Installation of TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (Vince): Full Guide

Modern smartphones like the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus have a huge potential that is often hidden behind the limitations of the standard MIUI shell. For those looking to gain full control of the device, expand functionality or install custom firmware, the first and most important step is to replace the regular recovery with a modified one. Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP) is the gold standard in this area, providing a user-friendly touch interface and powerful tools for working with system partitions.

Unlike stock recovery, which allows you to reset or upgrade via OTA, TWRP allows you to access file systems, make full backups of the system (Nandroid) and install third-party modifications. However, the installation process requires care, because working with the bootloader and memory partitions carries certain risks. In this guide, we will discuss in detail each step of preparing and firmware for the backup model codenamed vince.

Before you start taking action, you need to realize that any manipulation of software below the operating system level can lead to loss of warranty or, in rare cases, to the failure of the device. Unlocking the bootloader is a prerequisite without which installing modified software is impossible. We will consider not only the process itself, but also the nuances specific to the Snapdragon 625 platform on which this smartphone is based.

Preparation of equipment and software

The success of the operation depends on 90% of the quality of the workplace. USB-cable (preferably original or high-quality analogue with thick wires) and a computer running Windows, macOS or Linux. Unstable connection is the main cause of firmware errors, so make sure that the port USB The PC is serviceable, and the cable transmits not only energy, but also data.

You need to install the latest drivers on your computer to work with Xiaomi devices in ADB and Fastboot modes. Without them, your computer simply won’t see the smartphone in the right mode. You will also need to download the image of the recovery itself, adapted specifically for the vince model. Using files from other models, such as the Redmi Note 4, can lead to a brick of the device.

• 📱 Charge the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone 5 Plus minimum to 60-70% To prevent sudden shutdowns during critical processes.
• 💻 Download and install the package ADB Fastboot and Xiaomi drivers USB Driver to your personal computer.
• 📥 Download the current image file twrp-3.x.x-x-vince.img from the official website of the project or a verified source.
• 🔒 Back up all important data, as unlocking the bootloader will completely clear the internal memory.

⚠️ Note: Do not use public services USB-Hubs or ports on the front of the system unit. Connect the cable directly to the motherboard (rear ports) to ensure stable voltage and data transfer.

Once you have the drivers installed, check them. Connect your phone as normal, enable USB debugging in the developer menu, and type in the command line for adb devices. If you see the serial number of the device, the connection is correct, which is a basic test that can lead to time loss later on.

Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader

Xiaomi has implemented protection against unauthorized software modification, so the first step is to officially unlock the bootloader, a process that binds the Mi Account to a particular device and requires a wait of 7 to 168 hours. Attempting to bypass this stage through third-party services can lead to the blocking of the device by the Internet. IMEI.

First, you need to sign up for the Mi Unlock Tool app on your smartphone and link your account, and then the “Mi Unlock Status” option will be active on the Developer menu, and the inclusion of this item confirms the device’s readiness to unlock, but does not start the process immediately.

When the wait period expires, put your smartphone into Fastboot mode, holding the power and volume buttons simultaneously. A bunny in an orange hat will appear on the screen. Connect the device to your PC, launch the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions. The unlock process will erase all data, so a backup is mandatory.

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, security features such as Google Pay or banking apps may stop working or require additional manipulation (such as Magisk Hide) to bypass system integrity checks.

Redmi 5 Plus is now in Fastboot mode

Fastboot mode is a low-level protocol that allows you to send commands directly to the device's memory, bypassing the operating system. This is the mode in which the recovery firmware is installed. On Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, this mode is entered when the phone is turned off while simultaneously pressing the power button and the volume button.

If the phone responds to commands, the screen will show an image of repair tools or a hare in an orange cap that says FASTBOOT. In this state, the system does not boot, but waits for commands from the computer. Make sure the LED notification indicator lights up or flashes, which indicates the power supply.

In the command line of your computer, type in the command fastboot devices. If you see the serial number and the word fastboot, then the connection is established. If the list is empty, check the drivers in Windows Device Manager - the device should be defined as Android Bootloader Interface.

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If the computer doesn’t see the phone in Fastboot mode, try pressing the volume button for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out and re-entering mode, holding the buttons longer than usual.

The process of installing TWRP Recovery through PC

The most reliable method of installation is using the fastboot flash command. This method writes the image directly to the recovery section. First, place the downloaded image file (for example, twrp-3.5.0-1-vince.img) in the folder where adb and fastboot are installed. Rename the file to recovery.img for convenience, so as not to enter a long name.

Open the command line in the tool folder and type in the firmware command. It is important not to restart the phone immediately after this command, as the standard boot process can overwrite the newly installed receivers in a stock image.

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

After successful execution of the command (it will appear Finished. Total time: X.XXXs), you need to immediately put the device in recovery mode. For this, on many Xiaomi devices you need to manually switch the buttons: release the volume button and quickly press the volume button without releasing power until vibration.

⚠️ Warning: If you just reboot your phone with the fastboot reboot command immediately after firmware, the stock system MIUI It can automatically restore the original recovery, and all efforts will be in vain. TWRP forcibly!

First download and setup of TWRP

When you first sign in to TWRP, you'll see a language selection screen and password. If the phone has a pin or a pattern lock, the system password will be changed to 00000000 or 123456 (depending on the TWRP version), or you'll need to enter your old password. This is a security measure for encrypting data.

Once you unlock the interface, the first thing you need to do is allow changes, and the home screen will have a Swipe to Allow Modifications slider, swipe it over, or the first time you reboot, TWRP will be replaced by a runoff, a critical point that newcomers often miss.

Next, it is recommended to clean the Data partition, especially if you plan to install custom firmware. Select Wipe -> Format Data, enter yes and confirm. This will remove the encryption and all files, but provide a clean environment for work.

Creating a backup copy and (FAQ)

Availability of work TWRP It gives you superpower, the ability to create a complete copy of the current system. Before any experiment, go to the Backup section, select the Boot, System, Data sections, and swipe to create a backup. SD-map or copy to PC.

If you have a bad firmware or a bootloop, you can always restore your phone to work in a few minutes just by restoring that backup, which is much faster and more reliable than looking for stock firmware and stitching it through MiFlash.

Users often face questions about compatibility and security, and the following are answers to the most popular questions related to the operation of a modified recavator on the Redmi 5 Plus.

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TWRP installation is a point of no return for warranty, but a start point for full control of the smartphone. Always have a current backup on hand before any changes.