Installing a custom recavator on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T (codename willow) gives you access to advanced features from backing up the system to installing unofficial firmware. However, the process requires care — an error at any stage can turn a smartphone into a “brick.” This instruction covers all the steps from unlocking the bootloader to checking the health of the TWRP, taking into account the features of the 2019 model.
Many users are afraid of breaking warranties or losing data, but with the right approach, the risks are minimal. The main thing is to follow proven methods and use current versions of tools. In this article, we will analyze not only the basic steps, but also the nuances that are often missed in standard guides: choosing a recovery version, working with fastboot and ADB, and restoring the system when crashes.
Before you start, make sure your Redmi Note is available. 8T Compliance with requirements: version MIUI lower 10.3.5.0 (for stable unlocking, the battery charge is at least 60%, A on the PC installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB/Fastboot. If you have never worked with custom firmware, we recommend first to study the theory - what is a bootloader, why you need it? TWRP, How dangerous is it to install inappropriate files.
Preparation of the device: unlocking the loader
The first and most important step is unlocking the bootloader. Without this, installing a custom recovery is impossible. Xiaomi officially allows unlocking, but the process requires an attachment of a Mi Account and waiting (usually 7-14 days).
To start, turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version. Then go back to the basic settings, open Additional → For Developers and activate:
- 🔓 Unlocking OEM (may require input PIN-code)
- 🔌 Debugging by USB
Next, connect your smartphone to your PC and execute a command in the terminal (pre-installing ADB):
adb reboot bootloaderNow download the official Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi and follow the instructions of the program. Please note: account binding must be done before unlocking, otherwise the device will be locked for 72 hours.
⚠️ Note: If you are using the Chinese version of the Redmi Note 8T (firmware CN), Unlocking may require additional actions, such as installing global firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
2.Selecting a TWRP version for the Redmi Note 8T
Not all TWRP builds work equally well with willow. The official version on TeamWin may not support data encryption or have sensor bugs. We recommend using informal builds from trusted developers, such as:
- 📱 TWRP by mauronofrio (the most stable for the MIUI 12+)
- 🛠️ OrangeFox Recovery (alternative with advanced features)
- 🔄 PitchBlack Recovery (Minimalist Interface)
Download files only from trusted forums (XDA Developers, 4PDA) and check check checksums (MD5 or SHA-1). For the Redmi Note 8T current version 2026 year-end — TWRP 3.7.0_12-0 Avoid assemblies marked with test or alpha, which may contain critical errors.
Before installing, check if the recavator is compatible with your version of MIUI. For example, if you have a MIUI 14 and the recavator is designed for MIUI 12, you may have problems mounting partitions, which will require a rollback of the firmware or search for an alternative build.
3. Install TWRP via Fastboot
When the bootloader is unlocked and the file is downloaded, start installing. Connect the Redmi Note 8T to your PC in fastboot mode (as in step 1) and follow the command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-willow.imgReplace the file name with the current one. After a successful firmware, don't restart the device immediately!
fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-0-willow.imgThis command will temporarily load TWRP without writing to the main partition, which will avoid replacing the recovery with stock on the first boot.
Battery charge > 60%|Recovery file for the Willow model|Drivers. ADB/Fastboot fixed|Backup copy of data created-->
If, after loading into TWRP The screen does not respond to touch, try to connect OTG-This is a common problem with informal assemblies. Also check if partitions are mounted. /data and /system — If not, formatting will be required (see section below). 5).
4. Permanent installation and overwriting protection
Xiaomi stock firmware automatically replaces custom Recovery with the original one when it first boots up. To avoid this, you need to disable the bootloader's signature check. TWRP execute:
- Go to Mount → System and make sure the partition is mounted.
- Open the Advanced → File Manager.
- Go to /system/bin and delete the install-recovery.sh file.
- In /system/etc, find and delete recovery-fstab.
You can then reboot to the system. Now TWRP will remain in place even after the MIUI updates. However, remember: some banking applications (such as Sberbank Online or Tinkoff) can block work on devices with the unlocked bootloader.
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If the phone is stuck on the MI logo after installing TWRP, try pinching Power + Volume up for 10 seconds to force a reboot. If that doesn't work, you'll need firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
5. Solving common mistakes
Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and we have collected the most common errors and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Fastboot: error: cannot load 'twrp.img' | Recovery file not found or damaged | Check the path to the file and its integrity (jump over) |
| The screen doesn't respond to touch. | Incompatible version of TWRP | Use the assembly marked touch_fixed |
| Failed to mount /data (Invalid argument) | Encrypted data section | Format /data in TWRP (see below) |
| Cyclical reboot (bootloop) | Damaged boot or vendor | Switch to boot.img via fastboot |
If TWRP doesn't see the internal memory, it's probably encryption.
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe → Format Data.
- Enter yes to confirm.
- Reboot to Recovery (Reboot → Recovery)
This will delete all data on the device, including photos and apps. If you have important files, try connecting to your PC first via MTP to TWRP and copy the data.
6. Performance check and first actions
After successfully installing TWRP, check its functionality:
- 🔄 Backup the Boot, System, Data and Vendor partitions.
- 📁 Make sure your internal memory is mounted (check at Mount).
- 🔧 Try to set up a simple one. ZIP-file (e.g., Magisk for root rights).
If everything works, you can start experimenting with custom firmware installations (LineageOS, Pixel Experience), kernel modifications, or removal of embedded applications, but remember that some changes can disrupt the NFC module or camera — a known problem for the Redmi Note 8T when using unofficial firmware.
What to do if TWRP asks for a password?
Recovery of the stock Recovery (if necessary)
If you need to return the original recovery (for example, for warranty repair), download the Redmi Note 8T stock firmware from Xiaomi and extract the recovery.img file from it.
fastboot flash recovery recovery.imgTo return to stock firmware completely, use the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option, which will delete all data and return the device to factory status. Please note that after this procedure, the bootloader will remain unlocked, and you will need an official service center to lock it.
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Installing custom recavers would void Xiaomi’s warranty, but in most cases, service centers can return stock firmware for an additional fee without checking the history of changes.