Castom Recavator for Xiaomi: a complete guide for beginners and pros

If you're a Xiaomi smartphone owner and you've ever wondered how to make the most of it, you've probably come across the term "castom recovery." It's not just technical jargon, it's your ticket to the world of deep customization, backup and unofficial firmware installation. But what's behind it in practice? Why do experienced users talk about it so much and starters often get scared?

In this article, we'll look at what custom recavators are for Xiaomi devices, how they differ from standard ones, what opportunities they offer and, most importantly, how to install them without the risk of turning a phone into a brick. We won't go into the technical details, but we won't simplify the topic to "click here." Our goal is to give you a clear idea of whether you need it at all, and if so, how to act competently.

What is a Recaveri and why do you need a custom?

Recovery is a special smartphone boot mode that allows you to perform service operations: factory reset, updates, backups. All Xiaomi smartphones have a default stock recovery from the manufacturer, Mi Recovery. It is extremely limited in functionality and often does not even support touch control.

Custom Recavery is an alternative firmware for recovery mode created by enthusiasts.The most popular options for Xiaomi — TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project and OrangeFox:

• 📱 Full sensory control (as opposed to the button in the drain recavery).
• 🔄 Ability to create and restore full backup systems (Nandroid backup).
• 📦 Installation of unofficial firmware (custom ROMs) and mods.
• 🔧 Advanced tools for working with memory partitions.
• 🔓 Bypassing some manufacturer restrictions (e.g., bootloader locking).

But why not just use stock recovery? The thing is, Xiaomi often blocks even basic features in it. For example, Mi Recovery can't:

• ❌ Install firmware not signed by the company.
• ❌ Make a backup copy of user data.
• ❌ Reverse to the previous version MIUI without formal permission.

TWRP OrangeFox: which recavator to choose for Xiaomi?

If you decide to install custom recavéri, then the first thing you will face is a choice between the two main options: TWRP And OrangeFox. Both are open-source and free, but they have key differences.

Which one to choose? If you want the most stable solution with minimal "dancing with a drum", take it. TWRP. If you want more features out of the box and don't mind occasionally bumping into bugs, OrangeFox might be more interesting. POCO In recent years, we recommend starting with OrangeFox, as its developers are more actively working with Xiaomi hardware.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of OrangeFox may conflict with official updates MIUI. Check the forums before installing (for example, XDA Developers or 4PDA), Are there any known problems with your model.

Preparation of the smartphone: unlocking the bootloader and other nuances

There are a few steps that you need to take before you install a custom recavator, and the main one is unlocking the bootloader. Xiaomi blocks it by default, and without unlocking, you can't manipulate the recavator or firmware.

The unlocking process is officially supported by the company, but has its pitfalls:

• 🔗 Requires linking your Mi Account to your device.
• ⏳ Waiting for permission can take anywhere from 72 hours to 1 week (depending on the model).
• 📱 All data on the phone will be deleted after unlocking.
• 🔧 On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+) Additional confirmation is required through SMS.

Step-by-step instructions for unlocking:

1. Activate Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap it 7 times.
2. Enable OEM Unlock in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Attach Mi Account to Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud.
4. Download the official Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi website.
5. Turn the phone into Fastboot mode (turn off, then pinch Power + Volume down).
6. Connect to your PC and follow the instructions in the Mi Unlock Tool.

Make a backup copy of all data

Charge your phone at least 60%

Make sure that the ADB/Fastboot drivers are installed on the PC

Disable the antivirus (it can block the Mi Unlock Tool)

Prepare. SIM-map SMS-confirmation (if required)

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Once the bootloader is successfully unlocked, you can start installing a custom recavator, but remember, an unlocked bootloader makes the device more vulnerable to malware, since it disables some of the security mechanisms. MIUI.

Step-by-step installation TWRP Or OrangeFox on Xiaomi

When the loader is unlocked, you just need to flash the recaveri itself.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
• 📱 Recovery image file (.img) for your model.
• 🛠️ Utilities. ADB and Fastboot.

The instructions are universal for both types of recavery (TWRP/OrangeFox), Only the image file will be different.

Step 1: Download the correct file recaveri

This is critical: an incorrect file can turn a phone into a brick.

• For TWRP: twrp.me/Devices/Xiaomi
• For OrangeFox: orangefox.download

For example, for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, you need to look for a file for sweet (codename), not just by the model name.

Step 2: Sweating Recovery through Fastboot

Open the command line (or terminal) in the folder with ADB/Fastboot and execute the following commands:

adb reboot bootloader


Fastboot flash recovery name file.img




fastboot reboot recovery

If it's successful, the phone will reboot directly to the new Recovery.

• File name (registration matters!)
• Availability of Fastboot drivers on PC.
• Condition of cable USB (Try another port).

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If after the firmware recavery phone loads in stock, then, MIUI To avoid this, you can swipe Magisk right after you install the Recovery (it will block automatic recovery of the stock Recovery).

Step 3: Checking the performance

In the new Recovery, be sure to check:

• 🖱️ Does sensory control work.
• 📁 Do you see the memory partitions (Data, System).
• 🔄 Can you create a backup (test, on) 1-2 section).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models with dynamic partitions (e.g. Redmi Note 11) have a standard backup in the backup. TWRP In this case, use special scripts or OrangeFox with support for dm-verity.

What to do in a custom recavérie (and what not)

Now that you have custom recavéri installed, let's figure out how to use it without risking damaging the phone.

✅ What can and should be done:

• 🔄 And you can create backups for the whole system, and that's your insurance for a bad firmware. SD-card.
• 📦 Install custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
• 🔧 Modify system files (e.g., delete Bloatware via Magisk).
• 🔓 Reset the pattern lock if you forget your password (via Advanced) → File Manager).

❌ What you can’t do (unless you want to “fill” your phone):

• 🚫 Format a section EFS (stored IMEI and other critical data).
• 🚫 Install firmware for other models (even if they are similar»).
• 🚫 Change the size of the partitions without understanding the consequences.
• 🚫 Sweeve boot.img or dtbo.img unverified.

One of the most useful scenarios for using custom recavery is recovery from soft-brick (when the phone does not boot, but reacts to the connection to the PC).

1. Switching stock firmware through Install → Select Image.
2. Restore the backup, if there is one.
3. Clear cache and data (Wipe) → Advanced Wipe).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when working with custom recaveri, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

One of the most insidious mistakes is partition damage. EFS. It contains unique data on your device, including IMEI. If you accidentally format it, the phone will lose communication with the carrier's networks. EFS It is possible, but it is a complex process that requires backup or special tools (for example, a special tool, QCN Rebuilder).

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to sell a phone, be sure to return the stock Recovery and lock the bootloader before you do so. Many buyers check the bootloader status through fastboot oem device-info, and an unlocked bootloader can be a reason to bargain.

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Always backup the section. EFS It'll take 5 minutes, but it'll save you hours of nerves in case of problems.

How to remove the custom recap and return everything “as it was”

If you decide to go back to a runoff state (for example, before selling your phone or for warranty repairs), you will need to:

• 📱 Official firmware for your model (in.tgz or.zip format).
• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool (for Fastboot firmware).
• 🔧 Unlocked bootloader (if it was blocked, unlock again).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the latest stable firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic symbols on the way.
3. Turn your phone into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down).
4. Connect to your PC and start the Mi Flash Tool.
5. Select a firmware folder and press Refresh (your device should appear).
6. At the bottom, select Clean All (full clean) and click Flash.

Once the firmware is complete, the phone will reboot to a stock state with the bootloader locked. If you need to leave the bootloader unlocked (for example, for future experiments), select the Clean All and Lock option in the Mi Flash Tool.

Important: After returning to stock firmware, all data will be deleted, and custom recovery replaced with standard Mi Recovery.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about Custom Recoveries for Xiaomi