Xiaomi Redmi 7A is one of the most popular budget smartphones, but its capabilities are limited by stock firmware MIUI. Installing custom TWRP recavator gives access to root rights, informal firmware and deep system setup. However, the process requires accuracy: a mistake at any stage can turn the phone into a “brick”.
In this article, we will review the 2026 update on the Redmi 7A’s TWRP installation manual, which is based on the model’s codename pine and the latest tool versions, and we will take every step from unlocking the bootloader to checking the recovery, and also warn against the typical errors that users make.
Why TWRP and not stock Recovery?
Xiaomi's stock reclaimer only allows you to reset or flash official updates. TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) gives you much more:
- ✅ Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, Havoc-OS, etc.)
- ✅ Create and restore backups throughout the system (including: /data and /boot)
- ✅ Rooting through Magisk or SuperSU without losing data
- ✅ Delete embedded applications (bloatware) and modify system files
- ✅ Fixing soft bricks (when the phone doesn't load but reacts to the Fastboot)
It is important to understand that installing TWRP resets all data on the phone (unless you back up in advance), and Xiaomi blocks the bootloader by default, so it will have to be unlocked in the official way – this will take up to 7 days of waiting.
Preparation: What you will need before installation
Before you start the firmware, make sure you have everything you need:
| Component | Requirements | Where to find it. |
|---|---|---|
| Computer | Windows 10/11 x64 or Linux (MacOS not recommended due to driver issues) | — |
| USB cable | Original or quality Type-C (cheap cables can interrupt the connection) | Complete with a phone or electronics store |
| ADB and Fastboot | The latest versions (check out via fastboot) --version) | Official Android website |
| Xiaomi drivers | For phone recognition in Fastboot and EDL | Xiaomi Support Page |
| TWRP file | Pine-only version (Redmi 7A) | Official website of TWRP |
Pay special attention to the version TWRP. At the time of writing the article (2026 year) actual assembly — twrp-3.7.0_9-0-pine.img. Using outdated or unofficial builds can lead to loss of IMEI or sensory problems.
⚠️ Note: If you have previously installed unofficial firmware or modified the vendor section, TWRP You might not be able to load, but you might need to run the stock. MIUI via Fastboot before installing the recavery.
Step 1: Unlock the bootloader on Redmi 7A
Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all its devices, so it needs to be unlocked in an official way, a process that involves two steps: linking the Mi Account to the phone and waiting for permission.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone Press 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
- Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking: Return to Settings → Additional → For developers, Activate USB debugging and OEM unlock
Mi
- Go to Settings → Xiaomi account and log in
- In the Mi Unlock Status section, click “Add Account and Device”
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool and run it on behalf of the administrator
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (turn off your phone, then press Volume Down + Power)
- In the program, click Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually takes 72–168 hours).
Now the recaveri is fully ready to go, and you can create a backup, you can flash Magisk for root rights, you can install custom firmware.
What if TWRP doesn’t see internal memory?
Typical errors and their solutions
Even with the correct instructions, there can be problems, and here are the most common ways to correct them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| fastboot: error: cannot load 'twrp-pine.img' | TWRP file not found or corrupted | Check the path to the file or download it again. |
| Phone is not defined in fastboot devices | Lack of drivers or faulty cable | Install Xiaomi drivers or try another cable/port |
| After the firmware TWRP phone does not turn on | bootloader or incompatible version of TWRP is damaged | Fly the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in EDL mode |
| TWRP asks for password when mounting /data | Data is encrypted and Format Data is not working | Please. disable_force_encrypt.zip through ADB Sideload |
If you encounter an error not listed in the table, check the Fastboot logs (fastboot getvar all team) and look for a solution on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.
💡
If the phone stopped booting after manipulating TWRP, don't panic. 90% of the time, it can be restored via Fastboot or EDL. The main thing is not to try to flash incompatible files and follow the recovery instructions.
What to do after installing TWRP?
Now that TWRP has been successfully installed, you can:
- 🔄 Create a full backup (select all partitions except cache and system_image)
- 🛠️ Install Magisk for root rights (download the latest version from GitHub)
- 📱 Swipe custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS 19 for Redmi) 7A)
- 🧹 Remove embedded applications through Mount → System and File Manager
Remember that after obtaining root rights, some functions may stop working:
- 🚫 Google Pay and banking apps (due to SafetyNet)
- 🚫 Automatic updates MIUI OTA
- 🚫 Some games with cheat protection (for example, PUBG Mobile)