How to install TWRP Xiaomi Redmi 8: a full guide with unlocking the bootloader

Xiaomi Redmi 8 (codenamed olive and olivelite) remains a popular budget smartphone even years after its release. TWRP, which gives access to customized firmware ROM, Nandroid backups, root rights and other advanced features, but the installation process is TWRP This model has nuances related to Xiaomi’s policy of blocking the bootloader and features of the hardware platform.

In this guide, we will analyze the entire process from unlocking the bootloader to the final installation. TWRP, It is important to note that the procedure requires care: errors in the unlock or firmware phase can lead to a device blink (complete failure). We will focus on typical problems such as anti-rollback error, boot loop after installation, or conflicts with the system. MIUI-firmware.

If you are new to the world of custom firmware, we recommend first familiarize yourself with the basic concepts: what is fastboot, ADB, And why Xiaomi is blocking the bootloader. For power users, go straight to the section about unlocking or direct installation. TWRP.

Preparation: What you will need before installation TWRP

Before you start manipulating the bootloader and firmware, make sure you have everything you need, and the absence of at least one of the components can interrupt the process at a critical stage.

• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 8 (Olive or Olivelite) with at least 70% battery charge, and the drop in charge during firmware is one of the main reasons for the "brick".
• 💻 Computer running Windows 10/11, Linux or macOS with administrator rights. Windows will require you to disable driver signature verification.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C original or high-quality (cheap cables can cause data transmission errors).
• 🛠 Tools: Mi Unlock Tool (official utility from Xiaomi for unlocking the bootloader). Platform Tools (package) ADB and Google's Fastboot). TWRP Redmi 8 (current version with dynamic partition support) OrangeFox (alternative Recovery if TWRP wrong).

Pay special attention to the version TWRP. For Redmi 8, only assemblies that support dynamic partitions are suitable (introduced in the form of a new model). MIUI Installing the old version of the recovery on the new firmware will result in an invalid sparse file or download loop error:

• 🔗 Official website TWRP (Xiaomi Redmi 8 section).
• 🔗 Forum XDA Developers (themes from verified developers).
• 🔗 Telegram channels dedicated to Xiaomi (e.g, @xiaomifirmware).

⚠️ Note: Do not use files TWRP, Other Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 8A Even if they look similar, hardware differences will cause the device to fail.

Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Redmi 8

The bootloader on all Xiaomi smartphones is locked by default.This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized changes to system partitions. TWRP, First you need to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock procedure.

The process consists of several stages:

1. Linking your Mi Account to your device. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Sync and make sure your account is linked to your phone.Without this, Mi Unlock Tool won't allow unlocking.
2. Enable the developer mode. Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI, Notice: “You have become a developer".
3. Activation of unlocking OEM. Settings menu → Additionally. → For developers, enable options: Unblock OEM (It could be called Factory Unlocking. USB.

Connect to the Mi Unlock Tool.

Install Mi Unlock Tool on your PC, log in to the same Mi Account as you do on your phone, and follow the program instructions.

An important nuance: Xiaomi has introduced a restriction on unlocking — after linking the account to the device, you need to wait 7 days (168 hours), this rule has been in effect since 2022 and has no workarounds.

Couldn't unlock. Wait for 167 hours and 59 minutes

If you bought a used phone, make sure the previous owner untie their Mi Account. Otherwise, unlocking will not be possible without their participation. Also check if the bootloader has already been unlocked before - this can be done by restarting the phone to fastboot mode. + Volume down) and checking status:

fastboot oem device-info

If the answer is Device unlocked: true, the bootloader is already unlocked.

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. Backup important data (photos, contacts, messages) via Mi Cloud or manually on PC.

Linked to the Mi Account to the device|Developer mode is on|Activated unlocking OEM|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot|Data backup made.-->

Installation TWRP Redmi 8: Step-by-step instructions

After successful unlocking of the loader, you can start the installation TWRP. For Redmi 8, it is recommended to use the fastboot firmware method, as alternative methods (for example, through an application) are used. TWRP Managers often lead to errors.

Download the current version TWRP for your model:

• For olive (global version) — twrp-3.7.0_9-0-olive.img.
• For olivelite (Indian version) — twrp-3.7.0_9-0-olivelite.img.

Please note: versions TWRP For olive and olivelite, you can't use it interchangeably.

Follow the instructions:

1. Put your phone in fastboot mode. Turn the device off, then press the power. + Loudness down before the Fastboot logo appears.
2. Connect your phone to your PC. Open the command line in the Platform Tools folder and check the connection: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
3. Please. TWRP. Follow the command (replace). twrp.img The name of your file: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img Then reboot to Recavator: fastboot boot twrp.img
4. Lock it down. TWRP. After the first loading in TWRP You need to prevent it from being replaced by stock recavers. → Flash Current TWRP. Or manually run the file. twrp.img via Install menu → Install Image.

If after rebooting the phone is loaded into stock recavator, then, TWRP Repeat step 4 or install OrangeFox, which has built-in overwriting protection.

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If TWRP Does not see internal memory, try to connect the phone to the PC through MTP on the Recavére menu (Mount) → Enable MTP). This will help you copy the necessary files (such as firmware or Magisk) directly from your computer.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the right instructions, users often face problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1. "anti-rollback" error

This error occurs when you are trying to TWRP ornamental MIUI, Xiaomi has implemented an anti-rollback mechanism that blocks the downgrade of the firmware.

Decisions:

• 🔄 Find a newer version TWRP, supportive.
• 📉 Reverse to an older version MIUI via Mi Flash Tool (risky, can lead to a brick).
• 🛡 Use OrangeFox – this recavator is often better compatible with newer versions MIUI.

2. TWRP It does not persist after rebooting

Stock firmware MIUI Every time you reboot, you try to restore the original Recovery:

• 🔧 After the first loading in TWRP I want you to run the file. disable_dm-verity_forceencrypt.zip (Disables Integrity Check and Forced Encryption).
• 🔄 Check it out. TWRP via the Recovery: Install → Install Image → choose twrp.img → Recovery.
• 📦 Install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that doesn’t overwrite the Recovery.

3. the phone does not turn on after installation TWRP

If the device does not respond to the power button or loads into the loop, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔋 Full battery discharge during firmware (plug in to charge for 30 minutes, then try to boot into fastboot by clamping Power + Loudness down).
• 🗑 Boot or recovery damage (swipe the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool).
• 🔧 Version incompatibility TWRP Firmware (use OrangeFox or find another build).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't respond to any combination of buttons, doesn't connect to the PC, and doesn't charge, these are signs of hard brick. EDL-mode (emergency download mode) using the box Xiaomi Authorized Account or contacting the service center.

Additional settings after installing TWRP

Successful installation TWRP — To fully unlock the potential of the custom recaveri, we recommend that you do a few extra tweaks.

1. Disabling forced encryption

Stock-stock MIUI partition /data, What's stopping many custom firmware and Magisk modules from working:

1. Download the file. disable_dm-verity_forceencrypt.zip.
2. V TWRP Select Install and swipe the downloaded file.
3. Reboot to Recavator and run the Wipe → Format Data → Yes.

After that, the section /data will be formatted as F2FS or ext4 codeless.

2. Magisk installation for root rights

TWRP It allows you to easily access root through Magisk:

1. Download the latest version Magisk.zip.
2. V TWRP Choose Install and click through. Magisk.zip.
3. Reboot to the system and install the Magisk Manager application to manage root rights.

3.Creating a Nandroid backup

One of the main advantages TWRP — It's a full backup, a Nandroid backup, which allows you to restore the phone in case of a crash, to make a backup:

1. In the main TWRP menu, select Backup.
2. Mark the redundancy sections: Boot, System, Data, Vendor.
3. Select a storage location (internal memory or storage). SD-map).
4. Start the process and wait until it is completed.

Store the backup on an external storage medium (for example, on a PC or in the cloud), as when you reset your phone, files on internal memory will be deleted.

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Creating a Nandroid backup before installing custom firmware is a must, and it's the only way to get your phone back on track if something goes wrong.

Installation of custom firmware through TWRP

With the set TWRP You can flash an alternative firmware, like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or HavocOS, which will allow you to get a more recent version of Android, get rid of advertising in the Internet. MIUI and improve productivity.

Custom installation process ROM:

1. Firmware picking. 8 Appropriate firmware based on Android 10/11/12. Only download the assemblies intended for olive/olivelite.
2. Preparation: Transfer the firmware file (.zip) and GApps (if you need Google services) to internal memory or SD-map.
3. Clearing the sections. TWRP Do it with Wipe. → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik, Cache, System, Data, Vendor
4. Install the firmware. Select Install, specify the firmware file, and confirm the installation. Then swipe through GApps (if required).
5. First boot. Reboot to system. First power may take 10-15 minutes - do not interrupt the process!

The following are the Redmi 8 Firmware:

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications.
• 📱 Pixel Experience – firmware with the corporate interface Google Pixel.
• 📱 HavocOS – customizable firmware with many settings.

⚠️ Note: Some custom firmware does not support VoLTE (voice calls via voice) 4G) If this feature is critical, check user reviews before installing.

How to return stock firmware MIUI

If, after experimentation, TWRP Or with custom firmware, you want to return the original MIUI, This can be done in two ways: through fastboot or through the Recovery itself.

Method 1: Firmware via Mi Flash Tool (recommended)

This method restores the phone to factory status, including the bootloader (if it has been unlocked).

1. Download stock firmware for your model from the site MIUI Downloads (select the version of Fastboot).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic symbols on the way.
3. Install the Mi Flash Tool.
4. Transfer the phone to fastboot mode and connect to the PC.
5. In the Mi Flash Tool, specify the path to the firmware folder and press Refresh, then Flash.
6. Choose the option of clean all (complete cleaning) or clean all and lock (with bootloader lock).

Method 2: Firmware through TWRP

If the loader is unlocked and TWRP works stably, you can sew stock firmware directly from the Recovery:

1. Download the firmware in.zip format (not Fastboot!).
2. Transfer the file to the phone.
3. V TWRP run the Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
4. Select Install and swipe the firmware file.
5. Reboot to the system.

This method is less reliable, as it does not always correctly flash the vendor and modem sections.

After returning to MIUI You may need to re-assign your Mi Account and set up your phone after you purchase it.

Frequently asked questions