Installing custom TWRP on Xiaomi smartphones gives you access to advanced features from the system backup to the firmware of informal ROM. However, the process through the Mi Flash Tool (aka Xiaomi Flash Tool) requires accuracy - an error at any stage can turn the device into a "brick." Unlike the standard method through fastboot, firmware through Flashtool is suitable for recovering devices with a damaged bootloader or when other methods do not work.
In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step algorithm with the current requirements of 2026, from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right version of TWRP for your model. We will focus on typical errors (for example, anti-rollback or invalid image) and how to get around them. If you are a beginner, don’t skip the preparation section: 80% of problems arise from non-compliance with preconditions.
1.Preparation: What to do before TWRP firmware
Before you start firmware, make sure that all the preconditions are met. Skipping even one item can lead to locking the device or inability to complete the process.
- 📱 Check the device model: the method works for most Xiaomi, Redmi and other smartphones POCO, There are exceptions (for example, devices running the MediaTek platform require a different approach).
- 🔓 Unlock the bootloader: without this, Flashtool simply will not see the device in mode EDL. The official way is through Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Mi Account and wait) 7-15 days).
- 💻 Install drivers: to work in mode EDL Qualcomm drivers are needed HS-USB QDLoader 9008. You can download them from the XDA Developers or through the Mi Flash Tool (automatic installation).
- 🔋 Battery charge: at least 60% when running through EDL The device is not charged and discharging during the process can kill it.
Important: If your device has been unlocked before, but the TWRP firmware does not take root (the device is loaded into stock Recovery), then the manufacturer has activated anti-rollback protection, in which case you will need to roll back to an older version of MIUI before installing a custom Recovery.
2. Download the necessary files: where to get and which versions to choose
File selection is responsible for 90 percent of success, and using incompatible versions of TWRP or Flashtool leads to errors like SLA Auth Error or Firehose mismatch.
- 📁 Mi Flash Tool: official version from Xiaomi website (e.g. here) Alternatively modified version of Mi Flash Tool 2026 with support for new models.
- 🔧 TWRP For your model: download only from the official website or verified branches XDA. Pay attention to the Device Tree section – it should match your modification (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro has sweet and sweetin options).
- 📄 Firehose file (prog_emmc_firehose): need to work EDL. It can be extracted from stock firmware or downloaded separately (for example, for Snapdragon). 660 file fits prog_emmc_firehose_8953.mbn).
Critical: If you download TWRP for another device modification (e.g., for the global version instead of the Chinese version), the recovery will either not boot or the device will get stuck on the Mi logo. Check the exact model in the settings along the Settings path → About Phone → MIUI version (e.g., V14.0.4.0.TKFMIXM – here TKF indicates the region).
| Model of the device | Code name | TWRP reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | sweet | Download | Supports the A/B section |
| POCO F3 | alioth | Download | Requires AVB 2.0 shutdown |
| Mi 11 | venus | Download | Incompatible with MIUI 14+ without patches |
3. Installation of drivers and setting up Mi Flash Tool
Without properly installed drivers, Flashtool will not be able to "see" the device in EDL mode. Here is a step-by-step instruction:
- Download Qualcomm drivers: for 64-bit systems, the QDLoader HS-USB Driver package will suit (link conditional, look for the current version).
- Connect the device in EDL mode: Turn off the smartphone. Press Volume up + Volume down and connect the USB cable to the PC. Hold the buttons for 10-15 seconds until the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 appears in the Device Manager.
Update the driver → Search on this computer → Select from the list → Install from the disk
Once you have the drivers installed, run the Mi Flash Tool and see if the device is defined. If Connected is displayed in the status, you can go to the firmware. If not, repeat the steps or try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
Qualcomm drivers installed | Device determined in EDL|Mi Flash Tool launched on behalf of administrator |TWRP file renamed twrp.img|Firehose-file suitable for your model-->
4. TWRP firmware via Mi Flash Tool: a step-by-step process
Now, to the most critical stage, follow the instructions in strict order.
- Prepare a firmware file: Downloaded twrp-3.7.0_12-0-sweet.img (Example of the Redmi Note 10 Pro) rename in twrp.img. Place it in a folder with Flashtool (for example, C:\MiFlash\images).
Run the firmware.
- Press Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).
- If the process is stuck on Waiting for device, check the USB connection or reinstall the drivers.
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After installation TWRP If you have a touch screen that's not working, download the alternative touch-enabled build for your model. POCO X3 Pro's gonna do the version. twrp-3.7.0_12-0-vayu-mauronofrio.img.
6.The first download in TWRP: what to do next
After successful firmware, you need to configure TWRP correctly to avoid system boot problems:
- Load into the recavery: Press Volume up + Power immediately after firmware.
- Unlock encryption: Go to Wipe → Format Data. Enter yes for confirmation.
Squeeze Magisk (optional)
- Download the latest version of Magisk.
- In TWRP, select Install → Select Magisk.zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash.
- Reboot to the system: select Reboot → System.