Installing custom Recovery on Xiaomi smartphones is the first step to full control of the device, which allows you to install unofficial firmware, backup the system (nandroid backup), delete preinstalled applications and even restore bricks after unsuccessful experiments.
In this article, we will take a look at the whole way from unlocking the bootloader to installing TWRP (the most popular custom recavator for Xiaomi), focusing on the nuances for different models (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO F3), as well as common mistakes that beginners make. If you have never worked with fastboot or ADB, do not worry: the instruction is adapted for users without a technical background.
1.Preparation: What to Know Before Recovery Firmware
Before you start, make sure you understand the risks.Should you install custom Recovery on Xiaomi automatically:
- 🔓 Resets the device to factory settings (all data will be deleted).
- 📱 Cancellation of the guarantee (if it is still valid).
- 🔄 Can block it. OTA-updates from Xiaomi.
- 🚨 This will trigger the Anti-Rollback on some models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) if you flash the old version.
Also check if your model supports TWRP installation. The current list of devices can be found on the official TWRP website for Xiaomi. For example, Xiaomi 12T or POCO X5 Pro may require special versions of the recovery.
⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M4 Pro) unlocking the bootloader can take up to 360 hours of waiting time due to Xiaomi's policy!
Gather the necessary tools:
- 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 Linux (MacOS may require additional drivers).
- 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with a battery charge of at least 60%.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
- 🛠️ Utilities: ADB Fastboot (you can download it as part of Android) SDK Platform-Tools).
2 Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi
Without an unlocked bootloader, it is impossible to install custom Recovery. Xiaomi officially allows you to unlock the bootloader, but the process requires binding a Mi Account account and waiting (from a few days to a week).
Steps to unlock:
- Link your Mi Account to your device: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account. Sign in (if not, sign up). Activate Settings → Additional → Developers → Mi Unlock Status and Link the device.
Mi Unlock Tool
:
- The official utility is available on the Xiaomi website (authentication required).
- Choose a version for your OS (for example, miflash_unlock.exe Windows).
- Launch unlock: 1. Turn off the phone. 2. Press Volume Down + Power to log in to Fastboot. 3. Connect the device to your PC. 4. Launch Mi Unlock Tool and log in to Mi. 5. Press Unlock and confirm the action.
⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi 12 or POCO F4) post-fix TWRP firmware MIUI It can overwrite the recavers at the first load, so to avoid that, right after you enter the Recovery. TWRP Go to Advanced. → Flash Current TWRP.
If you see the TeamWin logo and touch-controlled menu on the screen, congratulations, TWRP has been installed successfully!
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After the first TWRP installation, make sure to back up the persist partition (in the Backup menu) to help restore IMEI and communication module data when crashes.
5. Solving common firmware errors
Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
Error 1: "Fastboot Not Recognized"
- 🔹 Make sure that the Platform-Tools folder is added to the environment variable PATH.
- 🔹 Or run the command line directly from this folder (click Shift). + PCM → Open the PowerShell window here).
Error 2: Device not detected in fastboot devices
- 🔹 Check the cable and port USB (Try another port, preferably. USB 2.0).
- 🔹 Install drivers for Fastboot (you can download through Android Studio).
- 🔹 Disable driver signatures in Windows (if an unofficial driver is used).
Error 3: "Invalid sparse file format at header magic"
- 🔹 Download another file. TWRP (It's possible the current one's damaged).
- 🔹 Try flashing through fastboot flash. recovery_ramdisk twrp.img (for dynamic partition devices).
Error 4: After the firmware, the phone does not boot (bootloop)
- 🔹 Try to boot up in. TWRP manually (Loudness upwards) + Nutrition).
- 🔹 If it doesn’t work, run the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (instruction below).
- Unpack the firmware: The file will be in.zip format. Extract it and find the recovery.img file (usually it is in the image folder).
- Recovery: fastboot flash recovery.img fastboot reboot
7. Additional features after installation of TWRP
Now that you have TWRP installed, you can:
- 📦 Install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
- 🔄 Make complete backup copies (including /boot, /system, /data).
- 🧹 Uninstall system applications (e.g. Mi Browser or GetApps).
- 🔓 Get root rights through Magisk.
- 🛠️ Restore the bricks after a failed firmware.