Installing a custom recavator is a key step in the Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone modification, allowing full system management. Standard recovery mode is often limited to basic reset functions, while third-party solutions allow you to create full backups, install informal firmware and obtain root rights. The process requires care, but the result is worth it for enthusiasts who want to squeeze the most out of their device.
Before you start downloading files, you need to be aware of the risks associated with interference in the system partition. Any incorrect action can lead to the inoperability of the gadget, so preparing the theoretical basis is as important as having the right tools. Installing a custom recovery automatically voids the manufacturer's warranty on the software. In this guide, we will analyze all the nuances of selection and installation.
Choosing the Right Recavator for Your Model
The first step is to determine what kind of system image you want, and the market offers several basic options, each with its own advantages and features of the interface. For Xiaomi devices, the most popular and stable solution is TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), which supports most current models.
The alternative is OrangeFox or PitchBlack, which are often based on TWRP code but offer advanced functionality for working with file systems and encryption. The choice of a particular version depends on the architecture of the processor (Snapdragon or MediaTek) and the version of Android installed on the smartphone.
It is critical to download a file created specifically for your device codename, and using an image from another model, even if it looks identical, can cause permanent damage to partitions.
- 🔍 TWRP Official – classic version with wide support and stability.
- 🦊 OrangeFox - advanced interface and additional scripts for backups.
- ⚫ PitchBlack – Minimalist Design and Optimization for Dark Themes.
- 🛡️ OrangeFox (Unofficial) – community builds for new or rare models.
⚠️ Note: Recovery files have the.img extension. Never try to flash.zip archives through Fastboot, this will lead to a download error.
Preparation of a smartphone and computer for firmware
The success of the operation depends on 90% of the correct preparation of the workplace and software. You will need a computer running Windows, Linux or macOS, as well as a high-quality computer. USB-cable, preferably original or certified Mi. A damaged cable may interrupt the transmission of data at a critical time, which is unacceptable.
On the PC side, you need to install the current ADB and Fastboot drivers. Without them, the computer simply will not see the smartphone in bootloader mode, and you should also make sure that the device’s battery is charged at least 60-70% to avoid a sudden power outage while writing data.
☑️ Checklist before start
Remember to make a full backup of all important data to the cloud service or external drive.The process of flashing the recovery partition often requires formatting the data, which will result in a complete cleanup of the internal memory of the smartphone.
Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader
Xiaomi has implemented a strict security policy that prevents you from changing system partitions without officially unlocking the bootloader, a mandatory step that cannot be missed, requiring you to submit an application through a special Mi Unlock Tool application and wait, which can last from 7 to 168 hours.
First, you need to link your Mi Account to the device in the "Developers" menu. After that, the smartphone is transferred to Fastboot mode (clamping the volume button when you connect the cable), and a request to unlock is sent to the PC through the utility.
It is important to understand that once the bootloader is unlocked, Find My Device and some banking applications may stop working normally without additional manipulation, and an unblocked status warning will appear on the download screen.
Why Xiaomi is waiting 168 hours?
The unlocking process completely clears the device’s internal memory, a security measure to prevent the new owner (or attacker) from accessing the previous user’s data after a reset.
Search and download the TWRP image
Team Win’s official website is the safest source for file search, but newer models such as the latest Redmi Note series may be delayed, and you may need to consult the verified branches on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forum.
When downloading, pay attention to the date of publication and user comments. If you see reports of bugs with a touchscreen or the inability to mount the data partition, it is better to look for an alternative build. 30-60 MB.
Once downloaded, rename the file to recovery.img for ease of use with the command line. Place it in the root folder where the ADB utilities are installed so that you don’t prescribe long paths to the files.
| Parameter | Description | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Expansion | Image file format | .img |
| Architecture | Processor type | ARM64 |
| Size | The normal weight of the file | 30-60 MB |
| Source | Where to download | twrp.me, 4PDA |
Checking the integrity of a downloaded file is good practice, and if the source provides a hash amount (MD5 or SHA256), check it against your file to eliminate the risk of downloading a corrupted image.
Installation of Recavator via Fastboot
Now, the most critical step is to connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode to your computer and open the command line in the tool folder. First, check the connection with the fastboot device command, and if you see a serial number in response, the connection is successfully established.
For a temporary installation of the recovery, which does not replace the standard partition forever (which is useful for tests), the command fastboot boot recovery.img. This will start TWRP immediately, but after the reboot the stock menu will return.
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Use the “fastboot boot” command for the first run to make sure the touchscreen and screen are working correctly before running the firmware.
For permanent recording of the image in the memory of the device, the command fastboot flash recovery.img. After its execution, you can not simply restart the smartphone with buttons, since the stock bootloader can overwrite the custom recovery back to the standard.
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot oem reboot-recoveryIt is the combination of commands above that ensures that the phone immediately after firmware goes into recovery mode, not allowing the system to swap files. If you just press the power button, you can lose the installed TWRP.
Primary configuration and work in TWRP
Once you’ve successfully logged in to the TWRP menu, the first thing you need to do is allow modifications to the system partition. Swipe Allow Modifications. If you don’t, Android may try to restore the original recovery partition when you first boot it.
Next, you need to format the Data partition to remove encryption. Without this step, you can neither write files to your phone nor make a full backup. Go to the Wipe menu and select Format Data by entering the word yes.
Now the device is ready to install custom firmware, cores or Magisk. You can connect the phone to the PC as a drive and throw the necessary zip archives into internal memory for later installation.
- 📂 Backup – creating a full copy of the Boot, System, Data partitions.
- 🗑️ Wipe – Cleaning Cache, Dalvik, Data before new firmware.
- 📥 Install – menu for selecting and installing zip files.
- 🔧 Advanced – Terminal, File Manager and Partition Recovery.
⚠️ Note: Format Data deletes all files, photos and applications. Make sure you have stored important data on your computer before you do this.
Frequent mistakes and ways to solve them
During installation, users often experience Failed to boot into recovery or endless reboot, most often due to the incorrect version of the image being used or the bootloader not unlocked. Check the Mi Unlock utility logs and verify the status of the device.
Another common problem is a broken touchscreen in TWRP. This means that the driver of the touchscreen in the image of the recaveri does not match your screen (relevant for different regions of the same model), in which case you need to find an assembly marked "Global" or "China" depending on the version of your device.
If the phone goes to Fastboot after every boot attempt, try running the fastboot continue command or reflashing the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode to return the device to factory status.
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The most common reason for failure is to ignore the bootloader unlock requirement. Without Unlocked status, no Fastboot command will be executed.