Changing the boot animation on Android: 5 proven methods

The first thing the user sees when turning on the smartphone is the loading animation Android. Standard manufacturer logos or boring spinning dots get boring quickly, especially if you like personalization. Fortunately, replacing them with something more original is a very real task. But there are nuances here: from simple methods using applications to complex manipulations with system files that require root access.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods of change boot animation —from safe (via ADB) to radical (flashing). You will learn what tools you will need, how to avoid mistakes when replacing animations, and what to do if your phone stops booting after the changes. Important: some methods can lead to loss of warranty or “brick” of the deviceif performed incorrectly. Therefore, carefully read the warnings and follow the instructions.

What is boot animation and how does it work

Boot animation (boot animation) is a sequence of images or videos that plays on the smartphone screen during system initialization. It consists of two parts:

• 📁 System file bootanimation.zip (located in /system/media/ or /system/product/media/ on new versions of Android).
• 🎬 Description of animation in the file desc.txt inside the archive, where the resolution, frame rate and playback order are specified.

The path to the file may differ on different devices. For example, on Samsung s One UI the format is used samsunganimation.zip, and on Xiaomi — miui_bootanimation.zip. Some manufacturers (as Google Pixel) store animation in .qmg (vector graphics) format, which makes it difficult to replace.

It is important to understand: loading animation is not the same as manufacturer logo (it is flashed in bootloader and can only be changed through special utilities like Fastboot). If you want to replace the logo specifically (for example Samsung or Xiaomi when turned on), you will need other methods, which we will discuss at the end of the article.

Method 1: Replacing animation without root via ADB (Android 10 and newer)

Starting from Android 10, Google has limited access to system partitions, but a workaround remains - through ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method does not require superuser rights, but does not work on all devices (for example, Samsung and Xiaomi there may be additional restrictions).

You will need:

• 💻 A computer with ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Smartphone with USB debugging enabled (Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times) → Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging).
• 🎨 Ready file bootanimation.zip (you can download from sites like XDA Developers or create it yourself).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the PC and execute command:
   

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

   (replace the path with the current one).

2. Move the file to the system folder:
   

   adb shell
   su -c "mount -o rw,remount /system"
   su -c "mv /sdcard/bootanimation.zip /system/media/"

   Note: on some devices the path may be /system/product/media/.
3. Set the correct access rights:
   

   su -c "chmod 644 /system/media/bootanimation.zip"

4. Restart the phone.

Download and unpack Platform Tools

Enable USB debugging on the phone

Prepare bootanimation.zip file with the correct resolution

Check the phone connection with the command adb devices-->

⚠️ Attention: If the animation has not changed after a reboot, check:

• 🔍 The path to the file is correct (on new Androids this may be /product/media/).
• 📏 The animation resolution matches the screen resolution of your device.
• 🔒 The presence of blocking on the part of the manufacturer (for example, Samsung Knox may prevent changes).

Method 2: Using applications (root required)

If on your device there root access, the process of replacing animation is simplified before installing a specialized application. The most popular utilities:

• 📱 BootAnimations (for Android 5.0–9.0) - simple interface, preview support.
• 🎬 Boot Animations ★ Root - works on new versions Android, there is a built-in editor.
• 🔧 Root Essentials is a multifunctional tool, where replacing animation is one of the options.

How it works:

1. Install one of the applications from Google Play.
2. Give root access (the application will ask for superuser rights).
3. Select a ready-made animation package from the application gallery or upload your own bootanimation.zip.
4. Apply the changes and restart the device.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No need to manually copy files via ADB.
• ✅ Preliminary preview animation before installation.
• ✅ Automatic backup of the original file.

⚠️ Attention: Some applications may contain advertising or ask for unnecessary permissions. Before installing, check reviews on 4PDA or XDA. data-i="128">on most devices. Root access voids the warranty on most devices.

Application	Android support	Features	Cons
BootAnimations	5.0–9.0	Simple interface, many ready-made animations	Does not work on Android 10+
Boot Animations ★ Root	7.0–13.0	Support for new versions, built-in editor	Paid functions
Root Essentials	6.0–14.0	Multi-functionality (not only animations)	Difficult for beginners

Method 3: Manual editing via recovery (TWRP)

If you have custom recovery installed on your device (TWRP), you can replace animation directly through it. This method is suitable for devices without root, but with an unlocked bootloader.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download the file bootanimation.zip and place it on SD card or internal memory.
2. Turn off the phone and boot into TWRP (usually this is a combination Power + Volume Up).
3. In the main menu, select Advanced → File Manager.
4. Go to folder /system/media/ (or /system/product/media/ on new Android).
5. Find the original bootanimation.zip, make a backup (copy it to another location) and delete it.
6. Copy your new file to this folder.
7. Set permissions 644 (long press on the file → Permissions).
8. Reboot the device.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the phone is stuck on the logo or appears bootloop (cyclic reboot), return the original file via TWRP. For this:

1. Boot into recovery again.
2. Restore the original backup bootanimation.zip.
3. Clear the cache (Wipe → Dalvik / ART Cache).

What to do if TWRP does not see the folder /system?

On some devices (for example, Samsung s One UI), the system partition may be encrypted or protected dm-verityIn this case, you will need to:

Disable dm-verity via Magisk or utility Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.

2. Or use an alternative method (for example, via ADB).

Read more on the forums XDA for your model.

Method 4: Replacement via Magisk (for devices with root)

Magisk This is not only a tool for getting root, but also a platform for installing modules that change system files. One of these modules is BootAnimations, which allows you to safely replace animations without directly editing the system partition.

How to install:

1. Install Magisk Manager and make sure you have root.
2. Download module BootAnimations.zip (for example, with GitHub or XDA).
3. In Magisk Manager go to Modules → Install from storage.
4. Select the downloaded file and wait for installation.
5. Reboot the device.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔄 Easy to roll back to the original animation (just disable the module).
• 🛡️ Safer than manually editing system files.
• 🔄 Supports multiple animations with the ability to switch.

⚠️ Attention: Not all modules are compatible with the latest versions Magisk (for example, Magisk DeltaBefore installation, check compatibility on the module page. data-i="199">can block work on devices with some banking applications may block operation on devices with Magiskeven if it is hidden.

Method 5: Changing the manufacturer's logo (for advanced)

If you want to replace not only the boot animation, but also manufacturer logo (for example, Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo), which appears immediately after pressing the power button, you will need deeper manipulations. This logo is stored in the bootloader or splash section and changes. via:

• 🔧 Fastboot (for devices with an unlocked bootloader).
• 📱 Special utilities (for example, Splash Screen Changer for Qualcommdevices).
• 🔄 Custom logo firmware via Odina (for Samsung) or SP Flash Tool (for Mediatek).

Example command for replacement via fastboot:

fastboot flash logo logo.bin

Where logo.bin is a logo file in the correct format (usually 565 RGB with a resolution corresponding to the screen).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect logo firmware can lead to:

• 🚨 Brick devices (if the file is damaged or incompatible).
• 🔴 Loss of warranty (manufacturers consider this to be interference with the firmware).
• 🔄 Problems with OTA updates (the system may refuse to install official updates).

Where to download ready-made animations and how to create your own

If you don’t want to mess around with creating animations yourself, you can download ready-made packages on the following resources:

• 🌐 XDA Developers (section Themes and Apps) - the largest database of animations for different devices.
• 🎨 Android Themes on Reddit (community r/AndroidThemes).
• 📱 4PDA (in topics about specific models smartphones).

To create your own animation, you will need:

1. A set of images in format PNG (the resolution must match the screen resolution of your device).
2. File desc.txt with a description of the sequence and timing. Example content:

   720 1280 24
   p 1 0 part0
   p 0 0 part1

   Here 720 1280 is resolution, 24 is FPS, and part0 and part1 are folders with frames.

3. Archiver for packaging in total bootanimation.zip (without compression!).

Popular apps for creating animations:

• 🎬 Adobe After Effects + plugin BootAnimation Exporter.
• 🖌️ GIMP (for manual creation of frames).
• 📱 BootAnimator (Android application for simple editing).

Common errors and how to fix them

When replacing the loading animation, users often encounter the following problems:

Error	Cause	Solution
Animation does not change	Incorrect file path or permissions	Check the path (/system/media/ or /product/media/) and set the rights 644
Phone stuck on logo	Damaged file bootanimation.zip or incompatible animation	Restore the original file via TWRP or ADB
Animation jerks or slows down	Resolution or FPS is too high	Reduce frame resolution or reduce FPS to 24
After replacement, the sound disappeared loading	The animation file does not contain an audio track	Add sound to bootanimation.zip or use a separate module for sound

⚠️ Attention: If after manipulating the animation the phone stops loading (bootloop), do not panic. In 90% of cases, the problem can be solved:

1. Boot into recovery (Power + Volume Up).
2. Delete or replace bootanimation.zip with the original one.
3. Clear the cache (Wipe Cache Partition).
4. Reboot the device.

If recovery is not available, try connecting via ADB in mode sideload or flash the original firmware via Fastboot/Odina.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to change the boot animation without root and unlocking the bootloader?

On most modern devices (Android 10+) without root or an unlocked bootloader, it is impossible to change the animation. An exception is some models Xiaomi i Realme, where this can be done through the theme engine. (for example, MIUI Themes). However, the choice of animations in this case is very limited.

Why did the phone take longer to boot after replacing the animation?

This can happen for two reasons:

1. The size is too large bootanimation.zip (optimally - up to 10 MB).
2. High resolution or FPS animation (try to stick to the original parameters).

Solution: optimize the animation in Adobe Premiere or BootAnimation Factoryby reducing the resolution or number of frames.

How to return the standard loading animation?

The rollback methods depend on the replacement method:

• If you used ADB or TWRP —return the original bootanimation.zip from backup.
• If you installed it via Magisk —disable the module in Magisk Manager.
• If you changed it through the app—use the "Restore to default" function.

If there is no backup, download the original file for your model from 4PDA or XDA.

Will the new animation work after updating Android?

Most likely not. When updating the system, the files in /system are rewritten to standard ones. To save the custom animation:

1. Do this. backup bootanimation.zip before updating.
2. After updating, repeat the replacement procedure.
3. Or use a module Magiskthat automatically applies changes after the update.

Is it possible to change the animation shutdown?

Yes, but it is more complicated than replacing boot animation. The shutdown animation (shutdownanimation.zip or poweroff.ogg) is stored in the same system folders, but its replacement requires:

• Rights root.
• Editing a file build.prop (add a line ro.boot.shutdownanimation=1).
• Compliance with strict format requirements (for example, duration no more than 3-5 seconds).

On some devices (for example, Samsung) the shutdown animation is hardcoded into the system and cannot be replaced without modifying the firmware.