Many Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco device owners are thinking of returning to factory settings after experimenting with custom firmware. Installing a modified recovery mode such as TWRP is often necessary to gain root rights or install unofficial Android builds, but in some cases this becomes a problem, such as selling a device, transferring it to another user or requiring official over-the-air updates (OTAs) requires the availability of original software.
The process of replacing a modified bootloader in the factory is not complicated if you strictly follow the algorithm of actions and use proven tools. Errors at this stage can lead to the fact that the phone will stop booting into the system or enter Fastboot mode cyclically. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to safely remove TWRP and return the regular partition recovery using the computer and utilities from developers.
It is important to understand that the procedure affects system memory partitions, so any interruption of the process can be fatal to the functionality of the gadget. We will consider methods for both users with an unlocked bootloader and situations where a full reflash recovery is required. Ready to work and having all the necessary files is the key to successful completion of the operation.
Why Remove TWRP and Return Factory Mode
The main reason for returning to a runoff state is the need to install official security updates and Android versions. OTA-Xiaomi checks the integrity of system partitions, and the presence of modified recovery blocks the installation of updates. If you plan to use the device in standard mode, having superuser and third-party bootloader rights often becomes an extra ballast, creating potential security holes.
Removing TWRP is also required before selling a smartphone. Consumers are often wary of devices with modified software, as this may indicate hidden problems or previous unsuccessful experiments. Returning to factory status increases the liquidity of the device and its market value. In addition, some banking applications and services with high security requirements may refuse to work on devices with an unlocked bootloader or a modified partition recovery.
⚠️ Attention: Recovery replacement affects low-level partitions of memory. Incorrect execution of commands can lead to the inability to boot the system (bootloop) or a complete failure of the device to turn on (hard brick).
Another important aspect is the stability of the system: Castomic recavers, especially older versions, can conflict with new versions of Android, causing errors when resetting settings or encrypting data. Stock recovery mode is optimized specifically for your model and firmware version, which ensures that the reset and diagnostic functions work correctly.
Necessary tools and device preparation
Before you start manipulating memory partitions, you need to prepare the workspace and software. You need a computer running Windows, Linux or macOS, which is working. USB-cable (preferably original or high-quality analogue with good data transfer) and a charged smartphone battery by at least 60%. Low battery power at a critical time of data recording can turn the phone into a brick».
To communicate with the device, you will need ADB and Fastboot drivers. Xiaomi devices also often require specific drivers for Fastboot mode, which are usually installed with the Mi Flash Tool utility or can be downloaded separately. Without properly installed drivers, the computer simply will not see the smartphone in the desired mode.
☑️ Checklist for preparations for recovery
The key to the preparation is to find the right image file, and you need a file with the.img extension that matches your device model and, preferably, the firmware version that is currently installed or will be installed, and using the image from another model is strictly prohibited and will cause the device to fail.
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Use only the original. USB-The cable that came with the kit, or the certified analogue, and the cheap charging cables often don't have the necessary contacts to transmit data, which will interrupt the firmware process.
Search and download stock image Recovery
The hardest part is finding the right recovery.img file. There is no simple universal file, as each smartphone has unique memory markup and hardware features. You should search for the file on specialized forums, such as 4PDA or XDA Developers, in the branch of your particular model. You can also extract the image from the full Fastboot ROM if you have skills with archives.
When searching, look for the Android version and build number. While often the recovery images are compatible within the same major version of Android, using the closest version to the most conflict-related version will reduce the risk. The file usually has a name of the type recovery.img or may be inside the firmware archive in the images folder.
Where exactly to look for the image of recovery?
If you can't find a single file, you can use a full firmware extraction method. Download Fastboot firmware for your region (Global, China, EEA). Once you unpack the archive, you'll see a lot of files, including the recovery.img we need. This is the most reliable method, because it eliminates the human factor when downloading individual files.
| Source of the file | Reliability | Difficulty of search | Risk of incompatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Fastboot Firmware | Tall. | Low. | Minimum |
| Forum 4PDA/XDA | Medium | Medium | Medium. |
| Third-party sites with drivers | Low. | Tall. | High-pitched |
| File exchangers | Critical | Low. | Very tall. |
Instructions: Replace TWRP via Fastboot
The most reliable and common method of returning a stock recavator is using Fastboot mode. This mode allows you to send commands directly to the device bootloader, bypassing the operating system. First, switch the smartphone to Fastboot mode. This is usually done by turning off the phone and then pressing the Volume Down + Power button until the hare logo or FASTBOOT inscription appears.
Connect the device to your computer and open the command prompt (CMD) or terminal in the folder where the ADB files and your recovery image are located. Make sure the computer sees the device by entering the command fastboot devices. If the response displays a serial number, the connection is set correctly. If not, check the drivers and cable.
Now you need to execute the firmware command. Enter the following instructions:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.imgAfter successfully executing a command that takes a few seconds, you can’t just reboot the phone in the usual way, otherwise TWRP can overwrite the stock partition again. Immediately after firmware, execute the command to reboot:
fastboot reboot💡
The most critical thing is to keep TWRP from loading after running out of the water. If the phone loads into TWRP, it automatically rolls back the changes. Immediately after flash, reboot.
Alternative method: use of Mi Flash Tool
If you're having trouble with the command line, you can use the Mi Flash Tool, which requires you to download the full firmware in Fastboot format (the archive must be unpacked), run the program on behalf of the administrator, and connect the phone in Fastboot mode.
In the program interface, click the "Refresh" button to make the device identify. Then choose the path to the firmware folder. At the bottom of the window, select the firmware mode. To save data, select "Save user data," but to ensure that TWRP traces are cleaned, you'd better use "Clean all." However, be careful: Clear all mode deletes all files from the phone.
⚠️ Note: When using the Mi Flash Tool, make sure that the Clean All mode is selected only if you are willing to lose all data. For a simple replacement of the recovery, it is enough to flash only the recovery section through Fastboot commands, but a full firmware through Mi Flash is the most reliable way to return the device to the state of “out of the box».
Once you select the mode, press the Flash button, it takes 200 to 600 seconds to process, and the program will rewrite all partitions, including recovery, to stock values, and when it is finished, the phone will automatically reboot to a clean MIUI system.
Common mistakes and ways to solve them
One of the common problems is the FAILED (remote: 'device is locked') error, which means that the device bootloader is locked. To firmware any partitions, including recovery, the bootloader must be unlocked. If you lock it back after using TWRP, you will have to go through the unlock procedure again through the official Mi Unlock service.
Another common error is FAILED (status mismatch) or similar mismatch messages, which happens if you try to flash a recovery image from another model or another version of Android, in which case the process will be stopped by the bootloader for security reasons, the solution is one: find a strictly corresponding file for your model recovery.img.
And users also face a situation where, after firmware, the phone is loaded back into TWRP. This is because the custom recovery has a self-defense mechanism. To avoid this, immediately after the fastboot flash command, you need to run the fastboot reboot command without releasing buttons or giving the phone time to choose the boot mode. If the TWRP still boots, repeat the procedure, but in the TWRP itself, select reboot -> bootloader, and immediately try to flash again.
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If after all the manipulations the phone goes into a bootloop (cyclic reboot), try to press the Volume Down + Power button to log into the Fastboot and recheck the integrity of the firmware or try the method of complete flashing.
Checking the results and final actions
After a successful reboot, make sure the stock recap is installed. To do this, turn off your phone and press the Up + Power button combination. Instead of the familiar TWRP interface with sliders and file system, you should see a menu with the MIUI logo or Android and a few items in English or Chinese (Reboot, Wipe Data, Connect with MIAssistant).
The absence of items like Install, Wipe (extended), and the choice of languages indicates that you have successfully returned stock recovery. Now your device is ready to receive official OTA updates and sell. All traces of modifications at the bootloader level are eliminated.
It is also recommended to perform a full Wipe Data reset via the new stock menu to clear possible remnants of TWRP configuration files from internal memory, even though the partition system itself is already clean, which will ensure maximum stability of the operating system.