How to install custom TWRP recavators on Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, codenamed vince, remains a popular device even years after its release. Many users are eager to extend the life of the gadget by installing modern versions of Android or gaining super-user rights. A key step in this process is replacing the regular recovery menu with a modified TWRP. This allows you to make full backups of the system, clean up partitions from garbage and install third-party firmware.

The software modification procedure requires careful and rigorous algorithmic action. Errors in the preparation or execution of commands can lead to the failure of the device. However, if you carefully study the material and prepare the necessary tools, the risk of problems is minimized. We will consider all the nuances of working with the Fastboot bootloader and ADB drivers.

Before you take action, you need to realize that you're at your own risk to manipulate system partitions, and the manufacturer's warranty for software interventions is usually void, but for enthusiasts, it opens the door to limitless possibilities for customization and optimizing hardware.

Preparation of the workplace and necessary files

The success of the operation depends on 90% of the quality of preparation. You will need not only the file image recovery, but also specialized software to connect the computer with the smartphone. Without installed drivers and utilities, Windows command line will not be able to recognize the connected device in Fastboot mode. Download the current version of Platform-tools from the official website of Android developers.

Special attention is paid to the selection of the file recovery.img. For the Redmi 5 Plus model, there are different builds, and using an image from another device (for example, from a regular Redmi 5 or Note 5) will lead to a “brick”.Look for a file marked specifically as vince. Also make sure that the battery charge of the smartphone is at least 60% so that the device does not turn off at a critical time of data recording.

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Use the original. USB-cable and connect it directly to the motherboard port on the back of the PC, avoiding front port housing and USB-hub.

You'll need a Windows computer to work. While there are methods for Linux and macOS, this guide will use the command syntax for Windows. Make sure that antivirus software doesn't block the driver installation scripts.

Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader

Without the unlocked bootloader, you can't install the modified software. Xiaomi has implemented serious protection, so you can't simply flash the recovery section. You first need to apply for unlocking through the special Mi Unlock Tool utility, which can take from 7 to 30 days of waiting, during which the Mi Account will be linked to the device.

⚠️ Warning: The process of unlocking the bootloader will result in the complete removal of all user data from the internal memory of the smartphone. Create a backup of photos, contacts and documents in advance.

Once you get permission from the company, turn on the "Factory Unlock" item in the developer menu and link your account. Then turn the phone into Fastboot mode and connect to your PC. In Mi Unlock, click "Unlock." Once you successfully complete the phone, the phone will reboot and you will see the corresponding lock icon in the status bar or when you boot.

Translation of the smartphone to Fastboot mode

To record a TWRP image, the device must be in a special diagnostic mode. There are several ways to get there, but the most reliable is the hardware. Turn off the smartphone completely. Then simultaneously press the volume down and the power button. Hold them until the image of a hare in a hat-eared, fixing an Android robot appears on the screen.

If the smartphone is enabled, you can use the software method via ADB. Connect the phone to the computer in debugging mode via USB and enter the command into the console:

adb reboot bootloader

Check that the computer sees the device. Windows Device Manager should not have any unknown devices with exclamation marks in the Android Devices or QDLoader section. If the drivers are installed correctly, the command prompt will display the serial number of your Redmi 5 Plus when you execute the fastboot devices command.

The process of installing TWRP via Fastboot

Now, to the most critical step, put the downloaded image file renamed recovery.img in the Platform-tools folder for convenience. Open the command line in this folder. Make sure the phone is in Fastboot mode and connected by cable.

Enter the following command to write the image in the recovery section:

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

After the successful completion of the process (it will appear the inscription "finished") categorically can not boot in normal mode, otherwise the standard Android system will rewrite TWRP back to the original.

fastboot boot recovery.img

Or, if you want to fix the result and immediately boot: press the volume button and the power button at the same time, holding them until the TWRP logo appears. If you saw the menu with the buttons "Install", "Wipe", "Backup" - congratulations, the installation was successful.

TWRP setup and backup creation

When you first start, TWRP may suggest you select a language and confirm permission to modify the system. Swipe the slider "Allow Modifications." This action is important, since without it, the system may not boot after installing patches or root rights.

Go to Backup. Select Boot, System, Data, and Vendor. Make sure the storage is correctly selected (usually Micro SD Card or Internal Storage if there is space). Pressing the "Swipe to Backup" button will trigger the process of creating an image that, if experiments fail, will bring the phone back to life in a few minutes.

If you're planning to install custom firmware, the Data partition will likely need to be formatted. To do this, select Format Data from the Wipe menu and type "yes" in, which will remove the encryption, but also erase all files on the internal drive.

Possible mistakes and ways to solve them

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus is often a common problem, with the most common being the Failed to mount '/data' or the constant bootloop error, often because the new version of TWRP cannot properly handle the new firmware's file encryption system.

You may also experience a situation where your computer stops seeing your phone in Fastboot mode. USB-cable, port switch, or reinstall Qualcomm and Xiaomi drivers. sometimes it helps to restart the service ADB adb kill-server command and reconnect.

⚠️ Attention: If after installation TWRP phone stopped responding to buttons and screen black, don't panic. 15-20 Seconds to Forced Reboot or Try to Enter Mode EDL (volume-button + Cable connection) for recovery via MiFlash.

Another nuance is that the proximity sensor works, and in some TWRP builds for vince, it may not work properly, locking the screen during a conversation or in a menu, usually by updating the kernel or installing a special patch through the Install menu.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Installing TWRP is the first and most important step to fully customize your Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, giving you access to installing any version of Android.