Recovery Recovery on Xiaomi: 5 Proven Ways (2026)

Recovery of the recovery menu on Xiaomi smartphones is a task that users face after unsuccessful firmware, factory resets or experiments with custom software. Without working recovery, you are deprived of the ability to install updates through the service. ZIP-files, backups Nandroid or even complete reset if the system is not booting. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of returning stock or custom recaveria (TWRP, OrangeFox) on Redmi devices, POCO and Mi, including models with a locked loader.

The peculiarity of Xiaomi is active resistance to modifications: the company regularly closes vulnerabilities through which it was previously possible to bypass the bootloader lock. 2023 New devices (e.g. Redmi Note) 12 Pro+ Xiaomi 14) Official permission to unlock via Mi Unlock Tool is required, and old methods like this one are not. EDL They don't work on all chipsets. We took these nuances into account and put together instructions that are relevant to firmware. MIUI 14/15 Android 13/14.

1. Diagnosis of the problem: why did the recaveri go missing?

Before you restore recovery, determine the cause of its disappearance, which will help you choose the right method and avoid repeated failures.

• 🔄 Update MIUI through OTA: Stock updates often overwrite custom recaveri (for example, TWRP) standard Mi-Recovery.
• 🔧 Incorrect firmware: Installation of incompatible ZIP-file via fastboot or ADB sideload can damage the recovery partition.
• 🔒 Lock bootloader: On new Xiaomi devices, after resetting or firmware through MiFlash, the bootloader is automatically blocked, making recavers inaccessible.
• 🛠️ Hardware failure: Rarely, but possible memory damage (e.g., on the Redmi Note 10 Pro with Snapdragon chipset) 732G fall-out).

To check the current state of recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Power + Volume up for 5-10 seconds.
3. If you see the Mi Bunny logo that says No command, you have a stock Recovery. If the screen is black or flashing, the section is damaged.

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M5) In case of damaged recovery, it can be triggered BROM Mode: The screen does not respond, but the computer defines the device as MTK In this case, a separate procedure is required through SP Flash Tool.

2.Restoring stock Recovery through Fastboot

The most reliable way to return the original recovery is to flash it through fastboot. The method works on all Xiaomi devices, but requires an unlocked bootloader (if it is blocked, see section 4).

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
• 📱 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged!).
• 🔗 File. recovery.img You can download it from Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware archive for your model (e.g. Redmi Note) 11 Pro+ 5G → veux_global_images...).
2. Unpack the archive and find the recovery.img file in the images folder.
3. Connect your phone to your PC in fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down when the device is off).
4. Open the command line in the folder with recovery.img and do:

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img


fastboot reboot recovery

If the command ends with the error FAILED (remote: 'Flashing is not allowed'), then the bootloader is blocked - proceed to unlock.

Download the correct version of recovery.img| Check battery power (minimum 50%)|Install ADB/Fastboot drivers |Disable antivirus (can block fastboot) |Connect the original cable

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3. Installation of custom recaveri (TWRP/OrangeFox)

If you need custom recovery (for example, to install LineageOS or root rights), use TWRP Or OrangeFox. These tools support backups, installation. ZIP-file ADB-team.

Important: Check your model compatibility on the official TWRP website before installing. For example, only TWRP 3.7.0+ will be suitable for POCO F5 (codename marble).

Instructions for TWRP:

1. Download the file. twrp-3.7.0_12-0-marble.img (Replace marble with your device code).
2. Rename it to recovery.img for convenience.
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode and do:

fastboot flash recovery recovery.img


fastboot reboot recovery

Once you reboot to TWRP, back up the recovery section immediately to avoid overwriting it when you update MIUI next:

1. In TWRP, select Backup.
2. Check only Recovery.
3. Swipe to create a backup.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T chipset 8100-Ultra) TWRP If you want a password after installation and you didn't set it, you'll need to format the data partition!).

4 Unlocking the loader to restore the Recovery

If you see Flashing is not allowed or Device locked error when you try to flash recovery, then the bootloader is locked. Xiaomi blocks it after:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings via fastboot.
• 📦 Installation of official firmware through MiFlash.
• 🔒 Updates MIUI, if previously unblocked.

To unlock:

1. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (version 5.5.224.30 or later).
2. Log in to the Mi-account tied to the device (the phone must be enabled OEM Unlock in the developer settings).
3. Connect your phone in fastboot mode and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
4. Click Unlock and wait until the end (usually 72-168 hours of waiting for new accounts).

Once unlocked, repeat the recovery firmware from Section 2.Please note: devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipsets (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra) may require additional confirmation via SMS.

5. Recovery of Recovery through EDL (for Advanced)

EDL (Emergency Download Mode) is the last chance to return the recoveries if the phone is not turned on or the bootloader is locked.The method works on Qualcomm chipsets (for example, the Snapdragon 662 in the Redmi Note 9 Pro), but requires special hardware or paid services.

Important: Xiaomi actively blocks unofficial access to EDL through firehose authorization. New models (2022 and later) may require an official service center account.

Instructions:

1. Download MiFlash and firmware for your model in.tgz format.
2. Transfer your phone to EDL: For Qualcomm: Press Power + Volume up + Volume down on the device turned off. For MediaTek: use the combination with cable connection to the PC (some models require closing test points on the board).

MiFlash

Clean All and Lock

Clean All

Flash

⚠️ Attention: Use EDL without authorization on new devices can lead to hard-brick (total loss of performance). For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 unofficial firmware through the EDL block IMEI. It can be restored only in the service center.

💡

If you have a device on MediaTek and MiFlash doesn’t see it in your device EDL, try SP Flash Tool with file MTxxxx_Android_scatter.txt Select only the recovery partition for firmware so that you don't erase the rest of the data.

6. Alternative methods (without PC)

If you don't have access to a computer, you can try to restore the Recovery directly from your phone, and these methods are less reliable, but sometimes they work.

• 📱 Through ADB In the operating system: Enable debugging by USB Connect your phone to another Android device with Termux or use it. ADB Over Wi-Fi. run the command: adb reboot bootloader fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
• 🔄 Through air renewal (OTA): If you have a stock recap, but it doesn’t start, try downloading your phone to the system and installing the update. MIUI through settings → The phone. → System updates. Sometimes this repairs a damaged partition.
• 🛠️ Using the Engineering Menu (MediaTek only): Dial ##36446337##. Select Single Port Test → Recovery Test: Follow the instructions on the screen (not all models are used).

Limitations:

• ❌ Without a PC, it is impossible to sew a custom Recovery (TWRP).
• ❌ On devices with a locked bootloader, these methods will not work.
• ❌ Risk of damaging the system with incorrect commands ADB.