Installation TWRP Xiaomi 4PDA: Complete guide with unlocking the loader

Installation of custom recaveri TWRP Xiaomi smartphones are a key step for those who want to gain full control of the device, allowing you to install unofficial firmware, backup the system (nandroid backup), remove preinstalled applications and even restore the “bricks” after unsuccessful experiments. However, the process has its pitfalls, especially for beginners: from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right version. TWRP specific model.

Forum 4PDA It remains one of the most reliable sources of information on this topic – here are collected the latest versions of the recavery, discussed bugs and published unique instructions for rare models. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO. In this guide, we have combined proven methods from the forum, added solutions to typical bugs (e.g., Fastboot mode instead of the forum). TWRP After installation) and take into account the latest changes in Xiaomi's policy to unlock the bootloader. If you have previously encountered problems with firmware, here you will find the answers.

It is important to understand that the procedure requires care. An error in the unlocking stage of the bootloader can lead to a block on the 360 hours (15 days) and the wrong version is selected TWRP — We will take each step in as much detail as possible, taking into account the nuances for different Xiaomi lines (from the budget Redmi Note to the flagships). Mi/Mix).

1.Preparation: What to do before installing TWRP

Before you start installing, make sure all the preconditions are met, a step that is often missed, leading to errors like Invalid image format or Device not found.

First, check your device’s model and codename (e.g., Redmi Note 10 Pro is sweet, and it’s a good idea to use it). POCO F3 — You can get a code name:

• 🔍 In settings: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Use the app several times until Developer options appear)
• 📱 Through the app CPU-Z (section)
• 🌐 On the Xiaomi Device website (enter the model in search)

Second, prepare your PC with Windows/Linux (MacOS may have problems with drivers and installed tools:

• 🖥️ Android SDK Platform-Tools (required to update to the latest version!)
• 🔌 Xiaomi drivers (download from the official website or via Mi) PC Suite)
• 📁 Archives with TWRP For your model (see the topics on the 4PDA or twrp.me)

⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China (C-suffix version in the model, for example Redmi Note 11 Pro)+C), it may not have an official global firmware, in which case the bootloader can only be unlocked through the Chinese Mi Account, and TWRP You will need to look for specialized topics on 4PDA.

Also mandatory:

• 🔋 Charge the phone at least 60% (when discharged during firmware risk of "brick" increases)
• 📵 Disable Find My Device and Mi Cloud in the settings (otherwise, the bootloader will not unlock)
• 📥 Backup important data (installation) TWRP It does not erase data, but unlocking the bootloader erases!)

2. Unlock the bootloader: bypass the limitations of Xiaomi

Since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened the rules for unlocking the bootloader, now requiring:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device (minimum ownership period is 7 days)
2. Getting permission through an official tool (previously it took up to 360 hours, now it takes up to 72 hours)
3. Use Mi Unlock Tool on a PC with an authorized account

The unlocking process:

1. Turn it on. OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging in Developer options (how to enable: Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 taps on point).
2. Connect the phone to the PC, confirm debugging USB.
3. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your Mi Account (should match your phone account!).
4. If a Couldn't unlock message appears, wait for the specified time (usually 72 hours) and try again.

Critical detail: If you have previously unlocked the bootloader on this device, but then blocked it back (for example, through fastboot oem lock), the waiting period will reset, and you will have to wait again for 72 hours.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ or POCO X5 Pro) may require additional confirmation through SMS If you lock your phone again after you restart, check the spam folder in your mail or repeat the procedure after 24 hours.

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. Don't worry, that's okay. You can now start installing TWRP.

💡

If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error Current account is not bound to this device, try: 1) Sign out of the Mi Account on your phone and log in again; 2) Reinstall the Mi Unlock Tool from the official website; 3) Use another one. USB-cable (preferably original).

3.Selecting the Right TWRP Version for Your Model

Mistake in the choice of version TWRP — The most common reason for "bricks." 4PDA There are often topics with names like "TWRP For the Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet/sweetin)", But inside there might be a few options:

• 📱 Official version from twrp.me (not supported for all models)
• 🛠️ An unofficial port from developers with 4PDA (frequently MIUI 14 and new features)
• 🔄 Universal. TWRP (OrangeFox or SkyHawk Recovery – alternatives with advanced features)

How to choose the correct version:

1. Find the theme of your model on 4PDA (Search by device code, such as sweet for Redmi Note 10 Pro).
2. Check compatibility with your version MIUI (for example, TWRP 3.7.0 may not work on MIUI 15).
3. Pay attention to reviews in the topic – if users complain about bugs (for example, sensor or encryption does not work), look for an alternative build.

An example of the correct file name TWRP for POCO F3 (alioth):

twrp-3.7.0_12-v7.1_A12-alioth-mauronofrio.img

Where:

• 3.7.0_12 — version TWRP
• v7.1 — builder
• A12 — Android 12 support
• alioth is the code name of the device
• mauronofrio is a nickname for the developer

If not for your model TWRP on twrp.me, but there's a 4PDA — Download from the forum, but read reviews carefully. Some unofficial builds may contain malicious code (especially if the author of the topic is new or inactive).

4. Install TWRP via Fastboot: step-by-step instruction

Now we move on to the most important stage - installation TWRP It's important that if you miss a step or you type the wrong command, the phone may stop loading.

Connect your phone to your PC in fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press the Power). + Volume Down before the Fastboot logo appears. Open the command line in the platform-tools folder and execute commands in order:

Device in fastboot mode (the logo of a rabbit in a hat)|Drivers are installed (check in Device Manager)|File. TWRP renamed twrp.img And it's in the platform-tools folder.|Mi Account is not linked to another device (otherwise locking the bootloader)

-->

fastboot devices

If the device is displayed (serial number is displayed), you can continue. If not, check the drivers or cable.

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

This team is recording. TWRP Recovery for some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T Pro may require additional command:

fastboot flash recovery_ramdisk twrp.img

After a successful recording, enter:

fastboot reboot recovery

The phone must be loaded into TWRP. If it is loaded into standard recavery instead MIUI or in the system, then, MIUI re-recorded yours. TWRP. Decision:

• 🔄 Repeat installation, but after the command fastboot flash recovery immediately run fastboot reboot bootloader, then manually press the Power. + Volume Up for entrance to TWRP.
• 📵 Turn off automatic update of the recovery in the settings MIUI (if the phone is still loading).

⚠️ Attention: On Android devices 12+ and MIUI 13/14 This can be used to protect the anti-rollback, if you install it after the installation. TWRP The phone stops loading and gives an error Anti Rollback Check Fail – you will need to flash the full fastboot-ROM from the official Xiaomi website (version is not lower than the one installed).

If TWRP successfully downloaded, first make a backup (Backup) → Select the Boot, Data, System partitions, which will save you from any errors in the future manipulations.

💡

After installation TWRP The phone is loaded into the system, not in the recavére, so, MIUI Solution: Turn off the Recovery update in the developer settings or use the patch disable_dm-verity_forceencrypt (look for 4PDA).

5. Solving typical installation errors TWRP

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to solve them.

Error 1: Fastboot mode instead TWRP post-boot

Reason: Wrong reboot command or conflict with MIUI.

Decision:

1. Repeat installation TWRP, But after the command fastboot flash recovery type: fastboot reboot bootloader Then manually press the Power. + Volume Up for entrance to the Recovery.
2. If it doesn't help, go ahead. TWRP In both sections: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot flash recovery_ramdisk twrp.img

Error 2: Invalid sparse file format at header

Reason: A damaged file TWRP or.

Decision:

• Download. TWRP Again (check the hash amount!).
• Try another version (for example, instead of OrangeFox, take the standard version). TWRP).
• Use the command fastboot flash recovery twrp.img --disable-verity --disable-verification (circumvent).

Error 3: The sensor does not work in the TWRP

Reason: Incorrect assembly TWRP for your model.

Decision:

• Find it. 4PDA Alternative assembly marked touch fixed.
• Connect. OTG-Mouse (if the sensor is not working) TWRP load).
• Try OrangeFox Recovery, which often has better sensor support.

Error 4: This package is for 'sweet' devices; this is a'

Reason: File TWRP It is not intended for your model.

Solution: Download the version specifically for your device code (e.g., sweet for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, not sweetin for the Indian version).

If no solution helps, create a topic. 4PDA You can attach a screenshot of your phone and specify:

• Device model and code name
• Version MIUI Android
• Downloaded link TWRP
• Full log of commands from fastboot

6.Protection TWRP re-record MIUI

One of the most common problems after installation TWRP — Re-recording it with standard recavery MIUI This is due to the recovery auto-update feature that Xiaomi has added to the latest firmware versions.

How to avoid this:

1. Turn off automatic recovery update: Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Deactivate "Recaveri Auto-Update"
2. Install the patch. disable_dm-verity_forceencrypt: Download the patch with 4PDA (So, for example, from here. Move the file to the phone's memory. TWRP Choose Install → Find the patch file. → swipe.

Magisk

This will not only give root, but also block some system processes that can be overwritten. TWRP.

If MIUI Recapitulates the recap, try the following method:

1. Install. TWRP as described above.
2. Don't log in! TWRP Switch Magisk (or any other.zip file).
3. Reboot to the system through TWRP (off-fastboot!).

How to make a backup:

1. Download to TWRP (Power + Volume Up)
2. Pick Backup.
3. Check boxes for Boot, System, Data, Vendor (optional: EFS model IMEI in this section).
4. Select a save location (preferably on MicroSD or formatted) OTG-flash-drive).
5. Swipe to start creating a backup.

Backup recovery:

1. Download to TWRP.
2. Choose Restore. → Put the backup folder in.
3. Mark the desired sections and swipe for recovery.

Tips for working with backups:

• 📁 Store backups on a MicroSD or PC – internal memory can be encrypted.
• 🔄 Before the firmware is new ROM Make a fresh backup (older ones may not fit due to changes in sections).
• ⏳ System backup (System) takes ~3-5 GB, Data, up to 20 GB (depends on the number of applications).

Also in TWRP possible:

• 🔧 Remove pre-installed applications (Mount) → System → remove it from File Manager)
• 📲 Switch.zip files (e.g. Magisk, GApps, patches)
• 🔒 Change the password/ PIN-Lock code (if you forget the old one)
• 📡 Correct IMEI (For models where it is stored in the section EFS)

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)