Installing TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T: a complete guide from unlock to firmware

Why TWRP on the Redmi Note 8T is not a luxury, but a necessity

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T’s (codenamed willow) TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) cadaver opens up possibilities that factory-powered smartphone owners can only dream of. It’s not just a system recovery tool, it’s your ticket to a world of deep customization, from installing custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) to creating full NANDroid backups that will save data even when the device is bricked.

But there is a nuance: Xiaomi actively blocks unofficial modifications through Mi Anti-Rollback protection and linking the bootloader to the Mi Account. On the Redmi Note 8T (released in 2019), these restrictions are especially strict - improper installation of TWRP can lead to hard-brick (complete loss of working capacity). In this article, we will discuss the only proven method of installing TWRP on the Redmi Note 8T with bypassing the anti-rollback and maintaining the operability of the NFC module (an actual problem for many users).

Before you start, answer three questions:

• 🔓 Is the bootloader unlocked on your device? (If not, it will take at least 7 days to process due to Xiaomi’s policy).
• 📱 Is all the data stored? Installation. TWRP erase /data and /cache.
• 🔧 Are you prepared for the risks? Even with the exact instructions, there is a 5% chance of "bricking" (according to the forum statistics). XDA Developers).

Requirements and Preparations: What to Do Before Installation

Installing TWRP on the Redmi Note 8T is not a push-button and ready process, but it requires preparation, otherwise you risk getting a device that doesn't even turn on in Fastboot mode.

Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool

Install ADB and Fastboot on PC (at least 1.4.3)

Download official TWRP for willow (XDA only)

Check out the MIUI version (must be global or EU)

Disable encryption in the developer settings

Charge your phone at least 70%

Backup of important data on PC-->

Pay special attention to the MIUI version. On the Redmi Note 8T with Chinese firmware (China ROM), the TWRP may not boot due to a conflict with dm-verity. Check the version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version. If you saw V12.0.3.0.QCXMIXM or later, you are lucky: it is a global firmware compatible with TWRP. If the version starts on V12.0.1.0... first, run Global ROM through Mi Flash Tool.

Another critical point is drivers. Without them, fastboot won't see your phone. Download the official Xiaomi drivers from miui.com or use the universal Google USB Driver package.

fastboot devices

If you see a serial number on your device, the drivers work. If you don't, reinstall them in Windows 7 compatibility mode.

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi Note 8T newer-stitched MIUI 12.5 Anti-Rollback 4 may be activated. MIUI higher V12.5.1.0.RCXMIXM, installation TWRP without the patch, it's going to lead to the brick. TWRP circumvented ARB (link in the section "Downloading files").

Unlock the bootloader: 7 days of waiting and bypassing restrictions

Xiaomi has made it harder to unlock the bootloader for 2019-2020 models, including the Redmi Note 8T. Now it’s not a one-step operation, but a multi-step process with a binding Mi Account and a mandatory wait.

1. Account binding: Go to Settings → Additional → Developer → Mi Unlock status and link the device to your account. Without this, the Mi Unlock Tool will not unlock the bootloader.
2. Wait 168 hours: Once pegged, Xiaomi blocks unlock for 7 days (exact time is displayed in the same menu).You can't get around this - even changing the date/time on the phone won't help.
3. Use Mi Unlock Tool: Download the latest version of the utility from the official website. Launch it on behalf of the administrator, log in to your Mi Account and connect your phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol− when the device is turned off).

If after 7 days of waiting, Mi Unlock Tool gives an error "Couldn't unlock" or "Current account is different from the account info on the device", follow the following steps:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and PC.
• 📱 Untie your account in Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account → Delete your account, then re-attach.
• 🖥️ Install Mi Unlock Tool in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiUnlock).
• 🛠️ Try a different version of the utility (e.g. 5.5.224.24 instead of the last one).

⚠️ Note: Some of the Redmi Notes 8T firmware MIUI 13+ Unlocking may require confirmation through SMS, even if the device is linked to the account. SMS Check if your number is locked in Xiaomi (a common problem for virtual operators).

Downloading the Right TWRP: Why Version Matters

Not all TWRP builds are equally useful. There are three types of recovery available for the Redmi Note 8T (willow):

For most users, the best choice is a modified version. TWRP It's a patch called Anti-Rollback, which solves the Redmi Note's problem. 8T: lock when you try to roll back firmware. Download a file with the.img extension (for example, twrp-3.7.0_12-willow-mauronofrio.img) And save it to a folder with fastboot.

In addition to TWRP, you will need:

• 📄 VBmeta-disabler: Disables dm-verity verification, otherwise the system will not boot: XDA.
• 🔗 Magisk: To obtain root rights after installation TWRP. Version 25.2+ mandatory.
• 🔄 Stock boot.img: Backup copy of the original boot image (in case of recovery).

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If you plan to flash custom firmware (like LineageOS), download it and save it to a microSD. After installing TWRP, the Internet may not work due to the lack of module drivers.

Install TWRP via Fastboot: step-by-step instructions

Now, to the most critical stage, follow the instructions in strict order, and skipping a step can lead to a brick.

Step 1: Going to Fastboot Mode

Turn off your phone. Press the Power + Vol− buttons for 10 seconds until the Fastboot logo appears. Connect the device to your PC.

Step 2: Checking the connection

Open the command line in the folder with fastboot and do:

fastboot devices

If not, check the drivers or cable (it is recommended to use the original USB-C cable from Xiaomi).

Step 3: Installation of TWRP

Enter the command (replace twrp.img with your file name):

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

Then immediately:

fastboot boot twrp.img

This command temporarily downloads TWRP without writing to the recovery section, which is important for bypassing Anti-Rollback.

Step 4: Disconnecting dm-verity

In TWRP, go to Advanced → Flash current VBmeta (if you don’t have one, download vbmeta.img via Install).

Step 5: Fixing the TWRP

After booting to TWRP, go to Reboot → Recovery. The system will reboot back to TWRP. Now the Recovery are installed permanently.

⚠️ Attention: If after installation TWRP The phone is loaded in a loop (lo)GO MI → shutdown → logo MI), So, the anti-Rollback is working. Solution: 1. Download stock. ROM For your version of the Redmi Note 8T (for example, V12.0.3.0.QCXMIXM). 2. Run it through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all. 3. Repeat the unlock and install process TWRP, But use a modified version with a patch ARB.

TWRP’s First Steps: What to Do After Installation

Congratulations! If you see the main TWRP menu, you've passed the most difficult phase, and now you need to adjust the Recovery and prepare for further manipulation.

1.Creating a NAndroid backup

This is your insurance. Go to Backup and select the sections:

• 📁 Boot (Boot section)
• 📁 System (system partition)
• 📁 Data (user data)
• 📁 Vbmeta (if available)

Save the backup to the microSD or the OTG-connected drive. Don't save it to the internal memory, it'll clear when you reset it.

2. Disabling encryption (if necessary)

The Redmi Note 8T with MIUI 12+ has FBE (File-Based Encryption) encryption enabled by default, which interferes with the /data partition TWRP.

1. Go to Wipe → Format Data.
2. Enter yes to confirm.
3. Reboot to the system (the data will be erased!).

3. Install Magisk for root rights

If you need root rights:

1. Download the latest version of Magisk (.zip) from GitHub.
2. In TWRP, select Install and specify the path to the file.
3. After installation, restart.

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Never upgrade the Redmi Note 8T over OTA after installing the TWRP! This will result in a loss of the back and possible brick. All updates must be manually stitched through TWRP.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, the Redmi Note 8T can have problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

If your problem is not in the table, check the error logs. In TWRP, they are saved to /tmp/recovery.log. Copy the file on your PC and examine the last lines. Often, it lists the specific partition or process that caused the crash.

To diagnose problems with Anti-Rollback, use the command:

fastboot getvar anti

If you see anti:4 in the answer, your device is locked at the hardware level, and the solution is one: clean all and lock stock ROM and re-unlock.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions