The firmware of the Xiaomi smartphone through TWRP Recovery is one of the most popular ways to install custom software, gain root rights, or restore the device to work after a failure, but it requires care: a mistake at any stage can turn the phone into a brick. In this article, we will analyze current firmware methods for 2020-2026 models, taking into account changes in Xiaomi’s policy to unlock the bootloader.
Unlike the standard updates through MIUI Updater, firmware through TWRP It gives you full control of the system, and you can install LineageOS, Pixel Experience, or a modified version. MIUI But first you have to unlock the bootloader, without that. TWRP It just won't start. Are you ready for the experiments?
What is it? TWRP Recovery and why you need it
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is an alternative recovery menu with touch control that replaces the standard Mi Recovery:
- 📥 Install unofficial firmware (custom ROMs)
- 🔓 Get root rights through Magisk
- 🔄 Create complete backups of the system (including: /data and /boot)
- 🛠️ Restore the phone after a "soft" breech
- 🗑️ Clear partitions (Dalvik Cache, System) without losing data
Xiaomi’s official recovery is severely limited: it doesn’t support installation ZIP-files and does not allow access to key sections. TWRP It works like a Swiss knife for enthusiasts, but only if the bootloader is unlocked.
⚠️ Attention: Installation TWRP on Xiaomi models with a locked bootloader (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 2023) will lead to hard brick.Be sure to check the lock status before firmware via the fastboot oem device-info command.
Another nuance: starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi tightened protection against unofficial firmware. on some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) fitting TWRP Reverse to an older version is required MIUI via Fastboot.
Preparation for firmware: unlocking the loader
Unlocking the bootloader (bootloader unlock) TWRP Xiaomi officially allows unlocking, but the process has become more complicated:
- Linking your Mi Account to your device (required via the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool).
- Wait 168 hours (7 days) for new accounts. Old accounts (created before 2022) can unlock the bootloader immediately.
- Use the official Mi Unlock Tool in Fastboot mode.
Important: unlocking erases all data from the device, including photos and apps. Xiaomi can also block an account if it suspects suspicious activity (for example, too frequent attempts to unlock).
| Xiaomi model | Does it take 168 hours to wait? | Supports TWRP? | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | Yes (for new accounts) | Yes (unofficial builds) | Recoil on the back. MIUI 12.5. for installation TWRP |
| Poco X3 Pro | No (for old accounts) | Yes (official support) | Possible problems with encryption /data |
| Xiaomi 12 | Yes. | Partially (only) A/B-version) | A patch is required for vendor_boot |
| Redmi 9A | No. | Yes. | Simple process, but limited custom support ROM |
⚠️ Attention: Starting with MIUI 13, Xiaomi has implemented the mechanism of Anti-Rollback Protection (ARB). Trying to flash the old version MIUI device-wise ARB 4+ It'll lead to an irreparable brik. ARB Getvar Anti via fastboot.
Installation of TWRP Recovery on Xiaomi
After unlocking the loader, you can start the installation TWRP. You'll need it:
- 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 Linux
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged)
- 📁 File. twrp-3.7.x-x-xiaomi-codename.img (Download only from official website or trusted sources)
- 🛠️ Quickboot and Adb (included in Google’s Platform Tools)
Step-by-step:
- Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume Down to log into Fastboot.
- Connect the device to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices If the device is not identified, install Mi drivers USB Driver.
- Please. TWRP Temporary (no entry in recovery): fastboot boot twrp-3.7.x-x-xiaomi-codename.img
- V TWRP Go to Advanced. → Flash Current TWRP (If you have an option available, manually run the file through Install. → Install Image → Recovery.
- Reboot to TWRP (Not in the system!) and create a backup of Boot, Data and EFS.
The device is charged at 80%+
Data backup done (photos, contacts, SMS)
Firmware file downloaded and checked for integrity (MD5)
Antiviruses and firewalls on PCs are disabled
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On devices with dynamic partitions (for example, Xiaomi) 11T) Before the firmware, you need to disable dm-verity and forceencrypt:
- Download. Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt_Treble.zip.
- Install. ZIP through TWRP post-stitch ROM.
What if TWRP doesn’t see internal memory?
Custom-based firmware ROM through TWRP
When TWRP It's set, you can start with firmware. ROM:
1. Modified firmware MIUI
Modified versions MIUI (for example, MIUI EU or MIUI Pros are installed on top of the standard firmware and retain basic functions, but remove Chinese services and advertising!
Instructions:
- Download. ZIP-firmware file (e.g, miui_HMNote10ProEU_23.1.1_v14-13.zip).
- Transfer the file to your phone or flash drive (FAT32!).
- V TWRP Choose Install, indicate the path to ZIP Swipe to Confirm Flash.
- After installation, run Magisk (if you need root) and Disable_Dm-Verity.
- Clean Dalvik/ART Cache and reboot.
Installation AOSP-Firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)
AOSP-Firmware (e.g. LineageOS 20 or Pixel Experience 13) is completely replaced MIUI They are stripped of Xiaomi’s signature chips (like Game Turbo or Second Space), but offer smoother work and timely updates.
Features of firmware AOSP:
- 🔄 Complete cleaning is required (Wipe) System/Data/Cache).
- 📡 Possible problems with the module Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (We need separate patches).
- 🔋 Autonomy may deteriorate (due to lack of optimizations Xiaomi).
- 🎵 The sound effects are not working (Dirac, Dolby Atmos).
Before installing, check the list of supported devices on the forum. XDA Developers.com Pixel Experience for Redmi Note 11 Pro+ It requires an additional patch for the camera.
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If after the firmware AOSP The mobile network is not working, install it. ZIP modem MIUI through TWRP. Modem files can be found in the themes of support for a particular model on the 4PDA or XDA.
Addressing common mistakes
Firmware through TWRP It rarely goes away without problems. Here are the most common mistakes and their solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Error 7 (when installed) ZIP) | Incompatibility of the firmware with the device | Check the model name in fastboot getvar product and download the correct version. ROM |
| Failed to mount /data | Partition encrypting or file system damage | Run Format Data in TWRP (all data will be deleted!) |
| Hanging on the MI logo | Incompatible boot.img or missing Magisk | Sweep the original boot.img through fastboot flash boot.img |
| E: Unknown command [log] | Damaged. TWRP orthodox | Re-flash the current version TWRP for your model |
If the phone doesn’t turn on after firmware (black screen, vibration without image), try:
- Log in Fastboot (Power) + Volume Down and re-sweeten TWRP.
- Set up stock ROM Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official website of Xiaomi).
- Check the integrity of the firmware file (compare hash) MD5 original).
⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10C) Fastboot firmware can lead to loss IMEI. Before experiments, save a backup copy of the section NVRAM through MTK Client.
Recovery after a failed firmware
If something goes wrong and the phone turns into a brick, don't panic. In 90% of cases, the device can be restored. The key is not to try to flash random files and act on an algorithm:
1. Soft brik (phone is turned on but not loaded)
Symptoms: Logo getting stuck, cyclic reboot, errors in TWRP.
Decision:
- 🔄 Come in. TWRP and swipe OrangeFox Recovery (it better copes with mounting errors).
- 📁 Set up stock. ROM via Install → Select ZIP (if TWRP work).
- 🔧 If TWRP It does not start, run it again through fastboot.
2. Hard breeze (the phone does not respond to buttons)
Symptoms: black screen, no response to charging, PC does not detect the device.
Decision:
- 🔌 Try to clamp down the Power + Volume Up + Volume Down for 30 seconds (emergency reboot).
- 🖥️ Connect your phone to your PC and check if it is identified in Device Manager as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- 🛠️ If the device is determined in mode EDL, Use the Mi Flash Tool to Firmware Stock ROM (You need an authorized Xiaomi account).
For Qualcomm devices (e.g. Poco) X3 NFC) You can try to recover via QFil or QPST. MediaTek will help. SP Flash Tool, but you will need a scatter file and firmware dump.
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If the phone is not detected in Fastboot or in EDL, It's just a service center, and trying to stitch through Test Point alone can kill the device.
Safety and Risks in Firmware
Firmware through TWRP — It's always a risk. Even if you follow the instructions, it's possible:
- 🔐 Loss of warranty: Xiaomi cancels warranty when unlocking bootloader.
- 🛡️ Security issues: Unofficial firmware may contain backdoors (especially if downloaded from questionable sources).
- 📵 Unstable work: Castomy ROM They often have camera bugs, GPS mobile.
- 🔋 Deterioration of autonomy: Optimizations MIUI battery-in AOSP-no firmware.
To minimize the risks:
- 🔍 Download the firmware only from XDA Developers or 4PDA (check the reviews!).
- 🔒 Use Magisk instead of SuperSU to obtain root rights (better compatibility with SafetyNet).
- 📡 Before firmware check support for VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling in the selected ROM.
- 🔄 Update regularly TWRP Firmware and firmware (especially if you use beta versions).
If you are flashing a phone for sale, consider: customers can check the status of the bootloader through fastboot oem device-info. Unlocked bootloader reduces the cost of the device by 15-30%.