Owners of budget Chinese car multimedia systems (GI) are often faced with the desire to personalize the device. A standard boot logo depicting an abstract car or the logo of a little-known company can be annoying and spoil the overall impression of the car’s interior. Replacing this image with the emblem of your car (Toyota, BMW, Volkswagen) or with any other picture is a popular customization procedure.
However, the process of replacing the logo on Chinese radios based on Android is not as simple as installing wallpaper on your desktop. The boot system is controlled by a separate microcontroller unit (MCU) or bootloader, which stores the graphics in a special memory section. Incorrect actions may cause the radio to stop turning on or remain stuck on a black screen. In this article we will look at three main methods of changing the logo, from the safest to the most advanced.
It is worth noting right away that there is no universal button for all models. Chinese manufacturers use dozens of different platforms (T3, PX6, MTC-2000, 4G series), and the methodology depends on the specific hardware and firmware version. Before starting any manipulations, be sure to make a backup copy of your important data, although the logo does not affect user files, flashing the bootloader always carries risks.
Preparing files and diagnosing the device
The first step is to determine the type of your radio and prepare a graphic file. Most Chinese devices store the logo in a format other than the usual JPEG or PNG. Most often, you need to convert an image to a specific binary format or use a strictly specified resolution. An attempt to load a regular picture without conversion will result in a reading error or display of “broken” pixels.
You need to find out the exact screen resolution of your radio. This can be done in the Settings → About section or using third-party applications like Device Info HW. Standard resolutions range from 800x480 to 1920x1080. If you make a mistake with the resolution, the logo may stretch, distort, or move beyond the visible area of the screen.
- 🖼️ Find out the exact resolution of your screen matrix (for example, 1024x600).
- 💾 Prepare an image in the format BMP or high quality JPG without compression.
- 🔌 Find a quality microSD memory card up to 32 GB, formatted in FAT32.
- 📱 Install an application to view system information if the data is hidden in the settings.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use images with transparent background (PNG with alpha channel) if your loader does not support processing them. In 90% of cases, this will result in a black square instead of the logo.
To convert images, special utilities are often required that come with firmware for specific platforms (for example, LogoChanger for Rockchip processors). If you have not found such a utility, try saving the image as a 24-bit BMP without compression - this is the most compatible format for older systems.
Method one: Change through the service menu (Factory Settings)
The simplest and most common way to replace the logo is available directly in the radio interface. Many manufacturers integrate the function of changing the screensaver into a hidden service menu. To enter it you usually need to enter a special password. Passwords may vary depending on the platform: for T3 they often use 8878 or 3368, for PX6 - 126 or 123456.
After entering the menu Factory Settings you need to find the tab responsible for the appearance or logo. In some firmware this section is called MCU Setting or Logo Set. If the feature is available, you will see a file selection button or a list of preset logos. Select the desired file from the internal memory or SD card and click "Apply".
If there is a "Change logo" option in the menu, the system itself will ask for the path to the file. Make sure that the file is in the root of the memory card and has a simple name without spaces and Cyrillic, for example logo.bmp. After confirmation, the radio will reboot and you will see a new image.
Write down the password for the service menu on a piece of paper and stick it on the back of the radio. In the future, this will save you time when resetting your settings.
⚠️ Attention: The service menu interface is constantly changing. If you don't find the option to change the logo, it doesn't mean it doesn't exist - it may be hidden in the "System" or "Display" submenu.
In rare cases, after applying a new logo, a full system restart is required, rather than just a soft reboot. To do this, you can use the button RST on the front panel (if there is one) or briefly turn off the power to the radio.
Method two: Automatic replacement via a file on the SD card
This method is “classic” for Chinese radios and does not require entering complex menus. It is based on the fact that the bootloader automatically scans the memory card at startup for the presence of a special file named logo_image.bin or simply logo.bmp. If such a file is found, the system replaces the current image in memory with a new one.
The algorithm of actions here is critically important. First, you format the memory card into a file system FAT32. Then copy the prepared logo file to the root of the map. Insert the card into the turned off radio and turn on the ignition. At the time of loading, before the main Android interface appears, a message about updating the logo or a progress bar may appear on the screen.
File name: logo_image.binPath: Memory card root (/)
Card format: FAT32
Size cluster: Default
If the process was successful, the radio will reboot with a new image. After this, the memory card can be removed. It is important to note that some systems require that the file be named in a strictly specific way, for example mcu_logo.dat or boot_logo.img. The name of the file depends on the version of the MCU (microcontroller).
☑️ Checklist for replacement via SD card
Sometimes the standard memory card slot (usually labeled as SD or TF) is not read by the bootloader. In such cases, try inserting the card into the slot intended for navigation (GPS or NAVI). The bootloader often has priority reading from this port.
⚠️ Attention: Do not remove the memory card until the operating system has completely loaded. Premature extraction can lead to damage to the logo file in the device memory.
Method three: Advanced replacement via ADB and root access
For users who are not afraid of the command line and have root access on their device, there is the most flexible method. It allows you to replace the logo file directly in the system partition, bypassing the limitations of factory utilities. This method is suitable for those for whom the first two methods do not work.
First you need to enable USB debugging in the menu For Developers. Then connect the radio to the computer and use the utility ADB (Android Debug Bridge). You will need to access the partition where the graphics are stored. Usually this is a section boot or a special section logo.
The process is as follows: you download the current logo file from the device, edit it on your computer (observing the size and format), and then write it back with superuser rights. The command may look like this:
adb shellsu
dd if=/sdcard/new_logo.bin of=/dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/logo
This operation requires precise knowledge of the partition structure of your device. An error in the command dd can overwrite important boot data, turning the radio into a “brick”. Therefore, use this method only if you are confident in your actions and know the name of the desired section.
How to find the name of the logo section?
Enter the cat /proc/partitions command in the ADB terminal. Look for sections named logo, boot_logo or splash. The names may differ depending on the chip manufacturer.
After writing the file, you must reboot the device with the command reboot. If the image does not appear, check the file permissions and size. It must be exactly the same as the original file or be smaller, but not larger than the allocated space in the partition.
Compatibility table of formats and methods
To make choosing a method easier, below is a table comparing popular platforms with recommended replacement methods and file formats. Remember that even within the same platform, firmware may differ.
| Platform / Processor | Recommended method | File format | File name |
|---|---|---|---|
| T3 / PX3 / PX5 / PX6 | Service menu / SD card | BMP (24 bit) | logo_image.bin |
| MTK (8227L, etc.) | SD card (NAVI slot) | JPG / BMP | mcu_logo.dat |
| Allwinner (A8/A9) | ADB / Root | Raw / Bin | boot_logo.img |
| 4G series (Octa Core) | Logo Changer application | PNG (sometimes) | Arbitrary |
As can be seen from the table, for the most popular Rockchip processors (PX series) the method with a memory card and file logo_image.binmost often works. For older MediaTek, you need to look for specific file names. Devices on Allwinner often require direct intervention in memory sections.
If you do not know your platform, look at the sticker on the metal casing of the radio (you need to partially remove the device from the shaft) or use the application CPU-Z in the "System" section. This will help narrow down the search for a suitable method.
Knowing the exact processor model is 80% of success in replacing the logo. Without this information, blind actions can lead to software failure.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
In the process of replacing a logo, users often encounter a number of typical problems. The most common is a black screen upon boot. This means that the system was unable to read the logo file or the file is corrupt. In most cases, the radio will still boot into Android, just without a picture, but sometimes the process freezes.
Another problem is distortion of colors or proportions. If the logo is stretched or the colors are inverted (negative), you have used the wrong color format (for example, RGB instead of BGR) or the wrong resolution. In this case, you need to return to the file preparation stage and resave it with other conversion parameters.
- 🔄 Black screen: check the file name and memory card format (FAT32).
- 🎨 Distorted colors: try converting the image to 16-bit color.
- ⏳ Stuck on the logo: delete the file from the card and reboot, the file may be too large.
- 🚫 "Update Failed" error: the file is damaged or not suitable for your version of MCU.
If the radio stops turning on after an unsuccessful replacement attempt, try resetting to factory settings using the button RST (Reset). On some models, holding this button when turning on the power initiates an emergency recovery of the bootloader.
⚠️ Attention: If after all the manipulations the radio does not show signs of life, do not try to disassemble it further. You may need to flash the firmware via UART or contact a service center.
It is also worth considering that some new firmware blocks the ability to change the logo for security or stability reasons. In such cases, the only way out is to search and install custom firmware in which this function is unlocked.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to put an animated logo (video) instead of a picture?
In 99% of cases, no. The Chinese radio downloader only supports static images. Animation requires significantly more resources and support from the MCU, something budget devices typically don't provide. Trying to download a video file will result in an error.
Will changing the logo erase my settings and applications?
No, changing the logo only affects the graphics storage section of the bootloader. Your apps, music, navigation settings, and Bluetooth pairings will remain intact. However, if you decide to reflash the entire system to change the logo, then the data will be deleted.
Where can I download a ready-made logo for my car brand?
Ready-made logo packages can often be found on w3bsit3-dns.com forums in threads dedicated to your radio model, or on specialized sites like XDA Developers. Also, high-quality images can be easily found in a search for “Car Logo HD wallpaper.”
What to do if the sound disappears after replacing the logo?
The loss of sound is not directly related to the logo. Most likely a coincidence. Check the sound settings in the menu Factory settings, perhaps the parameter AMP Type or the audio driver has crashed. Try rebooting the radio.
Is it safe to change the logo on a radio with a warranty?
Formally, any interference with the software may be grounds for denial of warranty service. However, if you change the logo via an SD card without flashing the kernel, there will be no traces of tampering in the system. Proceed at your own risk.