How to boot into TWRP on Xiaomi: full instruction with error solutions

Downloading to custom TWRP recavators on Xiaomi smartphones is a key step for advanced users who want to get root rights, install unofficial firmware or make a full backup system. However, the process has nuances, from unlocking the bootloader to choosing the right version of the recavator for a particular model. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to download to TWRP, including bypassing typical bugs and security tips.

It is important to understand that working with custom recovery can lead to loss of warranty, data reset or even “bricking” the device. So before you start, check the compatibility of your Xiaomi model (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro or Mi 11 Ultra) with the selected version of TWRP. Also prepare backups of important data – the installation process often requires formatting the /data partition.

What is TWRP and why is it necessary for Xiaomi?

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is an alternative touch-controlled recovery that replaces the standard recovery menu on Android.

• 📦 Install unofficial firmware (e.g. LineageOS, Pixel Experience)
• 🔧 Get root rights through Magisk or SuperSU
• 💾 Create and restore complete backups of the system (including: /boot, /system, /data)
• 🔄 Remove system applications without root
• 🛠️ Fixing errors after failed updates

On Xiaomi smartphones, the standard recovery (Mi Recovery) is very limited: it does not support installation. ZIP-files and has minimal functionality. TWRP It also opens up access to advanced features, but requires bootloader pre-unlocking. Without this step, downloading to custom recaveri is impossible.

Note that new Xiaomi models (released after 2022) may require an additional procedure to unlock Anti-Rollback protection, due to the company’s policy of tightening control over software modifications.

Preparation of the device: unlocking the loader

Before installing TWRP, you need to unlock the bootloader. On Xiaomi, this is done through the official Mi Unlock Tool, but the process has limitations:

• ⏳ Waiting 7-14 days after linking your Mi Account to your device (on new models)
• 🔗 Tethering SIM-Cards to account (for some regions)
• 📱 Support only for official versions MIUI (custom-free)

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on this item.
2. Enable OEM Unlock and USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For Developers.
3. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and log in.
4. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power when the device is off).
5. Run unlock in the program and wait until it is completed (it may take several attempts).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) K50 Pro or Xiaomi 13) after unlocking the bootloader, an automatic reset to factory settings occurs!

How to download to TWRP on Xiaomi

There are three main methods of loading into TWRP:

Let us consider each method in detail.

Method 1: Download via Fastboot (recommended)

This method is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including the POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 and Xiaomi 12T.

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot
• 📱 File. twrp.img For your model (download only from the official website)
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (important for stable connection)

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to your PC and check the connection with the command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
3. Temporary boot boot in TWRP (without installation): fastboot boot twrp.img
4. Permanent installation (if necessary): fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img

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If the device loads into MIUI instead of TWRP after the fastboot boot twrp.img command, then your model has active anti-Rollback protection. Try using special versions of TWRP with a bypass (see the XDA Developers forum for your model).

Method 2: Download via the TWRP App

If you already have root rights or an unlocked bootloader, you can use the official TWRP App from Google Play.

1. Install the app and provide root access (if required).
2. Select the device model in the list or download twrp.img manually.
3. Press TWRP Flash and confirm the installation.
4. Reboot to the Recavéri through the app menu.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ The app may not work due to changes in security policy.

Method 3: Booting through a button combination

If TWRP is already installed in the recovery section, you can download it without a PC:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Up + Power and hold for 5-10 seconds.
3. Release the buttons when the TeamWin logo appears.

On some models (e.g. POCO X3 Pro), the combination may be different: Volume up + Volume down + Power. If the TWRP load does not occur, then the recaveri has been overwritten with the MIUI update.

Solving Common Booting Errors in TWRP

Even with the right TWRP installation, users are facing problems, and here are the typical errors and their solutions:

If the TWRP doesn't boot after you install it, the boot partition is likely to be damaged.

1. Download stock firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Firmware website.
2. Remove the boot.img file from the archive.
3. Fastboot: fastboot flash boot.img

How to avoid “bricking” the device

On Xiaomi devices with Qualcomm processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+, POCO F4 GT), incorrect TWRP firmware can result in complete loss of functionality due to damage to the modem or dtbo partitions.

• 🔍 Always check the compatibility of the version. TWRP with your model and version MIUI.
• 📡 Use stable versions of recasts (avoid "experimental" builds).
• 🔄 Keep the backup of the persist section before the experiments (in the TWRP: Backup → Select Partitions → persist).
• 🚫 Do not flash files that are intended for other devices (even if they are on the same chipset).

If the device is still “bricked” (not included, not defined in Fastboot), try:

1. Connect the phone to your PC and check if it is defined as Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 (EDL mode).
2. Use tools like Mi Flash Tool (for official firmware) or QFil (for firmware in EDL mode).
3. Check out the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums – there are rescue firmware for many models.

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On devices with a MediaTek chipset (e.g. Redmi 10C, POCO M5), the recovery process is different – the SP Flash Tool and the authorization file are required for firmware in BROM mode.

Frequent questions about TWRP on Xiaomi

What to do after a successful download in TWRP

After the first TWRP run, it is recommended that:

• 🔄 Make a full backup of all partitions (Boot, System, Data, Vendor).
• 🔐 Install Magisk to obtain root rights (if necessary).
• 📥 Download unofficial firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) if you plan to install it.
• 🔧 Disable forced encryption (if necessary) through firmware disable_forceencrypt.

Remember that after installing custom firmware or system modifications, some features may stop working, such as:

• 📸 Large-format camera (on some models)
• 🔋 Fast charging (due to changes in the core)
• 📶 LTE/5G (If the modem partition is damaged)

If you are faced with a problem not described in the article, refer to thematic resources:

• 🌍 XDA Developers (sections by Xiaomi models)
• 🌍 4PDA (Russian-speaking community)
• 🌍 Telegram channels on firmware Xiaomi

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Before any manipulations with the firmware, check the hash amounts of downloaded files (MD5/SHA1) – this will save you from installing corrupted or fake images.