Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often face limitations of the standard MIUI system that prevent full control of the device. Installing a custom TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) recovery allows access to full backups, unofficial firmware installations and deep modification of the system. However, the installation process through the Fastboot requires care, as incorrect actions can lead to locking the device or loss of data.
Unlike installing regular applications, working with the system partition requires strict procedures. You need not only to download the correct image file, but also to properly prepare the computer, drivers and the smartphone itself. It is critical to understand that for devices with MediaTek processors, the procedure may differ from Snapdragon, requiring additional steps to unlock. In this article, we will break down all the nuances so that you can safely modify your gadget.
Before you start, make sure you are aware of the risks.Any interference with smartphone software is always a balance between new features and potential instability.We will look at the proven techniques that experienced enthusiasts use to safely install recovery.img.
Preparation of equipment and software
The success of the operation depends on the quality of the workplace, and you will need a stable connection between the PC and the smartphone, so use the original device. USB-A cable or high-quality analogue with thick wires is a must. Cheap charging cables often fail to provide stable data transmission, which can lead to firmware error.
On the computer you need to install current drivers ADB And Fastboot, without them, the system simply won't see the device in the right mode, and you'll need an archiver to unpack the downloaded files, and preferably, you'll need a file file file file file file file file file, USB-port connected directly to the motherboard, not via hubs or front panel of the case.
- 🔌 Original or certified USB-data-line.
- 💻 Installed drivers ADB and Fastboot (Platform Tools).
- 📱 Battery charge of the smartphone at least 60% to avoid switching off.
- 📂 Downloaded image file TWRP It is for your device model.
⚠️ Attention: Image use TWRP, intended for another smartphone model, even from the same line, is guaranteed to lead to the "bricking" of the device or the inoperability of the touchscreen in the Recovery.
Check if USB debugging is on the developer menu. If you haven't activated this menu before, click seven times on the build number in About Phone. This is the basic requirement for initial communication with the device before you go into bootloader mode.
Unlocking the loader: a mandatory stage
Xiaomi has implemented a tight bootloader protection, so without official unlocking, you can't flash TWRP. The process takes time: after applying in the Mi Unlock Tool application, you often have to wait from 7 to 168 hours, a security measure that can not be circumvented by legal methods instantly.
It is important to understand that unlocking the bootloader results in a complete reset of the device (Wipe Data), which the system does specifically to prevent theft of personal data by attackers, so before starting the procedure, be sure to back up important contacts, photos and documents to the cloud or to your computer.
After the waiting time has expired, repeat the unlock procedure through your PC. Make sure that the Mi Unlock Status settings in the developer menu activate the Unlocked status. Only after the corresponding icon (open lock) appears, you can proceed to the next step when you download.
⚠️ Note: After unlocking the bootloader, some security features, such as payment via Google Pay, will stop working (NFC) may require additional manipulation of Magisk to hide root rights.
Installation of drivers and setup of Platform Tools
To interact with your smartphone in Fastboot mode, you need a set of Platform Tools from Google. You should download it only from the official Android Developer website to avoid the introduction of malicious code. After downloading the archive, unpack it to the root of the C: disk: or any short-path folder, such as C:\adb, to avoid errors in the paths when typing commands.
If the Device Manager doesn’t see your phone in Fastboot mode (usually displayed as “Android Bootloader Interface” or an unknown device), you’ll need to manually install drivers. Sometimes Windows 10 and 11 automatically install the desired components, but in the case of Xiaomi, it often requires forced installation through Device Manager.
adb devices
fastboot devicesType these commands in the command line that is open in the tool folder. If you see the serial number in the first command and the word "fastboot" in the second command, then the link is correct. If the list is empty, check the cable or reinstall the drivers.
💡
If Device Manager shows a device with a yellow exclamation point, try updating the driver by selecting "USB Device" -> "MTP" or "Android Bootloader Interface" from the list of standard Windows drivers.
Search and download compatible TWRP image
The most critical aspect is choosing the right file: the recovery image is tied not only to the processor model, but also to the specific codename of the device. For example, the Redmi Note 10 can be codenamed sunny or mojito depending on the modification. Installation of an incompatible file is the most common cause of errors.
Search files should be on trusted resources, such as the forum XDA Developers or the official website twrp.me. The file description always indicates which version of Android and which version of MIUI (HyperOS) it is intended for.
| Parameter | Description | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| Codename | Device code name | Settings -> About phone or ADB |
| Version | TWRP version | File title on the forum |
| Format | File format (.img) | Extension of the downloaded file |
| Source | Load source | XDA, Telegram channels, official website |
Once downloaded, rename the file to twrp.img and place it in the folder with ADB tools. This will make it easier to enter commands and reduce the risk of a typo in the file name when you are firmware. Make sure the file does not have a double extension, such as twrp.img.img.
The process of firmware through the command line
Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode. To do this, you need to pinch the device that is off with both a power button and a volume button (Power + Vol-). The screen should show a hare in a hat-husk fixing an android, or the words FASTBOOT in orange. Connect the phone to a PC.
Open the command line in the folder with ADB. First check the visibility of the device with the command fastboot devices. If the serial number is displayed, you can start the firmware. The command to install the Recovery looks standard, but has important features for different (partitions).
fastboot flash recovery twrp.imgOnce you've successfully executed the command (it'll be "Finished"), you can't just reboot your phone in the normal way. If you run a standard boot, Xiaomi's stock recovery will overwrite the TWRP back, so immediately after you've done the firmware, you need to pinch the button combination to enter recovery mode.
☑️ Firmware checklist
Immediately after the flash command, press the Power buttons. + Vol+ Keep them until the logo appears. TWRP. If you are on the menu with a choice of language (usually) Chinese/English), So, the procedure was successful. Choose English to make the interface understandable.
First Start and Configure TWRP
Once you're on the TWRP menu, the first thing you do is allow modifications to the system. The home screen will have a "Swipe to Allow Modifications" button. This is an action that you need to make sure that the Recovery are not overwritten the next time you reboot, and without this step, all your efforts will be in vain.
Next, you should do formatting. This is required if you plan to encrypt data or if the internal memory is displayed as 0 MB. In the Wipe menu, select Format Data, type "yes" and confirm. This will delete all data, but ensure that the file system works correctly.
- 🌍 Select the interface language (English is recommended for compatibility).
- 🔓 Click "Swipe to Allow Modifications" to secure rights.
- 🧹 Execute "Format Data" ->"Yes" for resetting encryption.
- 🔄 Restart the system through the Reboot menu -> System.
⚠️ Note: Format Data completely erases internal memory. Make sure you save important files to your computer or cloud service before doing this.
If the phone goes into a bootloop after a reboot, it may be that the TWRP version is incompatible with your Android version or that the boot partition is damaged, and you will need to return to the stock firmware via the Mi Flash Tool.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I flash TWRP without unlocking the bootloader?
What if your computer doesn’t see your phone in Fastboot?
Will TWRP disappear after the Airborne Firmware Update (OTA)?
Is it safe to use TWRP for banking applications?
💡
TWRP installation is a point of no return that gives you full control of the device, but requires responsibility for data security and system security.
Now you know how to flash TWRP through Fastboot on Xiaomi. By following the instructions and being careful, you can expand the functionality of your smartphone by installing custom firmware and making full system backups.