How to Refuse Xiaomi Recoveries: The Complete Guide

Replacing the standard Recovery with a modified version like TWRP is one of the first steps for enthusiasts who want to take full control of their Xiaomi device.This action opens up access to advanced features: creating full system backups, installing custom firmware, obtaining root rights and deep cache cleaning. However, the process requires care, since interfering with the system partition can lead to the failure of the gadget if you do not follow the sequence of actions.

Unlike simply updating software through the settings menu, flashing the recavator requires interaction with the device at a low level through Fastboot mode. You will need not only the.img image file itself, but also the correctly configured software on the computer. It is critical to understand that the procedure is possible only with the bootloader unlocked, which automatically entails the complete deletion of all user data.

Before you start to take practical action, you need to understand the risks and prepare tools. Incorrectly selected firmware file for a particular model can cause a “brick” smartphone, which is not always possible to exit software methods. In this article, we will discuss in detail each step, from preparing drivers to the first download to the new recovery menu.

Preparation of ADB/Fastboot tools and drivers

The foundation of successful flashing is the correct communication between the computer and the smartphone. The operating system must recognize the device in various modes of operation, especially in bootloader mode. To do this, the PC must have universal ADB and Fastboot drivers installed. Without them, the computer simply will not see the phone in the desired state, and commands will not be executed.

There are several ways to install the necessary components: You can download the minimalist Platform Tools package directly from Google servers, which is the most reliable option. The alternative is to install a full-fledged Xiaomi USB Driver, which often comes with firmware utilities, and the specific method depends on the version of your computer's operating system.

• 🔌 Download the latest Platform Tools package from the official Android Developers website.
• 💻 Unpack the archive to the root of the C disk: for ease of working with the paths.
• 📱 Connect your phone and check the display in Windows Device Manager.
• 🔧 Install drivers manually if the system does not find them automatically.

Once the drivers are installed, it is recommended to restart the computer, which ensures that all system services responsible for communicating with external devices start with new settings, and check the connection better in advance, so as not to waste time looking for the causes of the failure at a critical time.

Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader

Locking the bootloader is Xiaomi’s main security mechanism, preventing changes to system partitions without the owner’s knowledge. Standard backups are signed with the manufacturer’s digital key, and trying to replace them without unlocking will lead to a verification error. The unlocking process is officially supported by the company, but requires a number of conditions.

The first step is to link your Mi Account to your device in the developer settings, and then apply for unlocking through the Mi Unlock Tool app. The system may require a wait of 7 to 168 hours (usually 168 hours for new accounts) before allowing the procedure, which is the time required to verify the security of the account.

⚠️ Warning: The process of unlocking the bootloader automatically performs a complete device reset (Wipe Data). All photos, contacts and applications will be deleted. Back up important data in advance to a cloud server or external media.

To unlock, put your smartphone into Fastboot mode, pressing both the power and volume buttons together. Connect the cable to your PC and launch the unlock utility. If your account is properly tied and the waiting period has expired, the program will confirm that you have successfully unlocked, and then the phone will restart, and you will see a warning that the system is unlocked.

Finding and Verifying TWRP Compatibility

There are no universal versions of the recovery. Every smartphone model, and sometimes different revisions of the same model (e.g., Global and China versions), require a unique image file. Using an inappropriate file can cause the touchscreen to fail in the recovery menu or the device to fail completely.

Search files should be on proven resources, such as the official forum XDA Developers or specialized sites like 4PDA. In the description of the file, always specify the codename of the device (codename), for example, guacamole or cepheus. This name can be found in the characteristics of the phone or in the application “About the phone” (click on the version of MIUI several times).

Note the file type. For Fastboot, we need a file with the.img extension..zip files are designed to be installed inside the recovery menu and won't work at this stage. It's also worth checking the date of publication of the file: too old versions may not work properly with new versions of Android due to changes in partition structure.

Firmware process through Fastboot

When the twrp.img image file is downloaded and renamed for convenience (e.g. just twrp.img), you can go to the direct firmware. Place this file in the same folder where the ADB and Fastboot executables are located. This will make it easier to type commands, since you don't have to prescribe long paths.

Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode. You should see a bunny fixing an android on the screen, or you should say Fastboot. Connect the device to your computer. Open the command line (CMD) or PowerShell in the tool folder. To do this, type cmd in the address bar of the conductor and press Enter.

Enter a command to check the connection:

fastboot devices

If you see the serial number of the device, it means that the connection is established. If the list is empty, check the drivers or the cable.

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

Once the command is successfully executed (OKAY will appear), you can’t just reboot the phone in the usual way. Xiaomi’s standard boot process automatically replaces the modified recovery with the original one at every regular start, so the next step is critical.

First Launch and Overwrite Protection

Immediately after the firmware, you need to boot directly to the new recovery menu so that it can make changes to the system and prevent its replacement.

Press the volume button and the power button at the same time. Hold them until the MI logo appears, then release the power button, but continue to keep the volume until the TWRP menu appears. If you release the buttons too early, the phone will go into normal boot, and the standard Recovery will be restored automatically.

• 📀 On the menu. TWRP Select the language (Swipe to select language).
• 🔒 Unlock the sections by swiping your finger on the screen (Swipe to Allow Modifications).
• 🚫 Click the “Cancel” button on the Root installation request if you don’t plan to do so yet.
• 🔄 Select "Reboot» → «System for exit.

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If you downloaded standard MIUI Recovery again after the reboot, you missed the moment of entering TWRP immediately after the firmware. Repeat the flash procedure and immediately press Vol+ and Power.

Diagnostics and table of error codes Fastboot

When you work with Fastboot, you may encounter various error messages, and understanding the meaning of these errors helps to quickly resolve the problem, most often due to access rights, file integrity or uploader status.

If the command is executed, but the process hangs, try it. USB-port, preferably USB 2.0, or replace the cable. Low-quality long cables often cause data packet loss when running the firmware.

⚠️ Warning: Never interrupt the process of writing (flash) by pulling the cable.This can damage the partition table, and the phone will no longer be identified in Fastboot mode, which will require complex recovery through the Fastboot. EDL (Emergency Download Mode with an authorized account.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even with strict follow-up, there may be nuances that depend on the specific version of Android or regional firmware, such as some devices with Android 11 and above have a problem with data encryption, which makes TWRP unable to mount the Data partition and displays its size as 0 MB.

To solve this problem, newer versions of TWRP often require you to format the Data partition by entering the word yes. This action will permanently delete all data, but allow the Recovery to work correctly. After that, you need to restart to the system and then again to the recovery for the changes to take effect.

Another common problem is a broken touchscreen in the TWRP menu. This almost always means that the image of the Recovery is not designed for your model or screen revision, in which case you should look for an alternative build marked as "fix touch" or designed for your specific code name.

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The main reason for failure is the rush and the failure to check the code name of the device. Always check the codename before downloading the file.