How to Install TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: A Step-by-Step Guide

Owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 smartphone often face the limitations of the standard MIUI shell, which prevents the device from fully realizing its potential. Installing a custom TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) recap opens up access to advanced features: creating full system backups, installing custom firmware, obtaining superuser rights and deep cleaning of memory partitions. This process requires care, but the result is worth it if you want to gain full control of your gadget.

Before you start manipulating software, you need to understand the risks. Any interference in the system partition has the potential to turn the smartphone into a “brick” if the actions are performed incorrectly. However, by following proven algorithms and carefully reading each step, you can safely modify the boot partition of your Redmi Note 7. In this article, we will discuss all the steps from tool preparation to the first boot in a modified recovery environment.

The installation procedure consists of several critical steps, any of which can cause a failure. You will need not only the image file of the recovery, but also a specific set of drivers, as well as an unlocked bootloader. Unlocking the bootloader is a prerequisite, without which entry to the recovery section is physically impossible due to Xiaomi's security policy. If your phone is not yet unlocked, start with the official procedure through the Mi Unlock application.

Preparation of the workplace and necessary files

The success of the operation depends on 90% of the quality of preparation. You need a Windows computer that works. USB-cable (preferably original or high-quality analogue with thick wires) and the smartphone itself with a battery charge of at least 60%. Low charge can lead to the device shutdown at the most inopportune moment, which is fraught with damage to the file system.

The first step is to download the ADB and Fastboot platform, a set of command-line utilities that allows the computer to communicate with the phone in special modes, and download the current TWRP image, specially assembled for the codename lavender (this is how the Redmi Note 7 is technically identified), and do not use images for other models, even if they look similar, this is guaranteed to cause the touchscreen or screen to fail.

⚠️ Note: Make sure you download the file with the.img extension, not the.zip file for initial installation via your computer..zip files are designed to be installed inside the recovery itself, and we need an image to run through Fastboot.

For a comfortable experience, create a folder on a C drive with a simple path, such as C:\adb, and put all downloaded files there. This will save you from problems with long paths and gaps in directory names when you type commands. Also remember to include USB debugging on your phone in the developer menu so that your computer can see the device in debugging mode.

Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader

The key to the whole procedure is the status of the bootloader. By default, it is blocked on all Xiaomi devices, which prevents the launch of unauthorized software. To remove the lock, you will need a Mi Account that is tied to the device for at least 7 days (168 hours), and the official Mi Unlock Tool utility.

The process is as follows: you link your account to your phone settings (Settings → About Phone → Press 7 times on MIUI → Mi → bootloader Status), then you wait for the timer to expire. After the wait period, the phone is switched to Fastboot mode, connects to the PC, and Mi Unlock Tool unlocks, at which point all data on the phone will be irrevocably deleted.

There is a myth that you can unlock the bootloader by third-party methods without waiting. Xiaomi's official policy requires a mandatory wait of 7 days from the moment of the account's binding, and bypassing this restriction often leads to locking the device on IMEI or loss of warranty.

Installation of drivers and connection in Fastboot mode

The computer must correctly recognize the smartphone in bootloader mode. This often requires manual installation of drivers, as Windows does not always find them automatically. Go to Device Manager and see if there is a device with a yellow exclamation mark or a record of "Android Bootloader Interface" when the phone is connected in Fastboot mode.

If the device is not defined, use the Xiaomi utility ADB/Fastboot Tools or install drivers manually through Device Manager, specifying the path to the folder with SDK Platform Tools. Once the drivers are successfully installed, the command to fastboot devices entered in the command line must output the serial number of your device. This is a signal that the connection is established and you can proceed to the firmware.

It's important to use USB-port embedded in the computer motherboard (back of the system unit), not the ports of the front panel or USB-Unstable power or poor contact can interrupt data transmission at a critical time of image recording, leading to error and the need to start the process anew.

The process of firmware image TWRP through Fastboot

Now, to the most critical stage, open the command line (CMD) or PowerShell in a folder with ADB-Make sure the phone is in Fastboot mode (the screen with the android hare fixing, or just the word Fastboot on a black background:

fastboot devices

If the serial number is displayed, type the command for the recovery firmware. For the Redmi Note 7, it will look like this (replace twrp-3.x.x-x-lavender.img with the exact name of your file):

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-lavender.img

Once the process is completed successfully (Finished status), take your time to boot up immediately. The standard Android boot procedure can automatically overwrite custom Recovery with stock if you start the system immediately. To avoid this, you need to pinch the button combination to log in to Recovery immediately after you have firmware.

⚠️ Warning: Immediately after the flash command, as soon as the screen goes out or the Finished letter appears, press the Volume Up buttons simultaneously. + Eating and keeping them until the logo appears MI menu TWRP. If you release the buttons too soon or too late, the phone will boot into the normal system and TWRP fly off.

💡

If TWRP flies off after the reboot, try immediately after the firmware run the command fastboot boot twrp-3.x.x-x-lavender.img. This will temporarily load the recoveries without writing to the flash memory, which will allow you to perform further actions, such as installing the Anti-Dm-Verity patch.

First Start and Configure TWRP

When you first log in to TWRP, you'll see a screen that warns you that the system partition is not modified. That's normal. If you're planning to install custom firmware or get Root rights, move the "Allow Modifications" slider. If you only need to make backups, you can leave it as it is, but you'd better allow the changes for stable operation.

The recovery interface is fully touch-sensitive, but the volume buttons work as an up/down cursor and the power button as an Enter. In the main menu, you can access the Backup, Wipe, Install, and Advanced sections before you manipulate.

One of the important settings is the formatting of the Data partition. Because of MIUI encryption, the first time you run a TWRP, it may not see the internal memory or it may give an error when you try to write files. To solve this problem, go to Wipe → Format Data, type in the word yes and confirm the action. This will delete all the data, but make the partition available for writing.

💡

Formatting the Data partition is a must for the internal memory in TWRP to run on MIUI, but it completely removes all files from the phone.

Solving Typical Problems and Errors

In the installation process, users often encounter a number of standard problems, one of the most common is the Failed to boot bootloader error or the lack of response to Fastboot commands. USB-cable or port, or re-installation of drivers with administrator rights.

Another common problem is “Touch not working” in TWRP. This happens if you accidentally upload an image intended for another model or another version of Android. Make sure you download the TWRP version specifically for lavender (Redmi Note 7). There are also different versions for Global and China ROM, although more often they are compatible, but it is better to double-check the source of the file.

Below is a table of possible errors and methods of their solution:

If the phone is still bootlooped, don't panic. Go back to Recovery mode (if TWRP is still there) and try Wipe Dalvik/Cache and then Wipe Data. If the problem is more serious, you may have to return the stock firmware via the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)