How to go to TWRP Recovery on Xiaomi smartphones: all the ways and nuances

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is an indispensable tool for Xiaomi smartphone owners who want to gain full control of their device, which can install unofficial firmware, backup systems, restore data and even “reanimate” the phone after unsuccessful experiments. However, the entry into TWRP on Xiaomi devices has its own peculiarities – from the mandatory unlock of the bootloader to specific key combinations for different models.

Many users face problems when you first try to enter a custom recavator: the phone does not respond to buttons, encryption errors occur or the device simply loads into the standard Mi Recovery. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to log into TWRP on Xiaomi, including the nuances for new models with HyperOS, and give recommendations for eliminating typical errors. Particular attention to security – improper actions can lead to a “brick” (complete failure) of the device.

If you're just starting out with the custom firmware world, start with the preparation section. Power users can jump right into how to sign in to TWRP or fix bugs.

What to do before entering TWRP Recovery

Before trying to log into TWRP, make sure your device is ready for it.Missing at least one of the preparation stages can result in your phone being locked or data being lost.

First and most important, bootloader unlocking. Xiaomi blocks custom recavators by default, so without this procedure, TWRP entry will be impossible. Unlocking takes 3 to 360 hours (depending on Xiaomi policy) and requires you to link your Mi Account to the device. Detailed instructions for unlocking can be found on the official website en.miui.com/unlock.

The second is to check the version of TWRP installed on your device. The older version of the recovery may not support current MIUI or HyperOS firmware, which will lead to download errors. Fresh TWRP builds for Xiaomi can be downloaded from the project's official website: twrp.me. Pay attention to the code name of your model (for example, raphael for Redmi K20 Pro or alioth for Poco F3).

• 🔓 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (required!).
• 📱 Find out the code name of your Xiaomi model (for example, surya for Poco) X3).
• 🔄 Update. TWRP Up to the latest version compatible with your firmware.
• 🔋 Charge your phone at least 50% – discharge during manipulation with the recaveri can lead to failure.

⚠️ Note: If you have installed TWRP via fastboot, but the phone still loads into the standard recavery, check if the custom recavery has dropped after the update. MIUI. In that case, it will have to be re-installed.

All ways to log in to TWRP Recovery on Xiaomi

There are three main methods of downloading to TWRP on Xiaomi smartphones, and the choice of method depends on the model of the device, the version of the firmware and the current state of the system (whether it works or the phone is “blocked”).

1. button combination (hardware method)

The most versatile method, which works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, is suitable for phones with an unlocked bootloader and TWRP installed.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Click the combination: For most models: Volume up + Power. For older devices (until 2018): Volume up + Volume down + Power. For Poco F1 and some others: Volume down + Power (after vibration, release power by holding volume).

TWRP

(usually 5-10 seconds).

If the phone loads into Mi Recovery after holding the buttons, then the TWRP is not installed or reset after the update. In this case, move to method 2 or 3.

2. Command via ADB (for a running system)

If the phone turns on and you have access to Developer Settings, you can boot into TWRP via the ADB command. This method is useful if the hardware buttons don't work.

Instructions:

1. Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
2. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the debugging permission.
3. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (Linux/macOS) and type adb reboot recovery.

If the command doesn’t work, try an alternative:

adb shell reboot recovery

3. via Fastboot (if the phone doesn't boot)

If the device doesn’t turn on or is stuck on the logo, but the bootloader is unlocked, you can boot into TWRP via fastboot mode.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log in to fastboot.
2. Connect the device to your PC and type the command: fastboot boot twrp.img (where twrp.img is the recovery image file for your model).
3. If you need to load constantly in TWRP, install it in the recovery: fastboot flash recovery section twrp.img

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi Note 13) entrance TWRP This can be blocked due to the new Dynamic Partition protection mechanism, which requires a patched DM-verity Recovery.

Typical TWRP login errors and their solutions

Even with the right TWRP installation, users often face problems, and let's look at the most common errors and how to fix them.

1.The phone is loaded into Mi Recovery instead of TWRP

This happens if:

• 🔄 TWRP dropped off after the update MIUI/HyperOS (The system overwrites the recovery section).
• 🔧 Incorrectly installed Recovery (for example, for another model).
• 🔒 The bootloader is locked (even if it was previously unlocked).

Decision:

1. Reinstall TWRP via fastboot (see Method 3 in the previous section).
2. Check the status of the bootloader by command: fastboot oem device-info (the line Device unlocked: true must be).
3. If TWRP resets again after reinstalling, turn off automatic recover updates in MIUI settings.

2. Unable to mount /data error or password request

This problem is related to the encryption of the data partition (/data). Xiaomi by default encrypts user data, and TWRP can not mount it without a key.

Decisions:

• 🔑 Enter the password/pattern lock you used in the system (if requested).
• 🔄 Format the data in TWRP (All user content will be removed!: TWRP Go to Wipe. → Format Data. Enter yes for confirmation. Reboot to the reclaimers and check the mounting.

TWRP

FBE

3. Black screen or hanging on the TWRP logo

This problem most often occurs on new Xiaomi models with HyperOS or firmware based on Android 13/14.

• 🔧 Incompatible version TWRP core-system.
• 🛡️ Active protection AVB (Android Verified Boot).
• 🔌 Damaged file of Recaveri image.
• Install a survival script TWRP: Some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) include scripts that protect the user. TWRP You can also manually write a command to init.d: echo "SETTINGS: system_update_recovery=false" >> /data/property/persist.sys.settings_global.xml
• Use Magisk for protection: The TWRP A/B Retainer module for Magisk prevents resetting on A/B-partition devices (e.g. Xiaomi 12/13/14).

⚠️ Please note: If you see this message MIUI version cannot be installed on this device when trying to flash the official firmware through TWRP, This means that the version MIUI Download the correct firmware from the official website, checking the code name of the device.

💡

If the phone doesn’t boot even to fastboot, don’t try to stitch it through informal tools (like the SP Flash Tool for Mediatek).This can permanently damage the bootloader and make recovery impossible without specialized hardware.

Additional tips and life hacks for working with TWRP

Working with TWRP on Xiaomi has many nuances that can save time and nerves. Here are some useful recommendations:

• 📱 Create a backup before any manipulations: TWRP Go to Backup and save the Boot, System, Data and Vendor partitions. Store a copy on your PC or cloud — if you crash, this will allow you to quickly restore your phone.
• ⚡ Use it. OTG-drive: If internal memory is not mounted, connect the flash drive through OTG-And you can copy the firmware or backup onto it. TWRP The flash drive will be available in the Mount section → USB-OTG.
• 🔄 Set up autoload in TWRP: If you often need to download to the recavator, install the Quick Reboot app from the Play Market (root rights required). TWRP single-stack.
• 🛡️ Disable Forced Encryption: Some Firmware Xiaomi Includes Forced Encryption That Interrupts Operation TWRP. To turn it off, run through the Recovery ZIP-file disable_forceencrypt.zip (available XDA).

If you’re experimenting with firmware often, consider installing MultiROM – this will allow you to have multiple systems on the same device and switch between them via TWRP. However, keep in mind that Xiaomi with Dynamic Partition (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra) does not support MultiROM without additional manipulation.

Frequently asked questions