The Xiaomi Redmi 4X (codenamed santoni) is still a popular budget smartphone among custom firmware enthusiasts. One of the key tools for deep customization of the device is TWRP Recovery, an alternative restore menu that allows you to install informal firmware, create backups and get root rights. However, the entry to this menu on Xiaomi devices has its own nuances, especially if the bootloader is blocked.
In this article, we will discuss all the ways to log into TWRP Recovery on Redmi 4X, including device preparation, unlocking the bootloader and solving common problems. Note that the procedure requires care: improper actions can lead to a device blink (complete failure) if you flash an incompatible version of the backpack or interrupt the process.
1. Preparation of the smartphone for the installation of TWRP
Before trying to get into TWRP Recovery, you need to follow a few critical steps. Xiaomi Redmi 4X by default has a locked bootloader (bootloader), and without it unlocking the installation of custom recovery is impossible.
Here's what you'll need:
- 📱 Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 4X with a battery charge of at least 60% (to avoid shutdown during the process).
- 💻 Computer running Windows (Windows recommended) 10/11) Linux.
- 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or qualitative analogue).
- 🔓 Mi Account tied to the device (required to unlock the bootloader).
- 🛠️ The Mi Unlock Tool: Mi Unlock Tool, ADB & Fastboot, file. TWRP.img for santoni.
Download the official Mi Unlock Tool utility from Xiaomi (the version should match your firmware). ADB Fastboot – you can find it on resources like XDA Developers or 4PDA. File. TWRP Choose only for the santoni model (for example, the santoni model, twrp-3.7.0_9-0-santoni.img).
⚠️ Attention: Installation TWRP Reset all data on the device! Back up important files via Mi Cloud or manually to your computer. Also turn off Mi Account protection in settings (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Delete the account), otherwise after firmware the device will require entering the login / password.
2 Unlock the bootloader on the Redmi 4X
Without an unlocked bootloader, TWRP Recovery is only available if the recovery has been installed before, otherwise you will have to go through the official unlock procedure through the Mi Unlock Tool.
Algorithm of action:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version until you become a developer!
- Enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB debugging and OEM unlock switches.
- Link the device to Mi Account: In the same Developer Menu, find Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account and Device. Confirm the action via SMS or email.
Now connect your smartphone to your computer, launch the Mi Unlock Tool, and follow the instructions. Note: Xiaomi may require a wait of up to 72 to 168 hours before unlocking (this is normal practice for new accounts).
3. Install TWRP Recovery via Fastboot
After successfully unlocking the bootloader, you can proceed to the TWRP Recovery firmware.
- Download the current version of TWRP.img for Redmi 4X (for example, from the official TWRP website).
- Place the file in a folder with ADB and Fastboot (for example, C:\adb\).
- Open the command line in this folder (Shift + PCM → Open the command window).
- Turn off your smartphone and press Volume Down + Power to log into Fastboot Mode.
- Connect the device to your computer and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-santoni.img
- After successful firmware type: fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-santoni.img It'll temporarily load. TWRP stockless.
If it went well, you'll see the TeamWin logo and you'll be on the recovery menu, and you can start building backups or installing custom firmware.
bootloader unlocked | Download the correct TWRP file for santoni| Device in Fastboot|ADB and Fastboot mode installed on PC|Data backup made-->
4.Those to log into TWRP Recovery on Redmi 4X
If TWRP Recovery is already installed, you can access it in several ways:
| Method | Button combination | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| From the device off | Volume up + Nutrition | Hold for 5-10 seconds until the TWRP logo appears. |
| Through ADB (if debugging is enabled) | adb reboot recovery | Requires a connection to a PC and working debugging over USB. |
| From Fastboot Mode | fastboot reboot recovery | It is useful if the smartphone does not come out of Fastboot. |
| Through the application (if root is installed) | Apps like Quick Reboot | It only works on rooted devices. |
The most reliable method is a hardware combination of buttons. If the smartphone does not respond, check if the recovery reset after the reboot (this happens if you do not disable the signature check in Fastboot command fastboot oem disable-verity).
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If, after entering, TWRP The screen does not respond to touch, connect OTG-This will help you control the menu if the touchscreen is not working properly.
5. Typical errors and their solutions
When working with TWRP Recovery on Redmi 4X, users often face the following problems:
- 🔄 The device is loaded into a stock Recovery instead of TWRP: Reason: Xiaomi overwrites the recavers when you first boot the system. TWRP go in there and stitch it up. Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip (download 4PDA).
- 🔌 Computer doesn't see device in Fastboot: Check drivers (install Mi Phone Manager), try another cable or port USB. Device Manager should display Android Bootloader Interface.
- 📵 TWRP asks for password after installation: This is related to data encryption (FDE). The solution is to reset settings via Wipe → Format Data (all data will be deleted!).
- 🔥 Device stopped turning on ("brick"): If the screen is black after firmware, try returning the stock Recovery via Fastboot with the fastboot flash recovery command stock_recovery.img. In extreme cases, you will need to firmware full Fastboot-ROM.
⚠️ Attention: If after installation TWRP The smartphone is getting stuck on the Mi logo, don't try to turn it off with the power button! Wait for the battery to discharge or press the Volume down. + Power for 15-20 seconds for forced reboot in Fastboot.
6. Additional TWRP features on Redmi 4X
TWRP Recovery offers a wide range of options for Redmi 4X owners:
- 📦 Create full backups (Nandroid Backup): You can save copies of Boot, System, Data, etc. To do this, go to Backup, select partitions and swipe to confirm.
- 🔧 Installation of custom firmware: Firmware on the base is supported AOSP (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, and modified versions MIUI third-party.
- 🔑 Getting root rights: Through TWRP squirt Magisk.zip to gain root access without the SafetyNet trigger.
- 🧹 Partition Cleanup: Wipe allows formatting Dalvik/ART Cache, Cache, Data, and even Internal Storage (with caution!).
To install custom firmware, it is recommended to first make a full backup in TWRP, And then I run the firmware through Install. → Select Zip. After installation, be sure to clean Dalvik/ART Cache and Cache to avoid errors.
How to use Magisk to get root rights?
7.How to get back stock Recovery
If you need to return the original recovery (for example, for warranty repairs or upgrades via MIUI OTA), follow the following steps:
- Download stock recavators for Redmi 4X (recovery.img file) from Xiaomi’s official website or thematic forums.
- Go to Fastboot Mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
- Connect the device to your computer and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img
- Reboot your smartphone to the system: fastboot reboot
After that, the stock recavator will be restored, but note that if you installed custom firmware, returning to the original recavator can lead to a bootloop ( looped reboot), in which case you will need a full firmware through Fastboot.
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Stock Recovery does not remove TWRP from the device's memory!To completely get rid of the custom recovery, you need to flash the official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.