Installation of custom recavery on Xiaomi: from unlocking the bootloader to firmware TWRP

Why custom recavatories are changing the rules of the game for Xiaomi owners

Stock reavers on Xiaomi smartphones are like a bike with one speed: it goes, but it does not allow you to realize its full potential. Castomy solutions like TWRP or OrangeFox turn your Redmi, POCO or Mi into a full-fledged workshop: here you can backup with selective recovery, and firmware informal ROM, and even bypass some of the limitations of MIUI. But this way is not for the faint of heart — one wrong step, and the phone can turn into a brick.

In this article, we will discuss the process from A to Z: from preparing the device to solving typical errors, the emphasis will be on Xiaomi models 2020-2026 (including Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, Xiaomi 13T), but the principles apply to older devices. The main rule is that if your model is running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, the chances of success are higher than those of devices on MediaTek (there often block access to fastboot).

Before you move on, honestly answer yourself: are you ready for the guarantee to burn down, and some features (such as Mi Pay or Widevine L1 for Netflix in HD) may disappear? If yes, welcome to the world of custom firmware. If not, maybe you should limit your root rights through Magisk without replacing the Recovery.

Step 1: Compatibility check and device preparation

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equally useful for custom manipulation. The first thing to do is make sure your model is supported. Go to the official TWRP website (twrp.me) or OrangeFox (orangefox.recovery) and find your model on the list. Pay attention to the encoding: for example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G can be denoted as veux, and the POCO X3 Pro can be denoted as vayu.

If your model is not on the list, it is not a verdict – sometimes enthusiasts post informal builds on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA. But in this case, the risk of “bricking” increases significantly. Also check the version of MIUI: some devices (for example, Xiaomi 12 with MIUI 14+) require a rollback to older firmware before unlocking the bootloader.

• 🔍 Find out the code name of your device: go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap 7 times on the "Core" line. Then go back to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers → Model of the device.
• 📱 Check the processor: devices on Snapdragon (for example, POCO F4) It is usually easier to unlock than on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi). 10C).
• 🔗 Find firmware for your model: download only from proven sources (official sites or topics on the Internet). XDA high-rated).

⚠️ Note: If your smartphone is purchased in China (the C-suffix version in the model, for example, Redmi) K50i C), unlocking the bootloader may not be possible without special tools such as EDL. In this case, it is better to contact the specialists.

Step 2: Unlocking the bootloader is the riskiest step

Without a bootloader, custom recavator installation is impossible, and Xiaomi has made it more difficult in recent years to do so by requiring a Mi Account and waiting up to 720 hours (30 days) on some models. Here's how it works in 2026:

1. Link your Mi Account to your device: go to Settings → Xiaomi Account and log in. Make sure your account settings are synced.
2. Connect to your PC and execute the command: fastboot oem get_unlock_data Copy the output and submit a request to unlock through the official Xiaomi website.

You have to wait for a request to be sent, and on new devices (released after 2022), the wait can be as long as 30 days, and the countdown begins only after the first connection to the Mi Unlock Tool. Old models (until 2021) are sometimes unlocked immediately, but this is more of an exception.

⚠️ Note: If you see a "Couldn't unlock" error in the Mi Unlock Tool after waiting, try using the 6.5.224.28 version of the tool - it often works where new versions fail. 4PDA.

Create a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, SMS)|Disable Find My Device in your Xiaomi account|Charge your phone at least to 60%|Download Mi Unlock Tool and Drivers ADB/Fastboot|Check that USB-cable supports data transmission (not all charging cables are suitable)-->

Step 3: Choosing a custom recavery - TWRP vs OrangeFox

Two of the biggest players in the Xiaomi custom recovery market are TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) and OrangeFox. The former is known for its stability and broad support, the latter for its more modern interface and additional features like an integrated file manager. Which one should you choose?

TWRP is suitable if you need:

• 🛠️ Maximum firmware compatibility (including LineageOS and Pixel Experience).
• 🔄 Support for scripts for automatic installation ZIP-file.
• 📱 Official builds for most popular Xiaomi models.

OrangeFox is chosen for:

• 🎨 Dark Theme and Adaptive Interface.
• 🔧 Built-in partitioning tools (e.g., resizing the system).
• 🛡️ Support for data encryption (important for Android 10)+).

For most users, we recommend starting with TWRP, which is easier to find and flash, but if your model suffers from encryption issues (e.g., the Redmi Note 10 Pro with MIUI 13), OrangeFox can be a lifesaver.

Step 4: Install the Recovery through fastboot - Step-by-step instructions

When the bootloader is unlocked and the recaveri is downloaded, you can start the firmware.

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 Linux (machines may have driver problems).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📦 Archives with ADB Fastboot (download Platform Tools from Google).

Follow the instructions:

1. Open the command prompt in the platform-tools folder (click Shift + right mouse button → “Open PowerShell window here”).
2. Transfer the phone to fastboot mode: adb reboot bootloader Or turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power.
3. Check the connection: fastboot devices should appear serial number of the device.
4. Squeeze the recaverie (replace) recovery.img The name of your file: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img For some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12) You should use: fastboot flash recovery_ab recovery.img
5. Reboot to Recovery: Fastboot Reboot Recovery

If you see a stock Recovery after the reboot, then Xiaomi overrecorded it at launch, in which case you need to turn off the Recovery check:

fastboot flash misc https://bigota.d.miui.com/V12.5.1.0.RKFCNXM/misc.img

(Replace the link to the current version of misc.img for your model)

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If the fastboot flash recovery command gives an error "FAILED (remote: 'Not allowed in Lock State')", then the bootloader is not unlocked until the end. Try repeating the unlock process or using fastboot oem unlock (on some older models).

Step 5: The First Steps in Custom Recovery – What to Do After Installation

Congratulations, if you see the TWRP logo or the OrangeFox logo, the hardest part is over, and now you have to set up the receptacles and prepare for further manipulation.

• 📁 Backup: Select the Boot, System, Data, and Vendor partitions. SD-map or send to PC via ADB pull.
• 🔐 Format Data (if the recovery does not see the internal memory): TWRP Go to Wipe. → Format Data and enter yes. Attention: this will delete all data!
• 🔧 Install Magisk for root rights: download the latest Magisk.zip from GitHub and run through Install.

If you plan to flash custom firmware (such as LineageOS or ArrowOS), first check its compatibility with your model on the Internet. XDA. Some of them ROM Require additional patches for the camera or modems.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partitions (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T or POCO F4) Standard Data Formatting May Lead to Loss IMEI. In this case, use the command: fastboot erase userdata instead of formatting through the Recovery.

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After installing custom recavator DO NOT upgrade through OTA - this will lead to loss of the Recovery and possible loss of root rights. All updates must be manually stitched through TWRP or OrangeFox.

Step 6: Solving Typical Errors and Recovering from Failure

Even if you follow the instructions word for word, something can go wrong. Here are the most common problems and solutions.

If your phone has turned into a brick (it doesn't turn on, it doesn't respond to buttons), don't panic. In 90% of cases, it can be restored through EDL (Emergency Download Mode).

1. USB-A to USB-A cable (for EDL)
2. Mi Flash Tool and stock firmware for your model.
3. Authorized Xiaomi account (on some models)

Detailed instructions for EDL recovery can be found on 4PDA in your model topics, and note that this method resets all data without recovery.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions