TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi: a complete guide to installing custom Recovery

Why TWRP is so popular among Redmi owners

If you’re interested in Xiaomi Redmi, you’ve probably come across the acronym TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) – not just an alternative recovery – it’s a powerful tool that unlocks features that are not available in standard MIUI recovery mode. It allows you to install custom firmware, make full system backups, remove preinstalled applications, and even “resuscitate” the device after unsuccessful software experiments.

But why do Redmi owners use TWRP so often?It's about Xiaomi's aggressive policy of locking down the bootloader and limiting users. The manufacturer's standard backups don't allow unofficial firmware to be installed, and without unlocking the bootloader, many operations are simply impossible. TWRP becomes a bridge between the "closed" MIUI ecosystem and Android freedom - but only with the right approach.

It's important to understand that installing a custom recavator is not a harmless procedure. One wrong step can turn your Redmi into a brick, and the warranty burns down immediately after such manipulations. In this article, we'll discuss not only what a TWRP is, but how to install it with minimal risk, which Redmi models are supported, and what to do if something goes wrong.

What is TWRP and why is it necessary to use Xiaomi Redmi?

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is an open source custom recovery that replaces the standard recovery menu on Android. Unlike Xiaomi’s factory recovery, where only basic features (setting resets, installing official updates) are available, TWRP provides:

• 🔧 Full control of memory partitions: the ability to mount, format and edit /system, /data, /boot and other sections.
• 📦 Installation of unofficial firmware: supports ZIP-custom-file ROM (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, kernels and modifications.
• 💾 Backup creation and recovery: Full system backups, including applications, settings, and data (even without root rights).
• 🔓 Overcoming restrictions MIUI: Removing bloatware (preinstalled applications), changing system files, unlocking additional features.
• 🛠️ Recovery after crashes: if the smartphone does not boot, TWRP It often helps to “resuscitate” it without losing data.

Xiaomi Redmi TWRP is especially popular due to the features of the MIUI firmware:

• 🚫 Closed bootloader: by default, Xiaomi blocks the ability to install unofficial software.
• 📵 Limited functionality ADB: Many commands (such as fastboot flash) require unlocking.
• 🔄 Frequent updates with bugs: custom firmware through TWRP This allows you to avoid the problems of official assemblies.

Important: TWRP is not official Xiaomi software, and installing it will void warranty and may cause the device to run unstable if the incorrect version is selected.

What Xiaomi Redmi models support TWRP?

Not all Redmi devices are TWRP compatible, and even supported models require the correct version of the recovery. Below is the table with the current data (2026). Note: some new models (such as the Redmi Note 13) may require waiting for a stable build.

Before installation, be sure to check:

1. The exact code name of your model (you can find out in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version or through the command fastboot getvar product).
2. Availability of the current version of TWRP on the official website or trusted forums (for example, XDA Developers).
3. User feedback on the stability of a particular build (some versions may not work correctly with /data encryption).

⚠️ Attention: Installation TWRP on models with dynamic partitions (for example, Redmi Note) 11 s super.img) It requires more manipulation, and without proper preparation, the device can get stuck in the logo. MI.

Preparation for installation: unlocking the bootloader and the necessary tools

Before installing TWRP, you need to do two key steps: unlock the bootloader and prepare the necessary tools, without which any attempts to flash the recovers will lead to an error or lock the device.

1. Unlock the loader

Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all Redmi devices by default, to unlock it:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
3. Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
4. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line and execute: adb reboot bootloader fastboot oem unlock On the phone screen, confirm unlock (this will erase all data!).

2. Necessary tools

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux (Windows 10/11 Disabled driver signature verification).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📂 ADB Fastboot: Download Google’s Platform Tools.
• 📱 Twrp-*.img file for your model (download only from verified sources!).
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (to avoid failures during firmware).

⚠️ Note: If you use Redmi with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10A), The standard fastboot commands may not work, and in this case, a special tool will be required. SP Flash Tool and Unlock with Auth File.

Step-by-step: how to install TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi

The process of installing TWRP on Redmi depends on the model and version of Android, but the overall scheme looks like this:

Step 1: Transfer the device to Fastboot mode

Turn off the phone, then press Volume Down + Power until the Fastboot logo appears. Connect the device to a PC.

Step 2: Checking the connection

Open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools and do:

fastboot devices

If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), you can continue. If not, check the drivers or cable.

Step 3: TWRP firmware

Enter the command (replace twrp.img with your file name):

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot boot twrp.img

After successful firmware, the phone will automatically reboot to TWRP.

Step 4: Fixing TWRP (important!)

Standard MIUI firmware can overwrite TWRP on first boot, to avoid this:

1. In TWRP, go to Advanced → Flash Current TWRP (if you have one).
2. Or manually swipe the twrp.img file through Install → Install Image → Recovery.
3. Turn off signature verification in Settings → Zip signature verification (if you plan to install custom ZIPs).

Critical error: If after installing TWRP, the phone loads into a standard recaveri, then you missed the locking step. Repeat the procedure and be sure to re-sweeten the TWRP from the recaveri itself.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If your problem is not on the list:

• 🔍 Check the logs in TWRP (Advanced → Copy Log).
• 📱 Clarify the device code name and version TWRP in forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA).
• 🛠️ For complex cases (such as hardbrick) firmware may be required through EDL-The mode (only for experienced users!).

💡

If TWRP doesn’t see internal memory, try connecting your phone to your PC in MTP mode via Mount → Enable MTP in the Recovery menu, which will help you copy the necessary files (such as firmware) directly from your computer.

What to do after installing TWRP: The first steps

Yeah, TWRP's been successfully installed, but what's next?

1. Build a full backup

Go to Backup and select Boot, System, Data and EFS (If you have, save the backup on SD-It's going to save you in case you're having a bad experiment.

2. disable forced encryption (optional)

On some Redmi models (such as the Note 11), the TWRP may not work properly with the encrypted /data partition.

1. In TWRP, go to Wipe → Format Data.
2. Enter yes to confirm (all data will be erased!).
3. After the reboot, the encryption will be disabled.

3. Install Magisk for root rights (optional)

If you need root rights:

1. Download the latest Magisk.zip from the official repository.
2. In TWRP, select Install and file.
3. Restart and check for root through the Magisk Manager app.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13/14 And the new ones can trigger the Anti-Rollback, which is a rollback protection against older versions of the firmware. TWRP, Don't ignore it! Installing the wrong firmware will lead to hardbrick.

💡

After installation TWRP never take it OTA-Update through the standard menu MIUI! They'll rewrite the recaps. TWRP, pre-loaded ZIP firmware.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about TWRP on Xiaomi Redmi