How to install recovery on Xiaomi without PC: all working ways in 2026

Installing custom recavators (such as TWRP) on Xiaomi smartphones without using a computer is a task that seems impossible for many users. However, with the development of mobile tools and alternative firmware methods, this process has become more accessible. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install a recavator on Xiaomi without a PC, including official workarounds and informal solutions using third-party applications.

It is important to understand that the procedure involves risks, from loss of warranty to the device’s “brick”. We will discuss in detail the preparation of the device, the choice of the appropriate method depending on the Xiaomi model (for example, Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Mi 11), as well as nuances that will help to avoid errors. If you are a beginner, carefully study each section, especially the warning blocks.

Spoiler: Some Xiaomi models with locked bootloader (such as Redmi 10C or POCO M5), installing TWRP without a PC is only possible if you pre-unlock through Mi Unlock - but there are workarounds.Read on to find out more.

1. Preparation of Xiaomi smartphone for installation of the recavery

Before you start firmware, you need to follow a few critical steps, and skipping any of them can cause a procedure to fail or even the device to fail.

First, check your smartphone model and MIUI version. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone. Write down the exact model name (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G, not just "Redmi Note 11") and the firmware version (e.g. MIUI Global 14.0.5).

Second, unlock the bootloader if it's locked. Without this step, custom recavator installation is impossible. Most Xiaomi devices block the bootloader by default. You can check its status using the command:

fastboot oem device-info

If you see Device unlocked: false in the answer, it means that the bootloader is locked. You will need the official Mi Unlock Tool to unlock, but this already requires a PC connection. However, there are workarounds, which we will discuss below.

Finally, make a full data backup. Installing a recavator can cause you to reset your settings or lose your files. Use built-in tools. MIUI (Settings → Additionally. → Backups or third-party applications like Swift Backup (requires root).

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi K50) installation TWRP This may cause the system to not boot. Before you run the firmware, check the compatibility of your model in the forum. XDA Developers.

• 📱 Check the device model in Settings → The phone.
• 🔓 Check the status of the bootloader (unlocked/locked).
• 💾 Create a backup of all important data.
• 🔋 Charge your smartphone to at least 60% to avoid shutting down during firmware.

Method 2: Install TWRP via official update (for unlocked bootloader)

If your bootloader is already unlocked (for example, you used the Mi Unlock Tool before), the easiest way to install the recoveries is through fastboot commands executed from another Android device. OTG root-access.

You'll need:

• 📱 Second Android device with root rights and Terminal Emulator installed.
• 🔌 OTG-cable to connect your Xiaomi to the second device.
• 📁 File. TWRP in.img format for your model (download from twrp.me).
• 🔧 The Fastboot Tools app (available on Google Play for root devices).

Instructions:

1. Download the file. twrp-3.7.0_12-0-xxx.img (where xxx is your model code and rename it recovery.img.
2. Connect your Xiaomi to the second device via OTG and put it into fastboot mode (turn it off, then press Volume Down + Power).
3. On the second device, open Terminal Emulator and execute commands: su fastboot devices fastboot flash recovery.img fastboot boot recovery.img
4. After successful firmware, your Xiaomi will automatically reboot to TWRP.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 Pro) after firmware TWRP The system can automatically rewrite the recavers to the stock at the first load. TWRP Run the command fastboot flash recovery_ab recovery.img (for devices A/B-partition).

Downloaded the correct file recovery.img for your model|The second device has a root and OTG|Xiaomi in fastboot mode|Battery's more charged. 60%-->

Method 2: Use the OrangeFox Recovery Installer application (without root)

If you don’t have a second root device but the bootloader is unlocked, you can use the OrangeFox Recovery Installer app, which works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12/13/14 and doesn’t require a PC connection.

The app automatically determines your smartphone model and downloads the appropriate version of OrangeFox Recovery (an alternative to TWRP with advanced features), the advantage of this method is simple and there is no need to manually search for firmware.

Instructions:

1. Download OrangeFox Recovery Installer from the official website (.apk file).
2. Install the application by allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access Rights → Install Unknown Applications).
3. Open the application and provide all the necessary permissions (storage, access to ADB).
4. Click Select Device and select your Xiaomi model from the list. If you don't have one, choose the nearest one (for example, viva is good for Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G).
5. Press Download Recovery, then Flash Recovery.The device will automatically reboot to OrangeFox.

After successful installation, it is recommended to immediately create a persist partition backup (in OrangeFox this is done in the Backup section), since on some devices it can get damaged with further manipulation.

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If after installing OrangeFox smartphone got stuck on the MI logo, try to reflash the recovery once again, having previously formatted the recovery section through fastboot: fastboot erase recovery.

Method 3: Installation of the recaveri through ADB-commands from the phone (no root)

This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader, but without access to a second smartphone.We will use the ADB terminal running directly on your Xiaomi via the Termux app.

Termux is a terminal emulator for Android that allows you to perform ADB And fastboot commands without a PC, but you'll need fastboot. OTG-cable and adapter for connecting the keyboard (or virtual keyboard with support) Ctrl+C/Ctrl+V).

Step-by-step:

1. Install Termux from F-Droid (the version from Google Play is outdated).
2. Update packages and install the necessary tools: pkg update & & pkg upgrade pkg install wget proot-distro proot-distro install ubuntu proot-distro login ubuntu apt install adb fastboot
3. Download recovery.img for your model to the ~/storage/shared/Download folder.
4. Connect. OTG-Keyboard and execute: adb reboot bootloader fastboot flash recovery /sdcard/Download/recovery.img fastboot reboot recovery

If you don't. OTG-In the case of keyboards, you can use Termux:Widget to type commands through a virtual keyboard, but this is less convenient and can cause errors when you type.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later may need to be disconnected MIUI Optimization in the Developer Settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → For developers → Turn off optimization MIUI). Without it. ADB may not work properly.

5. Method 4: Bypassing the bootloader unlock (for locked devices)

Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 10A, POCO M4 Pro) can install custom recovers without first unlocking the bootloader through an exploit in MIUI. This method does not work on all devices and requires a firmware vulnerability. Below is the most reliable way to date – through the MTK Bypass application (only for devices running a MediaTek processor).

You'll need:

• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone based on MediaTek (check in Settings) → The phone. → Full specifications → Processor).
• 🔓 Annex MTK Bypass (available on XDA).
• 📁 File. recovery.img For your model (check compatibility!).

Instructions:

1. Install MTK Bypass and provide all permissions.
2. Open the app and press Bypass. The device will reboot to mode, where the bootloader signature check is temporarily disabled.
3. Without leaving this mode, connect OTG-flash-cable recovery.img.
4. Use File Manager (such as FX Explorer) to copy the file to the root partition /dev/block/bootdevice/by-name/recovery.
5. Reboot the device in the recaveri by clamping Volume up + Power.

This method doesn’t work on all devices and can result in soft-brick (the device is turned on but doesn’t load beyond the logo).

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Exploits to bypass a locked bootloader are often “closed” in newer versions of MIUI. If your device gets an update after March 2026, the chances of success are minimal.

Possible errors and their solutions

Even with the right instructions, errors can occur, and here are some of the most common problems and ways to fix them.

If your device is no longer on (hard-brick), don't panic. In most cases, it can be restored using the Mi Flash Tool and stock firmware.

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the MIUI Download website.
2. Unpack the archive and find the file. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac).
3. Connect the device turned off to the PC by clamping Volume Down + Power (EDL mode).
4. Launch it. flash_all.bat on behalf of the administrator.

If you do not have access to a PC, contact the Xiaomi service center – recovery through EDL is possible only with an authorized account.

7. What to do after installing the recaveri?

Successful custom recavery installation is just the first step. Now you can:

• 🔄 Install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 🔓 Get root rights through Magisk.
• 💾 Create a full backup of all partitions (including boot, system, data).
• ⚡ Optimize performance with cores and mods.

But remember, custom firmware and root take away your warranty, and some features (like Google Pay or banking apps) may stop working because of the SafetyNet trigger.

Recommended procedure after installation of TWRP:

1. Create a backup of the current firmware (Backup → Select Partitions → Swipe to Backup).
2. Install Magisk to manage root rights (download.zip from GitHub and swipe through Install → Select Zip).
3. Turn off forced encryption (if necessary) via Format Data → type "yes".
4. Install Disable Force Encryption (available on XDA) if you plan to use custom firmware.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ In this case, you can use the MagiskDelta module or use KernelSU as an alternative.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)