How to install TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi 9T: step-by-step guide

Xiaomi Redmi Smartphone 9T (also known as Poco M3) It is a popular device of the budget segment, which often becomes the object of experiments of enthusiasts. The main motivation for software modifications is usually to gain full control of the system, remove preinstalled advertising software, or install a more recent version of Android, which the manufacturer has already stopped releasing officially. This is why we need a customized recap, and TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is the undisputed leader in functionality and stability.

The installation process is not trivial and requires the user to be careful, have basic technical knowledge and strictly adhere to the sequence of actions. Any interference with system partitions of memory carries potential risks, so before starting the procedure, you need to understand the responsibility. In this article, we will discuss in detail the entire path from obtaining root rights to the first download to a modified recovery environment.

It is important to understand that installing TWRP on the Redmi 9T is not possible without first unlocking the bootloader.This is a standard Xiaomi security measure that prevents unauthorized writing to protected memory areas. If you have not already undergone this procedure, you will need to wait a certain time (usually from 7 to 168 hours) after submitting an application in the official Mi Unlock application.

Preparation of equipment and software

The first step in any major modification of Android devices is to prepare the workplace carefully, and you will need not only the smartphone itself, but also a reliable computer running Windows, Linux or macOS, as well as a high-quality computer. USB-A cable that can transmit data, not just charge the battery, and an unstable connection can cause the firmware to interrupt, with serious consequences for the device.

You need to install the current ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer, which allow your computer to communicate with your phone in special boot modes, without which no command will be executed, and you should also download the recovery image itself, which is specially adapted for the code name of the device lime (as technically designated Redmi 9T in the developer environment).

⚠️ Warning: Make sure that the battery charge of the smartphone is at least 60-70%. Interrupting the process of writing data to the recovery partition due to battery discharge can lead to the inability to boot the system (bootloop) or complete inoperability of the device.

To download the necessary files, use only trusted sources, such as the official TWRP site or authoritative forums like 4PDA and XDA Developers. Using modified or questionable builds from unknown authors can lead to the installation of malicious code or unstable touchscreen in the recovery menu. Save the downloaded image file (usually has the.img extension) in the root folder on the computer for quick access.

Unlocking the Bootloader bootloader

Without an unlocked bootloader, custom software installation is impossible in principle, a procedure that is mandatory and, unfortunately, irreversible without complex manipulations to return to the stock. During the unlocking process, all data on the internal drive of the smartphone will be irretrievably deleted, so backup contacts, photos and documents must be done in advance.

First, you need to link your Mi Account to your device. → About the phone and several times click on the version MIUI, To activate the developer menu. Then go to Settings. → Advanced settings → For developers, you need to activate the "Unlock status" and "Debugging by" option. USB». After that, the phone will be inserted. SIM-card and connect to Wi-Fi to link the account.

Once you have your account tied, download the official Mi Unlock Tool to your computer. Launch the program, log in to the same Mi Account as your phone. Put your smartphone into Fastboot mode, slamming both the power and volume buttons on the device off. Connect your phone to your PC and press the Unlock button in the utility. If there is little time or a new device since the first unlock, the system will ask you to come up with a set deadline (usually 168 hours).

There is an important nuance for Redmi 9T owners: once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, the device will automatically perform a full Wipe Data reset. This is the standard security behavior. Don't try to get around this stage, as trying to boot with locked storage after changing the bootloader status will lead to a cyclical reboot.

Transfer of the device to Fastboot mode

Fastboot mode is a low-level protocol that allows you to send commands directly to the device’s memory controller, bypassing the operating system. It is in this mode that we will execute a command to record a TWRP image. You can log into this mode on Xiaomi Redmi 9T either hardwarely or softwarely via ADB.

The hardware method is the most reliable, especially if the Android system is damaged or not booting. To do this, completely turn off the smartphone. Then simultaneously press the volume button and the power button. Hold them until the image of a hare repairing an android appears on the screen or the FASTBOOT inscription in orange. Once the button logo appears, you can release them.

If the system is working properly, you can use the software method via the command line. Make sure that the debugging over USB is on and the phone is connected to the computer. Open the terminal or command line in the folder with the platform tools installed and type in the command:

adb reboot bootloader

Once you do this, the phone will automatically reboot to Fastboot mode. Check the connection by entering the command fastboot devices. If you see the serial number of your device in response, then the connection is established correctly and you can proceed to the next step. If the list is empty, check the drivers or try another one. USB-port.

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Use it. USB-port soldered directly on the computer motherboard (back of the system unit), rather than on the front panel or through USB-Hub to avoid power and data transmission problems.

The process of installing TWRP via Fastboot

Now that the phone is in Fastboot mode and connected to a PC, you can start directly installing the recover. The image recording command looks standard for Qualcomm processor-based devices, but it's important not to confuse the arguments. We'll use the fastboot boot command for temporary boot or fastboot flash for permanent recording.

For Redmi 9T, it is recommended to download the image temporarily to check its performance, and only then perform a permanent installation. However, experienced users often use direct recording. In the terminal, while in the folder with the image file (for example, twrp-3.x.x.x-lime.img), follow the command:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x.x-lime.img

Here, twrp-3.x.x.x-lime.img is your file name. Make sure it matches. Once a command is successfully executed, the Finished message will appear in the terminal. Now it's critical to reboot correctly. If you just reboot the phone with a standard command, the stock recavator can overwrite the TWRP that has just been installed.

To avoid overwriting, you need to immediately after firmware run a combination of buttons to enter recovery mode. Once the recording process is completed, press the power and volume buttons. Hold them until the screen goes out, and immediately after the vibration switch to pressing only the power button (or continue holding both until the Mi logo appears, then release the volume, leaving power). TWRP.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi devices with a partition A/B (though Redmi 9T has a classic structure, the anti-rollback mechanism is important) the first boot after installation TWRP Do not interrupt the process if you see the download logo more 2-3 minute.

Primary configuration and work with sections

After successfully entering the menu TWRP You'll see an interface adapted for touch control, and the first thing the system can do is request a password to unlock the screen, if it's installed. PIN-If the password is not accepted, you will have to perform a Wipe reset that will delete all files.

The most important step is data encryption. MIUI stock firmware defaults to encrypt the data partition. TWRP may not have access to this partition without the right key. In some cases, you need to format the Data partition (not just Wipe, but Format Data), which will completely clear the internal memory. To do this, go to the Wipe → Format Data menu, type in yes and confirm the action.

Once formatted, the phone will restart. TWRP (Now you can connect to Wi-Fi directly from the Recovery menu (if the version supports), copy it. ZIP-Magisk firmware or patch files to obtain root rights through the built-in file manager or ADB Sideload.

For the installation of third-party firmware (Custom) ROM) or patches, select Install, find the desired ZIP-So you can slide the file and you can confirm it. It'll take a few seconds or minutes / ART Cache in the Wipe menu to avoid conflicts when you first boot a new system.

Possible mistakes and ways to solve them

In the process of modifying the Redmi 9T, users may encounter a number of typical problems. One of the most common is the device's "brickling" when the phone stops responding to commands. If the screen is black and the phone does not vibrate when connecting the charging, there may be a hardware problem or a deep software failure. However, most often the device enters Emergency Download (EDL) mode, as you can see from the charge indicator without an image on the screen.

If the TWRP loads but the touchscreen doesn't work (you can't press buttons), it means you've used an image that's not compatible with your display driver or an image for another model, and you need to find the actual build for the codename lime, and you can also solve the problem by installing a special patch called "Fix Touch" through ADB.

Another common error is Unable to mount /data, which is almost always solved by formatting Data as described above. If the phone goes into a Bootloop after installing TWRP, try clearing the Cache and Dalvik partitions and checking if the firmware image file itself is corrupted.

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Most of the errors when installing TWRP on Xiaomi are due to improper logging into recovery mode after firmware or not formatting the encrypted Data partition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)