How to change the download screen on Xiaomi smartphones: 4 working ways

The boot screen on Xiaomi smartphones is the first picture you see when you turn on the device. MI It's a little bit boring, or Redmi gets boring over time, and many users want to replace it with something more original. But the process of changing the boot animation on Xiaomi has its own nuances, from the status of the bootloader to the version. MIUI device models.

In this article, we will discuss 4 Proven methods of changing the boot screen: from simple (for unlocked bootloader) to complex (with modification of system files). You will learn what tools you will need, how to avoid the "brick" (turning the phone into a "brick"), and what to do if after changes the device stopped loading. 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12 and POCO F/X, Because they often have compatibility issues.

We warn you that changing system files is always risky. If you're a beginner, it's best to start with methods that don't require root rights or unlock the bootloader. ADB, Fastboot and custom firmware.

1.What is the boot screen and can it be changed to Xiaomi?

The bootanimation screen is an animation that is played during the initialization of the Android system. On Xiaomi smartphones, it consists of two parts:

  • πŸ”Ή Logo of the loader (Mi/Bootloader Logo) is a static image that appears immediately after the power button is pressed, and it is the most difficult to change it, since it is "stitched" in the logo section.
  • πŸ”Ή Animation. MIUI β€” dynamic screensaver with logo MI Or Redmi, which is played after the bootloader logo, and it can be replaced without any deep modifications to the system.

Can I change the download screen to Xiaomi? Yes, but with reservations:

  • πŸ“± On devices with unlocked bootloader process is as simple as possible - just flash custom animation through TWRP.
  • πŸ”’ Phones with a locked bootloader will need to use workarounds (for example, Magisk modules or patches for the bootloader). boot.img).
  • ⚠️ On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi). K60 Pro) changing the bootloader logo may trigger the anti-rollback and lock the device.

It is important to understand that Xiaomi is actively fighting against modifications of system partitions. MIUI 14, the company has tightened boot and recovery integrity checks, so some old methods (e.g., replacing files through a ADB) may not work.

πŸ“Š What kind of download animations would you like to install?
A castom with a favorite character
Minimalist logo without animation
Animation from another firmware (Pixel, iOS)
Your own (created by yourself)

Preparation: What to do before changing the boot screen

Before you start replacing the animation, follow the mandatory preparatory steps:

  1. Back up your data. Even if you don't plan to get root, you better be safe. Use Mi Cloud or local backup in Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Backup.
  2. Check the status of the bootloader. Go to Fastboot mode (turn off the phone, then press Volume down). + Food) and look at the inscription at the bottom of the screen: πŸ”“ Unlocked – the bootloader is unlocked, you can use any methods. πŸ”’ Locked – bootloader is locked, only limited methods are available.

Find out the model and version of MIUI.

Settings β†’ About the phone

  • πŸ“± Device model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G).
  • πŸ”’ Version MIUI (for example, MIUI 14.0.5).
  • πŸ€– Android version (such as Android 13).

If your phone is not unlocked, but you want to use advanced methods, you will have to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool.

  • πŸ•’ Unlocking takes 72–168 hours (waiting for account to be linked to device).
  • ⚠️ The process will reset all data on the phone.
  • πŸ”§ On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) Unlocking can lead to loss of warranty.

Make a backup copy of the data|Check the status of the loader (Locked/Unlocked)|Write down the model and version MIUI|Download the necessary tools (ADB, Fastboot)|Make sure the battery is charged (>50%)-->

3. Method 1: Replace animation through TWRP (loader)

If you have an unlocked loader and installed custom recavator TWRP, You can replace the download animation in 5 minutes, and this method works on most Xiaomi devices, including: POCO F5, Redmi K50 Xiaomi 12S.

What you need:

  • πŸ“± Phone with TWRP and unlocked loader.
  • πŸ’Ύ Custom animation file in.zip format (can be downloaded on forums) XDA Developers or 4PDA).
  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot (for rebooting to Recaveri).

Step-by-step:

  1. Download your favorite animation in format bootanimation.zip. Make sure the file is designed for your screen resolution (e.g, 1080x2400 For the Redmi Note 12 Pro+).
  2. Connect your phone to your PC and restart to TWRP: adb reboot recovery
  3. V TWRP Choose Install β†’ find the downloaded bootanimation.zip β†’ swipe for installation.
  4. After completion, press Reboot System.

If the animation has not changed, check:

  • πŸ”Ή Is the path in the desc.txt file inside the archive correctly specified (should be 1080 2400 30 for Full) HD+ screen with a frequency of 30 frames / s).
  • πŸ”Ή Does the animation resolution match your screen resolution.
  • πŸ”Ή Have you lost your rights after the update? MIUI (Sometimes a re-shoot is required).

πŸ’‘

If after replacement the animation is played with artifacts, try converting the file to format.mp4 bitrate 10 Mbps and frequency 30 FPS, then pack in bootanimation.zip.

4. Method 2: Using the Magisk module without TWRP)

If you don't. TWRP, But there are root rights (obtained through Magisk), you can replace animation with a special module. This method is suitable for devices with a locked bootloader, but requires prior root obtaining.

Advantages of the method:

  • πŸ”Ή You don't have to stitch up a custom recavery.
  • πŸ”Ή You can quickly return the standard animation.
  • πŸ”Ή Works on MIUI 13/14 (Unlike the old methods of replacing files in the /system).

Instructions:

  1. Download the BootAnimation Changer module for Magisk (available on GitHub or in the Magisk Modules repository).
  2. Copy the custom animation file (bootanimation.zip) folder /sdcard/Download.
  3. Open Magisk, go to the Modules section β†’ Install it from the vault. β†’ Find the BootAnimation Changer.
  4. Once you have installed the module, restart the phone. New animations should appear.

If the module is not working:

  • πŸ”Ή Check if MagiskHide is enabled (newer versions of Magisk call it Zygisk).
  • πŸ”Ή Make sure the animation file is not corrupted (try opening it on PC).
  • πŸ”Ή Update Magisk to the latest version (current at 2026) v26.4+).
What if after installing the module, the phone is getting stuck on the boot?
If the device does not boot after installing the BootAnimation Changer module, follow the following steps: 1. Hold the Loud up. + Meals to enter the Fastboot. 2. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: fastboot boot magisk_patched.img (where magisk_patched.img β€” your patchy boot.img). 3. After downloading to Magisk, disable the problem module and restart.

5. Method 3: Manually modifying files through ADB (power-user)

This method is suitable for devices without root and TWRP, It requires team knowledge ADB We recommend it only for Android models. 10–12, as on the new versions MIUI 13/14 system-part /system record-protected.

Warnings:

⚠️ Note: Incorrectly changing files in /system This could lead to a loss of warranty and an inability to turn on the phone. 13/14 Redmi Note 12 This method often works with anti-rollback.

Step-by-step:

  1. Activate debugging on USB In Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (Press 7 times on the version, then return to the Additional Settings β†’ For developers).
  2. Connect your phone to your PC and check the connection: Adb devices should show up.
  3. Download the file. bootanimation.zip And put it in the platform-tools folder on the PC.
  4. Execute commands to replace animation: adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/Download/bootanimation.zip /system/media/ chmod 644 /system/media/bootanimation.zip reboot

Possible errors and solutions:

Mistake.Reason.Decision
read-only file systemSection /system mounted in "read-only" mode"Repeat the mount command -o rw,remount /system Or use Magisk to get rw access.
No such file or directoryWrong path to a file or folderCheck the correct path and the presence of the file in /sdcard/Download/
The phone does not boot up after restartingAnimation file or access rights damagedLog in to Fastboot and swipe the original boot.img via fastboot flash boot boot.img

πŸ’‘

On devices with MIUI 14 and Android 13+ system partition is protected by dm-verity, so manually replacing files through ADB often causes a download failure, in which case use the method with Magisk or TWRP.

6. Method 4: Firmware custom logo loader (advanced level)

If you want to replace not only animation MIUI, but the bootloader logo (what appears immediately after pressing the power button) will need to flash a modified logo.bin. This method is the most risky, as the error can lead to a complete loss of the device’s performance.

What you need to know:

  • πŸ”Ή Logo bootloader stored in the logo section and stitched separately from the system.
  • πŸ”Ή For each model, Xiaomi needs its own logo.bin (There are no universal files!).
  • πŸ”Ή On new devices (for example, Xiaomi 14), the logo section is protected, and changing it can trigger anti-rollback.

Instructions:

  1. Find it on the forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA) logo.bin Make sure the file is for your device!
  2. Download the official firmware for your model (for example, from the site) MIUI Downloads) and extract the original from it logo.bin (It is in the image folder).
  3. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode and execute the command to flash the logo: fastboot flash logo logo.bin
  4. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

What if the phone doesn’t turn on after the firmware?

⚠️ Note: If after the firmware logo.bin The screen remains black or the Invalid logo appears, immediately flash the original file: fastboot flash logo original_logo.bin If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to completely flash through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.

7.How to return the standard boot screen

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

For TWRP devices:

  • πŸ”Ή Pass through the rivers official bootanimation.zip (can be extracted from the firmware MIUI).
  • πŸ”Ή Or do a reset through TWRP: Wipe β†’ Advanced Wipe β†’ System (but this will delete all user data!).

For devices with Magisk:

  • πŸ”Ή Open Magisk, find the BootAnimation Changer module and turn it off.
  • πŸ”Ή Restart the phone – standard animation will return.

For devices without root:

  • πŸ”Ή If you change files through ADB, return the original bootanimation.zip The team: adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system rm /system/media/bootanimation.zip reboot
  • πŸ”Ή If the bootloader logo has been changed, then file the original logo.bin via Fastboot.

If none of these methods worked, the last option is to completely flash through the Mi Flash Tool.

  1. Download the official firmware for your model (.tgz format).
  2. Unpack it and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
  3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and select the Clean All option.
  4. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the process will take 5-10 minutes).

8. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When replacing the download screen, users often face typical problems, and consider the most common and ways to solve them:

1.The animation does not change after firmware through TWRP

  • πŸ”Ή Reason: File bootanimation.zip incompatible with screen resolution.
  • πŸ”Ή Solution: Check the settings in the desc.txt file inside the archive. For example, for the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ (permit 1080x2400) The line should look like this: 1080 2400 30 p 1 0 part0 p 0 0 part1

2.The phone is stuck on the logo after the animation change

  • πŸ”Ή Reason: Animation file or incorrect access rights are damaged.
  • πŸ”Ή Solution: Download to Fastboot and flash the original boot.img: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot reboot

3.The screen appears with the words "Orange State" or "Device is corrupted"

  • πŸ”Ή Cause: Integrity of system partition (DM-verity) is violated).
  • πŸ”Ή Solution: Disable dm-verity verification via Magisk (install Disable DM-Verity) or run the firmware again.

4.The animation is played with artifacts or jerks

  • πŸ”Ή Reason: Frequency mismatch (FPS) bitrate.
  • πŸ”Ή Solution: Recode the video into 30 FPS bitrate 8–10 Mbps, then pack in. bootanimation.zip.

5. After the update MIUI animation dropped

  • πŸ”Ή Reason: Update overwrites system files.
  • πŸ”Ή Solution: Repeat the animation replacement process or use the Magisk module that is saved after the animation is replaced. OTA-update.

πŸ’‘

On devices with MIUI 14 Android 13+ If you change your system files, you may be able to use antirollback to avoid blocking, only use methods with Magisk or TWRP, avoiding manual editing /system.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

❓ Can I change the boot screen to Xiaomi without unlocking the bootloader?
Yes, but the choice of methods is limited: πŸ”Ή Use Magisk modules (if you already have root). πŸ”Ή Try to replace animation through ADB (Not all models work. For complete freedom of action (including replacing the bootloader logo), unlocking is mandatory.
❓ Where to download custom animation downloads for Xiaomi?
Best sources: πŸ”Ή Forum 4PDA (partition). πŸ”Ή XDA Developers (Search for Bootanimation Themes). πŸ”Ή Telegram channels dedicated to customization MIUI (for example, MIUI Customization. Pay attention to screen resolution - animation for Redmi Note 10 (1080x2400) not fit for POCO X3 (1080x2460).
❓ Why does the phone say, β€œYour device is corrupted"?
This error is caused by a breach of the integrity of the system partition (dm-verity: πŸ”Ή Install the Disable DM-Verity module in Magisk. πŸ”Ή Stitch the original boot.img via Fastboot. πŸ”Ή Complete reset via Mi Flash Tool. MIUI 14 This problem is more common due to stricter inspections.
❓ Can I change the Logo of the Loader (Mi/Bootloader Logo without risk?
No, replacing the bootloader logo always comes with risks. 13/14, Redmi Note 12) This could lead to: πŸ”Ή Anti-rollback and phone locking. πŸ”Ή Loss of warranty (if the device is under warranty). πŸ”Ή Inability to turn on the phone without firmware through EDL. If you really need to change the logo, use only verified files for your model and back up the original one. logo.bin.
❓ How to Create Your Own Download Animation for Xiaomi?
You can do custom animations yourself. For this: Create videos at your screen resolution (e.g., create videos at your screen resolution, 1080x2400 For the Redmi Note 11 Pro+) lengthily 5–10 Convert it into a second. 30 FPS bitrate 8–10 Mbps (HandBrake or FFmpeg) Break the video into frames using a script (example for FFmpeg): ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf fps=30 frame%04d.png Create a desc.txt file with parameters (example for the 1080x2400): 1080 2400 30 p 1 0 part0 p 0 0 part1 Pack the footage and desc.txt in the archive bootanimation.zip (without compression!! The finished file can be flashed by any of the methods described above.