Installation of TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi 5: from unlocking the bootloader to firmware recaveri

Why TWRP on Redmi 5 is not a luxury, but a necessity

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 (codenamed rosy) is still a popular device among custom firmware enthusiasts years later. The standard MIUI recaps limit the user: you can’t install unofficial firmware, make a full backup of the system, or get root rights without the risk of bricking. Here comes the TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), an open-source customized recaveri that turns your Redmi 5 into a true sandbox for experimentation.

But installing TWRP isn’t just about downloading a file and pressing a button. It requires unlocking the bootloader, working with fastboot, and sometimes dancing with a diamond around the drivers. In this article, we’ll look at the 2026 TWRP installation methods on Redmi 5, including bypassing common bugs like Invalid sparse file format at header or hanging on the Mi logo.

Before you move on, answer two questions:

1. Are you ready for the device warranty to be cancelled?
2. Do you have a backup of important data (photos, contacts, messages)?

If you have one question that you say no to, you better stop now, and TWRP is always a risk, even if it's minimal, with the right approach.

Preparation of the device: from unlocking the bootloader to drivers

The first and most important step is unlocking the bootloader. Xiaomi locks it on all devices, and without unlocking it is impossible to flash TWRP. The process takes 3 to 30 days (depending on Xiaomi policy), so start in advance.

What you'll need:

• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi 5 with a battery charge of at least 60%
• 💻 Computer running Windows 10/11 (for Mac/Linux Additional drivers will be required)
• 🔌 Cable USB (It is preferably original to avoid connection problems)
• 🔓 Mi Account linked to the device (required to have a confirmed phone number!)

Unlocking algorithm:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap 7 times on the line with the version.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.
3. Download the official utility Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.30).
4. Connect your phone to your PC in fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Power + Volume Down).
5. Start the Mi Unlock Tool, log in and follow the instructions.Please note: the program may require you to wait up to 720 hours (30 days) before unlocking!

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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, try using the 3.5.503.24 version, which is often more stable than new releases.

In parallel with the expectation of unlocking the bootloader, prepare the PC:

• 🖥️ Install Android SDK Platform Tools (or at least the fastboot and adb package).
• 🔧 Install drivers for Redmi 5 (you can download from the official Xiaomi website).
• 📁 Create a folder. TWRP_Redmi5 on disk C: and save all the necessary files there.

TWRP version selection: official vs unofficial build

For Xiaomi Redmi 5, there are two categories of TWRP builds: official (from TeamWin team) and informal (from independent developers). Official builds are more stable, but often lagging in functionality. Informal can support new features (for example, FBE encryption), but the risk of bugs is higher.

Current options for 2026:

How do you choose?

• 🔄 If you plan to frequently reflash your device, take OrangeFox (convenient interface and built-in tools).
• 🛡️ For maximum stability, the official TWRP 3.7.0.
• 🎨 If design is important, PitchBlack with a dark theme.

⚠️ Note: Some unofficial builds may contain pre-installed modules (e.g. Magisk) that conflict with the MIUI. Before firmware check reviews on forums XDA or 4PDA.

Download the selected version of TWRP (file with.img extension)

Download MIUI Fastboot ROM for your model (in case of recovery)

Download Magisk (if you plan to root the device)

Create a folder with all files on the disk C:\TWRP_Redmi5

Check your downloaded files (especially unofficial builds)

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Step-by-step: Firmware TWRP via Fastboot

Once the bootloader is unlocked and the files are ready, you can start the firmware, and it takes no more than 10 minutes to complete the process, but you need to follow the instructions exactly.

Step 1: Put your phone in fastboot mode

1. Turn off Redmi 5.
2. Press the Power + Volume Down buttons before the hare screen appears.
3. Connect the device to the PC.

Step 2: Check the connection

fastboot devices

You'll see the serial number of the device, and if you don't have one, check the driver or the cable.

Step 3: Slice TWRP

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-rosy.img

(Replace the file name with yours if you use a different version)

Step 4: Stop Replacing the MIUI Recavator

fastboot flash misc https://dl.twrp.me/rosy/twrp-installer-3.7.0_9-0-rosy.zip

This step prevents the standard Recovery from automatically recovering when rebooting.

Step 5: Reboot to TWRP

fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-rosy.img

If it goes well, you will see the main TWRP menu with touch control.

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Never restart your phone immediately after you have TWRP firmware! First, load into the Recovery or MIUI will reboot it to standard.

Typical errors and their solutions: from "Invalid sparse" to hanging on the logo

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

Error 1: "Invalid sparse file format at header magic"

• 🔹 Reason: A damaged file TWRP or.
• 🔹 Solution: Download the file again (preferably from another source) and check the checksum MD5.

Error 2: The device got stuck on the Mi logo after firmware

Error 3: TWRP doesn't see internal memory

• 🔹 Reason: Encryption is enabled FBE (File-Based Encryption).
• 🔹 Solution: Use TWRP supportive FBE (For example, OrangeFox) or disable encryption via Format Data (all data will be deleted!).

Backup takes 10-20 minutes and creates a folder with.win and.img files.

Further action:

• 🔐 Root rights: Swipe Magisk through Install to TWRP. You can download from GitHub.

⚠️ Note: After obtaining root rights, some functions may stop working: