Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones provide users with extensive customization options, but the standard recovery menu often limits functionality. To gain full control of the device, you need to install and run a third-party TWRP Recovery environment, which allows you to make full system backups, clear partitions from garbage and install modified firmware.
The login process can be challenging for beginners due to the MIUI and HyperOS architecture. Unlike stock Recovery, the custom shell requires pre-unlocking the bootloader. Without this critical condition, access to advanced features will be closed by the manufacturer.
In this guide, we will cover all the current startup methods, from classic button combinations to software utilities, and learn how to avoid typical errors that lead to device lock or data loss.
Preparation of the device and necessary tools
Before you start any manipulation of the system partition, it is important to make sure that you have met the basic requirements.The first step is always to unlock the Bootloader. If the bootloader is locked, none of the methods will work, and trying the firmware can lead to an error.
You will need quality. USB-cable, preferably original, and a computer running Windows or Linux. ADB Fastboot, which provides low-level communication between PC and smartphone.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
Remember to back up all important data, as unlocking the bootloader automatically performs a full reset (Wipe) of the device. All photos, contacts and applications will be deleted without the possibility of recovery by standard means.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will void the software warranty and may result in the inability to use some banking applications without additional manipulation of the security system.
Method 1: The button combination when booting
The most common way to get into the recovery menu is to use physical buttons, which works if TWRP is already installed and is the main Recovery, so you need to turn off your smartphone completely and wait for the vibration to happen.
Once turned off, press the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the Mi or Redmi logo appears, then release the power button, while continuing to keep the volume. If done correctly, the TWRP touch-controlled menu will open.
On some models with non-standard button layouts or a specific version of MIUI, the combination may differ, and in rare cases, it is required to connect the device to the computer via USB in the off state before pressing the buttons.
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If the screen doesn’t light up, try connecting the cable to your PC before you press the buttons – some Xiaomi models only react to the presence of a voltage in the port.
It's important not to confuse this mode with Fastboot. If you see an image of a hare repairing an android, you've been pressed on the Volume Down button, so just hold the power button for about 10 seconds to reboot.
Method 2: Use ADB and Fastboot commands
For advanced users, the most reliable way is to enter commands through the console. This method is especially useful if the buttons of the smartphone are faulty or not working correctly. First, put the device in Fastboot mode (Loud Down + Power buttons).
Connect your phone to your computer and open the command line in the tool folder of the platform. Enter a command to check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf the serial number of the device appears in the list, then the connection is established. For forced login to Recovery, type the following command:
fastboot boot recovery.imgThis command will temporarily load the TWRP image without constant firmware, which is convenient for testing. If the TWRP is already installed in memory, use the command:
fastboot reboot recovery💡
The fastboot reboot recovery command only works if the custom Recovery is already written to the corresponding partition of the device’s memory.
Sometimes the system may block the transition if Verified Boot is enabled, in which case it may be necessary to pre-execute the command fastboot oem unlock or firmware a special patch.
Method 3: Switching through the Updater app
There is a way to get into Recovery mode via the standard system update menu, but it requires pre-activation of hidden features. Open the Settings app, go to About phone and click on the MIUI version several times until "Additional features are activated" appears.
Then go to the update menu, click three dots in the corner, and select "Select firmware file," a method that is more commonly used to install updates, but when combined with certain actions, can help diagnose.
However, for direct entry to TWRP via the root-free settings menu, this method does not work on newer versions of Android. It is mentioned here to warn users: the standard update menu is not a gateway to custom Recovery without third-party utilities.
Hidden menu function
Users with superuser rights (Root) can use terminal emulators or special switching applications that send a system reboot request to Recovery mode.
Table of compatibility of methods for different models
Different Xiaomi series of smartphones can have their own entry features. Below is a summary table that will help determine the optimal method for your device.
| Device series | Basic method | The alternative | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note (old) | Buttons (Vol+ + Power) | ADB | Sensitive to clamping time |
| Xiaomi Mi / Flagman | Fastboot + ADB | Buttons | An unlocked BL is required |
| POCO (series F and X) | Buttons (Vol+ + Power) | Annexes | Frequent false entrances to Fastboot |
| Xiaomi 13/14 Series | ADB Command | Buttons | Strict verification of signatures |
Note that having TWRP doesn’t guarantee it’s stable on all Android versions. Android 13 and 14 often require special builds with AVB (Android Verified Boot) patches.
If your smartphone is not listed in the table, be guided by the behavior of standard Recovery. If the stock menu has a blue or black background with text control, replacing it with TWRP will go according to the standard scenario.
Problem Solving: What to do if the entrance is not performed
A common problem is cyclical reboot or reboot instead of Recovery, which happens if the TWRP image is damaged or not compatible with the Android version, in which case you need to reflash the current version of the recovery via Fastboot.
Another common error is that the message "System partition is read-only" appears, which means that TWRP cannot modify the system partition, so you need to select Wipe -> Format Data from the TWRP menu and type in the word "yes".
⚠️ Note: Formatting a Data partition via Format Data will completely destroy all files in internal memory, including photos, music and downloads.
If the phone goes black after trying to log in, press the power button for 15-20 seconds to force a reboot. You may need to flash the stock Recovery through the Mi Flash Tool to restore performance.
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Use the fastboot getvar all command in the console to check the current bootloader status and device variables before starting procedures.
Safety and Possible Risks of Modification
Installing custom Recovery and modifying the system carries certain risks, including breaching the security integrity of Google Play Protect and SafetyNet, which can result in the failure of applications in banks, Google Pay and some games.
In addition, incorrect TWRP actions, such as formatting the wrong partitions or installing incompatible zip files, can result in a Bootloop state or a complete device failure (Hard Brick).
Always check the hash sums of downloaded images and use files that are specifically designed for your model (codename device, for example, guacamole or lmi).
⚠️ Warning: Trying to flash Recovery, designed for another Xiaomi model, can damage memory partitions, the recovery of which is possible only on the programmer.
The responsibility for any changes to the software is solely the user's responsibility, and before starting work, make sure you understand the consequences of each step.