Installing a custom TWRP recavator on Xiaomi smartphones opens up opportunities for experimenting with firmware, root rights and system modifications. However, sooner or later, many users face the need to return a standard recavator - whether before selling the device, for warranty repairs or because of unstable system operation. The process of removing TWRP seems simple only at first glance: wrong actions can lead to a device "brick", data loss or locking the bootloader.
In this article, we will discuss three officially supported ways to remove custom recavators on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, including models with locked and unlocked bootloader. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for devices on MIUI 14/15 and new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 chipsets, where standard methods may not work, and you will learn how to check the success of the removal and avoid the typical errors that lead to a rebootloop cycle.
Why You May Need to Remove TWRP
TWRP is a powerful tool, but it's not always justified on the device, and here are the most common reasons Xiaomi users choose to get rid of it:
- π± Warranty repair: Xiaomi service centers deny warranty if a modified recavator or unlocked bootloader is detected.
- π Updates MIUI airborne (OTA): S TWRP System updates often result in an Error 7 error or crash.
- π‘οΈ Security: Castomic Recovery can become a vulnerability if the device falls into the wrong hands (the ability to bypass the lock screen).
- π₯ Unstable performance: On some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12) TWRP conflicts with the core modules, causing random rebuttals.
- π¦ Selling the device: Buyers often check the smartphone for modifications, and TWRP It could reduce the cost.
Itβs important to understand that simply removing TWRP via fastboot doesnβt always solve all the problems. For example, if you previously obtained root rights through Magisk, they also need to be removed, otherwise the system may remain unstable.
Preparing for TWRP Removal: What to Do in advance
Before you start the procedure, follow the mandatory preparatory steps, which can lead to loss of data or inability to restore the device to work.
Make a backup copy of the data (photos, contacts, messages)
Check the battery level (minimum 60%)
Download the original firmware for your model
Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC
Prepare. USB-cable (preferably original)
Disable Mi Account protection (if you plan to block the bootloader)
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Pay special attention to firmware selection. To remove TWRP, you will need stock ROM for your model.
- π Xiaomi official website: miuidownload.com (select the Fastboot version for your region).
For devices with Dynamic Partitions (all Xiaomi smartphones after 2021), download firmware in.tgz or.zip format marked "Fastboot." Avoid Recovery ROM versions - they are not suitable for full system recovery. Also make sure that the firmware version is not lower than the one installed on your device (downgrad can lead to a breeze!).
β οΈ Note: If your device has the status of locked (bootloader locked), but it is installed TWRP, Trying to flash the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool without first unlocking will lead to an anti-rollback error.
Method 1: Remove TWRP via Fastboot (recommended method)
This method is suitable for 90% of Xiaomi models and is considered the most reliable, it involves running the original backpack through fastboot mode and then cleaning the partitions.
Step-by-step:
- Turn the device into Fastboot mode: Turn off the smartphone. Press the Power + Volume down buttons for 10-15 seconds until the rabbit in the Fastboot mode appears.
Connect the device to the PC
fastboot devicesIf the device is not displayed, install Mi USB Driver drivers or use the Mi Flash Tool for automatic installation.
Swipe the original Recovery
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flash boot boot.imgFiles. recovery.img and boot.img stock-based ROM (Unpack the firmware archive).
Clear the cache and data
fastboot erase cache
fastboot erase userdataOn devices with Dynamic Partitions, additionally perform:
fastboot erase superReset the device
fastboot rebootThe first download can take up to 10 minutes β do not interrupt the process!
If after the reboot the device is getting stuck on the MI logo, perform a hard reset via fastboot:
fastboot -wThis command will reset all settings and data, but return the device to a working state.
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If after firmware TWRP appears again when downloaded to the recovery, then the device is installed Magisk or modified boot.img. In this case, flash the original boot.img again and execute the command fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img (the vbmeta.img file is also taken from stock ROM).
Method 2: Remove TWRP via Mi Flash Tool (for locked bootloader)
If your bootloader is locked but you have TWRP installed on your device, the only reliable way to return a standard backup is to run full firmware through the Mi Flash Tool, which will also help if the first method led to a bootloop.
Instructions:
- Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (the latest version can be found on the official website).
Flash
Wait until the process is completed (the process will take 5-15 minutes).
| Firmware mode | Deletes the data. | Locks the loader. | Suitable for warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean all | β Yes. | β No. | β No. |
| Clean all and lock | β Yes. | β Yes. | β Yes. |
| Save user data | β No. | β No. | β No. |
Once the firmware is installed, the device will automatically restart. If you choose Clean all and lock, the bootloader will be locked, and you will need to unlock through the Mi Unlock Tool (with a wait of 7-30 days) to re-install the TWRP.
β οΈ Note: On devices with MediaTek chipsets (Redmi Note 11, POCO M4 Pro, etc.) Mi Flash Tool can lead to an error SLA Auth. In this case, stitch through SP Flash Tool with selected scatter.txt file.
Method 3: Remove TWRP without PC (via ADB Sideload)
If you donβt have access to a computer, you can try removing TWRP directly from the device via ADB Sideload mode, which is suitable for power users and requires a working TWRP (if the Recovery is damaged, the method will not work).
Instructions:
- Download the original firmware in.zip format (not Fastboot ROM!) to the memory card or internal memory of the device.
- Boot to TWRP: Turn off the device. Press Power + Volume up until the TWRP logo appears.
Advanced β ADB Sideload
Connect the device to the PC
OTG-cable
adb sideload rom.zipwhere rom.zip is the name of the firmware file.
Wait for completion
Reboot System
This method does not guarantee complete removal of TWRP, as firmware through ADB Sideload does not always overwrite the recovery partition. After rebooting, check the Recovery type by clamping Power + Volume Up. If the TWRP remains, use Method 1 or Method 2.
What if ADB Sideload is 47% frozen?
How to check if TWRP has been removed
After you do any of these, you need to make sure that the TWRP is actually removed. Here are 4 reliable methods of checking:
- π Download to the recavator: Turn off the device. + Turn up the volume if you have a standard menu with Mi Bunny), TWRP remotely.
- π± Team in ADB: adb reboot recovery If the device reboots to standard recavery β success.
- π Check out fastboot: fastboot getvar product 2>&1 | find "product" if the output contains lines with TWRP, Recovery.
- π System Logs: Adb logcat | grep -i recovery No mention TWRP log-in confirms deletion.
If TWRP is still present, repeat the removal procedure, paying special attention to cleaning the recovery and boot partitions. Some devices (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi K50 Ultra) may require vbmeta firmware:
fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.imgTypical errors and their solutions
When removing TWRP, users often encounter errors that can be avoided by knowing the cause, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed in Lock State') | The bootloader is locked, but you try to flash through fastboot. | Unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool or use the Mi Flash Tool with Clean All and Lock mode. |
| Error: Update process ended with ERROR: 7 | Try to flash firmware older than the current version (anti-rollback). | Download a newer version of stock ROM or use firmware with the same build number. |
| The device hung on the logo MI (bootloop) | Firmware incompatibility or damaged super/vendor partitions. | Run fastboot-w or run the full stock ROM through the Mi Flash Tool. |
| Invalid sparse file format at header | The file is damaged. recovery.img or boot.img. | Download the firmware and check the integrity of the files (compare hash amounts). |
| TWRP returns after reboot | The device is equipped with Magisk or modified boot.img. | Sweep through the original boot.img and run fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img. |
If none of the methods helped and the device remains inoperable, try emergency firmware mode (EDL For this purpose:
- Turn off the device.
- Press Power + Volume + Volume Reduce Volume for 10-15 seconds (some models require short circuit test points).
- Connect to a PC β the device should be defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008.
- Fluidify the firmware via Mi Flash Tool or QFil.
β οΈ Attention: Regime EDL requires an authorized Xiaomi account (for new models) or a special cable.Incorrect actions in this mode can permanently disable the device (brick at the hardware level).
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If after all the manipulations the device does not turn on, contact the service center with the problem "soft brick after removing TWRP". wizards will be able to restore the device via EDL or replace the motherboard under warranty (if the bootloader is blocked).