Installation of TWRP Recovery on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: a complete guide with nuances

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) remains a popular device among customization enthusiasts, despite the release of new models. Installing a custom recavator is the first step to unlocking the full potential of a smartphone, from root rights to installing unofficial firmware. However, the process requires accuracy: an error in the stage of unlocking a bootloader or choosing an inappropriate version of TWRP can turn the phone into a brick.

In this guide, we will break down three officially supported installation methods (via fastboot, using the OrangeFox app, and an alternative way for locked bootloaders), and reveal unique nuances for the Redmi Note 5 model that are not in the universal instructions, such as why TWRP 3.7.0 may not work with MIUI 14, or how to get around the anti-rollback error without losing data.

1.Preparation: What to do before installing the recaveri

Before proceeding with the procedure, make sure that the mandatory conditions are met:

• 🔋 Battery charge at least 70%.Firmware loader at low charge can cause failure and hard brick (irreparable damage).
• 📱 Backup all data. Installing the recaveri erases /data version MIUI.
• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 Linux (macOS does not support official Xiaomi drivers).
• 🔌 Original. USB-Cheap cables can interrupt data transmission during fastboot.

Pay special attention to the MIUI version. Redmi Note 5 with firmware newer than MIUI 12.5 requires an additional step - rollback to the old version through the Mi Flash Tool, otherwise TWRP will not be able to decrypt the /data partition.

2 Unlocking the bootloader: official and informal ways

Without an unlocked bootloader, custom recavery installation is impossible. Xiaomi offers the official method through the Mi Unlock website, but it has limitations:

• ⏳ Wait 168 hours (7 days) after linking your account to your device.
• 🔗 Tethering SIM-Mi Account cards (required for new devices).
• 🚫 Limitation of 1 unlock in 30 days for one account.

Alternatively, use the fastboot oem unlock-go utility (for older versions of the bootloader) or the EDL exploit (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and risks locking the device permanently). On the Redmi Note 5 with a 4.5+ bootloader, official unlocking is the only safe option.

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, all data, including photos in internal memory, is reset. Don't rely on backups in Mi Cloud - they may not recover on custom firmware.

3.TWRP Version Choice: Why Not All Builds Are Right for the Redmi Note 5

The official TWRP website offers several versions for whyred, but not all of them work consistently:

For Redmi Note 5 with MIUI 13/14 firmware, it is recommended to use OrangeFox or TWRP 3.6.2 with a patch for FBE. Only download files from trusted sources (such as XDA Developers) to avoid fake builds with malware.

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Before installing, check the hash amount of the downloaded recovery file. Use sha256sum on Linux or online services like SHA256 Checksum Tool.

4. Install TWRP via fastboot: step-by-step instruction

The most reliable method is to run firmware through fastboot.

1. Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume Down to enter fastboot mode.
2. Connect the device to your PC and check for detection by command: fastboot devices If the device is not displayed, install Mi USB Driver drivers.
3. Recurse the recaveri command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.2-whyred.img Replace the file name with your version.
4. Stop replacing the Recovery with stock firmware: fastboot flash boot twrp-3.6.2-whyred.img (This step is mandatory for MIUI 12+!)

After a successful firmware, don't restart! immediately press Power + Volume Up to log into TWRP. Otherwise, stock MIUI will overwrite the Recovery the first time you boot.

Custom recaveri installed|Signature verification in settings is disabled TWRP|Backup of stock boot section is made|Automatic update disabled MIUI-->

5. Alternative methods: OrangeFox and ADB Sideload

If fastboot is not working (for example, due to a blocked bootloader), you can use:

• 🦊 OrangeFox Recovery: Installed via the official OrangeFox Installer app (requires root rights or unlocked bootloader). A/B-Partitions and has a built-in file manager.
• 📲 ADB Sideload: If the phone is loaded into a stock recavator, you can flash TWRP Team: Adb sideload twrp-whyred.zip But this method only works for MIUI beforehand 12.

For the Redmi Note 5 with anti-rollback protection, OrangeFox is often the only working solution, but installing it requires a patch to be pre-running through fastboot:

fastboot flash anti anti_4.img

⚠️ Warning: The wrong anti-rollback patch can lock the device at the hardware level. Before firmware check the current version of anti in fastboot getvar anti.

6. Solving common errors

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

If the screen is black after installing TWRP, try:

1. Wait 10-15 minutes (the first launch may take time).
2. Switch to another version of the recovery (for example, switch from TWRP to OrangeFox).
3. Check the integrity of the USB cable and port.

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If the phone doesn't respond to the buttons after a failed firmware, try slamming the Power for 30 seconds to force the shutdown. Then repeat the procedure with another version of the recovery.

7.Following action: what to do after installing the recaveri

Successful TWRP installation gives access to:

• 🔓 Ruth-Right through Magisk (set as ZIP river-driver).
• 📦 Brush firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, crDroid).
• 🔄 Full backups through the Backup function in TWRP.
• 🧹 Cleaning partitions before firmware (e.g. Dalvik Cache to eliminate lags).

The first thing to do is create a full backup of the current firmware (including boot, system, data) that will save you if custom software fails, and it is also recommended to disable automatic MIUI updates in the settings so that the stock firmware does not overwrite the recavereas.

To install Magisk:

1. Download the latest Magisk.zip from GitHub.
2. Reboot to TWRP.
3. Select Install → Magisk.zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions