How to install TWRP Recovery on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: a complete guide to unlock the bootloader

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) remains a popular device among Android modding enthusiasts years after its release. Installing a custom TWRP recavator gives you access to advanced features from Nandroid backups to unofficial ROM firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience. However, the process requires care — an error in the unlocking stage of the bootloader or installation can turn a smartphone into a brick.

In this article, we will discuss the current way to install TWRP on the Redmi Note 5, taking into account the changes of 2023-2026: new versions of the Mi Unlock Tool, updated recovery builds and features of working with fastboot. The instructions are suitable for the Redmi Note 5 Pro (whyred) and Redmi Note 5 Global (whyred), but do not apply to the Redmi Note 5A or other modifications. If your device is on MIUI 14 or later, check compatibility in advance.

Before you start, be honest: Are you prepared for the risks? On some devices with MIUI 12+ and newer, installing TWRP may cause a /data reset due to forced encryption (FBE).

Preparation of the device: unlocking the loader

The first and most important step is to unlock the bootloader. You can't install TWRP without it. Xiaomi officially lets you unlock the bootloader, but the process requires waiting and following the rules:

• 🔗 Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Mi Account → Without it, the Mi Unlock Tool will not unlock the bootloader.
• ⏳ Wait 7-15 days after account binding. Xiaomi blocks unlock immediately after device addition.
• 📱 Enable Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI. Then activate the debugging on USB and Unlock. OEM developer menu.
• 💻 Install drivers: download Mi Unlock Tool and drivers ADB/Fastboot for your OS.

After preparation:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool (on behalf of the administrator).
3. Sign in with the same Mi Account that you have attached to your phone.
4. If you see a message saying "Wait 168 hours," wait for the time.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a “Couldn’t unlock” error, check: The Mi Account is linked to the device and confirmed by the device. SMS/email. Unlocking is on on the phone. OEM (Sometimes it's reset after you reboot. You use the original USB-cable (not all cables support fastboot data transfer).

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If unlocking is delayed, try connecting to another. USB-port (preferably 2.0) or use another PC. Some users solve the problem by disabling the antivirus or firewall.

2.Selecting a TWRP version for the Redmi Note 5

Not all TWRP builds work equally well with the Redmi Note 5. As of 2026, it is recommended that:

For most users, OrangeFox is the best choice. It's a TWRP fork with improved interface, themes support, and robust fbe (data encryption) work. If you're planning to run LineageOS 20 or ArrowOS, you'll pick it up.

Download the file in.img format and rename it for convenience to twrp-whyred.img. Save it to the folder with adb and fastboot (e.g., C:\platform-tools\).

3. Install TWRP via Fastboot

Now, let's get to the installation itself. You're going to need to:

• 📌 Unlocked boot loader (see Step 1).
• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
• 📱 Charged phone (minimum 60%).
• 🔗 File. twrp-whyred.img platform-tool folder.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to your PC and open the command prompt in the adb folder (click Shift + right mouse button → Open the PowerShell window here).
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices should display the serial number of the device. If not, check the drivers.
4. TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp-whyred.img
5. Reboot to Recavers off the system!: fastboot boot twrp-whyred.img

⚠️ Note: If you are rebooted after the fastboot flash recovery command, MIUI overexert TWRP Recovery standard. Always load in. TWRP straight-up!

First launch. TWRP asks to allow modifications to the system. Swipe to the right to allow changes (this is necessary for further work). PIN-Your phone’s code or pattern lock (this is due to encryption) FBE).

Is the loader unlocked?|Is the correct file downloaded? twrp-whyred.img?|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot?|Is the phone charged at least to the 60%?|Is the antivirus on the PC disabled?-->

4. Solving common mistakes

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise.

Error: "Failed to mount /data (Invalid argument)"

Reason: MIUI uses File-Based Encryption (FBE), and TWRP cannot decrypt the /data partition.

• 🔄 Data formatting: B TWRP Go to Wipe. → Format Data, enter yes and confirm. This will delete all data!
• 📲 Using OrangeFox: This build works better with FBE.
• 🔑 Disabling encryption: After formatting, click disable_forceencrypt (see below).

Error: "Device Not Found" in fastboot

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔌 The problem with the cable/port: Try another one USB-cable (original) or port USB 2.0.
• 🖥️ No drivers: Install Google drivers USB Use the Mi Flash Tool to install automatically.
• 🛠️ Antivirus conflict: temporarily disable Windows Defender or other antivirus.

Error: "Invalid sparse file format at header"

This error occurs if the twrp-whyred.img file is corrupted or not fully downloaded.

• 🔄 Download the file again from the official source.
• 📁 Check the checksum (MD5 or SHA1) file.
• 💾 Try to flash from another PC.

If after installing TWRP, the phone loads into a flashing MIUI screen or reboot cycles, the boot section is likely damaged, in which case only flashing the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool will help.

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If TWRP He does not see the inner memory, but the outer. SD-The card determines the problem in encryption /data. Format Data will solve the problem, but will delete all files.

5. disabling forced encryption (optional)

On devices with MIUI 12+, forced encryption (forceencrypt) is enabled, which can interfere with the work of TWRP and custom ROM.

1. Download the file. disable_forceencrypt (from here).
2. Move the archive to SD-map OTG-flash-drive.
3. V TWRP Choose Install → Select a file disable_forceencrypt.zip → Swipe to confirm.
4. After the firmware, go to Wipe → Format Data, enter Yes and confirm.
5. Now, reboot to the system. Now the /data partition will not be encrypted.

⚠️ Important: Disabling encryption reduces the security of the device. If you use your phone to work with sensitive data (banking, corporate mail), it is better to leave it. FBE Included and accept the need to enter a password in TWRP.

6.Save TWRP after restart

One of the most common problems is that MIUI automatically replaces TWRP with a stock recavator when it first boots into the system.

Method 1: Firmware via TWRP (recommended)

1. Download Magisk (the latest version).
2. In TWRP, search Magisk.zip (this will give root rights).
3. Install Magisk Manager and activate the TWRP A/B Retainer module (if available for your model).

Method 2: Disabling the Recovery Check

For experienced users:

1. In TWRP, open Advanced → File Manager.
2. Go to /system/etc and find the recovery.img file.
3. Rename it to recovery.img.bak.
4. Copy your twrp-whyred.img into this folder and rename it to recovery.img.
5. Change the file rights: select it, press Change Permissions, and set 0755 (or rwxr-xr-x).

This method is less reliable, since MIUI can restore the original file after the update.

7.Following up: backup and ROM firmware

Now that the TWRP is installed, you can start making more serious modifications. The first thing you need to do is create a full backup.

1. In TWRP, select Backup.
2. Mark the sections: Boot, System, Data, Vendor (optional EFS for IMEI).
3. Select a place of preservation (better to save) SD-map OTG-flash-drive).
4. Swipe to start the backup.

Backup takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of data, and you keep it in a safe place, which is your firmware insurance policy.

If you plan to flash custom ROM (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), follow the instructions for a specific firmware.

1. Download ROM and GApps (if you need Google services).
2. In TWRP, run Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data, Vendor.
3. Sweat ROM, then GApps, then (optional) Magisk for root rights.
4. Reboot to the system.

⚠️ Attention: Customization Firmware ROM Redmi Note 5 with MIUI 14 may require additional steps, such as firmware or vendor firmware from stock firmware. Always read the instructions for the specific firmware. ROM on XDA Developers or 4PDA.

FAQ: Frequent questions about TWRP on Redmi Note 5