Installing custom Recovery on Xiaomi smartphones is the first step to complete freedom of action with the device. TWRP Or OrangeFox, you can install unofficial firmware, back up your system, delete your browser, and even restore your bricks after a failed experiment, but what if you don't have a computer on hand? It turns out that it is quite possible to do without a PC - and in this article we will analyze all the current ways to install Recovery on Xiaomi through the phone itself, including bypassing locks. MIUI and solving typical errors.
It is important to understand that the process differs from model to model, and some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+) This requires additional manipulations due to the protection of Anti-Rollback, and we will look at the universal methods that work on most devices in 2020-2026, and also point to the pitfalls that even experienced users do not mention. The steps are illustrated in detail and the critical points highlighted by warnings.
Before you start, check:
- π Battery charge of at least 60% (when discharged during the process, the phone can turn into a brickΒ»).
- π± The model of your Xiaomi supports unofficial Recovery (list of compatible devices β in the table below).
- π Is the bootloader unlocked? Without this, custom Recovery installation is impossible (how to unlock without a PC - read section 3).
1.What Recovery can be installed on Xiaomi without a PC?
Xiaomi smartphones default stock Recovery from the manufacturer, which does not allow you to install unofficial firmware or modifications.
| Type Recovery | Features | Xiaomi support | Complexity of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| TWRP | The most popular custom Recovery with touch control, support for backups and ADB. | Most models (except new ones with dynamic partitions) | Medium |
| OrangeFox | fork TWRP with improved interface, themes support and advanced features for MIUI. | Many devices, but not all | High (patching required) |
| PitchBlack | Lightweight Recovery with minimalist design, optimized for weak devices. | Older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1) | Low. |
| Stock MIUI Recovery | Official Recovery from Xiaomi with minimal functionality (only reset and upgrade via the app) ZIP). | All models. | No installation required |
For most users, the best choice is β TWRP, Since it is stable, it works on 90% Xiaomi devices and has a support community, but on new devices (for example, Xiaomi). 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) OrangeFox may be required due to memory markup features (dynamic_partitions).
β οΈ Warning: Installing unofficial Recovery voids the warranty and may result in a device lock if you violate the Anti-Rollback rules (e.g., flash the old version). MIUI Before starting, check the current firmware in Settings β The phone. β Version. MIUI.
2.Phone Preparation: What to Do Before Installation
Before installing Recovery, several critical steps must be taken, and skipping any of them can lead to soft-brick (the device turns on but doesnβt boot) or even hard-brick (the full βbrickβ).
Make sure the model supports custom Recovery|Check the version. MIUI and anti-rollback|Unlock the bootloader (if not unlocked)|Download the correct version of Recovery (.img or.zip)|Disable data encryption (optional)|Create a backup copy of important data-->
Let's take a closer look at each item:
2.1 Verification of Recovery support
Not all Xiaomi models support custom Recovery, such as MediaTek devices (e.g. Redmi). 9A or POCO M3) Often, additional manipulations are required. SP Flash Tool, which is impossible without a PC:
- π List of supported TWRP device
- π XDA-Developers Forum (Search for your model theme).
Unlock the bootloader without a PC
Without an unlocked bootloader, you canβt install custom Recovery. Xiaomiβs official way requires a PC and a Mi Account, but thereβs a workaround through the Mi Unlock Tool app (APK):
- Download. APK-Mi Unlock Tool version (for example, with APKMirror).
- Install the application and log in to your Mi Account.
- Go to Settings. β Additionally. β For developers β Unlocking OEM and activate the option.
- Connect to Wi-Fi and start unlocking through the app (it may take 7-14 days to wait!).
What to do if the Mi Unlock Tool doesnβt work?
β οΈ Note: New devices (released after) 2022 Xiaomi tightened its unlock policy if your model is equipped with a Snapdragon chip 8 Gen 1/2 (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra or Redmi K50 Unlocking without PC may not be possible β you need to use fastboot via your computer.
Disabling encryption (optional)
If your device is encrypted (by default) MIUI 12+), After installing Recovery, you may encounter a password request when trying to mount a partition. /data. To avoid this:
- Go to Settings β Passwords and Security β Phone Encryption.
- If the option is active, turn it off (you will need to reset the settings!).
- Alternative: After installing Recovery, enter the password manually into the console (via Recovery) ADB shell).
Method 1: Install Recovery through an Official Update MIUI (wire-stitch)
This method is suitable if your Xiaomi already has an informal firmware (for example, xiaomi.eu or Pixel Experience) with installation support. ZIP-files through stock recovery. MIUI β skip this section.
Algorithm of action:
- Download the Recovery file in.zip format for your model (for example, twrp-3.7.0_12-0-lmi.zip for POCO F2 Pro). Sources: π Official website TWRP π OrangeFox Recovery
update.zip
Volume up + Nutrition
Install update.zip to System
Reboot to Recovery
β οΈ Note: If you are back in stock Recovery after the reboot, then:
- π΄ Recovery file is incompatible with your model.
- π΄ In the firmware disabled installation support ZIP recover.
- π΄ The device has Anti-Rollback protection and you need to flash a newer version. MIUI before installing the recovery.
π‘
After installation TWRP The phone is stuck on the logo. MIUI, Don't panic! Hold the volume up. + Power for 10-15 seconds to force login to Recovery, then reset via Wipe β Format Data (this will delete all data but save the device).
Method 2: Installation via Flashify (without PC)
Flashify allows you to flash Recovery and kernels directly from your phone, but requires root rights. If your device is already rooted (like Magisk), this method is the easiest.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Flashify from Google Play (or APK APKPure).
- Download the Recovery file in.img format (for example, twrp-3.6.2_9-0-surya.img for POCO X3 NFC).
- Open Flashify and provide root access.
- Press Recovery Image β Choose a file and select the downloaded.img file.
- Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot to the new Recovery.
Advantages of the method:
- β It does not require unlocking the bootloader (if there is already root).
- β It works on most models, including the Redmi Note 10 Pro and Mi 11 Lite.
- β It saves data (if not formatted) /data).
Disadvantages:
- β Requires a preliminary root (getting root rights without a PC β the topic of a separate article).
- β Some versions of Flashify may not support new devices with dynamic_partitions.
π‘
Flashify is the only app that allows you to flash Recovery without a PC and without rebooting in fastboot. However, it only works on rooted devices, so you will first have to get root (for example, through Magisk in the patch). boot.img).
Method 3: Installation through ADB in fastboot mode (alternative to PC)
If you donβt have a computer, but have another Android smartphone or tablet that supports it OTG, You can emulate fastboot work using Bugjaeger or Termux, which is more complicated than the previous ones, but it works even on stock. MIUI rootless.
What you need:
- π± The second Android device with OTG-cable (or adapter) USB-C β USB-A).
- π Bugjaeger application (for management) ADB).
- π Recovery file in.img format (for example, twrp-3.7.0_12-0-alioth.img for POCO F3).
Instructions:
- Connect your Xiaomi to the second device OTG-cable.
- Turn on Xiaomi fastboot mode: Turn off your phone β Hold the Loud down. + Nutrition β Wait for the hare to appear in the hat-ushank (logo fastboot).
- Open Bugjaeger on the second device and select the connected device.
- Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is displayed - you can continue.
- Recovery: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-alioth.img (Replace the file name with your own).
- Recovery: Fastboot Reboot Recovery
β οΈ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro or Mi) 10T) Stock Recovery can automatically overwrite custom on the first download. To avoid this, immediately after installation, perform the following:
- Enter the new Recovery (TWRP/OrangeFox).
- Go to Advanced. β Flash Current TWRP (or similar).
- Please. ZIP-file disable_forced_encryption (if you need to disable encryption).
6. Problem Solving: What to Do If Recovery Is Not Installed
Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and let's consider the most common and ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| FAILED (remote:'Partition not found') | The device uses dynamic_partitions (model). | Use a special version TWRP Support dynamic partitions or run through fastbootd. |
| The phone is loaded into stock Recovery | MIUI Re-write custom Recovery when downloading. | Immediately after installation, go through ZIP s TWRP Installer or disable signature verification in fastboot: |
| Invalid sparse file format at header | A damaged Recovery file or incompatible version. | Download another file (check the hash amount) or use.img instead of.zip. |
| Hanging on the MIUI logo | Conflict with the Magisk kernel or modules. | Execute Format Data in TWRP Or run the stock kernel through fastboot flash boot stock_boot.img. |
| Anti-Rollback check fail | Try to flash the old version of MIUI to the new one. | Update your firmware to the latest version before installing Recovery. |
If your device has turned into a βbrickβ (it doesnβt turn on or freezes while booting), try the following steps:
- Press Volume Up + Power for 20-30 seconds for forced reboot.
- If the phone vibrates but the screen is black, plug it into charging for 10 minutes (the battery may have run out).
- Hard-brick (complete incapacity) will be required EDL-Mode and PC with Mi Flash Tool.
How to enter EDL-PC-free?
7.What to do after installing Recovery?
Successful installation of Recovery is only half the battle, and you need to set up the system properly to avoid problems in the future.
The first steps after installation:
- Create a backup copy: B TWRP Choose Backup β Check the Boot, System, Data, Vendor sections. SD-map OTG-accumulator.
- Disable encryption (optional): If you donβt plan to use encryption, click ZIP s disable_forced_encryption. Or run Format Data. β Yes (this will delete all data!).
- Install Magisk for root: Download the latest version of Magisk (.zip). in Recovery, select Install β specify the file Magisk-v26.4.zip β Swipe to confirm.
Sweat a custom core or firmware
- To improve performance, you can install the FrancoKernel or KiranKernel kernel.
- For pure Android, it is the Pixel Experience or LineageOS firmware.
β οΈ Note: After installing Magisk, some banking applications (such as SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may block work due to root detection:
- Activate MagiskHide in the Magisk settings.
- Use the Universal SafetyNet Fix module.
- Or install LSPosed with Hide My Applist.