How to change the boot screen on Xiaomi: 4 proven ways

The boot screen (or boot animation) is the first thing you see when you turn on your smartphone. Xiaomi devices default to displaying the Mi or Redmi logo on a color background, but many users want to personalize this moment. Changing the download animation not only adds personality, but can also serve as an indicator of custom firmware or a modified system.

However, the process of replacing the boot screen on Xiaomi has its own nuances. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 et al., versions MIUI The available methods may vary and the bootloader status (unblocked or blocked) and in this article we will cover all the current methods, from simple applications to manual editing of system files, and also warn about the possible risks.

Why users are changing the boot screen on Xiaomi

The main reasons why Xiaomi smartphone owners are deciding to replace the standard download animation:

• 🎨 Personalization: The desire to distinguish your gadget from others by adding unique graphics or animations (such as the logo of your favorite game, movie or custom design).
• 🔧 Modification Indication: LineageOS (Pixel Experience) custom firmware often comes with its own boot screens, which helps to quickly identify the system.
• 🚀 Speed up download: Some users are replacing animation with static image to reduce startup time (although the real savings are minimal).
• 🔄 Outdated animation: on old models (Redmi) 4X, Mi A1) Standard graphics may look inappropriate after a firmware update.

It is important to understand that replacing the boot screen is an interference with system files. On devices with a locked bootloader (most new Xiaomi smartphones by default), this process requires unlocking, which voids the warranty and can lead to a blink (breakdown) if errors occur. If you are not prepared for such risks, consider alternatives such as changing the wallpaper or installing a launcher.

Preparing for a change in the boot screen: what you need to know

Before you start replacing animations, follow a few critical steps:

1. Check bootloader status: Most Xiaomi smartphones have the bootloader locked. To find out its status, switch the device to Fastboot mode (turn off the smartphone, then press Volume down). + Power) and connect to the PC. In the command line, type: fastboot oem device-info If there is a line Device unlocked: true in the answer - the bootloader is unlocked. If false - you need to unlock through Mi Unlock Tool (the official tool of Xiaomi).
2. Make a backup copy: Use it TWRP (Custom recaps, or applications like Swift Backup to save data, and without backup, it may be impossible to recover from a crash.
3. Charge your smartphone: The battery level should be at least 70%. interruption of the process due to discharge can lead to data loss.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader on new Xiaomi models (released after 2021) requires a Mi Account and waiting 7-15 days.

Also prepare the necessary tools:

• 💻 PC with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot Mi Unlock Tool (for unlocking).
• 📱 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📁 New animation file in.zip format (for bootanimation) or.img format (for bootanimation) logo.bin).

Uploader status checked (unlocked/blocked)|

A backup of the data (through the TWRP application)|

Installed ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC|

Downloaded file of new animation (bootanimation.zip or logo.bin)|

Battery charge ≥70%-->

Method 1: Replace through applications (without root and unlock)

This is the easiest method, but it only works on devices with an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed (to obtain root rights), applications like BootAnimations or BootLogo Changer allow you to replace animations without manually editing system files.

Instructions:

1. Install Magisk and get root rights (instructions are available on the forums). XDA Developers or 4PDA).
2. Download the BootAnimations app (or similar) from Google Play.
3. Select your favorite animation from the application library or download your.zip file.
4. Apply the changes and restart the smartphone.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No manual editing of system files.
• ✅ You can return standard animation in one click.
• ✅ Animations with permission up to 1080p.

⚠️ Note: Some apps may contain ads or collect data. Check reviews and permissions on Google Play before installing. Also avoid high-resolution animations on weak devices (Redmi) 9A, POCO C31) — It might slow down the loading.

If you don't have root rights, this is not the way to do it, so consider the following.

Method 2: Hand-substituted bootanimation.zip (root)

This method is suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader and root rights. MIUI file-stored /system/media/bootanimation.zip. It can be replaced manually.

Step-by-step:

1. Download new animations in.zip format (for example, from the site) XDA Developers or build your own with After Effects + BootAnimation Factory).
2. Rename the file to bootanimation.zip.
3. Use a root-access file manager (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer) and move the file to a folder. /system/media/, substitute.
4. Set access rights 644 (rw-r----).
5. Reboot your smartphone.

File requirements bootanimation.zip:

Example of desc.txt content:

720 1280 24


p 1 0 part0




p 0 0 part1

Where:

• 720 1280 - Screen resolution.
• 24 — FPS.
• p 1 0 part0 — folder part0 once.
• p 0 0 part1 — loop part1.

Method 3: Replacement of the logo (logo.bin) customize

If you want to change not only the animation, but also the static logo that comes before it (for example, the Mi or Redmi logo), you will need to edit the file. logo.bin. This method is more complicated and risky, as errors can lead to a device bribing.

Instructions:

1. Download LogoMaker (for Windows) or use online services like Android Logo Maker.
2. Prepare an image in.png format with a resolution that matches your screen (e.g, 1080×2340 for POCO F3).
3. Convert the image into logo.bin utility-wise.
4. Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Logo logo.bin
5. Reset the device.

Features of the method:

• 🔹 It only works on devices with unlocked bootloader.
• 🔹 The logo is displayed before the boot animation (at the stage of initialization of the kernel).
• 🔹 It does not support animation, only static images.
• 🔹 On some models (Xiaomi 12, Redmi) K50) You may need to be able to get through EDL-regime.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware incorrect logo.bin It can cause a black screen when you turn it on. EDL (Emergency mode using author tools (Mi Flash Tool). If you are not sure about your actions, contact the specialists.

💡

Before the firmware logo.bin Check it's compatible with your model, for example, files for Snapdragon processors won't work for devices on Mediatek.

Method 4: Install custom firmware with new animation

If you need not only new animations, but also other features (for example, Google Camera, pure Android without any other features). MIUI), Consider custom firmware installation. Many builds (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS) come with their own boot screens.

Advantages:

• 🌟 Complete customization of the system (themes, sounds, fonts).
• 🔄 Regular updates (as opposed to official updates) MIUI, frequent-delayed).
• 🚀 Optimizing performance (removed unnecessary services Xiaomi).

How to install custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader (see the section on preparation).
2. Install custom TWRP or OrangeFox recavators.
3. Download the firmware for your model (check compatibility on the XDA or 4PDA).
4. Flush the firmware through the Recovery, pre-made Wipe (Dalvik, Cache, System, Data).
5. Reset the device.

Popular firmware for Xiaomi:

⚠️ Note: Installing custom firmware removes all data from the device, as well as some features (e.g. Widevine) L1 for Netflix HD) Before installing, check the user reviews of your model.

💡

Custom firmware is the most reliable way to change the boot screen, but requires a complete flashing of the device, suitable for advanced users ready for potential bugs.

Possible problems and solutions

When replacing the boot screen, the following errors may occur:

If the device has ceased to operate:

1. Try going to Fastboot (Loudness Down). + Food) and to sew the original boot.img or logo.bin.
2. If Fastboot is not available, use it. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and cable) EDL).
3. In the extreme case, contact the service center (but the warranty will be lost).

To diagnose errors, use the following logs:

adb logcat | grep -i "bootanimation"

This command will show errors related to the download of animation.

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing the boot screen with Xiaomi