Modifying the Android operating system on Xiaomi devices often starts with replacing the standard recovery menu with a more functional counterpart. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is the gold standard in the world of custom recoveries, giving users full control over the gadget’s file system.
The process of implementing this software requires some technical training and understanding of the risks associated with interference with the boot loader. Unlike conventional flashing, installing TWRP affects the Recovery partition, which, if improperly acted, can lead to the inability to load the operating system normally.
In this article, we will discuss each step in detail: from tooling to the final fixation of changes. A critical condition is the availability of an unlocked bootloader, without which it will be impossible to execute Fastboot commands. Following the instructions will help minimize risks and get the desired result even for beginners in the world of Android modification.
Toolkit preparation and compatibility check
Before you start taking action, you need to make sure that all software components are ready to work. You will need an up-to-date version of ADB and Fastboot drivers that can be downloaded from the official Android developer website or through the SDK Platform Tools. You will also need a recovery image file with the.img extension, which must be strictly adapted to your specific smartphone model.
It is important to understand that using an image designed for a different model or modification of the processor can lead to the “bricking” of the device. Check the exact code name of your gadget, as even within the same series (such as the Redmi Note) can use different displays and controllers that require unique files. XDA Developers or channels in Telegram.
To connect the device to the computer, use high-quality USB-cable, preferably original, and port USB 3.0 on the motherboard to prevent communication interruptions during data transfer. Fastboot drivers must be installed correctly in the system, which can be checked through Windows Device Manager after connecting the smartphone in the appropriate mode.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the battery is at least 60% charged, interrupting the process of writing to memory sections due to battery discharge can disrupt the structure of the boot sectors.
Unlock the bootloader and log into Fastboot mode
The fundamental requirement to record any changes to system partitions is an unlocked bootloader. If your Xiaomi is not yet unlocked, you must apply through the Mi Unlock Tool app and wait for the wait timer to expire, which can be between 7 and 168 hours. Without this step, all subsequent commands will return the access error.
To switch to Fastboot mode, turn off your smartphone completely, then press the power and volume buttons simultaneously. The screen should show an image of a hare repairing an android, which signals the device's readiness to receive low-level commands. Connect the phone to the PC with a cable in this state.
You can check the connection by opening the command line or terminal in the folder with ADB tools and entering the verification command. If the drivers are installed correctly, the system will display the serial number of the device and the status of fastboot. If there is no reaction, check the cable or reinstall the Xiaomi USB Driver drivers.
☑️ Pre-firmware check
Instructions for installing TWRP via the command line
Once the device is successfully connected in Fastboot mode, you can go directly to the image firmware. Open the Command Prompt (CMD) or PowerShell in the directory where the ADB files and the downloaded TWRP file are located. Rename the image file to twrp.img to make it easier to enter commands, although you can use the full file name.
Enter the following command to write the image in the recovery section:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.imgAfter successfully executing a command that usually takes a few seconds, you can’t just reboot the phone in the usual way, since the standard system can overwrite the restored partition back to the stock one.
fastboot boot twrp.imgOr use a key combination: press the power and volume button immediately after recording is complete, holding them until the TWRP logo appears. If you see a menu with Install, Wipe and Backup buttons, then the installation was successful.
What do you do when you write "Failed"?
First start and protect the modified system
When you first start, TWRP may ask permission to modify the system partition. You need to drag and drop the Allow Modifications slider so that the recovery is not replaced by the original one on the first Android boot. This is a critical point that beginners often miss, after which they wonder why the custom menu disappeared.
If you plan to use a device with superuser rights, now it is worth installing the Magisk archive. Copy the zip file to your phone via the connection to the Internet. MTP or OTG-Cable, then select Install from the Recovery menu and specify the path to the archive, which will allow you to get Root rights and manage system files.
It is worth noting that once you install custom rekaveri and get superuser rights, some banking applications and games with strict integrity check environment may stop working, to circumvent these restrictions in the future will require setting up Magisk Hide or using Zygisk modules.
Comparison of installation methods and possible errors
There are several ways to implement custom menus, and the choice of method depends on the state of your device and the tools available. Below is a table comparing the main approaches to solving this problem on Xiaomi devices.
| Method | Difficulty | Risks. | Conditions required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fastboot (PC) | Medium | Average. | Unlocked BL, PC, Cable |
| Updater appendix | Low. | Low. | Specific versions of MIUI, Root |
| Terminal (ADB Shell) | Tall. | Tall. | Root rights, knowledge of Linux commands |
| Flasher applications | Low. | Average. | Already installed Root, a compatible core |
The most common mistake is to try to flash an image designed for a different version of Android or another processor model. For example, an image for a Snapdragon processor will not work for a device on MediaTek or Helio. Also, there is a common problem with drivers: Windows can automatically update the Fastboot driver to non-working, so in Device Manager sometimes you have to manually select a driver from the list or roll it back.
Another common situation is a bootloop after installation, which can happen if you try to download a stock firmware with a custom Recovery installed without the appropriate patches / ART Cache and Cache via Wipe Menu.
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The most reliable method for most users is to use Fastboot from a PC, as it allows you to monitor the process at every step and easily diagnose errors through terminal logs.