Xiaomi smartphone owners who want to gain maximum control over their device are eventually faced with the need to replace the standard recovery environment. The manufacturer’s standard Recovery menu restricts functionality to basic operations like resetting settings or installing updates with only an official signature. However, when it comes to deep customization, installing modified firmware or obtaining superuser rights, a custom recaveri comes to the scene.
The most popular solution among Android enthusiasts is TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), which offers intuitive interface, support for touch control and the ability to create full backups of the system. The process of implementing such software requires care, since interference with the boot section of the device always carries certain risks. You need to clearly understand each step, so as not to turn a modern gadget into a useless piece of plastic and glass.
Before you start downloading files and connecting cables, you should realize that you are going to modify the bootloader and system partitions. This action automatically voids warranty obligations on the part of the manufacturer in many regions. In addition, improper firmware can lead to a brick device, so preparing the theoretical framework is a critical step. In this article, we will discuss in detail where to look for secure files, how to prepare a computer and phone, and what nuances exist for different models.
Choosing the right version of the Recavator for your model
The first and most important step is to find the correct image file (.img) that is created specifically for your processor and smartphone model. There is no universal solution: trying to install the recovers from Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 on Xiaomi Mi 11 is guaranteed to lead to the failure of the device. Files must correspond not only to the model, but also to the version of the architecture of the processor, as well as the type of screen in some rare cases.
The main source of secure builds is the official XDA Developers forum, where moderators and developers publish verified versions. You can also use specialized resources such as twrp.me, but even there you need to double-check compatibility. Often for new devices there are only unofficial (unofficial) builds that can contain bugs, so reading user comments before downloading is a mandatory procedure.
What is the difference between Official TWRP and Unofficial TWRP?
When choosing a version, also pay attention to the date of the last update.Old builds may not support new Android 12 or 13 encryption schemes, making it impossible to access internal storage from the recovery environment. Modern custom recavers must correctly mount data and system sections, allowing you to perform backups and installation. ZIP-archive.
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Always check the checksum (MD5 or SHA256) of the downloaded file from the one listed on the developer’s website, which ensures that the file is not corrupted during download and does not contain malicious code.
Preparing the device and computer for modification
The installation process begins long before the cable is connected, and you need to prepare your workspace by installing ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer. Without these tools, your computer won't be able to recognize your smartphone in bootloader mode. Windows users often need to install Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers separately, depending on your device's platform.
On the smartphone itself, you need to activate the hidden developer menu. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click on the build number seven times (MIUI Version). Once you notice that you have become a developer, a new Developers item will appear in the menu, which you need to enable debugging over USB and, critically, allow unlocking the bootloader.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Remember to make a full backup of all important data. The bootloader unlocking process, which is a prerequisite, completely cleans the device's internal memory. Photos, contacts and documents will be deleted without recovery unless you take care of it in advance. Use cloud services or copy files to an external hard drive.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking Xiaomi bootloader through the official Mi Unlock website can take from 3 to 7 days (168 hours).In advance, link your Mi Account in your phone settings and wait for the timer to expire, otherwise the unlock attempt will be blocked by the server.
The process of unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)
Without an unlocked bootloader, you can’t install any custom software. Xiaomi, like many other manufacturers, blocks this feature to protect user data. To get started, you’ll need a utility called miunlock.exe, which you download from the official Mi Unlock website and install on a Windows PC.
The algorithm is as follows: in the phone settings under "Developers" click "Mi Unlock Status" and tie the device to the Mi Acca. Then turn off the phone, press down volume and power to enter Fastboot mode. Connect the phone to the PC and launch the unlock program.
If done correctly, the utility will show the status of the device and warn you of data loss. By pressing the Unlock button, you start the process. If the wait timer has not expired, the program will tell you how long it is left to wait. Repeated attempts to reset the timer by reassigning the account do not work and can only increase the lock time.
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically restart and begin clearing the data, a process that can take a few minutes, and when completed, you will have a fully clean system with the bootloader unlocked, ready to accept changes to the recovery sections.
Instructions for installing TWRP via Fastboot
When the bootloader is unlocked and the twrp.img image file is downloaded and placed in the folder with the ADB tools, you can go to the direct installation. Put the smartphone in Fastboot mode (down volume + power buttons) and connect it to the computer. Open the command line or PowerShell in the folder with ADB and enter the connection check command:
fastboot devicesIf you see the serial number of the device, the connection is established. Now you need to flash the image of the Recovery. It is important to understand that the standard command fastboot flash recovery twrp.img will write the file, but the first time you reboot, the regular Xiaomi bootloader can replace it back with the original. To avoid this, use the command to immediately download:
fastboot boot twrp.imgThis team will temporarily load a custom Recovery without recording it in permanent memory. TWRP, You can patch to prevent replacement (if required for your model) or install it right away. ZIP-file TWRP Install menu. For many modern models Xiaomi is relevant scheme. A/B partitions where the Recovery is in the boot section, so sometimes a command is required:
fastboot flash boot twrp.img💡
Key point of installation: on devices with A/B architecture (the absolute majority of modern Xiaomi), recovery is often sewn into the boot section, not recovery, and requires the use of patches to save after rebooting.
After successful firmware, you need to exit Fastboot mode. Usually, this is done by pressing the power and volume buttons up to vibration, after which the phone must boot into the installed TWRP. If the phone has gone into a cyclic restart (bootloop), it is possible that the version of the image is incompatible or damaged.
Comparison of popular assemblies of recavéri
The market for modified recovery environments is dominated by several projects, each with its own characteristics, and understanding the differences will help you choose the best option for your tasks. Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of popular solutions.
| Name of name | Interface. | Support for topics | Difficulty | The main advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWRP | Touch, graphic | There is. | Low. | A huge community, lots of assemblies |
| OrangeFox | Touch, based on TWRP | There is. | Medium | Built-in backup and cleaning functions |
| PitchBlack | Textual/minimalistic | No. | Tall. | It works on very old devices. |
| Stock Recovery | Button (usually) | No. | Absent. | OTA stability and safety |
TWRP remains the gold standard due to its adaptability: Developers create versions for virtually every Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek Helio chipset. OrangeFox is a TWRP fork that often gets updates faster and has an improved backup manager, making it a favorite among those who often experiment with firmware.
Stock is a reference point, and it does very little, but it guarantees the system, and having a custom alternative doesn't mean you have to forget about drain, but being able to get your original Recovery back is an important skill to sell a device or go to a service center.
⚠️ Note: After installing custom recavator automatic system updates (OTA) Trying to install an official update over a modified recovery section can lead to a version conflict and a boot loop.
Possible errors and methods of their elimination
In the process of modification, users often face typical problems, one of the most common is the Error 7 installation. ZIP-This means that the Android version or device model does not meet the requirements of the package being installed. The solution is one: search for a file that is specifically designed for your version of Android (for example, Android 13 requires specific scripts).
Another common problem is the lack of access to internal memory in TWRP. This is due to data encryption. In new versions of Android, the data partition is encrypted, and without a password or fingerprint, the recovery sees only a void. In such cases, you need to format the data partition with the Format Data command (typing the word "yes"), which will completely delete all files, but remove the encryption.
If the device gets into a bootloop after installing the recavator, try running a command to clear the cache and dalvik cache (Wipe Cache / Dalvik). In more severe cases, only flashing the original boot.img image and recovery.img from stock firmware via Fastboot will help.
What if your computer doesn’t see your phone in Fastboot?
It's also important to monitor the battery's condition while you're running the firmware. Although modern phones are protected, interrupting the partitioning process due to battery discharge can damage the partition table. Always start with a charge of at least 60-70%.