How to install TWRP Recovery on Xiaomi Redmi 6 Pro: a complete guide to unlock the bootloader

Installing a custom TWRP recavator on the Xiaomi Redmi 6 Pro (codenamed sakura) opens up access to advanced features: firmware for unofficial ROMs, backups through Nandroid, root rights, and even restoration of bricks after unsuccessful experiments. However, the process requires care — a mistake at any stage can turn a smartphone into a useless piece of plastic.

In this article, you will find the current instructions for 2026, taking into account changes in Xiaomi’s policy to unlock bootloaders and the peculiarities of working with the Redmi 6 Pro based on Qualcomm Snapdragon 625. We will analyze all the stages: from tool preparation to TWRP check, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors, such as hanging on the Mi logo after firmware is inappropriate version of the Recovery.

Preparation for TWRP installation: what you need

Before you start firmware, make sure you have everything you need, and the absence of at least one component can interrupt the process at a critical stage.

Basic requirements:

• 📱 Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 6 Pro (model) M1805D1SE or M1805D1ST) With a battery charge of at least 70%, running a firmware on a discharged battery is a surefire way to get a brick".
• 💻 Computer running Windows 10/11 (64-bit) It's not like Linux. It's possible that you have driver problems on macOS. ADB.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C is original or certified. Cheap cables often don't transmit data in Fastboot mode.
• 🛠 Tools: Platform Tools (includes) ADB and Fastboot) Official TWRP for Redmi 6 Pro (version) 3.7.0_9-0 Mi Unlock Tool for unlocking the bootloader

You also need a Mi Account that has been linked to your phone for at least 7 days, and Xiaomi will block the bootloader from unlocking new accounts, which is a measure against theft and fraud, and if you just signed up, you'll have to wait.

Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 6 Pro

The bootloader on Xiaomi devices is locked by default.TWRP installation is impossible without it unlocking.The process takes 3 to 7 days due to the mandatory waiting period that Xiaomi has introduced to protect users from random actions.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version until the notification "You've become a developer" appears.
2. Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB debugging and OEM unlock switches.
3. Link the device to Mi Account: Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account. Make sure the phone is linked to your account (should be ticked "Device tied").
4. Run Mi Unlock Tool on PC: Connect your phone to your computer in Fastboot mode (turn off your phone, then press Power + Volume Down). In Mi Unlock, log in with the same account as your phone. Follow the instructions. During the verification phase, you will be told how many days are left before unlocking (usually 168 hours).

After the waiting period is over, repeat the process in the Mi Unlock Tool. Successful unlocking will be confirmed with the message "Unlocked successfully." Now you can proceed to the TWRP firmware.

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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't verify device" error, try using a different version of the program (e.g. 5.5.224.24) or run it in Windows 7 compatibility mode.

Choosing the Right TWRP Version for Redmi 6 Pro

Not all versions of the TWRP are compatible with the Redmi 6 Pro. Installing an inappropriate Recovery can result in:

• 🔄 Located reboot (bootloop).
• 🚫 Inability to boot into the system.
• 🔧 Loss of section access /data and /system.

The official TWRP builds for sakura (codenamed Redmi 6 Pro) are published on twrp.me. At the time of writing, the current versions are:

For Redmi. 6 Pro version recommended 3.7.0_9-0 — It supports modern firmware and has a minimum number of bugs. Avoid informal forum builds (for example, for example, for the Internet, 4PDA), If you are not sure of their origin.

Install TWRP via Fastboot: step-by-step instructions

Now we move on to the most important stage - firmware TWRP. All actions are performed through Fastboot, so make sure that the drivers are installed correctly (the phone should be defined in Device Manager as Android Bootloader Interface).

Instructions:

1. Download the file. TWRP (for example, twrp-3.7.0_9-0-sakura.img) And put it in a folder with Platform Tools.
2. Turn off your phone and press Power + Volume Down to log into Fastboot.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with Platform Tools.
4. Check the connection command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
5. Please. TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-sakura.img
6. Reboot to Recavator: Fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-sakura.img Don't use fastboot reboot! It'll lead to a re-recording. TWRP stock-recavator.

If it went well, you'll see the TeamWin logo and the main TWRP menu, and you can now start backing up or firmware custom ROM.

bootloader unlocked | Battery charge > 70%| ADB/Fastboot drivers installed | Download official TWRP for sakura| Backup of important data created

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Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can fail, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

1. "Failed to boot into recovery" error

⚠️ Note: If you have a fastboot boot twrp.img The phone reboots into the stock recavery, which means Xiaomi automatically restored the original recovery. TWRP again, and then immediately in TWRP Go to Reboot. → Recovery to consolidate changes.

2.TWRP asks for password when mounting /data

This is because of the data encryption in MIUI.

• 🔑 Enter the password from the lock screen (if it was set).
• 🗑 If the password is not suitable, execute Format Data (all data will be deleted!).
• 🔧 Turn off encryption in MIUI pre-set TWRP (safety-setting).

3.The sensor doesn't work in TWRP

The problem is typical for older versions TWRP. Update the recaps to 3.7.0_9-0 or use OTG-mouse.

4.Hanging on the Mi logo after firmware

⚠️ Note: If the phone is stuck on startup the logo after installation TWRP, It was probably stitched with recovers for another model (like the Redmi 6, not the Redmi 6 Pro).Solution: Sweat the original recovery through the Fastboot, and then repeat the process with the correct version. TWRP.

What to do after installing TWRP

Successful TWRP installation is only half the battle, and now we need to use the new capabilities to make sure that we don't lose data or turn the phone into a brick.

The first steps after the firmware:

1. In TWRP, go to Backup. Select the Boot, System, Data, Vendor partitions. Save a copy to an external memory card or PC via ADB Pull.
2. Turn off automatic recover update: MIUI can overwrite TWRP with stock recoveries when you update. To avoid this: In TWRP, go to Mount and unmount all partitions. Delete /system/recovery-from-boot.p (if any).
3. Squeeze Magisk for root rights (optional): Download the latest Magisk (.zip). In TWRP, select Install and specify the path to the file. Reboot.

If you plan to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), first review the firmware version requirements and vendor compatibility.

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Once you install TWRP, never upgrade to MIUI through OTA, which will result in the loss of the backpack. Use only manual firmware through TWRP.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions