Why install TWRP on Xiaomi and what it does
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is an alternative recovery environment that replaces the standard Mi Recovery on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones. Unlike the factory recovery, TWRP allows you to install informal firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), create full system backups (Nandroid backup), delete system applications and even recover data after reset. Without it, many customization operations are simply impossible.
The main advantages of TWRP on Xiaomi:
- ✅ The ability to sew custom ROM (including Global Stable if your device is originally in China ROM)
- ✅ Removal of built-in MIUI Bloata (Mi Browser, Mi Music, GetApps, etc.)
- ✅ Backup and restore partitions (boot, system, data)
- ✅ Bypassing Xiaomi restrictions (e.g. installing Google Camera on unsupported models)
- ✅ Correction of "bricks" after a failed firmware
There are also risks: Installation is incorrect. TWRP It can lead to loss of warranty, locking the device (if you break the rules of unlocking the bootloader) or even a permanent breeze (on some models with Anti-Rollback). TWRP — The list of supported devices is updated monthly.
Preparation of the device: unlocking the loader
Before installing TWRP, you need to unlock the bootloader on your Xiaomi. Without this step, custom Recovery firmware is impossible. The process is officially supported by Xiaomi, but has a number of limitations:
- ⏳ Waiting for permission can take anywhere from 7 to 360 hours (depending on Xiaomi policy)
- 🔗 Requires linking your Mi Account to your device
- 📱 The device must be on MIUI Global or China ROM (on EEA Russia ROM Maybe there's a problem)
Instructions for unlocking:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number.
- Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
- Download the official Mi Unlock Tool and log in to your Mi Account.
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power).
- Run the Mi Unlock Tool and follow the instructions. If the message "Couldn't unlock" appears, wait for the specified time and try again.
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G and may require additional confirmation through SMS when unlocked, also some devices (e.g, POCO F4 GT) Requires updates to the latest version MIUI before unlocking.
Linked to the Mi Account to the device|On. OEM Unlock in the settings|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot PC-only|Backup of important data is made|Battery charge > 50%-->
Selecting the Right TWRP Version for Your Model
The error of choosing the wrong version of TWRP is one of the main reasons for the device’s blink, because even within the same line (for example, the Redmi Note 10) there can be different modifications:
- 📱 Redmi Note 10 (mojito) ≠ Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet)
- 📱 POCO X3 NFC (surya) ≠ POCO X3 Pro (vayu)
- 📱 Mi 11 Lite 4G (courbet) ≠ Mi 11 Lite 5G (renoir)
Where to look for the right firmware:
- TWRP official website: twrp.me/Devices – select your model and download the.img file.
- XDA Developers Forum: An informal but stable build for new devices is often published. Example: forum.xda-developers.com.
- Telegram channels like @XiaomiTWRP or @MIUIUpdatesTracker are uploading current versions with patches for Anti-Rollback.
| Xiaomi model | Code name | TWRP reference | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10 Pro | sweet | Download | Supports FBE encryption |
| POCO F3 | alioth | Download | Requires AVB 2.0 shutdown |
| Mi 11 Ultra | star | XDA Thread | Unofficial assembly, check reviews |
| Redmi K40 | alioth | Download | POCO F3 is compatible with the same firmware |
⚠️ Note: If your model is equipped with a MediaTek chip (e.g., the Redmi Note 11 on Dimensity 810), check if it supports MediaTek. TWRP Your particular processor. MTK-Custom Recovery Devices May Not Work with Encryption FDE.
Install TWRP via Fastboot (Step-by-step)
When the bootloader is unlocked and the correct version of TWRP is downloaded, you can start the firmware.
- 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/MacOS and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot
- 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with a battery charge of at least 70%
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original)
- 📁 File. twrp-3.7.0_12-0-sweet.img (Example of the Redmi Note 10 Pro)
Instructions:
- Put your phone in Fastboot mode: (a) Turn off the device (b) Press Volume down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears
- Connect your phone to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
- Please. TWRP Temporary (for test): fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-0-sweet.img The device will load into TWRP permanently.
- If everything works, flash recovery is fastboot. twrp-3.7.0_12-0-sweet.img
- Reboot to Recovery: Fastboot Reboot Recovery
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If the phone loads into a standard recavery after TWRP firmware, MIUI has overwritten it. To avoid this, go to Mount → Disable Forced Encryption immediately after installing TWRP (if there is one).
Solving Common Errors When Installing TWRP
Even with the right instructions, there can be problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Locked State') | The bootloader is not unlocked | Repeat the unlocking with the Mi Unlock Tool |
| Invalid sparse file format at header | The damaged.img file TWRP | Download the file again, check the MD5 checksum |
| Device not defined in fastboot devices | There are no ADB drivers | Install Google USB or Mi Flash Tool Drivers |
| After the firmware TWRP phone does not turn on | Incompatible version of TWRP or Anti-Rollback | Sweep through the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode |
Pay special attention to the Orange State error, which appears on anti-Rollback devices (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO X2).
- Download the full firmware package for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website.
- Unpack the image file from the archive.
- Sweep through Fastboot the original recovery.img, then re-install TWRP.
What if TWRP asks for a password when downloading?
How to Update TWRP and Avoid Data Loss
Over time, new versions of TWRP with bug fixes and support for fresh firmware are coming out.
- Download the current.img file from the official website.
- Reboot to the current version of TWRP (Loudness up + Power).
- From the TWRP menu, select Install → Install Image and specify the path to the new file.
- Select the Recovery section and confirm the firmware.
To avoid data loss:
- 🔄 Always do Nandroid backup before updating (in the TWRP: Backup → Select Partitions).
- 🚫 Don't update. TWRP via Fastboot, if you have custom firmware installed - this can lead to a kernel conflict.
- 📌 After the update, check the fingerprint sensor and Face Unlock – sometimes they stop working.
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On devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi) 12, POCO F4) update TWRP It can reset the partition structure, and it requires a re-firmware. vendor_boot dtbo.
What to do after installing TWRP: The first steps
Now that TWRP has been successfully installed, you can start customizing it. Here's what you should do first:
- 📦 Create a full backup: in TWRP Select Backup and select Boot, System, Data, Vendor. Save backup to SD-card.
- 🔓 Disable Forced Encryption (if necessary): Find Disable Forced Encryption (relevant for Android 10) at Mount+).
- 📲 Sweep Magisk for root rights: download Magisk.zip from GitHub and install via Install in TWRP.
- 🔄 Install custom firmware: for example, LineageOS or ArrowOS (pre-check compatibility with your model).
Warnings:
- ⚠️ Do not delete files from the folder /system without backup – this can lead to bootloop.
- ⚠️ On some devices (such as the Mi 11 Ultra), the Magisk installation breaks Widevine. L1, Why Netflix and Disney are+ They stop working at full. HD.
- ⚠️ If you're filing Global ROM china-device ROM, Pre-delete all Mi accounts in the settings, otherwise you can block IMEI.