How to log into TWRP on Xiaomi: all the ways for unlocked and locked devices

Moving to custom recovery TWRP on Xiaomi smartphones is a key step for installing unofficial firmware, creating backups or restoring the system after a crash. However, the process is different from the standard reboot in Mi Recovery and requires preliminary preparation. Without an unlocked bootloader or properly installed TWRP, you risk getting a “brick” – a device that does not turn on even in Fastboot mode.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to sign in to TWRP on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO (including the models of 2023-2026), take into account the features of new versions of MIUI 14/15 and explain why sometimes the combination of Power + Vol+ buttons does not work, and you will find a TWRP compatibility table with popular devices and instructions for fixing errors such as “No OS installed!” or “Invalid partition”.

1. Device Preparation: What to Do Before You Enter TWRP

Before you try to boot into TWRP, make sure your smartphone meets three key conditions:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader. TWRP If it doesn't start, it will return you to standard recovery or show you a black screen).
• 📱 Established TWRP. If you’re just planning to flash it, check the compatibility table first – not all versions work with the latest Xiaomi security patches.
• 🔋 Battery charge > 50%. Interrupting the process due to discharge can cause partition damage /data and loss of user data.

On Xiaomi 12/13/14 and Redmi Note 12/13 models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 or Dimensity 9000+ processors, you additionally need:

• 🛠️ Disable Mi Anti-Rollback (if you have been unofficially downloaded).
• 🔄 Update fastboot to 33.0.3 or later (older versions do not support new Xiaomi protocols).

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If you've been flashing TWRP through fastboot, but it's gone after the reboot, that's fine. Xiaomi automatically restores stock recovery when you first boot into the system. To fix TWRP, restart it manually once you install it (see Section 3).

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g, POCO F5, Redmi K60) flash-through TWRP Without first disabling, dm-verity will lead to a bootloop cycle. boot.img.

2. Unlock the bootloader: without this, TWRP will not start

The procedure for unlocking bootloader on Xiaomi is officially supported by the company, but has limitations:

• ⏳ Wait 7-14 days after linking the Mi Account to the device (on new models, the period can be up to 30 days).
• 🌐 Stable Internet. Unlocking occurs through Xiaomi servers, and when the communication is interrupted, the process will be interrupted.
• 📱 Official firmware.Castom builds (e.g. xiaomi.eu) can block unlocking.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times.
2. Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in the Developer Menu.
3. Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud.
4. Install Mi Unlock Tool on PC, connect your phone in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol-) and follow the program instructions.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 13 Ultra and POCO F5 Pro with Android 13/14 The official Mi Unlock Tool can give you a "Couldn't unlock" error even after you wait. V2 Fastboot oem unlock-go (not available on all devices).

3. TWRP Compatibility with Xiaomi Devices (2020–2026)

Not all versions of TWRP work with the latest Xiaomi smartphones. Below is the current compatibility table for popular models. If your device is not on the list, check the support on the official TWRP website or in thematic telegram chats (for example, Xiaomi EU).

For Android 12+ and Dynamic Partition devices (such as Xiaomi 11T Pro), standard TWRP builds may not work, in which case use modified versions from OrangeFox or PitchBlack developers that support:

• 🔧 Automatic partition mounting /data and /vendor.
• 🔐 Bypassing DM-verity lock without additional scripts.
• 📂 Support FBE (File-Based Encryption to decrypt user data.

4. Ways to reboot TWRP on Xiaomi

There are 4 basic methods of entering TWRP, but their performance depends on the device model and firmware version. Below are step-by-step instructions for each option.

Method 1: Button combination (for most devices)

The most versatile way, works on 90% of Xiaomi smartphones:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, hold the Power for 10-15 seconds).
2. Hold and hold the Power + Vol+ until the TWRP logo appears (usually 5-10 seconds).
3. If you have a standard Mi Recovery, then the TWRP is not installed or overwritten by the system.

Method 2: ADB command (if the phone is on)

Suitable for devices where buttons do not work or you need to restart from the system:

adb reboot recovery

If the command returns the error "no devices/emulators found", check:

• 🔌 Connection to USB (Try another cable/port).
• 🛠️ Included debugging by USB developer-setting.
• 🔄 Reinstallation of drivers ADB PC-only.

Method 3: Through Fastboot (if ADB is not available)

Use if the phone does not boot into the system but reacts to Fastboot:

fastboot boot twrp.img


fastboot reboot recovery

⚠️ Attention: On Android devices 13+ and A/B Partitions (e.g. Xiaomi) 13) first team will temporarily load TWRP, But once you reboot it's gone. To fix the recovery, you can stitch it in both slots:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot flash recovery_b twrp.img

Method 4: Through the terminal in the system (for advanced)

If you have root access, you can reboot the TWRP command:

su


echo 'boot-recovery' > /cache/recovery/command




reboot recovery

📌 Make sure the loader is unlocked|📌 Check the battery charge (>50%)|📌 Download the current version TWRP forecast|📌 Disable encryption (if you plan to work with it) /data)|📌 Prepare. OTG-smear-smearing (if you need to be used)

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5. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right installation TWRP Users are facing problems. TOP-5 errors and ways of eliminating them:

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14/15 Android 13/14 post-installation TWRP The network may be lost (the error "No") SIM"). This is due to damage to the modem partition. modemst1 and modemst2 fastboot:

fastboot flash modemst1 modemst1.img


fastboot flash modemst2 modemst2.img

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If the phone doesn't turn on after installing the TWRP (black screen or logo blinking), the boot section is likely damaged, the solution is to flash the stock boot.img through the fastboot flash boot.img, then repeat the installation of the TWRP.

6. How to fix TWRP after installation

On new Xiaomi devices (2022 and later), the system automatically restores stock recovery when you first boot. To avoid this, follow the following steps immediately after you have TWRP firmware:

1. Reboot to Fastboot (Power + Vol-).
2. Please. TWRP in both slots (for devices with A/B partitions): fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot flash recovery_b twrp.img
3. Don't boot! Go to TWRP immediately with the command: fastboot reboot recovery
4. In TWRP, go to Mount → Enable MTP and copy to your phone:

Install

Reboot to the system.

Critical! On Android devices 12+ Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) after firmware TWRP You need to manually repair and re-mount the sections. /data, /vendor and /product, Otherwise, the system won't boot. TWRP:

1. Go to Wipe → Format Data (enter yes).
2. Return to the main menu, select Mount and manually mount each section.
3. Reboot.

⚠️ Note: On devices with HyperOS (new firmware from Xiaomi, debuted on Xiaomi) 14) standard installation TWRP You may not work because of the changed partition structure, and in this case, use specialized tools like XiaomiTool. V2 or wait for updates from the teams OrangeFox/PitchBlack.

FAQ: Frequent questions about TWRP on Xiaomi