Restoring Xiaomi’s smartphone to a customized recavator is one of the most effective ways to solve firmware problems, get root rights, or install unofficial software. However, doing the wrong thing can turn a device into a brick. This article will help you figure out how to make recavators on Xiaomi safely, taking into account all the nuances of 2026: from unlocking the bootloader to choosing between TWRP and OrangeFox.
We will look at current methods for MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS models, including new restrictions from Xiaomi (e.g., the mandatory binding of a Mi Account account to a device). We will focus on common errors that cause users to lose data or block the bootloader permanently. If you are a beginner, start with the Preparation section, if you are an experienced user, immediately go to the installation instructions.
What is Recavérie and why it is needed on Xiaomi
Recovery (from the English. recovery - recovery) is a special mode of loading a smartphone that allows:
- 🔄 Install unofficial firmware (Custom) ROM)
- 🔓 Get root rights through Magisk
- 🗄️ Create backups of the system (Nandroid backup)
- 🛠️ Restore the phone after “bricking»
- 📦 Remove system applications without consequences
Xiaomi smartphones have a default Mi Recovery, which is very limited, it only allows you to reset settings or install official updates, and for advanced features you need custom recoveries — usually TWRP or OrangeFox.
Important: since 2023, Xiaomi has tightened security policy. On new models (for example, Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13), unlocking the bootloader requires binding Mi Account to the device and waiting 72-168 hours.
Preparation for installation of the Recovery: 5 mandatory steps
Before you start installing, follow these steps to avoid data loss or phone lockdown:
Make a backup copy of all data (photos, contacts, messages)
Check the phone model in Settings → About the phone → Model
Make sure that the battery charge is ≥ 60%
Download the correct version of the recovery for your model
Install drivers ADB/Fastboot PC-only-->
1. Backup
Installation of custom recavery erases all data on the phone (including internal memory).
- 📱 Mi Cloud for Contacts and Notes
- 🖥️ Google Photos for Media Files
- 💾 Local copy on PC (via the MTP Xiaomi PC Suite)
2. Verification of the MIUI model and version
Not all versions of the Recovery are suitable for your model.
- 📱 The exact name of the model (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G, Not just the Note 12)
- 🔢 Version MIUI or HyperOS (in Settings) → The phone)
- 🔒 bootloader status (locked/unlocked) – checked by the fastboot oem device-info command
💡
If your phone is on HyperOS, check the compatibility of the recovery on the XDA Developers forum – some versions of TWRP have not yet been adapted to the new shell.
3. Unlock the loader
Without this step, it is impossible to install a custom Recovery. Xiaomi demands:
- Attach Mi Account to your device (in Settings → Xiaomi Account).
- Enable OEM Unlock in Settings → For Developers
- Wait 72–168 hours (on new models) after the account is linked.
- Use the official Mi Unlock Tool to unlock.
⚠️ Note: If you previously unlocked the bootloader, but then updated the phone through OTA, Check the status of the command fastboot getvar unlocked - the answer should be unlocked: yes.
How to unlock a bootloader on Xiaomi in 2026
The unlocking process changed with the release of HyperOS. Now it consists of two stages: preparation on the phone and unlocking through the PC.
Step 1: Enabling Developer Mode and Account Linking
- Go to Settings → About phone and 7 times click on the MIUI version (or HyperOS).
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Activate OEM Unlock and USB Debugging.
- Link Mi Account to Settings → Xiaomi Account (required!).
Step 2: Waiting and unlocking through Mi Unlock Tool
- 🖥️ Download Mi Unlock Tool (Windows version).
- 📱 Reboot your phone in Fastboot (turn off, then press Volume down). + Nutrition).
- 🔗 Connect your phone to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
- ⏳ Wait for the timer to end (72 to 168 hours).
- 🔓 Press Unlock – the bootloader is unlocked!
| Xiaomi model | Waiting time to unlock | Whether required SIM-map |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | 72 hours | Yes. |
| Redmi Note 12/12 Pro | 168 hours | No. |
| POCO X5/X5 Pro | 72 hours | Yes. |
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | 168 hours | Yes. |
⚠️ Note: On HyperOS models (such as Xiaomi 14), unlocking may require input SMS-- the code sent to the linked phone number. SIM-card.
Installation of TWRP or OrangeFox: step-by-step instructions
Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can start installing a custom recavator, and we'll look at two options: TWRP (the most popular) and OrangeFox (with additional features).
Which one to choose: TWRP or OrangeFox?
| Criteria | TWRP | OrangeFox |
|---|---|---|
| Support for MIUI/HyperOS | Good, but there could be bugs. | Best, optimized for Xiaomi |
| Additional functions | Basic | Built-in File Manager, Magisk Manager |
| Complexity of installation | Easy. | More difficult (more steps needed) |
| Support for A/B devices | Yes (but not for all models) | Yeah, better implemented. |
Step 1: Download the required files
- 📱 Firmware Recovery: For TWRP: Official website for OrangeFox: OrangeFox Downloads
- 🖥️ PC Tools: ADB & Fastboot (download to Android) SDK) Mi Unlock Tool (if the bootloader has not been unlocked yet)
Step 2. Installation via Fastboot
- Unpack the archive from the Recovery to the folder from fastboot.
- Restart your phone to Fastboot (Loudness Down + Power).
- Connect the phone to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
- Install the recaveri command: fastboot flash recovery name file.img For example: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-surya.img
- Reboot to Recovery: fastboot boot name file.img
What to do if the receptacle is not installed?
Step 3: Permanent installation (for A/B devices)
Modern Xiaomi smartphones (e.g. Xiaomi 12/13/14, Redmi Note 11/12) use an A/B system where the recovery can be reset after a reboot.
- After a temporary download to the recovery (fastboot boot), go to Advanced → Flash Current TWRP (OrangeFox – Install → Install Recovery Ramdisk).
- Confirm the installation.
- Reboot to the system.
💡
On HyperOS devices, after installing the recaveri, you may need to disable the bootloader signature check. To do this, in the recaveri, run the command: fastboot disable-verity.
Solving common errors when installing a recavator
Even experienced users face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:
Error "Device is locked. Can't flash"
- 🔓 Reason: The bootloader is not unlocked.
- 🛠️ Solution: Repeat the unlock process through the Mi Unlock Tool. make sure that enough time has passed (72–168 hours).
2.Recavery resets after rebooting
- 🔄 Reason: On devices with A/B The squashing of the squashing of the squash.
- 🛠️ Solution: Temporarily load into the Fastboot boot and install it permanently through the Recovery menu (see previous section).
3. Invalid zip file format error when installing firmware
- 📦 Reason: A damaged firmware file or incompatible version.
- 🛠️ Solution: Download the firmware again from the official source, make sure it's for your model and version. MIUI/HyperOS.
4.The phone does not turn on after installing the Recovery
- ⚡ Reason: Perhaps the firmware is incompatible with the bootloader version or partitions are damaged.
- 🛠️ Solution: Try booting up to Fastboot (Loudness Down) + Power. Frisk the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool. If the phone doesn't respond, contact the service center (possibly damaged). EFS section).