Why OrangeFox is better than TWRP and how to put it on Xiaomi
Installing custom recovery on Xiaomi is the first step to full control of the device. Unlike the standard Mi Recovery, OrangeFox Recovery offers advanced features: support for F2FS, built-in file manager, design themes and even the ability to encrypt /data partition without losing data. But the main advantage over TWRP is stable work with MIUI and Android 13/14, where classic recovery often causes errors when mounting partitions.
In this guide, we will discuss the current method of installing OrangeFox on modern Xiaomi models (2022-2026) taking into account changes in the bootloader unlock policy, learn how to avoid common errors like Invalid zip file format or hanging on the logo after firmware, as well as which versions of the recovery are suitable for specific chipsets (Snapdragon/Mediatek/Dimensity).
Important: the procedure requires an unlocked bootloader. If you haven't already done so, go back to our Bootloader for Xiaomi unlock guide (link at the end of the article). Also check if your Project Treble model supports some OrangeFox features without it.
Preparation: What to do before installation
Before you start firmware, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed, and ignoring them can lead to a device blink (complete failure) or data loss.
- 📱 Backup: Save all important data (photos, contacts, messages) to your PC or cloud. Installing a recovery doesn’t erase user files, but partition manipulation errors can lead to formatting.
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader: Check status via fastboot oem device-info command. The answer should be Device unlocked: true.
- 🖥️ ADB and Fastboot: Install the latest version of Google's Platform Tools (download from the official website). Xiaomi drivers must be installed on the system.
- 🔋 Battery charge: At least 60% Interrupting the process due to discharge may damage the boot partition.
Pay special attention to choosing the right version of OrangeFox.
- Find out the exact model of your device in Settings → About Phone → Model (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G is veux).
- Check the codename on the Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
- Download the recavities from the official OrangeFox website by selecting the partition for your chipset.
⚠️ Note: Do not use versions of OrangeFox collected by third-party developers (e.g. forums) 4PDA). They can contain malicious code or be unstable. Official builds are tested for compatibility with the Internet. MIUI.
Unlock the bootloader: without it anywhere
If you missed this step, go back to it now. Xiaomi locks the bootloader on all devices, and without it unlocking, installing a custom recovery is impossible.The process takes up to 7 days (due to the Mi Unlock policy), so plan it ahead.
Instructions:
- Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
- Enable OEM Unlock in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (click Volume Down + Power) and follow the program instructions.
After successful unlocking, check the status of the team:
fastboot getvar unlockedThe answer must be: unlocked: yes.
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or Redmi K60) When you unlock, you reset all the data.
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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, try using the older version of the utility (e.g. 3.5.513.30).
Installation OrangeFox: step-by-step instructions
Now, to the core process, we're going to use fastboot firmware, because it's the most reliable, and it works even on devices with damaged recovery partitions.
The downloaded file must have the extension.img. If you downloaded the.zip archive, extract the image from it.
Download the official img file for your model |
The device is charged at least 60% |
USB Debugging Mode Enabled (Settings → Developers)|
Installed ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC|
Backup of important data is made-->
Installation steps:
- Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode: adb reboot bootloader Or manually: turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds.
- Check Connection: Fastboot devices must display your device’s serial number.
- Fastboot flash recovery orangefox.img fastboot reboot recovery Replace orangefox.img with your actual file name.
If you see the OrangeFox logo after rebooting in the recovery, the installation was successful. If the device loads into the standard Mi Recovery, then there was an error (see the "Problem Solving" section).
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On some models (for example, POCO F5), after firmware recovery, you need to immediately reboot it with the command fastboot reboot recovery, otherwise the system will overwrite it as standard.
Set up OrangeFox after installation
The first run of the recavator requires a basic configuration. OrangeFox interface supports touch control and gestures, but for reliability we recommend using physical buttons (Loudness for navigation, Power for selection).
Main settings:
- 🌐 Language: Go to Settings → Language and choose Russian or English.
- 🔒 Encryption: If yours /data Encrypted, enter the password in Mount → Decrypt Data.
- 📁 Partition mounting: Make sure that all partitions (System, Vendor, Data) are error-free.
- 🎨 Theme: In Settings → Theme can be selected for a dark or light theme.
To check the efficiency, perform a test mounting of the data section:
- Go to Mount → Mount /data.
- If an Unable to mount /data error appears, then the partition is corrupted or encrypted incorrectly.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Not mounted /data | FBE (File-Based Encryption) | Enter a password in Mount → Decrypt Data or format the section |
| Touch doesn't work. | The Incompatible Version of Recaveri | Download the build marked touch for your model |
| E1001 error in the firmware | Damaged boot or recovery section | Refuse both sections via fastboot |
| Hanging on the logo | Conflict with MIUI or Android 13+ | Install the patch. disable_miui_anti_rollback.zip river-driver |
Addressing common mistakes
Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and we have collected typical errors and ways to correct them.
1. Invalid zip file error when running through Recovery
Reason: A damaged archive or an incompatible version.
- Check the checksum (MD5) of the downloaded file.
- Try flashing.img through fastboot, not.zip through recaveri.
- If you are running Magisk or GApps, make sure they are compatible with your version of Android.
2.The device does not boot into the system after OrangeFox installation
Reason: Conflict with MIUI over Anti-Rollback Protection.
- Download the file. disable_miui_anti_rollback.zip (forum-available XDA).
- Fly it through Install. → Select Zip in OrangeFox.
- Reset the device.
3.Touch screen does not work in the Recovery
Reason: There's no driver for your display in the build.
- Use the volume and power buttons for navigation.
- Find an alternative build marked touch-fixed for your model.
- If the problem persists, run the Recovery through fastboot with the --disable-verity flag.
⚠️ Note: If after installing OrangeFox, the phone loads into Fastboot with Critical partition flashing is not allowed, it means that the bootloader has blocked again.
What if OrangeFox can’t see the internal memory?
Additional features of OrangeFox
OrangeFox is not just a replacement for TWRP, it's a full-fledged tool for advanced users. Here's what you can do with it:
- 🔄 Backup and Recovery: Create complete system images, including boot, vendor, and modem. Supports.ozip and.tar formats.
- 🔧 Partition Management: Change the file system with ext4 on F2FS productivity-enhancing.
- 📦 Custom firmware: Install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other firmware without risking damage to the boot section.
- 🔐 Encryption: Support for FBE (File-Based Encryption and FDE (Full-Disk Encryption).
- 🎨 Customization of the interface: Installation of themes, changing fonts and animations of download.
For advanced users, the OrangeFox File Explorer feature, a root-enabled file manager, can be useful, and you can edit system files directly from the recover, for example:
- Remove Bloatware (embedded MIUI applications).
- Change the build.prop settings to overclock or replace the device model.
- Recover deleted files from /data.
Warning: Do not edit files in /system or /vendor without backup. This can lead to bootloop (a looped reboot).