Installation of TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: from unlocking the bootloader to firmware recaveri

Why install TWRP on the Redmi Note 8 Pro?

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a powerful tool for owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia), which provides access to advanced device management functions. With it you can install unofficial firmware, create full backups of the system (nandroid backup), remove preinstalled applications and even restore the phone after serious failures.

However, the process of installing TWRP on the Redmi Note 8 Pro has its own nuances. Unlike other Xiaomi models, this smartphone is equipped with a Mediatek Helio G90T processor, which requires a special approach to unlocking the bootloader and flashing the back. In this article, we will discuss each step in detail - from preparing the device to the final test of the TWRP, and also consider typical errors and how to fix them.

Before you start, consider: installing custom recavery will void the manufacturer's warranty and may lead to data loss. If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to contact specialists or use official updating methods.

Requirements and preparation of the device

Before installing a TWRP, you need to follow several mandatory steps, skipping any of them can lead to a device being knocked out of service.

  • πŸ“± Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro with a battery charge of at least 70%. the process of unlocking and firmware can take up to 30 minutes, and the discharge at this point is critical.
  • πŸ’» Computer running Windows 7/10/11 (64-bit) or Linux/macOS supportive ADB and Fastboot.
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB Original Type-C cables can cause data transmission errors.
  • πŸ” Mi Account tied to the device, without which unlocking the bootloader is impossible.
  • πŸ“ Backup of important data. Installation TWRP Resets all settings and deletes files from internal memory.

Also make sure your device has USB debugging and OEM unlocking enabled.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version and click on this line 7 times to activate the developer mode.
  2. Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers.
  3. Activate the USB Debugging and OEM Unlock switches.

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If the "OEM Unlock" option is inactive, connect your device to the Internet via a mobile network (not Wi-Fi) and try again.

Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 8 Pro

The bootloader is locked on all Xiaomi devices by default. To install TWRP, it must be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool. Importantly, this process can take up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting if you have not previously unlocked the bootloader on this device.

Download the latest version of the Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi’s official website and follow the instructions:

  1. Install the program on your computer and run it on behalf of the administrator.
  2. Sign in with the same Mi Account that is linked to your phone.
  3. Connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro to your computer in Fastboot mode (turn off the phone, then press Power + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears).
  4. In the program, press Unlock and wait for the process to be completed.

If you see a message called Couldn't unlock.Wait for 168/72/0 hours, it means you have to wait for the specified time.Don't try to get around the wait using informal methods, it can lead to a permanent lockdown of the bootloader.

πŸ“Š How long are you willing to wait for the bootloader to unlock?
Up to 72 hours.
Up to 1 week.
Up to 1 month.
Any deadline
I don't know.

Download and Prepare TWRP Files

There are several versions of TWRP for the Redmi Note 8 Pro, but not all of them work well. We recommend using a build from the developer wrzd, which supports data encryption and correctly works with MIUI 12/13/14.

Download the latest versions of the files from official sources:

File.ReferenceNote
TWRP for begoniatwrp.meChoose the version marked unofficial or orangefox (alternative recaveri).
Platform Tools (ADB/Fastboot)Android DevelopersUnpack the archive in the root of the C:\platform-tools disk.
Disable Force Encryption (DM-Verity)XDA DevelopersNecessary to disable forced encryption after installing TWRP.
Magisk (optional)GitHubTo obtain root rights after installing the recaveri.

After downloading:

  1. Rename the TWRP file to twrp.img and place it in the platform-tools folder.
  2. Copy the files. disable_dm-verity_forceencrypt.zip and Magisk.zip microSD card or internal phone memory (if available).

The bootloader is unlocked|File. twrp.img in the platform-tools folder|Debugging by USB included|Backup copy of data created|The battery is charged to 70%+

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Install TWRP via Fastboot

Now we move on to the most important step - firmware TWRP. Connect the Redmi Note 8 Pro to your computer in Fastboot mode and follow the instructions:

  1. Open the command line in the platform-tools folder (press Shift + PCM β†’ Open the PowerShell window here).
  2. Check the device connection command: fastboot devices If the device is displayed, you can continue. If not, install Mediatek drivers manually.
  3. Squeeze TWRP temporarily (for the test): fastboot boot twrp.img The device will reboot to recap mode. Check the performance of the sensor and buttons.
  4. If everything works, run TWRP constantly: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

After successful firmware, don’t restart your device to the system! Return to the main TWRP menu and follow these steps:

  1. Click Wipe β†’ Format Data and enter Yes to disable encryption.
  2. Go to Install and select the file. disable_dm-verity_forceencrypt.zip.
  3. Please use Magisk.zip if you need root rights.
  4. Reboot to the system (Reboot β†’ System).
What to do if TWRP does not start?
If the device is stuck on the logo or rebooted in MIUI after the fastboot boot twrp.img command, then: 1. You downloaded an incompatible version of TWRP (check the code name begonia). 2. The bootloader is not unlocked (repeat the process with the Mi Unlock Tool). 3. The device has recoil protection (requires a rollback to an older version of MIUI).

Addressing common mistakes

Even with the correct following of the instructions, errors can occur, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

  • ❌ FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State' - bootloader not unlocked. Repeat the procedure with Mi Unlock Tool.
  • ❌ Invalid sparse file format at header magic twrp.img. Download it again.
  • ❌ The device hung on the logo. MI After the firmware - reset data via Fastboot: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache
  • ❌ TWRP Does not see internal memory – format the Data partition in the Recovery itself.

If after installing TWRP, the phone stopped booting into the system, try:

  1. Refuse the original recavator with Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery stock_recovery.img
  2. Install full MIUI firmware via Mi Flash Tool (select Clean All mode).

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If the phone doesn't turn on after installing TWRP, DO NOT PANIC. In 90% of cases, the device can be restored via EDL (Emergency Download Mode) mode using a Xiaomi author account.

Checking the health and the first steps in TWRP

After successful installation of TWRP, it is recommended to perform several checks:

  1. Make sure the touch control is working correctly (check swipes and taps).
  2. Connect the device to the computer in MTP mode (should be defined as a removable disk).
  3. Back up your current firmware: Go to Backup. Select Boot, System, Data. Click Swipe to Backup and wait until it's finished.

If you plan to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), remember:

  • πŸ”„ Always do a backup before the firmware.
  • πŸ”§ Check firmware compatibility with the code name begonia.
  • ⚑ Use only official assemblies or verified ports with XDA Developers.

Note: Some custom firmware may not support Redmi Note 8 Pro camera modules (64 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP + 2 MP).

Security and recommendations after TWRP installation

Installing custom recavΓ©ri is a great opportunity, but it also increases safety risks.

  • πŸ”’ Do not install firmware from unknown sources – they may contain malicious code.
  • πŸ”„ Update regularly TWRP Update to the latest version (watch out for updates on twrp.me).
  • πŸ“± Avoid using root rights (Magisk) in banking applications and payment systems.
  • πŸ”„ Before the update MIUI through OTA Turn off the automatic installation (otherwise) TWRP It's gonna be replaced by a stock Recovery).

If you plan to use the Redmi Note 8 Pro with TWRP in your everyday life:

  • Install the Magisk module to hide root from applications (e.g. MagiskHide Props Config).
  • Use Titanium Backup or Swift Backup to back up your applications and data.
  • Turn off forced encryption if it causes performance issues.

πŸ’‘

To restore stock recovery without losing data download the original recovery.img for your version MIUI Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery stock_recovery.img.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing TWRP on Redmi Note 8 Pro

Can I install TWRP without unlocking the bootloader?
No, it's impossible. The bootloader on all Xiaomi devices must be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool. Any promises of "bypassing" unlocking are frauds that can lead to a device blinking.
Why After Installation TWRP phone doesn't see SIM-map?
This is a typical problem when firmware is unofficial. Solutions: Check if your firmware supports Mediatek modules (e.g. LineageOS for begonia may not have full modem support). Install a patch for IMEI via Maui META (needs accuracy!). Return to stock MIUI firmware via Mi Flash Tool.
How to upgrade TWRP to a new version?
Update is performed in the same way as the original installation: Download the new twrp.img. Reboot to Fastboot. Sweep through the updated Recovery: fastboot flash recovery twrp_new.img Important: Don't update. TWRP through the recaveri itself (install function) β†’ Install Image, as this can lead to data loss.
Can I get a ban in Mi Account for unlocking the bootloader?
Xiaomi does not officially block accounts for unlocking, but there are risks: If you use one account to unlock multiple devices (more than 3-4 per month), bot protection may work. If you violate the rules (for example, selling unlocked devices), the account may be restricted.
What if after the firmware TWRP phone stopped charging?
This is a rare problem associated with damage to the misc partition. Solutions: Sweat the stock Recovery and reset through the Mi Flash Tool. Check the cable and the power supply (sometimes the problem lies in the hardware). If the phone does not respond to charging at all, contact the service center (possibly damaged power controller).