Update Recovery on Xiaomi: official and custom methods

Update recovery on Xiaomi smartphones is a process that may be needed both to restore the device to work and to install custom firmware (MIUI Recovery is often limited in functionality, while alternative solutions like TWRP OrangeFox opens access to advanced features: backup NAND, Install Magisk, edit system partitions, but the wrong thing to do when upgrading can lead to a device blink — a complete loss of performance without the ability to recover through standard methods.

In this guide, we will analyze all the current ways to update the recovery on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO — from official methods to install custom solutions through Fastboot and ADB. We will pay special attention to the nuances for devices with a blocked bootloader, since this is the most common cause of errors in beginners. You will also find a table of compatibility of popular recoveries with Xiaomi models and answers to questions about risks, data backup and recovery after a failed firmware.

Why upgrade your recovery to Xiaomi?

Standard Recovery from Xiaomi (MIUI Recovery allows you to perform basic operations: reset to factory settings (Wipe Data), install official updates through the OTA But it's very limited in its functionality compared to custom solutions:

• 🔧 Installation of custom firmware: TWRP OrangeFox is required for LineageOS, Pixel Experience and other alternative OSes.
• 📦 Full Backup: The ability to back up all partitions (boot, system, data) with recovery on another device.
• 🔓 Unlocking Features: Removing Bloatware, Modifying System Files, Installing Magisk for Root Rights.
• 🛠️ Recovery after crashes: Castom Recovery often saves when a device fails to boot due to corrupted system files.

It is important to understand that replacing a standard recovery with a custom one will void the warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked) and may lead to problems with updates. MIUI airborne (OTA). On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+) Installing unofficial recavery also blocks access to banking applications due to SafetyNet trigger.

Preparing the device: what to do before the update

Before you start to firmware recovery, you need to follow a few critical steps, neglecting them can lead to data loss or a “soft brik” (the device is switched on, but does not load beyond the logo).

One is to unlock the bootloader, which is locked by default on all Xiaomi devices after 2016.

1. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
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 (requires a PC and a computer). USB-cable).

The second is to create a backup. Castom Recovery will allow you to make a full copy later, but at this stage, copy important files (photos, contacts, messages) to your PC or cloud. For backup applications, use Swift Backup (requires root rights) or Titanium Backup.

Battery charge ≥ 70%|Unlocked bootloader (bootloader)|Data backup made.|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot PC-only|Download the file recovery for your model-->

Third, check the model of the device, and the discrepancy between the recovery version and the smartphone model is the main cause of errors, and you can find out the exact modification:

• In settings: Settings → The phone. → Model (e.g, M2101K7AG For the Redmi Note 10 Pro).
• Through ADB: Connect the device to your PC and execute the command: adb shell getprop ro.product.model

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) Recovery requires an additional tool SP Flash Tool or MTK Bypass. Using Fastboot on these models will lead to an error. FAILED (remote: 'Not allowed in Lock State').

Recaveri Renewal Methods: Official vs Custom

There are two fundamentally different approaches to updating the recovery on Xiaomi: through official channels and installing custom solutions. Let's consider each of them, their pros and cons.

Official renewal (MIUI Recovery)

The manufacturer periodically releases updates for the standard recovery, which are installed along with updates. MIUI airborne (OTA). This method is suitable if you do not need advanced features, but only require the restoration of the device.

To update the official recapvere:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Download and install the latest version of MIUI.
3. After the reboot, the new Recovery will be installed automatically.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔒 Guarantee maintained.
• 🛡️ No risk of damaging the device.
• 🔄 Compatibility with OTA-update.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Limited functionality (no backup) NAND, customization).
• ❌ You can't go back to the old version.

Installation of custom recaveri (TWRP, OrangeFox)

Castom Recavators offer full control of the device, but require an unlocked bootloader and knowledge of commands. Fastboot/ADB. Popular solutions:

• 📌 TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project – the most common, supports most Xiaomi models.
• 🦊 OrangeFox - fork TWRP with improved interface and additional features (e.g., built-in file manager).
• 🖤 PitchBlack Recovery is a minimalist recovery with a focus on performance.

To install a custom recavery will require:

1. Download a recovery image for your model (for example, from twrp.me).
2. Put the device in Fastboot mode (turn off the smartphone, then press the Power) + Volume Down).
3. Connect to your PC and execute command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-miatoll.img (Replace the file name with the current one).

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T Pro, Redmi K50) after the custom recavator MIUI Recovery automatically recovers when you first boot. To avoid this, immediately after installing the Recovery, go to it (via Power). + Volume Up and run the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img && fastboot reboot recovery

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The cadaver recavery opens up access to advanced features but requires an unlocked bootloader and revokes the warranty.The official recavator is safer but limited in capabilities.

Step-by-step instructions: how to sew TWRP Xiaomi

Consider the universal installation method TWRP Similar steps are suitable for most Xiaomi devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.

Step 1: Installation of necessary tools

PCs shall be fitted with:

• 🖥️ ADB Fastboot: Download Google’s Platform Tools.
• 🔌 Drivers: Xiaomi is suitable for the Mi package USB Driver or Universal Drivers from Google.
• 📄 File. TWRP: Download the current version from the official website (for example, twrp-3.7.0_12-0-sweet.img).

Step 2: Transfer the device to Fastboot mode

Turn off your smartphone. Hold and hold the Power buttons. + Volume Down before the Fastboot logo appears. Connect the device to your PC via USB.

Check the connection by the team:

fastboot devices

The serial number of the device (e.g., the serial number) must be displayed in response, 1234567890abcdef fastboot).

Step 3: TWRP firmware

Run a command for the recaveri firmware:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-sweet.img

If the process is successful, you will see a message. OKAY.

You must now immediately load into TWRP, Otherwise, the system will overwrite it with standard recaveri:

fastboot reboot recovery

Or manually: Hold the Power + Volume Up before the logo appears TWRP.

Step 4: Setup TWRP

First launch. TWRP will suggest allowing modification of the system partition. Swipe right to confirm:

• Create a backup of boot and recovery (click Backup) → Select sections → Swipe to confirm).
• Disable the signature verification firmware: Settings → Disable DM-Verity (prevents looping of the boot).

Table of compatibility of recavery with popular models Xiaomi

Not all custom recavators support all devices, and here is a compatibility table for current models (as of 2026).

If your model is not in the table, check the support in the forums. XDA Developers or in telegram chats dedicated to a particular model, such as for Xiaomi Civi 3 (ziyu) at the time of writing the stable version of the article. TWRP No, but the OrangeFox beta build is available.

Common mistakes and their solutions

When updating a recovery, users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common errors and how to fix them.

1. Mistake "FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State')"

This error occurs when the bootloader is locked.

• Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (see the "Device Preparation" section).
• On devices with MediaTek use SP Flash Tool with Download Only option.

2. The device is loaded into MIUI Recovery instead TWRP

On new Xiaomi devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12/13 series, Redmi K60) The system automatically restores the standard Recovery to avoid this:

1. After the firmware TWRP Download it immediately (fastboot reboot recovery command or buttons).
2. V TWRP file disable_force_encrypt.zip (jump on XDA).
3. Reboot to the system and disable automatic update of the recovery in the settings MIUI.

Error "Invalid sparse file format at header magi"

This error is related to the corrupted file of the image of the recaveri.

• Download the image again from the official source.
• Check the checksum (MD5) of the file.
• Use a different version. TWRP (For example, instead of 3.7.0, try 3.6.2).

4. The device does not turn on after firmware (brick)

If your smartphone doesn’t respond to buttons or is stuck on the logo, try:

• Download to Fastboot (Power) + Volume Down and flash the original recaveree with the command: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img (file recovery.img You can get it from the official firmware. MIUI).
• Use the Mi Flash Tool to completely flash the device (unlocked bootloader is required).
• Contact the service center if the device is not defined by the PC ("hard brick").

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If after the firmware recavery device loads, but does not see the internal memory in the TWRP, Try to enter the command adb shell twrp decrypt [your password] where [your password] is PIN-lock-screen code.

How to Get Back Standard Recavers MIUI

If you need to return the original recovery (for example, for warranty repairs or upgrades) OTA), Follow the following steps:

1. Download the official firmware MIUI For your model from en.miui.com.
2. Remove the file from the archive recovery.img (Use an archiver like this. 7-Zip).
3. Translate the device to Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
4. Reboot the device to the system: fastboot reboot

After that, the standard Recovery will be restored, but note:

• If you have installed custom firmware, returning to the original recavator can lead to a bootloop loop.
• To return to the factory state, run the full firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi) 11/12/13 series) simple firmware recovery.img This may not work. In this case, you need to flash the full firmware image with the removal of all partitions (fastboot erase userdata, fastboot erase metadata, etc.).

FAQ: Frequent questions about updating the recovery on Xiaomi