How to install TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi: a complete guide with unlocking the bootloader and firmware

Installing custom TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones opens up access to advanced features from creating full system backups to firmware for unofficial ROMs and cores. However, the process requires care – an error at any stage can lead to a “brick” of the device or loss of warranty. In this article, we will discuss current methods of installing TWRP on the Redmi model 2019-2026, taking into account changes in Xiaomi’s policy to unlock the bootloader.

The procedure is different for different Redmi series (e.g. Redmi Note 12 vs Redmi 10C), so it’s important to pinpoint your device model. We’ll look at the universal steps as well as the nuances for popular lines. If you’re a beginner, don’t skip sections on data preparation and backup.

⚠️ Attention: Installation TWRP It cancels the official warranty of Xiaomi. on some models (e.g. Redmi). K50) The process of unlocking the bootloader can take up to 720 hours of waiting due to manufacturer policy.

1. Device Preparation: What to Do Before Installing TWRP

Before unlocking the bootloader and running the TWRP firmware, several critical steps must be taken, and skipping any of them can cause crashes or data loss.

First, make sure your Redmi is enabled by debugging. USB and unlocked OEM-- Unlocking:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version to activate the Developer Mode.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Activate the USB Debugging and OEM Unlock switches.

Second, create a full backup. On Redmi models with MIUI 14+, standard backups through Mi Cloud don’t save data from some system applications (e.g., SMS in Google Messages), use third-party utilities like Swift Backup (requires root) or manually copy important files to your PC.

• 📱 Check the device model: Make sure you download TWRP It is designed for your own modification (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro). 5G Redmi Note 11 Pro and different devices!).
• 🔋 Battery charge: At least 70% Unlocking and firmware process can take up to 1 hour.
• 🖥️ PC Windows/Linux: You will need to work with fastboot and adb. MacOS may have problems with drivers.
• 🔗 Cables: Use the original USB-Xiaomi cable – cheap analogues can cause data transmission errors.

Also download in advance:

• 📌 Mi Unlock Tool (official utility for unlocking the bootloader).
• 📌 Official image TWRP For your model (check the hash sums of files!).
• 📌 Platform Tools (contains adb and fastboot).

2 Unlocking the bootloader: the longest stage

Xiaomi has made unlocking the bootloader more difficult since 2022, and now requires a device-based Mi Account and a wait of 7 to 720 hours (depending on the model) for most models, for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a latency of 168 hours (7 days), while the Redmi 10A only has 72 hours.

Algorithm of action:

1. Sign in to Mi Account on your phone (be sure to use the same account as in Mi Unlock Tool).
2. Connect your phone to your PC in fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power).
3. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to the same account and follow the instructions.

If the utility gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, check:

• 🔹 Does the Mi Account match on the phone and in the program.
• 🔹 Is the phone connected to the Internet (required via mobile data or Wi-Fi).
• 🔹 Are you using it? VPN Proxies (they block access to Xiaomi servers).

Once you successfully link your account, you start counting down, you can check the status in the Mi Unlock Tool, you'll see a timer. Don't reset your phone to factory settings while you're waiting, it'll reset the timer!

3. Installation of TWRP: step-by-step instructions

After unlocking the bootloader, you can start the firmware TWRP. We will consider two methods: through fastboot and using the official TWRP App (available not for all models).

Method 1: Firmware through fastboot (universal method)

This method works for 90% of Redmi models, and you need a downloaded TWRP image in.img format.

Open the command line in the folder with Platform Tools and execute commands in order:

fastboot devices

(Checks if the list is empty, there is a driver or cable problem.)

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

(Replace. twrp-3.7.0_12-0-vili.img in the name of your file.)

fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-0-vili.img

(This command temporarily loads TWRP without constant firmware—helpful for testing.)

If it went well, you'll see the TWRP logo on the screen, and to fix the Recovery (otherwise it'll be erased when you first reboot them), do it in TWRP:

1. Go to Advanced → Flash Current TWRP.
2. Confirm the swipe.

Method 2: Installation via TWRP App (for supported models)

Some devices (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro) support TWRP installation via the official app, download it from the TWRP site and follow the instructions inside. This method is simpler, but it doesn't work on all models.

⚠️ Note: Dynamic partitions (e.g. Redmi Note) 11S) standard TWRP It might not work. It would require a patched image with support. super.img. Look for him on the forums. XDA Developers or 4PDA.

4 Problems and Errors in Installation of TWRP

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.

If the phone does not boot into the system after installing TWRP, try:

• 🔄 Ask me again. TWRP Re-installation sometimes helps).
• 📥 Install patched boot.img (loader-bypass).
• 🔧 Reset the settings in TWRP: Wipe → Format Data (delete all data!).

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If TWRP Cannot see internal memory due to encryption (FBE), Try entering the screen lock password in the "Mount" menu or disable_forceencrypt through ADB Sideload.

5 What to do after installing TWRP

Successful TWRP installation is only half the battle, so you need to set the receptacles right and prepare the device for further manipulation.

The first thing that is recommended to do:

1. Create a full backup in TWRP: Select Backup and select Boot, System, Data, Vendor. Save backup to SD-map OTG-flash-drive.
2. Disable forced encryption (if you plan to use custom firmware): disable_forceencrypt.zip via Install.
3. Install Magisk to get root rights (optional). Download the latest Magisk.zip and run it in TWRP.

If you plan to flash custom ROMs (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), consider:

• 🔹 On models with dynamic partitions (for example, Redmi Note) 11) Special version is required TWRP supportive super.img.
• 🔹 Some firmware (e.g, MIUI EU) can re-write TWRP To avoid this, after the firmware is updated. ROM re-set TWRP.
• 🔹 For the correct operation of Google Services on unofficial firmware, use NikGapps or OpenGapps (select the option). arm64 modern Redmi).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ Android 13+ This can trigger anti-rollback protection, which means that after the firmware is customized. ROM You can't go back to the official firmware older than a certain version. XDA Developers.

6 How to Upgrade TWRP to Xiaomi Redmi

Regular TWRP updates are important for compatibility with new versions of Android and bug fixes.

Method 1: Through TWRP itself

If you already have TWRP installed:

1. Download the new.img image to your phone.
2. Download to TWRP, select Install → Install Image.
3. Specify the path to the downloaded file and select the Recovery section.
4. Sweep and reboot to the Recovery.

Method 2: Through fastboot

Similar to the original installation:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-new.img


fastboot boot twrp-new.img

After the update, check the version in TWRP: About. If you have problems (for example, the recovery does not load), go back to the previous version.

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On Redmi models with Android 12+ post-refresh TWRP You may need to re-examine Magisk or disable_forceencrypt, As these modifications are removed.

7.Alternative Recavers: OrangeFox and PitchBlack

If TWRP is not suitable for your Redmi model (for example, due to encryption or dynamic partition issues), consider alternatives:

• 🦊 OrangeFox Recovery is based on TWRP, but with improved support FBE (Encryption and design. Popular for Redmi Note 10/11.
• 🖤 PitchBlack Recovery is a lightweight recovery with a minimalist interface, and works well on weak devices like Redmi. 9A).
• 🔄 SHRP (Shrimp Recovery – New Recovery with Android 12 Support+ It's also dynamic partitions. K50 and the latest models.

Installing alternative recavers is similar to TWRP, through fastboot or special utilities, the main thing is to download images only from official sources:

• 🔹 OrangeFox
• 🔹 PitchBlack
• 🔹 SHRP

Before you upgrade to an alternative recovery, check your model's user reviews for 4PDA or XDA. Some versions may have bugs with touch control or OTG support.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi