The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (also known as the Redmi Note 5 Pro in India or the Redmi Note 5 AI in China) remains a popular device, but the standard MIUI shell often limits the capabilities of advanced users. Installing the custom TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) recap opens up full file system management, allows you to create full backups and install modified versions of Android.
The process requires care, as interference with the system partition carries certain risks. Before starting any manipulations, you need to clearly understand what you are doing at each stage. The Redmi Note 5 model is codenamed "whyred", and using files for other models (for example, "tulip" or "lavender") is guaranteed to cause the device to malfunction.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the nuances of preparing, unlocking the bootloader, and installing the modified bootloader directly. Even if you're a beginner, following the instructions will help avoid critical mistakes.
Preparation of the device and assembly of necessary files
The first step is to prepare the workplace and the smartphone, and you need a computer running Windows, Linux or macOS, and a high-quality computer. USB-A cable that can transmit data, not just charge the battery, but without a reliable connection, the process can be interrupted at the most inopportune moment.
You need to install ADB and Fastboot drivers on your smartphone, which allow your computer to communicate with your phone in special modes, and you also need to download the image of the recovery itself, specially assembled for the Snapdragon 636 chipset, which is installed in the Redmi Note 5.
- 📱 Charge your smartphone to a minimum 60-70%, to avoid turning off during the firmware process.
- 💾 Download the current file twrp-3.x.x.x-whyred.img from an official website or a verified source.
- 🔌 Install Xiaomi drivers USB Driver and Platform Tools on PC.
- 🔐 Back up all important data, as unlocking the bootloader will completely clear the memory.
⚠️ Warning: All data on the internal drive will be deleted after unlocking the bootloader.Premise transfer photos, contacts and documents to your computer or cloud storage.
☑️ Firmware readiness check
Unlocking the Xiaomi bootloader
Xiaomi has implemented protection against unauthorized firmware, so the standard way to install TWRP is through the official unlock of the bootloader (Unlock Bootloader), a mandatory procedure that can not be circumvented software without exploiting vulnerabilities, which for the average user is more difficult and risky.
First, you need to link your Mi Account to your device. Go to settings, select About Phone, and click on MIUI multiple times to activate the developer menu. Then, in the advanced settings, find bootloader Status and click the unlock button, following the instructions on the screen.
Once an account is linked, you have to wait a certain time, it's usually 7 to 168 hours (7 days), but in some cases it can take longer, and trying to unlock before the specified time will lead to an error. Patience is the main tool here.
When the waiting time is up, plug your phone into Fastboot mode (clamping the volume button when the phone is off) and run the Mi Unlock Tool on your computer. Log in to your account and press the unlock button. The process will take a couple of minutes, after which the phone will restart and clear the data.
Install TWRP via Fastboot
After successfully unlocking and first setting up the system (which will again require Wi-Fi connectivity and a Mi Account), you can start installing the recover directly. Make sure the image file is renamed recovery.img and lies in the folder with ADB tools for convenience.
Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode. Connect it to your PC and open the command line or terminal in the tool folder. Check the connection with the fastboot device command. If you see the serial number of the device, then the connection is established correctly.
Now, run a command to temporarily load the Recovery. We don't run it all the time to first install a root right or patch to prevent the TWRP from being replaced with a stock one on the first download.
fastboot boot recovery.imgThe device will vibrate and the TWRP logo will appear on the screen. If the phone is stuck on the MIUI logo or has gone into a rebuke, then the image file is damaged or not suitable for your version of Android.
What to do if TWRP asks for a password?
Magisk firmware to preserve rights
Modern versions of MIUI have a security mechanism that checks the integrity of the recovery partition when it first boots, and if a modification is detected, the system automatically replaces the TWRP with a stock bootloader, and to avoid this, you need to install Magisk.
Download the current one. APK-Magisk file and rename its extension to.zip (or just use it) ZIP-Copy this file to your phone's internal memory or a connected microSD card. TWRP, Go to the Install section.
Select a Magisk file and confirm the swipe installation. After the process is complete, take your time to boot the system. First, clear the cache and Dalvik to avoid file conflicts. This is standard procedure after any system modification.
| Action. | Section in TWRP | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Magisk installation | Install | Getting Root Rights |
| Clearing the cache | Wipe → Advanced | Stability of the system |
| Formatting Data | Wipe → Format Data | Decryption of encryption |
| Reboot. | Reboot → System | Android launch |
⚠️ Note: After installing Magisk and restarting, the first system boot may take up to 5-10 Don't panic or reboot your phone forcefully if you see the Android logo.
Set up and work with backups
One of the main features of TWRP is the ability to create full copies of the system (Nandroid Backup), which allows you to roll back to working condition in a few minutes if you fail to install a firmware or buggy modules. For the Redmi Note 5, this is a critical feature.
Go to Backup, and you'll see a list of the sections: Boot, System, Data, Vendor, and more, and you'll want to choose all the sections you want to make sure you have a full copy. SD-card, if any, so as not to take up internal memory.
The backup process takes time, and it's best not to touch the phone at this time, and when it's done, it's saved to the folder. /TWRP/BACKUPS/. Regularly creating such copies before experiments is a sign of an experienced user.
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Always check the integrity of the backup by trying to open it through the TWRP file manager. If the archive is damaged, it is useless at a critical moment.
Possible errors and their solution
When modifying the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, users often face typical problems, understanding their causes helps to quickly get the device back into operation, most often errors are associated with incompatibility of Android versions and recoveries.
For example, TWRP Android 9 (Pie) may not work properly with Android 10 or 11. OTA, The old recovery may not see the sections or be able to mount them. In such cases, you should look for an updated version of the image marked as compatible with your version. MIUI.
- 🔄 Bootloop: The phone is endlessly rebooted. Solution: go to the phone. TWRP and make a Wipe Data/Factory Reset or restore backup.
- 🚫 Error 7 in Aroma Installer: The Wrong Version of Android Solution: Download Another ZIP-firmware.
- 💿 No internal drive visible: Encryption problem Solution: Execute Format Data (typing yes).
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The most common cause of problems is the use of files (firmware, backups) intended for another model or version of Android. Always check the device's code name (whyred).
⚠️ Warning: If the phone has stopped responding to buttons and only the charging indicator (mode) is on EDL), You may need an authorized Mi Account to run through the Mi Flash Tool or use paid unlock services.