Why users return to the drainage Recovery and when it is necessary
Castom Recovery TWRP — It's a powerful tool for enthusiasts to stitch up unofficial firmware, backup and manipulate system partitions, but there are situations where you need to return Xiaomi's stock recavers before selling the device, for warranty repairs, in conflicts with the company. OTA-updates or if TWRP The original Recaveri ensures compatibility with official firmware and service utilities Mi Flash Tool.
It's important to understand that replacing a recovery is not just a factory reset. It's a bootloader-level operation that can affect anti-rollback protection (if you have one on your model). For example, on the Xiaomi Mi 11 or Redmi Note 10 Pro, the wrong recovery firmware can lock the device permanently, so the process requires preparation and understanding of the risks.
In this article, we will discuss three official ways to return a stock Recovery: via Fastboot, using Mi Flash Tool and by completely flashing the device, and you will learn how to check the integrity of the Recovery after installation and what to do if the process ended in error.
Preparation of the device: what to do before the firmware recaveri
Before you start replacing the recaveri, follow the mandatory steps:
- 🔋 Charge your smartphone to at least 60% – this will prevent a sudden shutdown during firmware.
- 📥 Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website (select the Fastboot version). ROM, Not Recovery!).
- 🖥️ Install. ADB and Fastboot on PC (or use the Mi Flash Tool).
- 🔓 Unlock. OEM Unlock in Developer Settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times) → Additionally. → For developers → Unlocking OEM).
So, for example, for Poco X3 Pro (codename vayu), you need to download files for this model -- the firmware from Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet) won't work, even if the hardware is similar. In the firmware archive, look for recovery.img, which is stock Recovery.
⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in China (suffix version) CN), Global version firmware (Global) may cause problems with modem or IMEI. Check the marking on the box or in Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI.
Method 1: Firmwareing stock recavery through Fastboot (manual method)
This method is suitable for advanced users, because it requires command line work, and its advantage is control over the process and the ability to flash only Recovery without affecting other sections.
Steps:
- Unpack the downloaded Fastboot ROM into a folder on your PC. Inside, find the recovery.img file (usually in the image folder).
- Connect your smartphone to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Power + Volume down).
- Open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools and do:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot rebootIf the command is correct, the recaveri is replaced. To make sure of this, reboot to the recaveri (Power + Volume up) - you should see the Mi logo and menu in Chinese/English (depending on the firmware).
Proper firmware model |Unlocked OEM Unlock| Battery charge >50%|Fastboot drivers installed-->
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) K40 or Mi 11 Ultra) after the firmware recavery can work anti-rollback protection, if the version of the stock recavary older than the installed firmware.
Method 2: Using the Mi Flash Tool (for full flashing)
If the manual method seems complicated or you want to return the device to a completely drained state, use the Mi Flash Tool, which erases all data on the smartphone, but is guaranteed to restore the original recovery and correct possible system errors.
Instructions:
- Download and install the Mi Flash Tool.
- Unpack Fastboot ROM into a folder with no path spaces (e.g., C:\Xiaomi\proshivka).
- Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (as in Method 1).
- In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder, press Refresh, then Flash. at the bottom, select clean all.
The process will take 5-10 minutes, and when completed, the device will automatically reboot to the stock firmware with the original recaveri, which is recommended if:
- 🔄 You plan to sell or rent your phone to the service.
- 🐞 The device is unstable after installation TWRP.
- 🔒 You need to unblock your Mi Account (in some cases).
What to do if the Mi Flash Tool gives you a "can't find" error 'flash_all.bat'?
Method 3: Recovery of the Recovery through Official OTA-update
If your device is loaded into the system, but the Recovery remains TWRP, You can try to update through the settings. → Update the system. When you install the full system OTA-Package (not delta updates) system automatically overwrites the Recovery to stock.
How it works:
- Download the full OTA-The file should be called something like this for your model (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater: miui_BLOCKOTA_V12.5.3.0.RKHCNXM_... (where BL — firmware).
- Put the file in the root of the internal memory.
- Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points → Select an Service Pack.
- Select the downloaded file and wait for the process to be completed.
This method will not work if the device has custom firmware installed (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), as they block the official firmware. OTA-It's also useless if you've damaged the boot partition, and in this case, only the firmware on Fastboot will help.
Checking the installed recovery and solving typical errors
After the recaveri is replaced, you need to make sure it's a success.
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press Power + Volume up to enter the Recaveri.
- If you see the Mi logo and the Chinese/English menu -- the stock recap. If the TWRP logo comes up -- the firmware failed.
Common mistakes and their solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| FAILED (remote: 'Partition not found') | Incorrect recovery.img file or device model | Download firmware for an exact model (check in Settings → About phone → Model) |
| anti-rollback check fail | Trying to sew the old version of the recovery onto a new firmware | Fastboot ROM of the same or newer version |
| The device does not turn on after firmware | Boot partition or incompatible firmware damaged | Flush the full firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option |
| Recavérie's left. TWRP after OTA-update | Installed delta update or custom firmware | Repeat the update with full OTA-Package or use Fastboot |
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If after the firmware recavery device is loaded into the system, but does not see SIM-I'm sure you've been through the card, check the firmware version. CN-version to the global device. Reflash the correct version (Global or EEA).
What to do if nothing helps: radical measures
If all of the above methods fail, there are two options:
- Firmware through EDL-Requires an authorized Mi Authorized Account and a special cable/box, suitable for "brick" devices that do not respond to Fastboot.
- Contact the service center. If the device is warranty, do not mention the firmware attempts, this will void the warranty. The service can restore the firmware through official Xiaomi utilities.
For firmware in EDL you will need:
- 🖥️ Mi Flash Pro or QFilm.
- 🔌 Contact-closing cable D+ D- (or Deep Flash Cable box).
- 📄 Firmware in.mbn or.elf format (available only to authorized Xiaomi partners).
⚠️ Attention: Firmware through EDL Without authorization, this method can lead to permanent locking of the device (called "hard brick"). On new models (Xiaomi 12, Redmi Note 11 and later), this method only works with official access.
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If your device doesn't turn on after a failed firmware, don't try to repeat the actions - contact the service. Repeated attempts can make things worse, especially on models with anti-rollback 4 and higher protection.