How to enable TWRP Recovery on Xiaomi: full instructions with unlocking the bootloader

Installing custom TWRP on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones gives you access to advanced features from system backup to unofficial ROM firmware. However, the process requires pre-unlocking the bootloader - without this step, TWRP simply will not start. In this article, we will discuss the current way to install TWRP on MIUI 14/15, taking into account the latest changes in Xiaomi policy (2026), including bypassing typical errors like Fastboot mode or Invalid image format.

It’s important to understand that the procedure is not official, and Xiaomi is not responsible for the consequences. But if you do all the steps correctly, the risks are minimal. We will look at two main methods – through fastboot and using the OrangeFox app (an alternative to TWRP for new devices), and also explain why some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) may require an additional patch to bypass anti-rollback checks.

What is TWRP and why is it necessary for Xiaomi?

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery that replaces the standard recovery menu on Android.

• 📦 Install unofficial firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience)
• 🔄 Make complete system backups (including application data)
• 🔧 Restore deleted files or reset settings
• 🛠️ Fixing errors after failed updates MIUI
• 🔓 Bypass the lockdown FRP (on some models)

On Xiaomi smartphones, the standard recovery (Mi Recovery) is extremely limited - it can only reset settings or install official updates via ZIP. TWRP gives full control over memory partitions, including /data, /system and /vendor. This is especially useful if you:

• 🤖 You want to make a global ROM Chinese version of the device
• 🔋 Faced with hanging on the logo after the update
• 📱 You need root rights (Magisk) to run specific applications

But there is a downside: Installing a TWRP incorrectly can lead to a soft breeze (the device only loads in fastboot) or even a hard breeze (completely inoperable).

⚠️ Note: On models with Qualcomm Snapdragon processor 8 Gen 2/3 (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70 Pro) may require a rollback to an older version MIUI before installation TWRP Due to changes in the Super section.

Preparation of the smartphone: unlocking the loader

Without the bootloader, you can’t install TWRP. Xiaomi officially lets you unlock it, but the process involves several mandatory steps:

1. Link Mi Account Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Mi Cloud and log in. Make sure your device is synced.
2. Activate Developer Mode Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on the MIUI Version. Return to the main settings menu - the Developer Item will appear.
3. Initiation of debugging USB In the menu for developers activate debugging by USB and Unlock. OEM (The last item may not be available on new devices).
4. In the same menu, find Mi Unlock Status and click Add Account and Device. This step is mandatory for models on MIUI 13 and later.

After preparation, download the official utility Mi Unlock Tool (version no lower) 5.5.224.30 Windows 10/11). Launch it on behalf of the administrator and link the account through QR-code.

Battery charge > 60%|USB-cable original (not original) USB 3.0)|Antivirus is disabled|Mi Unlock is running from admin|Smartphone in fastboot mode (Power buttons) + Vol-)-->

Next, connect your smartphone to your PC in fastboot mode (press Power + Volume down on the device turned off) and press Unlock in the utility. The process will take 3-5 minutes. New devices (released after 2022) may require a 72-hour waiting period after the first account is attached.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error "Couldn't unlock. The current account is different from the account info on the device", check that the smartphone settings have the same Mi Account as the utility. → Additionally. → Resetting settings).

Selecting a TWRP version for your Xiaomi model

Not all versions of TWRP are device-specific. Using an inappropriate backup can result in a bootloop or /data partition corruption.

1. Check the device codename You can find it in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (for example, surya for POCO X3 or alioth for POCO F3). The full list of codenames is here.
2. Download TWRP from the official website: twrp.me/Devices/Xiaomi. New models (2023-2026) may require a version with support for dynamic partitions.
3. Check compatibility with the version MIUI Forums XDA Developers or 4PDA Often patches are posted to bypass anti-rollback (for example, for Xiaomi). 12T Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+).

For devices with a MediaTek processor (such as the Redmi Note 10 or POCO M4 Pro), you may need a special version of TWRP with MTK support.

• 📄.Img – standard image for installation via fastboot
• 📄.zip – archive for installation through existing recovery (if already unlocked)

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If you're on the site TWRP There is no model, check the forum. XDA Developers on request "<codename> TWRP". Often enthusiasts lay out unofficial builds with support for new devices.

Install TWRP via fastboot (main method)

This is the most reliable way to install, but it requires a PC with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed.

1. Install ADB and Fastboot Download Platform Tools from Google and unpack to the root of the C:\platform-tools drive. Add path to the environment variables or use the command line from the folder.
2. Connect your smartphone in fastboot mode Turn off the device, then press Power + Volume down until the Fastboot logo appears.
3. In the command line, type: fastboot devices Should show the serial number of the device. If not, check the drivers.
4. Please. TWRP Place the downloaded file twrp-3.x.x-x-<codename>.Img to the platform-tools folder and execute: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x-x-<codename>.Img for devices with dynamic partitions (MIUI 13+) Use: Fastboot Flash recovery_ramdisk twrp-3.x.x-x-<codename>.img
5. Launch it. TWRP Enter the command: fastboot reboot recovery If the device is loaded into a standard Recovery, repeat the step 4 keyed --disable-verity.

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12 or Redmi K50) you may need to disable signature verification after installing TWRP.

1. In TWRP, go to Mount → Enable MTP.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and copy the file disable_dm-verity_forceencrypt.zip (jump on XDA).
3. V TWRP Choose Install → select the file → Swipe to confirm.

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi Note 11) after firmware TWRP A fastboot can be used to protect SLA (Secure Boot. In this case, only the firmware of the full stock will help. ROM Mi Flash Tool with Clean All and Lock option.

Install TWRP without PC (via OrangeFox or official recavator)

If you already have a bootloader unlocked and a custom recavator installed (such as OrangeFox), you can upgrade or replace it with TWRP without using a PC.

1. Download a TWRP file in.zip (not.img!) to a memory card or internal memory.
2. Load to your current recovery (e.g. OrangeFox) by selecting Reboot → Recovery.
3. In the Recavére menu, select Install → choose ZIP-file → Swipe to confirm.
4. Once installed, run Wipe → Dalvik/ART Cache and restart.

For devices without an unlocked bootloader, this method is not suitable. Also note that some versions of OrangeFox conflict with TWRP due to different partitioning methods. For example, on POCO X3 Pro (vayu) after installing TWRP on top of OrangeFox, OTG support may disappear.

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If you already have OrangeFox, back up your current backup recovery via the Backup → Recovery menu before installing TWRP.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can get errors.

If after installing TWRP smartphone does not boot into the system, but the recovery works, try:

1. In TWRP, go to Mount → System and flash Magisk (root if you need it).
2. Run Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Dalvik / ART Cache + Cache
3. Install a patch to bypass anti-rollback (relevant to Xiaomi 12/13 series).

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If TWRP asks for a password when mounting /data and you didn't set it, it means that the partition is encrypted. Solution: in TWRP, select Wipe → Format Data → type "yes." All data will be deleted!

What to do after installing TWRP

Successful TWRP installation is only half the battle, so you can avoid problems in the future.

• 🔐 Create a backup V TWRP Select Backup and mark Boot, System, Data, Vendor. Save backup to memory card or PC.
• 📱 Install Magisk (optional) If you need a root, download the last one Magisk.zip from GitHub and run through Install to TWRP.
• 🔄 Update the firmware carefully when updating MIUI through TWRP Always choose Install. → Install Image and Switch First boot.img, then system.img (If they are in the update archive).
• ⚠️ Avoid. OTA-Standard Updates "Air" can be rewritten TWRP. Always download the full ones. ZIP-Firmware archives with Xiaomifirmwareupdater.com.

For devices with dynamic partitions (MIUI 13+), after installing TWRP, it is recommended to flash multidisabler - this will disable automatic /data encryption, which can block access to files. You can download the patch on the 4PDA or XDA forums on the request "<codename> multidisabler".

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After installation TWRP Never select Reboot System from the Recovery menu unless you have stitched it. disable_dm-verity.zip. Use Reboot. → Recovery to get back to TWRP.

FAQ: Frequent questions about TWRP on Xiaomi