Installing custom recavators on Xiaomi smartphones gives you access to advanced features, from backup to unofficial ROM firmware. However, the process requires care - an error at any stage can turn a device into a "brick." This guide will detail how to install the recavators correctly through MiFlash, including preparing drivers, unlocking the bootloader and choosing a compatible version of TWRP.
It is important to understand that MiFlash is not suitable for all Xiaomi models, for example, devices on the MediaTek platform (for example, the Redmi Note 11 or the POCO M4 Pro) require an alternative approach through the SP Flash Tool. In this article, we will focus on smartphones with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, where MiFlash remains the standard tool.
Before you get started, make sure you have a backup of important data.The recovery installation process erases all user files, and unlocking the bootloader resets the device to factory settings. Also check if your Xiaomi model supports official unlocking - some regional versions (e.g., for China) may have limitations.
1.Preparation: what will be needed to install the Recovery
Before you start, collect all the necessary tools and files. Without proper preparation, you risk running into errors like Invalid image format or Device not found.
Here is a complete list of what to download and install:
- 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with a battery charge of at least 70% (to avoid disconnection during firmware).
- 💻 Computer running Windows 10/11 (MiFlash requires Windows for the first time).
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (cheap cables may not provide a stable connection in Fastboot mode).
- 🔓 Unlocked loader (mandatory condition for installing custom Recovery).
- 📁 Archive with MiFlash (official version from Xiaomi, not beta!).
- 🔧 Qualcomm drivers (for device recognition in mode) EDL).
- 📄 Recaveri file (e.g, TWRP for your model).
Pay special attention to the choice of version TWRP. For example, for Xiaomi. 11T Pro (vili) is suitable for the official build, and for Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) - a special version with support for encryption. XDA Developers or Official Website TWRP.
⚠️ Note: Do not use MiFlash versions older than 2020.3.14.0 – they do not support new Xiaomi models and may cause a Critical partition flashing error.
2 Unlocking the loader: a mandatory step before installing the recaveri
Without an unlocked bootloader, custom recavator installation is not possible. Xiaomi blocks the bootloader by default, and unlocking it requires official permission through the Mi Account.
The process takes 3 to 7 days (depending on Xiaomi’s policy) and includes the following steps:
- Linking a Mi Account to a device: 📱 Go to Settings. → Mi Account → Synchronization. 🔗 Make sure the device is linked to the account (Device tab).
- Request for unblocking: 🌐 Open the unlock page and log in. 📝 Fill out the form stating the reason (for example, “Install custom firmware»).
Waiting for SMS with confirmation
Mi Unlock Tool
- 💻 Download the official software.
- 🔌 Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down) + Nutrition).
- 🖱️ Start the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions.
Once successfully unlocked, the phone will display Unlocked in Fastboot mode. If you see Relocked instead, repeat the process - sometimes it takes several attempts.
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If the Mi Unlock Tool is a Couldn’t unlock error, try using the 3.5.512.24 version, which is often more stable than new releases.
3. Installation of drivers and setting up MiFlash
To MiFlash recognizes your device, you need to install Qualcomm drivers and configure the environment, without which the program will not be able to interact with your smartphone in EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode.
Follow this instruction:
- Installation of drivers: 📥 Download the Qualcomm drivers. 🔧 Unpack the archive and run the installation through Device Manager: Connect the phone in Fastboot mode. In the Manager, find the device with an exclamation mark (usually QHUSB_BULK qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008). Update the driver manually, specifying the path to the downloaded files.
Setting up MiFlash:
- 📁 Unpack your archive with MiFlash (for example, MiFlash2020-3-14-0).
- 🖥️ Launch XiaoMiFlash.exe on behalf of the administrator.
- ⚙️ In Settings, select Clean all and lock (if you plan to return stock recavers later) or Clean all (for permanent installation). TWRP).
Check the connection: MiFlash should show your device in the port list (for example, COM3). If you see No device connected instead, reinstall the drivers or try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Device not found in MiFlash | Qualcomm drivers not installed | Install drivers manually through Device Manager |
| Critical partition flashing is not allowed | An outdated version of MiFlash | Use version 2020.3.14.0 or later |
| The device is not defined in Fastboot | Problems with USB-cable | Try the original cable and USB 2.0 port |
| MiFlash is now available on Waiting for Device | Incorrect connection mode | Transfer your phone to EDL (see section 4) |
4. Transfer of the device to EDL mode and firmware recaveri
EDL (Emergency Download Mode) allows you to flash the device at a low level, bypassing the limitations of Fastboot. For Xiaomi, there are two ways to transfer the phone to EDL: