How to Get Recovery Back on Xiaomi: All Ways to Recover (2026)

Recovery on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most popular procedures among users who have faced a “brick” after a failed firmware, reset or experiments with custom software. Without a working Recovery, you will not be able to install firmware, make a backup or perform a factory reset. The problem is complicated by the fact that on new models Redmi, POCO and Mi (2022-2026), the manufacturer has tightened the protection of the bootloader, and standard recovery methods through Fastboot are often blocked by the system.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to return Recovery – from the official stock (signed by Xiaomi) to popular custom solutions like TWRP or OrangeFox. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for devices with a locked bootloader, as well as models on the MediaTek platform (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO M6 Pro), where the procedure is different from the classic scheme for Qualcomm. All instructions are tested on the current versions of MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS firmware.

1. Causes of loss of Recovery and diagnosis of problem

Before you can restore Recovery, you need to understand why it went missing and what condition the device is in.

• 🔄 Failed firmware through Fastboot or MI Flash Tool – often erases the recovery partition when recording errors.
• 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader with subsequent reset - some versions MIUI Automatically replace custom Recovery with stock.
• 📱 Update through OTA — Recovery can be overwritten if it has been modified (especially on Dynamic Partitions devices).
• 💥 Hardware failure – memory damage (for example, after a fall or overheating) can corrupt partition.

How to check if Recovery is working? Press the combination of the buttons to enter (usually Power + Volume Up) and look at the screen:

• 🟢 Stock Recovery – Chinese/English interface with minimal functionality (installation of firmware through the ADB Sideload, reset).
• 🟡 Custom recovery (TWRP/OrangeFox) — color interface with touch control, items "Install", "Backup", "Wipe".
• 🔴 Black screen or freeze – Recovery is missing or damaged.

⚠️ Note: If the device is immediately booted or turned off after pressing the buttons, this is a sign of a damaged Recovery partition or activated Anti-Rollback protection (on HyperOS models). EDL.

2 Preparation: What it takes to restore Recovery

Before you start, you can gather everything you need, and without proper preparation, you run the risk of building the device.

Equipment and programmes

For devices on MediaTek, you will additionally need:

• 🔧 Drivers. VCOM — work-in BROM.
• 🔄 SP Flash Tool is an alternative to the Mi Flash Tool. MTK.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12/13/14 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ Snapdragon-powered 8 Gen 1/2 Using unofficial tools to unlock the bootloader can lead to blocking IMEI. Check the lock status with the command: fastboot oem device-info 2.2. Data backup Recovery often requires a device reset.Save important data: 📁 Photos/video – copy to PC or cloud. 📱 Contacts – sync with Google Account. 🔑 Passwords and Tokens – Export from Password Manager. 🎮 Save games – use Helium or root backup (if available). 📊 What Recovery Do You Want to Recover?Stock (official)TWRPOrangeFox Other customized 3. Method 1: Recovery of Stock Recovery via Fastboot This method is suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader and running Fastboot mode. It will restore the official Recovery from Xiaomi, but remove the custom (if it was installed earlier). recovery.img for your model from the site MIUI Downloads. The file name must match the device code (e.g, tucana_global_images... For the Redmi Note 8 Pro. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip the power supply). + Volume down when turned on. Open the command line in the folder with Platform Tools and execute: fastboot flash recovery recovery.img If you don’t have Recovery after the reboot, try the alternative command: fastboot boot. recovery.img This will temporarily load the image without writing to memory (useful for testing). ⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partitions (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T, Redmi K50) The standard command fastboot flash recovery may not work. Instead, use the fastboot flash. recovery_a recovery.img fastboot flash recovery_b recovery.img Mistakes and decisions: Error Reasons FAILED (remote: 'Partition not found' Device with Dynamic Partitions Use commands for recovery_a/recovery_b FAILED (remote: 'Device is locked') bootloader LockedUploaderUploaderUploaderUploaderUploaderUploaderUploaderUploaderUploaderUploaderUploaderUploaderUp Mi UnlockTool FAILED (remote: 'Invalid sparse file format')Damaged file.img Download image again, check checksum Uploader unlock status|Download the right one recovery.img model|Drivers installed ADB/Fastboot|Antivirus protection is disabled (can block commands)|Battery charge > 50%--> 4. Method 2: Installation of custom Recovery (TWRP/OrangeFox) If you need custom Recovery to install unofficial firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), follow this instruction. The method requires an unlocked bootloader and is suitable for most Xiaomi models on Qualcomm. TWRP: Download the current version TWRP For your model from twrp.me. Pay attention to the Device Codename section (e.g., alioth for the codename). POCO F3). Go to Fastboot and do: Fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-alioth.img fastboot reboot recovery after first download TWRP Make sure to backup the Persist section (if it's on the list) and prevent problems with the Persist partition. IMEI The process is similar for OrangeFox, but the Recovery file is downloaded from orangefox.download. The main difference is that OrangeFox has built-in support for Magisk and data encryption. A/B-On new models (for example, Xiaomi) 12 Pro, Redmi K60) system A/B, where Recovery is duplicated in two slots. To sew TWRP Scroll Recovery in both slots: fastboot flash recovery_a twrp.img fastboot flash recovery_b twrp.img Turn off signature verification (if required): fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img ⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 14) Installation of custom Recovery can lead to blocking of data encryption. Before firmware, disable encryption in the settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Encryption: What to do after installation TWRP If the device is stuck on the logo, it's not loading. MI Or go to the bootloom, do the following: 1. Return to Fastboot (clutch power) + Loudness down on 10 seconds). 2. Recovery: Fastboot Flash Recovery recovery_stock.img 3. If it doesn’t work, do a full reset via Fastboot: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache 4. For devices with Dynamic Partitions, you may need to firmware the full image through the Mi Flash Tool in clean all. 5. Method 3: Recovery Recovery through EDL (If a device doesn't respond to buttons, doesn't go into a Fastboot and shows a black screen, it's a hard brick. EDL (Emergency Download Mode: It requires special equipment and expertise: 🔌 Authorized Xiaomi account with permission EDL (or bypassing through Firehose). 🔧 Mi Flash Tool or QFil – for firmware in 9008 mode. 📄 Full image of the firmware (for example, fastboot) ROM official website). 🔗 Cable with support EDL — Some cheap cables don't transmit data in this mode. Step-by-step: Put the device in mode EDL: For Qualcomm: Press Volume Up + Volume down and connect the cable to the PC. MediaTek: requires short circuit test points (see instructions for a specific model). HS-USB QDLoader 9008. Open the Mi Flash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and press Refresh. The device must be determined. Press Flash and wait for the process to end (10-15 minutes). Important: Firmware through EDL All data will be dropped, including IMEI settings of the module NFC (If you have, check after recovery. IMEI *#06# and restore it through the engineering menu or service center if necessary. Model Entry method EDLFeatures of Redmi Note 10 Pro (sweet)+ & Vol- + Cable Account authorization is required POCO X3 Pro (vayu)Test points on the payment You need to disassemble the Xiaomi device 11T Pro (vili) Team fastboot oem edl Works only with unlocked bootloader 💡If the Mi Flash Tool is an error SLA Auth Error, try using alternative software like XiaoMiTool. V2 or EDL Authorized Account Bypass (at your own risk). These tools bypass authorization checks but may violate warranty terms. 6. Method 4: Recovery on MediaTek devices Xiaomi smartphones on MediaTek platform (e.g., Redmi) 10C, POCO M5) They need a different approach. They use a mode instead of a Fastboot. BROM tool SP Flash Tool: Download the firmware for your model in scatter.txt format (for example, from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website). Install the drivers. VCOM (can be found in the archives with SP Flash Tool. Open up. SP Flash Tool, download scatter.txt and uncheck all partitions except recovery. Connect the device turned off to your PC (no buttons!). The program should detect it. Press Download and wait until it finishes (usually. 1–2 If the process is suspended DA 100%, try: 🔄 Reconnect the cable or change the port USB. 🔧 Use a different version SP Flash Tool (for example, v5.2152 instead v6.x). 📥 Download firmware with another auth file (sometimes required) MTK Auth Bypass). ⚠️ Note: Some MediaTek models (e.g. Redmi Note) 11 helio-chip G88) Recovery firmware through SP Flash Tool can cause data loss in the userdata section. ADB Pull: adb pull /data/media/0/ backup_folder 7. Frequent errors and solutions Even with accurate follow-up to instructions, problems can arise: 7.1. Error "Invalid sparse file format at header magic" recovery.img Solution: Download the Recovery image again, check the checksum (MD5). Use an older version of Platform Tools (e.g., the same as the previous version, r28.0.1 instead r34.0.4). For devices with Dynamic Partitions, convert.img to.bin through the tool. img2simg. 7.2. Device not defined in Fastboot Reason: No drivers or cable/port issues Solution: Install Google drivers USB Driver or Xiaomi Driver manually through Device Manager. try another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 Disable driver signatures in Windows: bcdedit /set nointegritychecks on bcdedit /set testsigning on 7.3. After the firmware Recovery phone does not turn on Reason: Image incompatibility with the boot version or damage to the boot partition.Solution: Squeeze the stock boot.img From the official firmware: fastboot flash boot boot.img If the device goes into a bootloop, reset via Fastboot: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache. 1. Battery charge (minimum) 30% firmware). 2. Integrity of cable and port USB. 3. Compatibility of firmware files with model code name (fastboot getvar product). 4. bootloader status (fastboot oem device-info).--> 8. FAQ: Answers to frequent questions ❓ Can you restore Recovery without unlocking the bootloader? No, on most Xiaomi models (except for the very old ones like Redmi). 4X) Recovery firmware requires an unlocked bootloader. The only exception is to restore stock Recovery via the Mi Flash Tool in clean all mode, but this will erase all data. ❓ Why After Installation TWRP Does the phone load into stock Recovery? on new Xiaomi devices (with the newest one) MIUI 13+ or HyperOS) uses an automatic recovery mechanism for stock Recovery when booting the system. TWRP Reboot it immediately (not in the system!) TWRP Go to Mount. → Disable DM-Verity (if there is one).Skip vbmeta with check disabled: fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img ❓ How to restore Recovery on Xiaomi with a MediaTek processor SP Flash Tool doesn't see the device? Is the problem typical of Helio G-series chips. Try: Use another cable (better original). Install LibUSB drivers via Zadig. Turn on BROM Mode through test points (requires disassembly) Try alternative tools: MTKClient or Maui META. If nothing helps, contact the service center, as soldering equipment may be required. ❓ What to do if Recovery is lost after recovery IMEI? This is a typical problem when running through EDL or SP Flash Tool. Restore. IMEI You can: From the engineering menu (type ##3646633##, go to Connectivity). → CDS Information → Radio Information and enter IMEI Hand tools like Maui. META or SN Write Tool (requires authorization) Contact the service center with a purchase check (if warranty is valid). IMEI Use only the original values (specified on the box or under the battery). ❓ Is this manual suitable for Xiaomi Pad 6 or other tablets? Most of the methods (especially through Fastboot) EDL) It is also applicable to Xiaomi tablets, for example: Xiaomi Pad 5 (nabu - use Recovery files for this model. Xiaomi Pad 6 (pipac – requires unlocking the bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool, but note that tablets often use another partition for Recovery (e.g., the Recovery partition, recovery_ab). Check the partition structure with the command: fastboot getvar all