How to install Recovery on Xiaomi without PC: 3 working methods 2026

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:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery charge of at least 60% (when discharged during the process, the phone can turn into a brickΒ»).
  • πŸ“± The model of your Xiaomi supports unofficial Recovery (list of compatible devices – in the table below).
  • πŸ”“ Is the bootloader unlocked? Without this, custom Recovery installation is impossible (how to unlock without a PC - read section 3).
πŸ“Š What Xiaomi model do you want to modify?
Redmi Note 10/11/12
POCO X3/X4/X5
Mi 11/12/13
Another model

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 RecoveryFeaturesXiaomi supportComplexity of installation
TWRPThe most popular custom Recovery with touch control, support for backups and ADB.Most models (except new ones with dynamic partitions)Medium
OrangeFoxfork TWRP with improved interface, themes support and advanced features for MIUI.Many devices, but not allHigh (patching required)
PitchBlackLightweight Recovery with minimalist design, optimized for weak devices.Older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1)Low.
Stock MIUI RecoveryOfficial 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).

⚠️ 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 doesn’t boot) or even hard-brick (the full β€œbrick”).

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:

  • 🌐 List of supported TWRP device
  • πŸ“Œ XDA-Developers Forum (Search for your model theme).

Unlock the bootloader without a PC

Without an unlocked bootloader, you can’t install custom Recovery. Xiaomi’s official way requires a PC and a Mi Account, but there’s a workaround through the Mi Unlock Tool app (APK):

  1. Download. APK-Mi Unlock Tool version (for example, with APKMirror).
  2. Install the application and log in to your Mi Account.
  3. Go to Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers β†’ Unlocking OEM and activate the option.
  4. 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 doesn’t work?
If the application produces a "Couldn't verify device" or "Network error", try: 1. VPN (For example, ProtonVPN) with servers in China or Singapore. 2. Install an older version of the Mi Unlock Tool (for example, 3.5.501.24). 3. Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes the lock is associated with the use of a computer). IP). 4. check if your Mi Account is blocked for suspicious activity (for example, if you have previously unlocked many devices).

⚠️ 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 – 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:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Passwords and Security β†’ Phone Encryption.
  2. If the option is active, turn it off (you will need to reset the settings!).
  3. 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:

  1. 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: πŸ”— Official website TWRP πŸ”— OrangeFox Recovery

update.zip

Volume up + Nutrition

Install update.zip to System

Reboot to Recovery

⚠️ Note: If you are back in stock Recovery after the reboot, then:

  • πŸ”΄ Recovery file is incompatible with your model.
  • πŸ”΄ In the firmware disabled installation support ZIP recover.
  • πŸ”΄ The device has Anti-Rollback protection and you need to flash a newer version. MIUI before installing the recovery.

πŸ’‘

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:

  1. Download and install Flashify from Google Play (or APK APKPure).
  2. Download the Recovery file in.img format (for example, twrp-3.6.2_9-0-surya.img for POCO X3 NFC).
  3. Open Flashify and provide root access.
  4. Press Recovery Image β†’ Choose a file and select the downloaded.img file.
  5. Confirm the installation and wait for the reboot to the new Recovery.

Advantages of the method:

  • βœ… It does not require unlocking the bootloader (if there is already root).
  • βœ… It works on most models, including the Redmi Note 10 Pro and Mi 11 Lite.
  • βœ… It saves data (if not formatted) /data).

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Requires a preliminary root (getting root rights without a PC – the topic of a separate article).
  • ❌ Some versions of Flashify may not support new devices with dynamic_partitions.

πŸ’‘

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 don’t 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:

  • πŸ“± The second Android device with OTG-cable (or adapter) USB-C β†’ USB-A).
  • πŸ”Œ Bugjaeger application (for management) ADB).
  • πŸ“ Recovery file in.img format (for example, twrp-3.7.0_12-0-alioth.img for POCO F3).

Instructions:

  1. Connect your Xiaomi to the second device OTG-cable.
  2. 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).
  3. Open Bugjaeger on the second device and select the connected device.
  4. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the device is displayed - you can continue.
  5. Recovery: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-alioth.img (Replace the file name with your own).
  6. Recovery: Fastboot Reboot Recovery

⚠️ 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:

  1. Enter the new Recovery (TWRP/OrangeFox).
  2. Go to Advanced. β†’ Flash Current TWRP (or similar).
  3. 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 RecoveryMIUI 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 headerA damaged Recovery file or incompatible version.Download another file (check the hash amount) or use.img instead of.zip.
Hanging on the MIUI logoConflict 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 failTry 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 β€œbrick” (it doesn’t turn on or freezes while booting), try the following steps:

  1. Press Volume Up + Power for 20-30 seconds for forced reboot.
  2. If the phone vibrates but the screen is black, plug it into charging for 10 minutes (the battery may have run out).
  3. Hard-brick (complete incapacity) will be required EDL-Mode and PC with Mi Flash Tool.
How to enter EDL-PC-free?
Enter in EDL (Emergency Download Mode is almost impossible without a computer, as it requires short circuit test points on the board. However, on some models (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro) you can try the combination: Turn off the phone. β†’ Hold the Loud up. + Loudness down β†’ Connect to charging. Success is not guaranteed, and in 90% of cases, EDL PC.

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:

  1. Create a backup copy: B TWRP Choose Backup β†’ Check the Boot, System, Data, Vendor sections. SD-map OTG-accumulator.
  2. Disable encryption (optional): If you don’t plan to use encryption, click ZIP s disable_forced_encryption. Or run Format Data. β†’ Yes (this will delete all data!).
  3. 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.

⚠️ 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.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing Recovery on Xiaomi

Can I install TWRP on Xiaomi without unlocking the bootloader?
No, unlock the loader (OEM Unlock is required for custom Recovery installation. Without it, the system will simply ignore the firmware. Except if you already have root rights (then you can use Flashify).
Why does the TWRP phone not boot after installation?
Probable reasons: Incompatible version of Recovery (download the file just for your model!) Conflict with the kernel (sweep stock) boot.img Data encryption (execute Format Data in fastboot). TWRP). Anti-Rollback (update) MIUI until the last version before installing Recovery. Solution: log in TWRP (Hold the volume up + Food, make a Wipe. β†’ Format Data, then re-flash the firmware.
How to check which Recovery is installed on Xiaomi?
There are two ways: Turn off your phone. β†’ Hold the Loud up. + Nutrition β†’ If you see a blue interface with touch control, it's a very simple one. TWRP/OrangeFox. If the yellow text screen is stock Recovery, type in the terminal (via Termux or ADB): adb shell getprop ro.boot.recovery If the answer unknown is stock Recovery, if twrp is custom.
Can I return stock recovery after installing TWRP?
Yes, for this: Download stock Recovery for your model (usually as part of the official firmware). stock_recovery.img Or set it through TWRP ZIP-After returning stock Recovery, you will lose the ability to install custom firmware, but the warranty (if any) will remain valid.
Which Xiaomi models don’t support TWRP installation without a PC?
For the moment (2026 Difficulties arise with: MediaTek devices (e.g. Redmi) 10A, POCO M4 Pro - required SP Flash Tool, new flagships with dynamic_partitions (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi K60) β€” Special versions are needed. TWRP. With a locked bootloader and the inability to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (such as some Redmis for the Chinese market), installation without a PC is either impossible or requires complex manipulation (for example, using a second rooted phone from a computer). OTG).