replacement → Bring back the original bootanimation.zip through TWRP Or reflash the system through Fastboot.
• 🖼️ The animation is displayed incorrectly (stretched, cropped) → Check the file resolution and settings in desc.txt.
• 🔒 Cannot replace the file due to access rights → Use Magisk or ADB root-right.
• 🔄 Animation resets after update MIUI → Install Magisk module for automatic recovery after updates.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 14, Redmi K70) The standard path to animation may differ. In some cases, the file is in the /product/media/ or /vendor/media/. Before replacing, check the location of the original file through Root Explorer.

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If you are not sure about your actions, start with a temporary replacement through ADB. This will allow you to test the animation without risking damage to the system.

Reset boot animation to the factory: how to return everything back

If you want to return standard animation to Xiaomi after experimenting, do the following:

1. Download the original bootanimation.zip for your model (can be extracted from the official firmware via MIUI bootloader).
2. If you have Magisk installed, remove the module with custom animation.
3. If you have changed the file manually through TWRP, return the backup (bootanimation_bak.zip).
4. Reset the device.

If there is no backup, you can restore the original animation via Fastboot:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
2. Unpack the file and find bootanimation.zip in the system.img image (you’ll need a tool like AIK or Linux Reader).
3. Install the file back via TWRP or ADB.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions