How to install custom download animation on Xiaomi smartphones: from unlock to final settings

Are you tired of the standard animation with the Mi logo every time you turn on your smartphone? Want to add personality to your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO? Replacing bootanimation is one of the most noticeable customization methods that does not require deep technical knowledge. However, the process has nuances, from unlocking the bootloader to the correct file format and compatibility with the MIUI version.

In this article, we will discuss three working methods for installing custom animation: through TWRP, with ADB and by replacing system files manually. You will also learn how to create your animation from scratch, avoid bootloop, and return the standard option if something goes wrong.

What is bootanimation and why should it be changed?

Bootanimation is an animation that plays when you turn on a smartphone after the manufacturer's logo. On Xiaomi, it is a sequence of.zip images packaged according to strict rules. Standard MIUI animation looks concise, but many users want something brighter or more minimalistic.

Reasons for replacement:

• 🎨 Personalization: Make the device unique (e.g., animation with a favorite character or brand logo).
• ⚡ Speed up download: Some custom animations are shorter than standard ones, which visually speeds up the inclusion.
• 🔧 Technical Interest: Experience with Android system files will be useful for other mods.
• 🚀 Hiding Brand Traces: If You Prefer Pure Android Without Mentioning Mi.

However, there are risks: improperly installed animation can lead to endless boots, and some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 Pro+) require additional permission settings. Before you start, make sure you have a data backup and access to the Fastboot in case of recovery.

Preparation: Unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP

Without the unlocked bootloader, you can’t replace the download animation – this is a security limitation for Xiaomi. The unlock procedure is officially supported by the company, but has nuances:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
2. Activate the OEM Unlock option in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times according to version, then return to Additional → For developers).
3. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool (download from Xiaomi's website). Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (press Power). + Vol− off-set).

Once unlocked, install a custom TWRP recap for your model. Download the current version from the XDA Developers forum or TWRP.me.

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

⚠️ Note: On new models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi) K60) You may need to disable the DM Verity signature check through Magisk, without which the system will return the standard animation after the reboot.

Make a backup of data in MIUI|Charge your phone at least 60%|Download the correct version TWRP forecast|Connect the original USB-cable|Disable antivirus on PC-->

Method 1: Installation via TWRP (recommended method)

This is the most reliable and versatile way to work on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12-14.

• 📱 Smartphone with unlocked loader and TWRP.
• 💾 Animation file in format bootanimation.zip (down-to-earth XDA create).
• 🔌 USB-plug-in.

Installation steps:

1. Download your favorite animation (e.g. XDA or bootanimations.net) Make sure the file is called bootanimation.zip.
2. Reboot your phone to TWRP (press Power + Vol+ when the device is off).
3. In the recavator, select Advanced → File Manager and go to /system/media/.
4. Find the standard file. bootanimation.zip and rename it in bootanimation_bak.zip (kickback).
5. Copy your custom file into this folder.
6. Change access rights: select the file, press Permissions and install 644 (owner: read/write, group: read, others: read).
7. Reboot to the system.

If the animation doesn’t work, check:

• 🔍 Compatibility of the file with your device’s screen resolution (e.g, 1080×2400 For the Redmi Note 10 Pro).
• 📁 Archive Structure: There must be folders inside part0, part1 with pictures and desc.txt file.
• 🔧 Magisk module for bypassing dm-verity (on new devices).

Method 2: Replacement with ADB (without TWRP)

If you don’t have a TWRP but have an unlocked bootloader, you can replace the animation via ADB. This method is suitable for devices where recoveries are not installed (for example, Xiaomi 11T with dynamic partition markup).

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → For Developers.
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm access by ADB (should appear on the screen of the smartphone).
3. Open the command line on your PC and check the connection: Adb devices must display the serial number of the device.
4. Copy the standard animation on PC for backup: adb pull /system/media/bootanimation.zip
5. Place your custom file in the folder with ADB and send it to the device: adb push bootanimation.zip /sdcard/ adb shell su mount -o rw,remount /system cp /sdcard/bootanimation.zip /system/media/chmod 644 /system/media/bootanimation.zip reboot

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13/14 and dynamic partitions (super.img) This method may not work, and you'll need to manually mount the system via fastboot or use the Magisk module.

💡

If the su command is not working, install Magisk and re-request root access in ADB.

Method 3: Manually Create Animations from Zero

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

• 🎬 Picture set in format PNG (For example, 100 frames for smooth animation).
• 📝 Text editor for desc.txt file.
• 📦 Archivator for creation bootanimation.zip.

Steps:

1. Prepare frames: The resolution must match the device screen (e.g., 2400×1080 for POCO F4). File names: 001.png, 002.png, etc. (with leading zeros). Format: PNG-8 or PNG-24 without compression.

part0

part1

desc.txt

1080 2400 30


p 1 0 part0




p 0 0 part1

Here 1080 2400 is the resolution, 30 is FPS, p 1 0 part0 is the first part of the animation with a delay of 1 frame.

desc.txt

bootanimation.zip

compressively

Examples of tools for creating animation:

💡

The desc.txt file must be in UTF-8 encoding without a BOM, otherwise the animation will not play.

Problem Solving: bootloop, lack of animation, errors

If after replacing the animation, the device does not turn on or boots without it, use these tips:

Problem 1: Bootloop (Infinite Boot)

• 🔄 Reboot to TWRP and return the standard file. bootanimation.zip (if you've done backup).
• 🔧 Install Magisk module to bypass dm-verity (on new devices).
• 📱 If you don’t have access to the Recovery, run the standard firmware through Fastboot: fastboot flash boot. boot.img fastboot reboot

Problem 2: Animations are not played

• 🔍 Check the file rights: it must be 644 (rw-r)--r--).
• 📁 Make sure the file is in the /system/media/, not /data/local/.
• 🔄 Restart the device twice – sometimes the animation only appears after the second turn on.

Problem 3: Animations are cropped or stretched

• 📏 Check the frame resolution: it should match the screen resolution (for example, 2400×1080 Xiaomi 12).
• 🎬 Make sure that FPS in desc.txt does not exceed 30 (optimally 24-30).

Restore Standard Animation

If you don’t like custom animation or cause problems, you can return the standard animation in several ways:

Method 1: Through TWRP

1. Reboot to the recaverie.
2. Go to /system/media/ and remove custom bootanimation.zip.
3. Rename the backup (bootanimation_bak.zip) back bootanimation.zip.
4. Reset the device.

Method 2: Through ADB

adb shell


su




mount -o rw,remount /system




rm /system/media/bootanimation.zip




mv /system/media/bootanimation_bak.zip /system/media/bootanimation.zip




chmod 644 /system/media/bootanimation.zip




reboot

Method 3: Through firmware

If you have removed the backup, download the original firmware for your model from the MIUI Downloads website and extract the bootanimation.zip file from it (located in system/media/ inside the system.img image).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and dynamic partitions (super.img) The standard animation can be stored elsewhere, so it's easier to use the Magisk module to reset your download settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about custom animation on Xiaomi