How to change the animation download on Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

Boot animation is the first thing you see when you turn on a Xiaomi smartphone. MIUI Redmi can get boring, especially if you like personalization, and fortunately, you can change it in a number of ways, from simple themes to deep editing system files through custom recovery.

In this article, we will discuss all current methods of replacing download animation, including manual editing through the TWRP, utilization ADB Importantly, not all methods are suitable for locked downloaders, it depends on your device model and version. MIUI. If you are a beginner, start with the safest option (section about the first one). MIUI-topic).

Before you start, make sure you have a backup of your data. Changing system files is always risky, especially if you work with partitions. /system or /vendor. For models with unlocked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi) 12T or POCO F5) More features are available than for devices with a locked bootloader (for example, most Redmi Notes on Chinese firmware).

1.What is boot animation and where is it stored

Boot animation in Xiaomi is a set of images and a configuration file that is played when the system starts.

  • 🎬 Main animation (bootanimation.zip) β€” is displayed after the manufacturer's logo (e.g., Redmi or POCO).
  • πŸ–₯️ Logo of the loader (logo.bin or splash.img) β€” static image that appears immediately after pressing the power button.

Animation files are stored in different memory areas:

File.Location.Can I change it without root?
bootanimation.zip/system/media/ or /product/media/❌ No (needs root or) TWRP)
logo.bin/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/logo❌ No (needs an unlocked bootloader)
MIUI-topic/data/system/theme/βœ… Yes (via the "Themes" annex")

On new devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 or Redmi K60) The path to animation may differ due to the separation of system partitions. MIUI 14 file bootanimation.zip frequently /product/media/, not /system/. This is important to consider when editing manually.

⚠️ Note: Change of files in the section /system If you don't have root rights, you'll get a "Read-only file system" error. MIUI-topics (section) 3).

2.Preparation: What it takes to replace animation

Before you change the animation, prepare the following:

  • πŸ“± Xiaomi smartphone with unlocked bootloader (for methods with the TWRP/ADB).
  • πŸ’» Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (For Windows - Official Instructions).
  • πŸ”§ Tools: ADB and Fastboot (download to Android) SDK), TWRP (Custom recovery for your model, Archive Editor (e.g, 7-Zip WinRAR).
  • 🎨 New animation in format bootanimation.zip (down-to-earth XDA Developers or builders themselves).

If you plan to use it MIUI-So, you just need a smartphone and an Internet connection, and all the other methods require unlocking the bootloader!

πŸ“Š What kind of download animations do you want to install?
Standard from another Xiaomi model
Custom (created by users)
Your own (self-created)
I don't know, I just want to change.

For models with a locked boot loader (for example, Redmi) 10C or POCO M4 Pro on global firmware only available method with MIUI-If you try to flash custom animations through Fastboot, you get the error "Device is locked".

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13/14 and above, some system partitions are protected by DM-Verity. /system without disabling this protection can lead to bootloop (locking on the boot).

3. Method 1: Replace animation through MIUI-topics without root)

The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in Themes app, which works on all Xiaomi devices, including those that have the bootloader blocked. MIUI.

Instructions:

  1. Open the "Themes" app (icon with brush).
  2. Go to the "Store" section (basket icon at the bottom of the screen).
  3. In the search bar, type "bootanimation" or "boot screensaver".
  4. Select your favorite theme and click "Apply".
  5. Restart the device – new animations should appear.

If the topic does not apply, check:

  • πŸ”„ Update the Themes app to the latest version on Google Play.
  • πŸ“₯ Make sure the theme is compatible with your version MIUI (Check out the description in the store).
  • πŸ”§ Try clearing the "Themes" app cache in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Topics β†’ Clear the cache.

πŸ’‘

If the animation hasn’t changed after applying the theme, try first setting the default theme and then applying the custom theme again.

This method does not require root rights and is suitable for most models, including the Redmi Note 11, POCO X4 Pro and Xiaomi 12 Lite. However, the choice of animations in the store themes is limited, and you will not be able to install your own custom screensaver.

4. Method 2: Manual editing through TWRP (advanced)

If you have unlocked the bootloader and installed custom recovery (TWRP), You can replace them. bootanimation.zip And this is a method that gives you complete freedom, and you can install any animation, including the animations you create yourself.

Step-by-step:

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for the replacement of animation through TWRP

Done: 0 / 4
  1. Download the new animation in.zip format. Make sure the archive contains: Folder part0 (or part1) with images (.png format), desc.txt file with animation settings (resolution, FPS Example of structure: bootanimation.zip β”œβ”€β”€ part0/ β”‚ β”œβ”€β”€ 0001.png β”‚ β”œβ”€β”€ 0002.png β”‚ └──... └── desc.txt
  2. Copy the file to the phone’s internal memory or SD-map.
  3. Boot in. TWRP: Turn off the phone. + Loudness up before the logo appears TWRP.
  4. Backup current animation (optional, but recommended): Go to File Manager in TWRP. Find the file. /system/media/bootanimation.zip (or /product/media/bootanimation.zip). Copy it on. SD-card.
  5. Replace the animation file: In TWRP File Manager go to the folder with the new animation. bootanimation.zip and press "Copy." Go to /system/media/ (or /product/media/) and insert the file, confirming the replacement.

Change access rights

  • Reboot to the system. New animations are coming.

If the phone is stuck on the logo after the change, then the animation is not compatible with your screen resolution.

  • Boot back in. TWRP.
  • Bring back the old one. bootanimation.zip backup.
  • Check the desc.txt file in the new animation – it should have the correct resolution (e.g. 1080 2400 30 for the Redmi Note 10 Pro).
What if TWRP doesn’t see the /system folder?
If you TWRP missing folder /system or it's empty, which means that the partition is not mounted: 1. On the main menu. TWRP Choose Mount". 2. Check "System". 3. Return to File Manager – now folder /system should be available.

On devices with MIUI 14 Dynamic partitions (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 Pro) the path to animation may be different: /product/media/ or /system_ext/media/. Check both options.

5. Method 3: Replacement through ADB (root-device)

If you have root rights, but not TWRP, You can replace the animation through ADB. This method requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Instructions:

  1. Put the debugging on. USB: Go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to turn on Developer Mode. Return to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers, activate Debugging by USB" and β€œUnlocking” OEM" (if).

Connect your phone to your PC

Open the command line.

ADB

Check the connection.

adb devices

The serial number of your device should appear.

Copy the new animation

adb push C:\path\to\bootanimation.zip /sdcard/

Open the ADB-shell

adb shell

Mount the system section

su


mount -o rw,remount /system

(if /system It's not mounted, try it. /product).

Replace the animation file

cp /sdcard/bootanimation.zip /system/media/bootanimation.zip


chmod 644 /system/media/bootanimation.zip

Reset the device

reboot

If you get a β€œRead-only file system” error, then the section is /system It's not mounted in record mode:

  • Use the mount -o rw, remount / instead /system.
  • Check if Magisk is disabled (if used).
  • Try another method of mounting: mount -o rw,remount -t auto /system

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI EU) After the animation has been replaced ADB DM-Verity may be affected, leading to bootloop, and to avoid this, disable DM-Verity through the Magisk module. Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.

6.How to Create Your Download Animation

If you want to install a unique animation, you can create it yourself.

  • 🎨 Image set in.png format (resolution must match phone screen).
  • πŸ“ Text file desc.txt with animation options.
  • πŸ—„οΈ Archivator (e.g., archiver, 7-Zip).

Steps to create:

  1. Prepare images: The resolution should match the screen resolution (e.g, 1080Γ—2400 for POCO F4). File names should be in the format 0001.png, 0002.png The background must be transparent (if you need to overlay on a black screen).
  2. Create desc.txt: File format: 1080 2400 30 p 1 0 part0 where: 1080 2400 - screen resolution, 30 β€” FPS (number of frames per second, p 1 0 part0 β€” playback parameters (1 - repeat, 0 - folder with frames).

Pack the files in. ZIP-archive

  • The structure of the archive should be: bootanimation.zip β”œβ”€β”€ part0/ β”‚ β”œβ”€β”€ 0001.png β”‚ β”œβ”€β”€ 0002.png β”‚ └──... └── desc.txt
  • Do not use compression – select the option β€œNo compression” in the archiver.

The finished archive can be tested on the phone, replacing it with standard animation (see methods 2 or 3).

  • πŸ” Check the resolution in desc.txt – it should match the screen resolution exactly.
  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Make sure the images are not damaged and have the correct names.
  • πŸ“ Check the structure of the archive - folder part0 must be inside ZIP, Not near him.

πŸ’‘

Use 24-30 to create smooth animations FPS. Too high. FPS (60+) It can cause brakes on weak devices (e.g. Redmi). 9A).

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When replacing the download animation, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and how to solve them:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
The phone is not turned on (bootloop)Incompatible animation or corrupted fileLoad in TWRP and bring back the original bootanimation.zip backup
Animation doesn't changeThe file is copied to the wrong folderCheck the tracks: /system/media/, /product/media/ or /system_ext/media/
Error "Read-only file system"System partition protected from recordingmount partition in write mode via mount -o rw,remount /system
Animation is displayed incorrectly (stretched, cropped)Incorrect permission in desc.txtFix the settings in desc.txt (specify the exact screen resolution)
After the replacement, the DM-Verity protection workedSystem files changed without disabling the checkInstall Magisk module Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt repeat

If the animations are replaced, don't panic. In most cases, the problem is solved through a new system. TWRP:

  1. Download to TWRP (Power buttons + Volume up).
  2. Go to Advanced β†’ File Manager.
  3. Remove or replace bootanimation.zip file-wise.
  4. Reboot.

If TWRP It's missing, and the phone won't turn on, so you'll have to run the stock firmware through Fastboot. Instructions for your model can be found on Xiaomi Firmware Updater.

8 Conclusion: Which Way to Choose

The choice of the method of replacing animation depends on your device and level of training:

  • πŸ“± For beginners: Use MIUI-Subject (mode 3) This is secure and does not require root rights.
  • πŸ”§ For users with an unlocked loader: TWRP (Method (2) - reliable and flexible.
  • πŸ’» For experienced users with root: ADB (method 3) – fast but requires knowledge of commands.

If you want maximum customization, create your animation (Section 6) and install it through the TWRP or ADB. Remember that on new devices (Xiaomi 13, Redmi) K60) The path to files may differ due to changes in the firmware structure.

Don't forget the backup! Even if you're an experienced user, always keep the original. bootanimation.zip And of course, don't change other system files unnecessarily, which can cause the device to run in an unstable way.

πŸ’‘

On devices with MIUI 14 And a newer animation replacement may require a shutdown AVB (Android Verified Boot. Use the Disabler Magisk module or patched boot.img.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I change animations to Xiaomi with a blocked bootloader?
Yes, but only through MIUI-Other methods require unlocking the bootloader, resulting in a complete data reset, POCO X3 Pro) this restriction may be circumvented by EDL-regime, but it is difficult and risky.
Why does the phone stop after the animation is replaced?
This is because: Too high. FPS in desc.txt (optimally 24-30) Large image size (use.png-8 instead.png-24). Incompatible resolution (check the settings in desc.txt). Solution: return the standard animation and create a new one with the right settings.
How do you get back standard animation?
Ways: Through TWRP: copy the original bootanimation.zip back-to-back /system/media/. Through ADB: adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system rm /system/media/bootanimation.zip reboot The system will automatically restore the standard file. TWRP Choose "Wipe" β†’ Format Data" (delete all data!).
Can I change the bootloader logo (first screen when turned on)?
Logo of the loader (logo.bin or splash.img) change bootanimation.zip. You need to: Unlock the bootloader. Sweep through the custom logo.bin Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Logo logo.bin The finished logos can be found on XDA. A firmware error can lead to a brick (device breakage), so this method is recommended only for experienced users.
Why did the animation drop after the MIUI update?
When updating the firmware, system files, including bootanimation.zip, They're replaced with standard animations. To keep the custom animations, backup. bootanimation.zip Repeat the file replacement after the update (via TWRP or ADB). Use Magisk modules (such as BootAnimations) that automatically restore animations after updates.