How to install TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi 7A: from unlock to firmware

Why TWRP on Redmi 7A is not a luxury, but a necessity

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 7A sooner or later face the limitations of the regular firmware MIUI. Lack of features, intrusive advertising in system applications or the desire to install custom firmware like LineageOS - all this requires the pre-installing of custom recovery. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) becomes the only legal way to get full control of the device without the risk of "bricking".

However, the installation process on the Redmi 7A has nuances, from the mandatory unlocking of the bootloader to choosing the right version of the TWRP for the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 processor. In this article, the current instructions for 2026, taking into account the latest changes in Xiaomi policy (including the mandatory binding of the Mi Account and the 7-day wait for unlock), We will analyze each step from the preparation of the PC to the final check of the recovery.

⚠️ Critical Warning: Installation TWRP voids Xiaomi warranty and could result in data loss. - Redmi models 7A firmware MIUI 14+ If your device was purchased in 2023-2026, check the bootloader version with the fastboot getvar anti command before starting the procedure.

Preparation: What you need to install TWRP

Before you start the firmware, gather everything you need, and the absence of at least one component can interrupt the process at a critical stage.

• 📱 Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 7A with a battery charge of at least 70% (the risk of disconnection during firmware leads to a “brick").
• 💻 Computer running Windows 10/11 (for Linux/macOS Additional drivers will be required).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C original or certified (cheap cables may not transmit data in fastboot mode).
• 📁 File. TWRP for Redmi 7A (version 3.7.0_9-0 Or newer, download only from the official website).
• 🔓 Mi Account with a linked phone number (required to unlock the bootloader).
• 🛠 Tools: Mi Unlock Tool, ADB & Fastboot, Qualcomm drivers.

Pay special attention to the version TWRP. For Redmi. 7A (codename pine, only pine-marked builds in the file name are suitable. 8A) This will lead to a hard brik and the need to firmware through EDL-regime.

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 7A

Without bootloader unlocking, TWRP installation is impossible. Xiaomi has tightened the rules: it now requires a device to be linked to a Mi Account and waits 168 hours (7 days) after the first link. This restriction cannot be legally circumvented - all workarounds using EDL require an authorized Xiaomi account for service centers.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Activate Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (It may not be available on newer slates). 🔌 Debugging by USB.

Mi Account

Settings → Xiaomi account

Mi Unlock Tool

official website

fastboot

Loudness down + Nutrition

Mi Unlock Tool

"Wait 168 hours"

Important: On MIUI 14+ firmware, unlocking may require confirmation via SMS even after waiting 7 days. If the SMS does not arrive, check if your Mi Account is blocked for suspicious activity.

Linked to Mi Account with a confirmed phone number|Debugging is on. USB and unlock OEM|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot|Download the official Mi Unlock Tool|Phone's loaded on 70%+-->

Step 2: Install ADB and Fastboot drivers

Without properly installed drivers, the PC will not recognize Redmi 7A in fastboot mode. Windows most often has problems signing Qualcomm drivers.

Step-by-step installation:

1. Download Android SDK Platform-Tools (includes adb and fastboot).
2. Unpack the archive into the root of the disk C:\platform-tools\.
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode (as in the unlock stage).
4. Open Device Manager on PC. If there's an exclamation point next to the Android Bootloader Interface, the driver is not installed.
5. Right-click on the device → Update the driver → Search on this computer → specify the path to the platform-tools folder.

To check the connection, open the command line in the platform-tools folder and type:

fastboot devices

If you see the serial number of the device, the drivers are installed correctly. If not, try another one. USB-port.

Step 3: Firmware TWRP via Fastboot

When the bootloader is unlocked and the drivers are installed, you can start running the backpack firmware. It is critical for the Redmi 7A to use the correct version of the TWRP - builds for other models (even from the Redmi 7 series) will not work.

Instructions:

1. Download the current file twrp-3.7.0_9-0-pine.img (or newer) with twrp.me.
2. Place the file in the platform-tools folder and rename it to twrp.img for convenience.
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode.
4. Open the command line in the platform-tools folder and do:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

After the second command, the device will automatically restart to TWRP. If this does not happen, manually press Volume up + Power when turned on.

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi firmware 7A post-installation TWRP staff MIUI It overwrites the Recovery at the first load, so that it doesn't, right after you enter the recaves. TWRP execute:

1. Go to Mount and mark System.
2. Go back to the main menu and select Advanced → File Manager.
3. Go to /system/recovery-from-boot.p and delete this file.
4. Reboot to Recovery (Reboot → Recovery)

To get around the restrictions, use Magisk modules such as Universal SafetyNet Fix or MagiskHide Props Config. But note: Xiaomi is actively fighting SafetyNet bypass, so solutions may stop working after updates.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions