Originally written by Amit Kumar, updated by Dibyajyoti Kabi. First published January 23, 2019. Updated October 24, 2026.
To change the boot animation on Android, you need root. Back up the stock bootanimation.zip from /system/media, then replace it with a new one, either by copying it there with a root file manager or by flashing it as a Magisk module. Restart the phone and the new animation plays on boot.
I’ve refreshed this guide because the old steps asked you to change permissions on the whole System folder. On newer phones the system partition is read-only, so a Magisk module is now the safer way to do it.
Key points
- You can’t change the boot animation without root on most phones.
- Android loads the file from /system/media/bootanimation.zip, or /oem/media on some phones.
- Always keep a copy of the original file before you replace it.
- A Magisk module swaps the animation without touching the system partition.
- Samsung phones use .qmg files instead of a zip, so most zip animations won’t work on them.
What is a boot animation?
A boot animation is the short clip that plays while Android starts up, before you see the lock screen. It’s usually the phone maker’s logo or the Android logo. It doesn’t change how fast your phone boots, it just gives you something to look at while the system loads.
Where is the boot animation file on Android?
On most phones it’s /system/media/bootanimation.zip. Google’s boot animation format notes in the Android source list /system/media first and /oem/media as the next place Android looks. Some phones keep it under /product/media instead, so check all three.
How do I change the boot animation with a root file manager?
This is the classic method. It works on older rooted phones where you can mount the system partition as writable. If you haven’t rooted yet, start with my guide on rooting Android with RootME, and back up first with my backup without root guide.
- Install a root file manager like Root Explorer and grant it root access.
- Go to /system/media and find bootanimation.zip.
- Copy it to your internal storage as a backup.
- Mount the system folder as read/write. Most root file managers have a Mount R/W button at the top.
- Copy the new bootanimation.zip into /system/media and replace the old one.
- Set its permissions to rw-r–r– (644), the same as the original.
- Restart your phone.
If your file manager says the folder is read-only even after mounting, your phone uses a read-only system partition. Use the Magisk method below instead.
How do I change the boot animation with Magisk?
Flash the boot animation as a Magisk module. Magisk overlays the file at boot without changing the real system partition, so removing the module brings the stock animation back. You’ll need a phone rooted with Magisk.
- Download a boot animation that comes packaged as a Magisk module, from a source you trust.
- Open the Magisk app and tap Modules.
- Tap Install from storage and pick the module zip.
- Tap Reboot when it’s done.
To go back to the original animation, open Magisk > Modules, remove the module and restart.
How do I make sure a boot animation file will work?
Check the resolution and the zip format. The animation should match your screen resolution, or at least its aspect ratio. Google’s format notes also say the zip must be stored without compression, so if you build or edit one yourself, use the store or zero compression option when you zip it.
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| File name | bootanimation.zip, all lowercase |
| Inside the zip | A desc.txt file and part0, part1 folders of PNG frames |
| Compression | Stored, no compression |
| Resolution | Close to your phone’s screen resolution |
Is there an app that changes the boot animation?
Yes. Boot Animations for Superuser lets you preview and install animations from inside the app. It still needs root, and some animations are paid. If an install goes wrong, use your backup to put the original file back.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the boot animation without root?
Not on most phones. The file sits in a protected system folder, so you need root to replace it.
What if my phone gets stuck on the boot animation?
Boot into recovery and restore your backup, or remove the Magisk module. In Magisk you can also boot to safe mode, which turns off all modules for that boot. If that fails, flashing stock firmware fixes it.
Does a custom boot animation slow down booting?
Not really. A very large animation can add a second or two, but it doesn’t affect how fast the phone runs after it starts.
Related guides
- Root Android devices easily with RootME
- How to back up your Android device without root
- More Android guides on TheDroidGuru
- More root guides on TheDroidGuru
That’s it. Keep your backup somewhere safe and you can always go back to the stock animation.
If the new animation doesn’t show up, leave a comment with your phone model, Android version and how you rooted it, and I’ll help you figure out why.
