Installing custom recavators on Xiaomi smartphones is the first step to full control of the device, which allows you to flash informal firmware, backup the system, recover data after crashes, and even “reanimate” the phone if it stopped booting. However, the process requires care: a mistake at any stage can turn the gadget into a “brick”.
In this article, we will analyze all the stages - from unlocking the bootloader to choosing between the two. TWRP And OrangeFox, and we'll also tell you how to avoid common mistakes. POCO Android-based 10-14, including the new Snapdragon chips 8 Gen 3 Dimensity 9300. If your device is older than yours 2018 Check the compatibility of the firmware separately.
1.Why do you need custom recavers on Xiaomi?
Stock recavators from Xiaomi is very limited: it allows you to only reset settings or install official updates through the OTA. Castomy solutions like TWRP Or OrangeFox offers more opportunities:
- 🔄 Backup of the entire system (including /data and /system) img or.tar.
- 📱 Installation of unofficial firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, MIUI Pro and others.).
- 🔧 Rooting a device through Magisk without losing data.
- 🛠️ Restore the system after unsuccessful experiments with firmware.
- 🔒 Bypassing lockdown FRP (Google Accounts on some models.
For example, if you want to put Google Camera on the Redmi Note 12, but the stock firmware does not support it. Camera2API, custom recaps will allow you to flash a modified camera module, or if after the update MIUI The phone started to brake, you can roll back to the previous version through the backup.
⚠️ Note: Installing custom recavers will void Xiaomi’s warranty and may result in the blocking of services like Mi Pay or Mi Cloud. On some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), this also disables Widevine support. L1, Why Netflix and Disney are+ They will only work in 480p.
Preparation: unlocking the loader
Without the bootloader, it is impossible to install a custom recavator. Xiaomi officially allows you to unlock it, but the process requires waiting and bundling with the Mi Account.
Steps to unlock:
- Connect the device to your Mi Account in settings (Settings → Xiaomi Account).
- Activate debugging on USB: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (press 7 times) Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB
- Install Mi Unlock Tool on PC (Windows only).
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Power + Volume Down).
- Start the Mi Unlock Tool, log in and follow the instructions. It usually takes 72 to 168 hours (depending on the model).
On new devices (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) Additional confirmation may be required through SMS ortress SIM-If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a Couldn't unlock error, check it out:
- 🔌 Cable USB (Better to use the original).
- 🖥️ Mi Unlock Tool (should be the last version).
- 📱 Mi Account Status (no restrictions).
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader erases all data from the device! backup photos, contacts and apps via Mi Cloud or Google Drive.
Linking Mi Account to phone|Enable debugging on USB|Download Mi Unlock Tool|Prepare original USB-cable|Make a data backup-->
3.The choice of the Recovery: TWRP vs OrangeFox
The two most popular custom recavators for Xiaomi are: TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) and OrangeFox. both free but have key differences:
| Criteria | TWRP | OrangeFox |
|---|---|---|
| Support for models | A wide list, but some new chips (like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2) are backed with a delay | Faster adds support for new devices, including Dimensity chips |
| Interface. | Classic, touchy. + button-control | More modern, with dark theme and gestures |
| Functions | Basic: backup, recovery, firmware | Advanced: Built-in file manager, Magisk support and APK-firmware |
| Stability | Time-tested, fewer bugs | Sometimes there are errors on new devices. |
| Support A/B-section | Yes (but requires manual adjustment) | Yes (automatic definition) |
For most users, OrangeFox is preferred because of its convenience, but if you want maximum stability (e.g., for Xiaomi). 12T or POCO F5), choose TWRP. Check the support of your model on official websites:
- 🌐 List of devices TWRP
- 🦊 List of OrangeFox devices
If your model is not listed, look for informal builds on forums. XDA Developers or 4PDA. For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G (veux) is informal TWRP mauronofrio.
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Before downloading the recovery, check out its version! for Android devices 13/14 need TWRP 3.7.0+ Or OrangeFox. R11.1+, Otherwise, there may be problems with encryption. /data.
4.Installation of the Recovery via Fastboot
The most reliable way to flash a Recovery is through Fastboot mode.
- 🖥️ Windows or Linux computer (may have driver problems on MacOS).
- 📋 Recovery file in.img format (for example, twrp-3.7.0_veux.img).
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
- 🛠️ Quickboot and Adb (part of Android) SDK Platform-Tools).
Step-by-step:
- Unpack the platform-tools in a folder on the disk C:\ (for example, C:\platform-tools\).
- Place the recovery file in the same folder and rename it to recovery.img.
- Open the command line (Win) + R → enter cmd) and go to folder: cd C:\platform-tools\
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Power + Volume Down).
- Check the connection command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
- Fastboot flash recovery recovery recovery.img
- Reboot to Recavers without releasing the volume button up: fastboot reboot recovery
If after the reboot you again fall into the stock Recovery, then your device is used. A/B-sections (for example, on Xiaomi) 11T or POCO X5 In this case, you need to flash the Recovery on both slots:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash recovery_b recovery.img⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) K50 Gaming) after the firmware recovery is required to disable the verification of the bootloader signature by the command: fastboot flashing unlock_critical Without this, the device may not boot!
What if fastboot doesn’t see the device?
Alternative method: installation through ADB Sideload
If Fastboot for some reason does not work (for example, on Xiaomi Pad 6 with a blocked bootloader), you can install recovers through the ADB Sideload: This method requires that any custom or stock-enabled Recovery has already been installed on the device. ADB.
Instructions:
- Download the recovery file in.zip format (for example, for OrangeFox).
- Connect your phone to your PC and go to Sideload: adb reboot sideload
- In the command line, do: adb sideload orangefox.zip
- Wait until the end (the progress bar will appear on the phone screen).
This method is convenient for devices with A/B-It's partitioned, because it automatically flashes recovers on both slots, but it doesn't work on all models, like Xiaomi. 13 Lite may need to pre-disable signature verification in drain Recovery.
If ADB Sideload is an error Total xfer: 1.00x, try:
- 🔄 Rename the file to recovery.zip (gapless).
- 📥 Download the file again (it may not have been downloaded completely).
- 🔌 Use the other USB-port.
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Method ADB Sideload is suitable for devices with an already unlocked bootloader, but without a running Fastboot. It is also useful for firmware recovery on Xiaomi tablets, where the control buttons differ.
6.The first steps in a custom Recovery
Once you've successfully installed it, you'll be placed on the recapvere menu. TWRP OrangeFox is similar, but there are nuances:
Basic functions:
- 📁 Backup – Backup partition (select System, Data, Boot).
- 📥 Restore - Restore from the backup.
- 📦 Install – installing.zip firmware (for example, Magisk or custom firmware).
- 🔧 Wipe – partition cleansing (caution: Format Data will delete everything, including internal memory!).
- 🔄 Reboot – Reboot to the system or Fastboot.
OrangeFox has additional options:
- 🔐 File Manager - built-in conductor for working with files.
- 🛡️ Magisk Manager – Installation and management of the root.
- 📡 OTA Updates – Download official updates MIUI straight out of the river.
The first thing you should do after you enter the recaveri is to create a full backup.
- Pick Backup.
- Check the boxes for Boot, System, Data, Vendor.
- Select a save location (preferably on MicroSD or OTG-flash-drive).
- Start the process (may take 10 to 30 minutes).
⚠️ Note: If you plan to flash custom firmware, do not format the Data partition manually - this may lead to loss of access to internal memory! Use the Format Data option only if the firmware requires complete cleaning.
7.Typical errors and their solutions
Even with the correct instructions, there can be problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to correct them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Fastboot: error: cannot load 'recovery.img' | Recovery file is corrupted or in the wrong folder | Download the file again and check the path in the command line |
| The phone does not load after the firmware | Incompatible version of the recovery or will not stitch the boot | Swipe the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool and repeat the process |
| E: Unable to mount /data | Encryption /data (Android 10+) | Enter the password from the lock screen in the Recovery or format Data |
| This package is for "veux" device; this is a "" | Wrong device model | Check the code name of your device (e.g. veux for Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G) |
| Recaveri resets after rebooting | On the device with A/B-sectionalized only one slot | Switch the recovery to both slots (recovery and recovery) recovery_b) |
If after installing the Recovery phone is stuck on the logo MIUI, try:
- Hold the Power. + Volume Up 10-15 seconds for forced reboot.
- If it doesn't help, go ahead. boot.img Fastboot flash boot from the fastboot flash boot boot.img
- In extreme cases, complete the reset via the Mi Flash Tool (select clean all).
On devices with Dynamic Partition (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro) you may need to manually resize partitions. TWRP Choose the Wipe → Format Data → Yes, and then manually re-mark the memory through Advanced. → Resize System.
How to find out the code name of your Xiaomi?
8. What to do after installing the recaveri?
Now that you have a custom recaveri, you can:
- 🔐 Get root rights through Magisk (download the last one) Magisk.zip and run through Install).
- 📱 Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience for pure Android or MIUI EU publicity).
- 🔄 Make a backup. EFS (section IMEI and modem) in case of network loss.
- 🚀 Overclock the processor (on some models through KernelSU cores).
If you plan to sew custom firmware, first check its compatibility with your model in the forum. XDA. For example, the firmware LineageOS for Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) is not suitable for the Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G (chopins are different devices!
To install Magisk:
- Download the last one. Magisk-v26.4.zip GitHub.
- Reboot to the recaverie.
- Choose Install. → point the way Magisk.zip → Swipe to confirm.
- Reboot to the system.
After obtaining root rights, install Magisk Manager (or Magisk Delta for Android 13)+) If SafetyNet doesn't work, activate MagiskHide and Enforce DenyList.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 The newer Magisk may not work because of the AVB 2.0. In this case, you need to add extra disable_avb.zip Or use Magisk Delta.
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After installing the recovery and root, do not update through OTA! Stock updates MIUI They can overwrite the recavers and cause them to freeze. TWRP Or OrangeFox.