Owning a Xiaomi smartphone offers users the widest possible customization options, but the standard MIUI or HyperOS shell sometimes restricts access to system functions. It is for such cases that Recovery Mode is a special recovery mode that allows you to reset the device to factory settings, clear the cache or install a new firmware manually. Unlike conventional boot, this mode works independently of the main operating system, making it an indispensable tool in case of serious failures or a desire to obtain root rights.
There are two main types of recovery menus: the standard Stock Recovery preinstalled by the manufacturer, and the custom TWRP, which provides advanced functionality for advanced users. Downloading a recovery on Xiaomi requires a certain sequence of actions, since the company has implemented several layers of protection, including account binding and bootloader verification. Understanding the differences between the Fastboot and Recovery modes is key to successfully executing any manipulation of the software.
Before you start taking action, you need to be clear that interfering with the system partition carries risks. Incorrect firmware or accidental deletion of critical files can turn a device into a brick. However, if you follow the instructions and understand what mode you need for the current task, the process will be safe.
⚠️ Note: All actions described in this article are performed at your own risk.The author is not responsible for possible data loss or device malfunction as a result of incorrect execution of instructions.
Differences between Stock Recovery and TWRP on Xiaomi devices
The regular recovery menu, known as Stock Recovery, is a minimalist interface available on any device out of the box without the need to unlock the bootloader. Its functionality is strictly limited to basic operations: data reset (Wipe Data), system restart (Reboot) and connect to the PC via ADB. It is a secure environment designed primarily to return the smartphone to factory state in the event of software errors or before sale.
In contrast, TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a third-party solution with a graphical interface that supports touch screen management. Custom Recovery allows you to create full system backups (Nandroid Backup), install patches, modify system partitions and stitch custom ROMs. TWRP on Xiaomi requires an unlocked bootloader, which is a prerequisite for deep software modification.
- 🔹 Stock Recovery: works on a locked bootloader, has only a text menu, supports installation only official OTA-update.
- 🔹 TWRP: requires unlocking, has a graphical interface, allows you to make backups, install root rights and custom firmware.
- 🔹 Fastboot Mode: A separate low-level firmware mode used for the primary installation of the recovery via a computer.
The choice between these options depends on your goals. If you just need to reset a forgotten pattern lock or clear your phone before resale, the standard mode is enough. If you plan to install Magisk, change regional settings or upgrade to Android versions not available in your region, installing TWRP will be an inevitable step. It is important to understand that switching to custom software often entails a loss of warranty and the inability to use some banking applications without additional manipulation.
⚠️ Attention: Installation of custom recaveri TWRP Automatically voids the manufacturer’s warranty and may disrupt security features such as Google Pay or Mi Pay until they are reconfigured.
Preparation of the device and computer before the procedure
The success of a download or installation operation depends on 90% of the quality of preparation. The first and most important step is to create a full backup of all important data, since most actions in the recovery menu, especially Wipe Data, lead to irrevocable deletion of files. Make sure that photos, contacts and documents are stored in Google Drive cloud storage or copied to an external medium.
To interact with your PC, you will need to install current ADB and Fastboot drivers. Without them, your computer will not be able to recognize your smartphone in debugging or download mode. On Xiaomi devices, you also need to activate hidden developer settings. To do this, go to the settings, find the MIUI version and quickly click on it 7 times until you notice that you have become a developer.
☑️ Checklist before the start of work
In the Developer menu, find and activate the USB Debugging Switch. In addition, to unlock the bootloader (if TWRP is required), you must link the device to your Mi Account and apply through the official Mi Unlock Tool utility on your computer. This process can take from 3 to 7 days of waiting, during which you cannot log out of your account on your phone. Ignoring this step will make installing a custom recover impossible.
| Component | Appointment | Where to download/find |
|---|---|---|
| ADB & Fastboot | Connection of PC and smartphone | Official website of Android Developers |
| Mi Unlock Tool | Unlocking the loader | Website en.miui.com/unlock |
| USB Drivers | Xiaomi device drivers | In the Mi PC Suite or SDK |
| TWRP Image | Custom Recaveri file | Twrp.me or 4PDA Forum |
Entry into standard Recovery Mode on Xiaomi
You can get into the standard recovery menu without using a computer and additional programs, using only the physical buttons of the device. This method is universal for most Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones. First, turn off the smartphone completely. Make sure the screen goes out and the device is not in sleep mode. After that, press the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time.
Hold both buttons until the Mi or Redmi logo appears on the screen. Once the logo is bright, the power button can be released, but the volume button should be held until the menu appears. The screen will display a list of options in several languages, where you can choose Recovery (if you hit the main menu) or immediately see the items Wipe Data and Reboot in the case of stock mode. Navigation is done with volume buttons, and selection with the power button.
What to do if the phone is vibrating?
In some cases, especially on newer HyperOS shell models, the system may require you to enter a screen unlock password or a pattern lock before entering the recovery menu, a security measure to prevent unauthorized data reset. If you forget your password, getting into reset receptacles can be more difficult, and you will need to use tools like the Mi Flash Tool in Emergency Download (EDL) mode, which already requires disassembling the device or a special cable.
⚠️ Note: The Wipe Data item in the recovery menu deletes all user data, including photos, contacts and apps. Use it only if you have a backup or your phone is of no value.
Install custom TWRP via Fastboot
For installation TWRP You need to put your smartphone in Fastboot mode. Turn off the device, then press the Volume Down button and connect it. USB-And then you see a picture of a hare repairing an android on the screen, and it says, FASTBOOT. Make sure that the Windows Device Manager defines the smartphone as Android Bootloader Interface.
Open the command prompt (cmd) or PowerShell in the folder with installed ADB-Type a command to check the connection: fastboot devices. If the serial number of the device is displayed in response, the communication is established. twrp.img (where twrp.img — Your file name. TWRP You can also download it with the fastboot flash recovery command. twrp.img, but on devices with dynamic partitions (A/B partitions) this is done differently.
fastboot flash recovery_ab twrp.imgOn modern smartphones Xiaomi with sections A/B Flash recovery may fail or overwrite only one slot. recovery_ab Or the firmware goes directly to the boot section. Once you've recorded it, it's important to immediately reboot to recovery mode so that the standard system doesn't replace it. TWRP To do this, use a button combination or the fastboot reboot recovery command.
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Once installed, the TWRP system can automatically replace it with Stock Recovery on the first boot. To avoid this, immediately after the firmware, pull out the battery (if possible) or use the command fastboot reboot recovery, preventing the system from booting completely.
Decision and work on sections A/B
One of the most common problems is cyclic reboot (Bootloop) after installing an incompatible version of TWRP. This happens if the image of the recovery is not optimized for a particular model of the processor or Android version. In this situation, you need to re-enter Fastboot mode and reflash the original image of boot.img or recovery.img from stock firmware. You can find these files in the archive with the official firmware for your model, unpacking it on your computer.
Dynamic partition (A/B) devices require a special approach. They don't have a separate recovery partition as usual; instead, they use a slot that switches when you update. When you flash them through fastboot, it's important to specify the correct suffix or use utilities that automatically determine the partition structure. A mistake in choosing a slot can cause the phone to stop booting from any slot.
- 🔹 Problem: The computer doesn't see the phone in Fastboot.Solution: Install the original cable, try another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0), reinstall the drivers.
- 🔹 Problem: TWRP Solution: In the Wipe menu, select Format Data and type "yes." This will remove encryption, but it will also erase all data.
- 🔹 Problem: Boot verification error Solution: You need to patch the bootloader or use special scripts to remove the check AVB (Android Verified Boot).
If you encounter a FAILED error (remote:'Flashing is not allowed in Locked State'), it means that the device bootloader is still locked, and you can only unlock it through the official Mi Unlock tool, waiting for the wait timer to expire.
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It is critical to use a TWRP image created specifically for your model and Android version. Universal versions of the recovery often cause touchscreen or data encryption errors.