Installation of custom recavery on Xiaomi: from unlocking the bootloader to firmware TWRP

Installing custom recavators on Xiaomi smartphones is the first step to full control of the device. With TWRP or OrangeFox, you can flash informal firmware, backup your system, recover data after crashes, and even bypass some of the manufacturer's limitations. But the process requires care: one mistake can turn a phone into a brick. In this article, we will break down the current methods of 2026 that work on most models, from the Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra, taking into account the latest changes in the MIUI security policy.

Before we get started, it's important to understand that custom recovery is not just a tool, it's a complete replacement for the standard recovery menu, and it allows you to perform operations that are not available in normal mode, such as stitching. ZIP-archives with modified cores or remove pre-installed applications, but with the opportunities come risks: loss of warranty, potential problems with updates. MIUI And even locking the device when you're doing something wrong, and if you're a beginner, we recommend that you learn the theory first and then you move on to the practice.

Why you need to install custom recavator on Xiaomi

Xiaomi's standard recovery is extremely limited, allowing you to reset to factory settings, clear your cache, or install official updates via OTA. Custom solutions like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) or OrangeFox offer access to:

• 📦 Install unofficial firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, crDroid, etc.).
• 🔄 Create complete backups of the system (including: /data, /boot, /vendor).
• 🔧 Remove Bloatware (pre-installed Xiaomi applications that cannot be removed by standard means).
• 🛠️ Data recovery after failed firmware or failures.
• 🔐 Bypassing lockdown MIUI (For example, installation restrictions APK source).

Also, custom recavers are often required for rooting, installing Magisk or modified cores, such as if you want to overclock the processor or improve autonomy with a custom kernel, TWRP is essential, and it will also be useful for those who are testing beta versions of firmware and need a quick rollback to a stable version.

⚠️ Note: Installing custom recovery will void the warranty on the device. In some regions (e.g. EU) the warranty can be restored after returning to standard software, but this is not guaranteed. TWRP update MIUI through OTA It may not work properly – you will need a handheld firmware.

Preparation of the device: unlocking the loader

Before installing a custom recavator, you need to unlock the bootloader. Xiaomi blocks it by default, and without unlocking it, you can't flash TWRP. The process takes anywhere from 72 hours to a week, which is how long it takes to approve a request from Xiaomi servers.

Here's a step-by-step algorithm:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account. Sign in (if not, sign up). Activate Settings → Additional → Unlock OEM (may be called Factory Unlock).

Mi Unlock Tool

en.miui.com/unlock

Mi

Fastboot

Loudness down + Nutrition

Unlock

After successfully unlocking the bootloader, you can proceed to install the recaveri. Note that unlocking will reset all data on the device - back up in advance!

Choosing custom Recovery: TWRP vs OrangeFox

There are several popular custom recavers on the market, but for Xiaomi, TWRP and OrangeFox are the most commonly used.

For most users, OrangeFox will be preferred due to better integration with MIUI and additional features. However, if your Xiaomi model is not supported by OrangeFox, you will have to use TWRP. Before choosing, check for the availability of current builds for your device on official sites:

• 🔗 Official website TWRP
• 🔗 Official website of OrangeFox

⚠️ Attention: Some assemblies TWRP Xiaomi may have errors when working with encryption /data. If after installation, the recavery asks for a password but doesn't accept it, that's a known problem. disable_forceencrypt Or use OrangeFox.

Step-by-step installation of custom recavery through Fastboot

The most reliable way to flash a Recovery is through Fastboot mode.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📱 Unlocked bootloader (see previous section).
• 📁 Recovery file in.img format (for example, twrp-3.7.0_12-0-lmi.img).
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB Fastboot (can be downloaded as part of Android) SDK Platform-Tools).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the platform-tools into a separate folder (e.g., C:\adb).
2. Place the recovery file (twrp.img or orangefox.img) in the same folder.
3. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and go to the folder with the platform-tools: cd C:\adb
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power).
5. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is displayed - you can continue.
6. Fastboot flash recovery twrp.img (replace twrp.img with your file name).
7. Reboot to Recovery Not in the System!: fastboot boot twrp.img This will temporarily load the Recovery without writing to the section.

If it's a success, you'll see a TWRP menu or an OrangeFox menu, and you'll need to lock the Recovery so that it doesn't get erased when you first boot it into the system.

1. In the recavery, go to Advanced → Flash Current TWRP (or similar item in OrangeFox).
2. Confirm the action - this will record the recaps in both slots (recovery_a and recovery_b for devices A/B-partition).
3. Reboot to the system.

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If you load your phone into the standard recovery menu after you run the recovery firmware, it means the system has overwritten it. Solution: immediately after you run the firmware, run the fastboot boot command. twrp.img, Then you'll go down the river. ZIP-file disable_dm-verity (You can download it on the forum XDA).

Solving common installation errors

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

1. Failed to process command error in Fastboot

Reasons:

• 🔌 Faulty cable or port USB.
• 🖥️ There are no Fastboot drivers.
• 📱 The device is not in Fastboot mode (check the phone screen).

Solution: Try another cable, install drivers manually (e.g., via Mi Flash Tool), or run the command prompt on behalf of the administrator.

2.Recavery does not start after firmware

If after the command fastboot boot twrp.img the phone is loaded into the system or standard recaveri:

• 🔄 Repeat the firmware, but before restarting, perform in TWRP reboot → Recovery.
• 🔧 Please. disable_dm-verity (see the advice above).
• 📋 Check that the reclaimers are downloaded for your model (for example, twrp-3.7.0_12-0-alioth.img POCO F3).

3. Hanging on the MI logo after installation

This means that the system cannot boot due to a damaged boot partition or conflict with Magisk.

• 🔄 Load into the Recaveri (Loudness up) + Food) and slice the original boot.img stock-stack.
• 🧹 Run the Wipe. → Format Data (delete all data!).
• 📥 Reflash the full stock firmware through Fastboot (you can download on the official website).

⚠️ If after manipulation with the recovery phone stopped turning on (black screen, vibration without image), do not try to sew it through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode - this can irrevocably erase. IMEI. You should visit the XDA-Developers forum or service center.

How to Remove or Remove Custom Recavers

Over time, new versions of the recovery with bug fixes and support for fresh firmware are coming out, to update TWRP or OrangeFox:

1. Download the current version of.img for your model.
2. Load into the current Recovery (Loudness up + Nutrition).
3. Select Advanced → Flash Image from the menu.
4. Specify the path to the new.img file and confirm the firmware.
5. Reboot to the recaveri (not the system!) and record the changes (see step 7 of the previous section).

If you want to go back to the standard recap:

1. Download the stock firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Unpack the archive and find the recovery.img file.
3. Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery recovery.img
4. Reset the device.

Note that after returning to the drain Recovery, some features (such as root access) will stop working, and you may also need to reflash boot.img if you previously modified it for Magisk.

💡

After removing the custom recavator, be sure to flash the original boot.img, otherwise the system may not boot. You can download it from full stock firmware or through the Mi Flash Tool utility.

Safety and recommendations after installation

Castomic Recovery are a huge opportunity, but they also pose safety risks, and here's what you should do after installation:

• 🔒 Create a full backup of all partitions (Boot, System, Data, Vendor) in a recavator. Save a copy to your PC or cloud.
• 🛡️ Install Magisk for root rights management (download on GitHub).
• 🚫 Turn off automatic updates MIUI in settings to avoid conflicts with custom recaveri.
• 🔍 Check the forums regularly XDA or 4PDA Updates to your model.

Also remember:

• Do not install firmware or modules from unreliable sources – this can lead to data loss or locking the device.
• Before you install a new firmware, always make Wipe Dalvik/Cache.
• If you use Magisk, update it through the app, not through the recavers.

If you plan to sell the phone, put it back to a runoff state: remove the Recovery, flash the original firmware, and perform a factory reset, which will save the new owner from problems with updates and warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing custom recavator on Xiaomi