Recovery Replacement with Xiaomi: From Unlocking the bootloader to Installing TWRP

Replacing a standard recavator with a custom one (such as TWRP or OrangeFox) is the first step to full control of Xiaomi’s smartphone, allowing you to install unofficial firmware, make full system backups, recover data after a reset, and even bypass some of the manufacturer’s limitations.

In this article, we will discuss the current methods of replacing the recovery for models 2020-2026, including bypassing the new restrictions of the Mi Account and working with the anti-rollback bootloader. Special attention will be paid to security: how to avoid locking the device and what to do if something goes wrong. If you are a beginner, do not miss the sections on preparation and backup!

Why should I change the recovery to Xiaomi?

Xiaomi’s standard Mi Recovery reclaimers are very limited, allowing you to only reset, flash official firmware through Fastboot or clear cache. Custom recoveries like TWRP or OrangeFox offer much more options:

• 📦 Installation of unofficial firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, MIUI Pro and others.).
• 🔄 Full backup and system recovery, including application data.
• 🔧 Removing embedded applications (bloatware) without root rights.
• 🛠️ Correcting errors after failed firmware (e.g. bootloop).
• 🔐 Bypassing the Mi Account lock (on some models).

Without custom recavator, you can’t flash Magisk to get root rights or install GApps on firmware without Google services. However, remember: replacing the recavator resets the warranty and can lead to locking the device if you violate Xiaomi’s rules (for example, flashing firmware with a lower version of anti-rollback).

Replacement of Recavers: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start replacing the recaveri, follow the mandatory steps:

1. Back up your data. Use Mi Cloud, Google Drive, or physical backup on your PC. It's especially important to save:
2. Check the phone model and firmware version. Go to Settings → About the phone and write down:
3. Install the necessary tools on the PC:

Warning: If your phone is released after 2022, it is likely to have anti-rollback protection activated, which means you can't flash firmware older than the one you have installed now.

Make a backup of data | Check model and version of MIUI | Download the correct version of TWRP/OrangeFox | Install drivers and Platform-Tools | Charge the phone at least 60% | Disable OEM lock in the developer settings-->

Unlocking the loader: without this can not do

Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all modern smartphones, so it must be unlocked before replacing the recovery.The process takes 7 to 30 days (depending on Xiaomi's policy) and requires linking the Mi Account account to the device.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on MIUI Version. Return to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on:

Mi Account

Mi Unlock status

Mi Unlock Tool

here

Run the unlock:

Fastboot

Loudness down + Nutrition

Mi Unlock Tool

Important: once the bootloader is unlocked, the phone will reset completely! All data will be deleted. Also note that Xiaomi can block unlocking if:

• 🚫 The phone was purchased less than 7 days ago.
• 🚫 New Mi Account (less than 30 days).
• 🚫 The device is linked to another account.

Recovery pick: TWRP vs OrangeFox vs PitchBlack

Not all custom recavities are the same, here's a comparison of the most popular options for Xiaomi:

For most Xiaomi users in 2026, OrangeFox is the best choice. It is better adapted to new models with A/B partitions and supports FBE (File-Based Encryption) encryption, which is used in MIUI 13/14. TWRP is suitable for older devices or if you need specific plugins.

Where to download:

• 🔗 Official website TWRP (Check compatibility with your model!).
• 🔗 OrangeFox Downloads (Select the version for your region).
• 🔗 Forum XDA Developers (Search for the theme of your model).

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Before downloading the recovery, check its version and build date. If the last update was more than a year ago, it is better to look for an alternative - such a recovery may not support new versions of MIUI.

Installation of custom recavery: step-by-step instructions

When the bootloader is unlocked and the recovery is downloaded, you can start installing it. We'll look at two methods: via Fastboot and through MIUI (for some models).

Method 1: Installation via Fastboot (recommended)

This method works for 90% of Xiaomi devices:

1. Put your phone into Fastboot mode: Turn off the device, then press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
2. Connect the phone to the PC and check the connection with the command:
3. Swipe the recaveri: enter the command (replace recovery.img with your file name):
4. Reboot to Recavére: Do:
5. Permanent installation: If everything works, swipe the recaps on both slots (for A/B devices):

Method 2: Installation via MIUI (for some models)

Some MIUI firmware allows you to flash the Recovery through a standard update.

1. Rename the file to recovery.img and place it in the root of internal memory.
2. Open the Updater app, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
3. Manually specify the path to recovery.img and confirm the installation.
4. After the reboot, press Volume Up + Power to get into the new Recaveri.

⚠️ Note: This method does not work on all devices. (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 And more recently, it will likely end in a mistake. E3004. In this case, use the Fastboot.

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Once installed, make a backup of the persist partition (if you have one in your device) immediately. This partition contains unique data from the NFC module and the camera, and its loss can lead to the failure of these functions.

Solving Common Mistakes When Replacing Recavatories

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise. Here are the most common mistakes and their solutions:

If after installing the recovery phone is stuck on the logo MI (bootloop), try:

1. Download to the recavery (Loudness up + Power) and make Wipe → Format Data (erase all data!).
2. Swipe the official firmware through Fastboot using the Mi Flash Tool.
3. If nothing helps, please contact the 4PDA or XDA forum with an error log.

⚠️ Warning: If your device supports anti-rollback, never flash firmware older than the one installed now. This will lead to irreversible locking of the bootloader.

What to do after installing a custom recavator?

Successful replacement of the Recaveri is just the first step.

• 📱 Install Magisk for root rights: download the latest version of Magisk (GitHub), move the.zip file to your phone and thread it through the Recovery in the Install section.
• 🔄 Make a full backup: in the recaveri, select Backup and mark all sections (Boot, System, Data, Vendor, etc.). SD-card.
• 🔧 Swipe custom firmware: popular options - LineageOS, Pixel Experience, ArrowOS. Before firmware, be sure to make Wipe System/Data/Cache!
• 🚫 Remove Bloatware: You can remove unnecessary system applications via recavers or root-rights (Mi Browser, Mi Music, etc.).

Important: After obtaining root rights, some functions may stop working:

• 💳 Google Pay and banking apps (due to SafetyNet).
• 🎮 Some games (Pokémon GO, Genshin Impact).
• 🔒 Data encryption (may require you to turn off in settings).

To get around these limitations, use the Magisk modules:

• MagiskHide Props Config – to mask root rights.
• Universal SafetyNet Fix is a standard for SafetyNet.
• Riru - Core - for the operation of certain modules.

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If your phone doesn’t pass SafetyNet after you’ve installed Magisk, try enabling the “Enforce DenyList” and “Zygisk” options in the Magisk settings, and then adding problematic apps (like Google Pay) to DenyList.

FAQ: Frequent questions about replacing the recavery with Xiaomi