How to get into TWRP on Xiaomi: a complete guide to unlock the bootloader

Customization of Xiaomi smartphones through TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) provides access to advanced features from installing custom firmware to backing up the data section without root rights. However, the process of logging into this recovery on Redmi, POCO or Mi devices requires preliminary preparation - unlocking the bootloader, which is officially supported by the brand, but is fraught with risks.

In this article, you will find current methods of entering TWRP for Xiaomi in 2026, including bypassing typical errors like Fastboot mode or Invalid image. We will analyze both the standard method through a combination of buttons and alternative options for devices with a locked bootloader.

What is TWRP and why is it necessary for Xiaomi?

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery menu that replaces Xiaomi's standard Mi-Recovery, which gives users control over Android system partitions that are not possible in normal mode.

• 📦 Installation of unofficial firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, MIUI modular)
• 🔄 Creating and restoring complete backups (including boot, system, vendor)
• 🔓 Removal of factory restrictions (e.g. regional locks on the plant) POCO X3 Pro)
• 🛠️ Fixing Bricks After Failed Update via Fastboot

Xiaomi TWRP is particularly popular on Xiaomi devices because of the brand’s aggressive policy of blocking the bootloader. Without unlocking the bootloader (OEM Unlock), custom recovery is impossible – the system will simply ignore it when booting. Moreover, since MIUI 14, the company has tightened the verification of image signatures, which led to the emergence of patches for bypassing (for example, anti-rollbac for Redmi Note 11).

It is important to understand that TWRP is not official software. its use voids the warranty (if the bootloader is unlocked) and can lead to software failures if installed incorrectly. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra, an incompatible version of recovery can cause a fixation on the Mi logo.

Preparation of the device: unlocking the loader

The first and mandatory step is to unlock the bootloader, which Xiaomi officially allows, but links to the device by linking the Mi Account, and without unlocking the bootloader (OEM Unlock), the system will ignore any attempts to install TWRP.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and include: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (may require PIN-code) 🔌 Debugging by USB

Mi Account

Settings → Xiaomi Account → Synchronization

Mi Unlock Tool

fastboot

Power + Volume Down

Mi Unlock Tool

Xiaomi

⚠️ Note: On the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Xiaomi may request confirmation of unlocking via SMS Even after the successful completion of the procedure in the Mi Unlock Tool, if SMS Check if your account is blocked for frequent attempts to unlock (limit: 1 device in 30 days).

Once the bootloader is unlocked, the device will reset to factory settings, delete all data, including photos and apps, and back up your Mi Cloud or locally on your PC.

Xiaomi account confirmed by email/SMS|Debugging is on. USB|Device in fastboot mode|Mi Unlock Tool of the latest version|Backup copy of data created-->

Download the correct version of TWRP for your model

Installing an incompatible version of TWRP is the main reason for the "bricks" on Xiaomi. For example, the recovery firmware for the Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) on the POCO X3 NFC (surya) will lead to a fixation on the logo. To avoid mistakes, follow these rules:

• 🔍 Use the official website TWRP or verified sources like XDA Developers. for MediaTek devices (e.g. Redmi) 10C) Look for versions marked MTK.
• 📌 Check the model’s encoded name: go to Settings → The phone. → The model and compare with the base Xiaomi Firmware Updater.
• ⚠️ Avoid "universal" TWRP — They often contain vulnerabilities or do not support encryption. FBE (File-Based Encryption on new versions of Android.

Compatibility Example for popular models:

For devices on MediaTek (e.g., Redmi) 10A or POCO C40) You may need an additional step – shutdown SLA (Secure Boot through the tool MTK Bypass, without that. TWRP Cannot access the system and data sections.

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If you're on the site TWRP No model, check the forums. XDA Developers on request "<codename> TWRP". Often enthusiasts lay out unofficial builds with support for new firmware.

Install TWRP via fastboot

The most reliable way to install TWRP is through fastboot mode.

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot (Download Platform Tools)
• 📱 Unlocked bootloader (see previous section)
• 🔗 File. TWRP in.img format for your model

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC in fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Power + Volume Down).
2. Open the command line (or terminal) in the folder with the platform-tools and check the connection: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
3. Please. TWRP Temporary (for test) or permanent: Temporary boot (without writing to recovery): fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-0-veux.img Continuous installation (record in section): fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-veux.img

vendor_boot

fastboot flash vendor_boot vendor_boot.img

(file vendor_boot.img usually comes with TWRP).

fastboot reboot recovery

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 13/14 and newer after installation TWRP The system can automatically overwrite the recovery partition with a standard Mi-Recovery when it first boots. TWRP The command is: fastboot flash recovery. twrp.img Then restart back to recovery (fastboot reboot recovery). 2-3 once, bye TWRP not".

If you see a standard Mi-Recovery after the reboot, it means:

• 🔄 You used an incompatible version. TWRP (Check the model's coded name).
• 🔒 The bootloader has not been fully unlocked (check status via fastboot oem device-info).
• 🛡️ Anti-rollback protection (relevant to Redmi Note) 11S newer).

TWRP on Xiaomi: All the Possible Ways

Once a TWRP is successfully installed, there are several ways to get into it, depending on the state of the device (on/off) and the model.

1. Through hardware buttons (standard method)

The most versatile way, working on 90% of Xiaomi devices:

1. Turn off the smartphone (if it freezes – press the Power for 10+ seconds).
2. Hold the combination: 🔘 Power + Volume Up (for most models) 🔘 Power + Volume Up + Volume Down (for the first time) POCO F3/F4)

TWRP

If you see Mi-Recovery instead of TWRP, you see:

• 🔄 TWRP Not installed in the recovery section (use the command fastboot boot) twrp.img temporary).
• 🔒 The protection against rollback (anti-rollback), is relevant for the Redmi Note 10 Pro and newer.

2. via ADB command (if the device is on)

If the smartphone is working, but you need to restart to TWRP without turning off:

1. Connect the device to the PC and enable debugging over USB.
2. Enter the command: adb reboot recovery

3. via terminal (requires root)

For root-enabled devices, you can use the Terminal Emulator app:

su


reboot recovery

Alternative methods for “bricks”

If the device is not turned on (obsessive to the Mi logo), but fastboot is available:

fastboot boot twrp.img

For a full "brick" (no reaction to buttons, PC does not determine the device), you will need EDL-mode (Emergency Download Mode) and firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with authorization (auth file).

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On data-encrypted devices (FBE) first-entry TWRP you will need to enter a pattern lock or PIN-code, otherwise the data partition will not be available for modification.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the right TWRP installation, users are likely to encounter errors, and below are the most common problems and ways to fix them.

For MediaTek devices (such as Redmi 10 or POCO M4 Pro), the BROM ERROR: SLA AUTHENTICATION FAIL error means that Auth File authorization is required. These files are distributed in a limited (usually for a fee) manner and are tied to a particular device via IMEI.

If after installing TWRP, the device stopped booting into the system, but recovery works, try:

1. Install a patch against anti-rollback (for Redmi Note 11 and later) via TWRP.
2. Switch boot.img from stock firmware (if TWRP was installed over the original recovery).
3. Perform a reset via Wipe → Format Data (deletes all data, but often solves download problems).

Additional TWRP settings for Xiaomi

After successfully entering TWRP, it is recommended to perform several actions for stable operation:

1. Turn off signature verification: Go to Settings → Disable DM-Verity (prevents looping on the logo after system modifications).
2. Set up backup: Select the Boot, System, Vendor, Data (for full backup) partitions. Specify the place of saving: internal memory or OTG-Use compression to save space.

Install Magisk for root:

• Download the latest version of Magisk (.zip).
• Select Zip through Install → Select Zip.
• Reboot (not to the system, but back to TWRP, then to the system).
• Configure ADB Access: Enable Advanced → ADB Sideload to install firmware via PC.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 and the new Magisk installation through TWRP This can cause Google Play services to crash, in which case use the patch method. boot.img via the official Magisk app (no firmware through recovery).

If you plan to update your firmware frequently, create a script for automatic backup before installing updates. Go to Advanced → File Manager in TWRP, create a backup.sh file in the /sdcard folder with the following content:

#!/sbin/sh


twrp backup BOOT SYSTEM VENDOR DATA --compress

Then make it executable (chmod 755 backup.sh) and run before each firmware.

FAQ: Frequent questions about TWRP on Xiaomi