Installation of recovery on Xiaomi Redmi 6A: from unlocking the bootloader to TWRP

Installing custom recavators on Xiaomi Redmi 6A (codename cactus) gives you access to advanced features: firmware informal ROM, creating backups NANDroid, obtaining root rights and even restore the "bricks" after unsuccessful experiments. However, the process requires care - error at any stage can lead to the loss of warranty or inoperability of the device.

This instruction is suitable for the Redmi 6A model based on the MediaTek Helio A22 (MT6761) processor with the original MIUI firmware. Importantly, the methods for devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, Redmi 6/6 Pro) are fundamentally different! Also note that after installing the recovery, all data will be reset - save contacts, photos and applications in advance.

Before you start, answer a key question: Why do you need custom recavators? If the goal is simply to remove the built-in Xiaomi applications or change the theme of the design, it is enough to unlock the bootloader and superuser rights. If you plan to flash LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware, you can not do without TWRP.

1.Preparation of the device: what to do before installation

The first step is to check the current status of the smartphone. Make sure that Redmi 6A has the latest version of MIUI installed for your region. This is critical, as old firmware may contain vulnerabilities that prevent unlocking the bootloader. Update the system through Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Next, activate the developer mode and enable debugging over USB:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
3. Return to the main settings menu, open Additional → for developers.
4. Activate the USB Debugging and OEM Unlock switches.

If the OEM Unlock is inactive (grey), it means that:

• 🔐 Mi Account protection is enabled on the device - untie the account in Settings → Accounts. → Mi Account.
• 📱 The phone is tied to the operator (for example, MTS or Beeline) - a breakup is required.
• ⏳ Less than 7 days have passed since the last Xiaomi account was linked (security restriction).

Also prepare a computer with Windows 10/11 (Linux), USB-cable (preferably original) and the following tools:

• 🖥️ Android SDK Platform-Tools (for fastboot and adb).
• 🔓 Mi Unlock Tool (official utility for unlocking the bootloader).
• 📦 Official image TWRP for Redmi 6A (The version should match your firmware!).

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If you have a laptop with USB 3.0 ports (blue), connect the cable to a USB 2.0 port (black) – this will reduce the risk of firmware errors.

2 Unlock the bootloader: the official way from Xiaomi

Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all devices, so unlocking it is a must-have process that takes at least 7 days due to manufacturer restrictions.

First, link your Mi Account to your device:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Mi Account.
2. Sign in to your account (if not, register).
3. Enable data synchronization and wait for notifications of successful binding.

Now connect Redmi 6A to your computer, start the Mi Unlock Tool, and follow the steps:

1. Sign in with the same Mi Account as you do on your phone.
2. Press Unlock Now and the program will start checking the device.
3. If the message “Added successfully. Wait XX hours” appears, the waiting timer (usually 168 hours) is running.

⚠️ Note: Do not try to get around the wait by "zero timer" (untiring account, resetting settings). Xiaomi blocks such attempts, and the period can be extended to 30 days!

Once the deadline is up, repeat the procedure in the Mi Unlock Tool, and if it's successful, the phone will reboot, and the top of the screen will be "Unlocked" when you boot. Now you can start installing the Recovery.

Linked to Mi Account device | USB | Installed Platform-Tools | Downloaded Mi Unlock Tool | Waiting 168 hours completed-->

3. Installation of TWRP: step-by-step instructions

When the bootloader is unlocked, we move to the firmware TWRP Recovery. For Redmi 6A, we use the fastboot method, since the device on the MediaTek platform does not support alternative methods (for example, through the SP Flash Tool without unlocking).

Download the current version of TWRP for cactus from the official website (file with the extension.img) and rename it to twrp.img for convenience. Then run commands in the terminal (Windows: CMD or PowerShell):

adb reboot bootloader


fastboot flash recovery twrp.img




fastboot boot twrp.img

Transcript of commands:

• adb reboot bootloader – reboot your phone to fastboot mode.
• fastboot flash recovery twrp.img – record the image of the recovery in the recovery section.
• fastboot boot twrp.img is a temporary boot in TWRP (to avoid overwriting stock Recovery).

⚠️ Note: If an error occurs after the fastboot flash recovery command "FAILED (remote: 'Not allowed in Lock State') means the bootloader is not unlocked.

After successfully downloading to TWRP, you will see the main menu with touch control. First of all, make a backup of the EFS partition (contains IMEI and modem data)!

1. Slip backup.
2. Select the EFS section (do not uncheck the boxes from other sections!).
3. Swipe the slider for confirmation.
4. Save the backup on SD-card.

4. Solving common mistakes

Even with the correct following of the instructions, problems can arise. Let's consider the typical errors and how to fix them:

If after installing the recaveri phone stopped turning on (brick), try the following steps:

1. Press Power + Volume up for 10-15 seconds for forced reboot.
2. If only fastboot is downloaded, run the stock Recovery command: fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img
3. For full recovery, use the official MIUI firmware and SP Flash Tool (requires an unlocked bootloader).

⚠️ If after manipulation with the recovery phone gives an error "This" MIUI "version cannot be installed on this device" means you're trying to flash the firmware with a lower version of the anti-rollback. EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account).

5. Additional TWRP settings

After successful installation, it is recommended to configure TWRP for easy operation:

• 🌐 Change of language: Go to Settings → Language and select Russian (if available).
• 🔄 Disabling the check on boot: in Settings → Zapier shut down Enable ZIP Signature verification (accelerates installation of firmware).
• 📁 Setting up the storage area of backups: In Settings → Backup, point the way SD-card OTG-accumulator.

To protect against accidental resetting, you can set a password in TWRP:

1. Go to Settings → Password.
2. Enter the combination (remember it!).
3. Confirm by restarting the recavers.

If you are planning to make custom ROM, Pre-disable forced encryption (FDE), Otherwise, the system may not boot. TWRP:

1. Go to Wipe → Format Data.
2. Enter yes to confirm.
3. Please. Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt (readily XDA Developers).

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Disabling data encryption (FDE) is a must before running most custom ROMs on Redmi 6A. Otherwise, the system will not be able to mount the /data partition and will hang on the logo.

6 How to get back stock Recovery

If you need to return the original recovery (for example, for warranty repairs), download the stock image for your version. MIUI It's from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater, which is usually called a file. recovery.img and is in the firmware archive.

Write it through fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img


fastboot reboot

After the reboot, the stock recavator will be restored, but the bootloader will remain unlocked. To return the lock (for example, before selling the phone), use the command:

fastboot oem lock

⚠️ Attention: Locking the fastboot oem lock bootloader will erase all data and may lead to a blink if the device has custom firmware installed! MIUI.

7.Alternative Recavers: OrangeFox and PitchBlack

In addition to TWRP, other custom recavers are available for Redmi 6A:

• 🦊 OrangeFox Recovery: Supports OTA-update custom firmware, has a built-in file manager and themes.
• ⚫ PitchBlack Recovery: Optimized for low-RAM devices (like Redmi) 6A 2GB), has a minimalist interface.

Installing alternative recavers is similar to TWRP:

1. Download the.img image for cactus.
2. Squeeze through fastboot flash recovery the name file.img.
3. Download to the new recovery with the fastboot boot name file.img.

Advantages of alternative recavéri:

• 🔧 More features to work with partitions (e.g., resizing the system).
• 🎨 Support for themes and customization of the interface.
• 🔄 Built-in tools for correcting bootloop errors.

However, note that OrangeFox and PitchBlack are less likely to update than TWRP and may not support the latest versions of Android.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installing a recovery on the Redmi 6A