Installing TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi 7: the complete guide

Xiaomi Redmi 7 (codenamed onclite) is still a popular device among those looking for a reliable budget smartphone or platform for experimenting with custom firmware. The standard recovery mode provided by the manufacturer has extremely limited functionality and does not allow you to perform complex manipulations of the system, which is why many users are looking to replace it with TWRP Recovery, which gives access to full control of the file system.

The process of replacing a stock loader with a modified one requires carefulness and a clear algorithm of actions. Errors in the preparation stage or the wrong choice of a firmware file can lead to software failures. However, if you are willing to take a risk and want full root access or the ability to make full backups of the system, this path will be a great experience for you.

Before you start taking action, you need to realize that modification of system software always carries certain risks. The data in this guide is relevant for global and Chinese versions of the device, but the specifics of regional firmware can make its own adjustments to the process. Your main task now is to prepare all the necessary tools and mentally tune in to work with the command line.

Preparation of the device and necessary tools

You should start with a thorough preparation of the workplace and the software. You need a Windows computer that is working. USB-cable and smartphone with a battery charge of at least 60%. ADB Fastboot drivers, without which communication between the PC and the phone in a special mode is impossible.

You also need to download the original image. TWRP, The use of files from other devices, such as Redmi 6 or Note 7, is strictly prohibited, as this can lead to a brick of the device. ADB command-in.

⚠️ Before starting all procedures, be sure to create a full backup of important data on a cloud server or external media, as the process of unlocking the bootloader will completely destroy the information on the phone.

Remember to turn on the developer mode in your smartphone settings. To do this, you need to click on the build number several times in the About Phone section, after which the “For Developers” option will appear in the “Additional” menu. USB-Debugging and Factory Unblocking.

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Use the original. USB-cable from the delivery kit or a quality analogue with thick wires – cheap cables often cause connection breaks when firmware is being developed.

Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader

The most difficult and longest step is to get permission to change system partitions through unlocking the bootloader. Xiaomi has implemented strict restrictions that require you to link the device to your Mi Account and wait for a certain period of time. Without this step, installing TWRP is technically impossible.

To start, download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility to your computer and log in to your Mi Account. SIM-card to your smartphone, connect to the mobile Internet (Wi-Fi is not suitable for binding) and in the "Factory Unlock" menu, click the add account button. After successfully binding, the device should be displayed in the program on your PC.

If the status indicates that the device is connected, you will have to wait 7 to 168 hours (depending on the current policy of the company and the region).Repeated attempts to tie the timer reset, so be patient. After the time, repeat the procedure of entering Fastboot mode (pressing the power and volume buttons down) and start unlocking through the program.

• 📱 Make sure that the phone is installed SIM-Operator card and mobile internet enabled.
• 💻 Use the same computer and Mi Account as when you linked your device.
• ⏳ Do not try to bypass the waiting by third-party methods - this can lead to blocking.
• 🔋 Keep an eye on the battery, the process should not be interrupted due to discharge.

Switching to Fastboot mode and checking communication

After successfully unlocking the smartphone screen, an icon of a rabbit repairing an android will appear when booting, indicating that it is in Fastboot mode. At this stage, you need to check if the computer sees your device. Open the command line in the ADB tool folder and enter the verification command.

fastboot devices

If you see the serial number of the device in response, the drivers are installed correctly and the connection is established. If you do not respond, check the cable, USB port or reinstall the drivers manually through the Device Manager, selecting the device with a yellow exclamation mark.

It is important to understand that once the bootloader is unlocked, data security decreases and some banking applications may stop working normally, but the availability of an unlocked bootloader is the foundation for further system modification and custom recovery installation.

⚠️ Note: Once the bootloader is unlocked, Find My Device and some data protection elements may not work properly, so use strong passwords and two-factor authorization.

The process of installing the image TWRP Recovery

Now that the device is in Fastboot mode and connected to the PC, you can go to directly record the image of the recovery. Make sure that the firmware file is renamed twrp.img and lies in the same folder from where you run commands, which will simplify the work and eliminate errors in the way to the file.

To install, enter the following command in the terminal:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

After successfully executing a command that takes a few seconds, you can't just reboot your phone in the usual way. If you run a standard Android boot, the stock restorer will overwrite the TWRP, and all efforts will be in vain. You need to immediately go to Recovery mode.

There is a nuance that is characteristic of Xiaomi devices with data encryption: after the first installation of TWRP, the system may not boot or the recovery will not be able to mount partitions, in which case it may be necessary to format the Data partition, as will be discussed in the next section.

First Data Launch and Formatting

To enter the installed Recovery, press the power and volume buttons immediately after the screen goes out when you reboot. If you see the TWRP menu with touch control, then the installation was successful. However, you will likely encounter a request for a password or the inability to read sections.

This is because the phone's internal memory is encrypted, and the new recavator has no keys to decrypt it. To remove this limitation, you need to format the Data partition. Go to the Wipe menu, select Format Data, and type in the word yes to confirm.

⚠️ Note: Data formatting will permanently delete all files, photos and applications from the phone’s internal memory, so this step should only be taken if the data has already been copied or if its loss is not critical.

Once the formatting process is complete, the device will restart. TWRP will be able to display the contents of internal memory correctly, and you will be able to copy files, install them ZIP-archives with firmware or create full backup systems.

TWRP setting and installing Root rights

One of the main goals of custom recavery installation is often to gain superuser rights. ZIP. Download the current version from the official repository and copy it to your phone via the official repository. USB-cable OTG-adapter.

In the TWRP menu, go to Install, find the downloaded archive, and confirm the swipe installation. It takes a few seconds, then you can restart the system. Along with Android, the SuperUser rights manager will boot, allowing you to control the access of applications to system functions.

Also in the settings TWRP (Settings) recommended to disable signature verification ZIP-Files and blocking system partition changes if you plan to actively modify the system, this will ensure the stable operation of custom patches and mods.

• 🔒 Always build a backup. EFS Persist partitions before any experiments.
• 📂 Use the Internal Storage section to store installations ZIP-file.
• 🔄 Update regularly TWRP Up to new versions to support the latest versions of Android.
• 🛡️ Install antivirus software as Root-practices reduce security.

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Successful installation of Magisk via TWRP gives you complete control over the system, but requires caution when removing system applications.

Frequent problems and ways to solve them

During the modification of Xiaomi Redmi 7 users may encounter various errors. The most common problem is a cyclic reboot (bootloop) after installing an incompatible version of the backup or firmware, in which case you need to return to TWRP and restore the system from the previously created backup.

Another challenge is the broken sensor in TWRP. This is solved by using the correct image designed specifically for your version of Android (Pie or newer).

If none of the methods works, there is always the possibility to return to the stock. For this, just download the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode. This will return the warranty and the original state of the device, completely clearing all user data.

Questions and Answers (FAQ)