How to install TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: a detailed guide to unlock the bootloader

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro (codenamed begonia) remains a popular device among custom firmware enthusiasts thanks to the powerful Mediatek Helio G90T processor and open community of developers. Installing the TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is the first step to advanced capabilities from NAND backups to unofficial ROM firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. However, the process for this device is nuanced due to the protected bootloader Mi Bootloader and the features of the Mediatek chipset.

Unlike Qualcomm Snapdragon devices, where TWRP is installed via fastboot, the Redmi Note 8 Pro requires a combination of official tools (Mi Unlock Tool), unofficial utilities (SP Flash Tool) and manipulations with VBMeta. In this article, the current 2026 instruction with the latest versions of the software and bypassing typical errors like Invalid VBMeta Image or BROM Error: SLA Auth Fail.

Preparation of the device: unlocking the loader

Without unlocking the Mi Bootloader, TWRP installation is impossible. Xiaomi officially allows unlocking, but the process requires linking the Mi Account to the device and waiting (usually 7-14 days).

Algorithm of action:

• 📱 Activate Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone → Version MIUI and tap 7 times on the build number.
• 🔓 Enable Unlock OEM and Debug USB in the Developer Menu.
• 🌐 Link your device to your Mi Account in Settings → Xiaomi → Mi Cloud account (require to confirm email and phone!).
• 🖥️ Download the Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30).

⚠️ Warning: If you previously blocked the bootloader via fastboot oem lock, it can take up to 30 days to re-unblock. Check the lock status with fastboot oem device-info command - the Device unlocked field must be true.

After the account is linked:

1. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator.
2. Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
3. Turn the phone into Fastboot mode (turn off, then pinch Power + Volume down).
4. Connect the device to your PC and wait for a message about successful unlocking (usually requires 2-3 attempts).

Selecting the TWRP version for the Redmi Note 8 Pro

For the Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia), there are two main branches of TWRP:

• 🔄 Official (from TeamWin) - stable, but without support for encryption FBE (File-Based Encryption).
• 🛠️ Unofficial (from wrzd or OrangeFox) - with patches for FBE, but sensor bugs are possible.

Critical: for devices with MIUI 13+, be sure to use TWRP with support for dynamic partitions (for example, OrangeFox R11.1 or later).

Before downloading, check:

• 🔍 Compatible with your version MIUI (you can find out in Settings → About Phone → Version MIUI).
• 📥 Hash file amount (usually listed on the download page).
• 📄 Availability of firmware instructions (some versions require VBMeta patching).

Installation of TWRP: step-by-step instructions

For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the classic method through fastboot flash recovery doesn't work due to Mediatek's protection.Using the SP Flash Tool bypassing SLA verification.

Files required:

• 📁 SP Flash Tool (version 5.2026 or later)
• 🔧 MTK Bypass Tool (for bypassing BROM Error).
• 💾 File recovery.img of the selected version TWRP.
• 🔑 Auth Bypass File for Helio G90T.

Installation process:

1. Turn off driver signature verification in Windows (use bcdedit/set testsigning on in a CMD from the administrator).
2. Unpack the SP Flash Tool and download the MT6785_Android_scatter.txt configuration file (usually bundled with the TWRP).
3. In the SP Flash Tool, select Download Only, select RECOVERY only, and specify the path to recovery.img.
4. Connect the phone to the PC (without battery if possible).
5. Run the MTK Bypass Tool and select the appropriate Auth File for the Helio G90T.
6. Click Start in SP Flash Tool. If you see a BROM Error: SLA Auth Fail (3012) error, repeat the step from MTK Bypass Tool.

Data backup done (photos, contacts, SMS)|Battery charge > 50%|Mediatek drivers installed (check in Device Manager)|Antivirus is disabled (can be blocked) SP Flash Tool)|There is an original cable at hand. USB (non-wireless charging!)-->

After a successful firmware:

• 🔄 Boot immediately to TWRP: Press Power + Volume up when turned on.
• 🔐 In TWRP go to Wipe → Format Data and type in yes (this will remove encryption and prevent getting stuck).
• 📥 Make a persist partition backup (important for IMEI and the NFC module).

⚠️ Warning: If after installing TWRP the phone loads into a stock receptare, Anti-Rollback Protection is not disabled. Solution: run the patched VBMeta through fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img.

Addressing common mistakes

Even with the correct following of the instructions, failures are possible.

If after installing TWRP, the phone bootloop (cyclic reboot):

1. Download to TWRP (Nutrition + Volume Up).
2. Go to Mount → Enable MTP and connect your phone to your PC.
3. Copy files to your phone:

Install

Wipe → Format Data

Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik/ART Cache, Cache, Data

💡

If the TWRP is not responsive to touch, plug in the OTG-mb. This is a common problem with unofficial builds for Mediatek devices.

Backup and Recovery in TWRP

The main advantage of TWRP is the ability to create full backups (NANDroid), including:

• 📱 Boot (core and ramdisk),
• 🗄️ System (firmware),
• 📱 Data (applications and settings)
• 🔧 EFS (IMEI and modem data).

How to make a backup:

1. In TWRP, select Backup.
2. Mark the sections: Boot, System, Data, EFS.
3. Select a save location (external SD or OTG- flash drive is recommended).
4. Press Swipe to Backup.

Important nuances:

• 🔋 Data backup can take 10 to 30 minutes (depending on the amount of data).
• 🔐 If you use encryption, run Format Data in TWRP before the backup.
• 📡 The EFS partition is critical for communication — back it up separately and store it in the cloud.

For recovery:

1. In TWRP, select Restore.
2. Specify the backup folder.
3. Select the desired partitions (for example, only Boot and System to change firmware).
4. Confirm swipe recovery.

Additional settings after installing TWRP

To avoid problems with MIUI updates or data loss, follow the following steps:

1. disable forced encryption (Force Encrypt):

• Download Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip with XDA-Developers.
• Sweep the file through Install in TWRP.

2. Magisk installation for root rights:

• Download the latest version of Magisk.zip from GitHub.
• Flow through TWRP.
• Reboot and check the root with the su command in the terminal.

3 Anti-Rollback Protection bypass (ARB):

If you are running custom firmware, make sure it is no lower than the current MIUI. For example, if you have MIUI 13, don’t flash the MIUI 12-based firmware. Check the ARB version in Settings → About Phone → All Specifications → ARB version.

4. setup of automatic mounting of the Data partition:

If TWRP does not see internal memory after a reboot:

1. Go to Mount → Enable MTP.
2. Connect your phone to your PC and copy the files you need.
3. Open the section before disconnecting.

💡

Once you have installed TWRP, never receive OTA- updates to MIUI through the standard menu! This will result in the recovery being replaced with stock. Only update via manual firmware in TWRP.

Safety and Risks: What You Need to Know

Installing TWRP and custom firmware deprives you of an official warranty (if it is still valid) and can lead to:

• 🔋 Data loss (including photos, messages and contacts)
• 📡 Communication problems (partition damage EFS leads to loss IMEI).
• 🔐 Blocking your Mi Account (if the terms of use are violated).
• 🔄 Bootloop (cyclic reboot for firmware errors).

How to minimize the risks:

• 📋 Backup IMEI: Use the MTK Engineering Mode (code ##36446337##) to save the modem data.
• 🔧 File Check: Always check MD5 or SHA-256 for downloaded firmware.
• 📡 Communication test: After firmware check IMEI with *#06# command.
• 🔋 Battery charge: Do not stitch at a charge level below 50%.

If something went wrong:

• Soft-brick (phone turns on but doesn’t boot): Sweat stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode.
• Hard-brick (no button response): Requires firmware via EDL Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).
• Loss of IMEI: Restore the EFS backup or use the Maui META Tool (requires boxing).

⚠️ Warning: If you sell the phone after installing TWRP, be sure to return the stock receivers and fastboot oem lock. Otherwise, the new owner may face problems when upgrading.

FAQ: Frequent questions about TWRP on the Redmi Note 8 Pro