How to boot into TWRP on Xiaomi: unlock, buttons and secrets

Why You Need TWRP on Xiaomi and What It Is

Castom Recovery TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project is an alternative recovery environment for Android devices that unlocks capabilities not available in standard Mi Recovery mode. It can be used to install unofficial firmware, back up Nandroid, restore data after a reset, or even “resuscitate” a smartphone after a failed update. POCO It's a tool. №1 for deep customization.

However, the nuances of TWRP on Xiaomi devices are that the manufacturer blocks the bootloader by default, and the process itself depends on the model and firmware version. For example, new devices (released after 2022) may require additional confirmation through the Mi Account account, and old ones may require a combination of physical buttons. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including bypassing typical errors like Fastboot Mode or the “hang” Mi logo.

Before you get to the instructions, consider: working with TWRP requires understanding the risks. Wrong actions can lead to a device “brick” (complete failure), loss of warranty or blocking IMEI. If your goal is simply to reset settings or update firmware, you may need standard Mi Flash tools.

Preparation of the device: unlocking the loader

Without an unlocked bootloader, it is impossible to boot into TWRP on Xiaomi — the system will simply ignore the attempt and return to the standard backup. The unlocking process is officially supported by the company, but has limitations:

• 🔓 Requires a device-associated Mi Account (with a confirmed phone number).
• ⏳ The waiting period for approval can take 3 to 30 days (depending on model and region).
• 📱 On some devices (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12), unlocking is possible only through the Mi Unlock Tool version 5.0.+.
• ⚠️ Once unlocked, all data (including internal memory) will be reset)!

To get started, follow the steps:

1. Activate Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the line with the build number.
2. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock in the Settings menu → More → For developers.
3. Download the official Mi Unlock Tool (only from Xiaomi!)
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol− when the device is off).

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool unlocks a "Couldn't unlock" error, check that the Mi Account is in the same region as the phone settings. For example, if the device is purchased in China and the account is registered in Russia, unlocking will be blocked.

Create a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, messages)

Charge your phone at least 60%

Install the latest ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC

Disable the antivirus (can block the Mi Unlock Tool)

Confirm email and phone number in Mi Account-->

How to download to TWRP on Xiaomi

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can proceed to install and start TWRP. There are three main methods, the choice depends on the model and the current state of the device:

Method 1: Button combination (for devices with TWRP installed)

The easiest way if custom recavery is already sewn into the recovery section:

1. Turn off the smartphone (if it freezes – press the Power for 10+ seconds).
2. Press Power + Vol+ at the same time and hold until the TWRP logo appears.
3. If a standard Mi Recovery appears, then the TWRP is not installed or the bootloader is blocked.

Method 2: ADB command (universal)

Suitable for devices with unlocked bootloader and enabled debugging over USB:

adb reboot recovery

If the team is not working, try:

adb shell reboot recovery

Method 3: Temporary download via Fastboot

Perfect for testing. TWRP Download the image of the recaveri (for example, for Redmi Note). 10 Pro, it's gonna be a file. twrp-3.7.0_12-vayu.img) and do it:

fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-vayu.img

The device will boot to TWRP once, without any changes to the system partitions.

💡

If after the command fastboot boot device hangs on the Mi logo, try to disable signature verification in the TWRP settings: go to Install → Install Image, select the image of the recovery and paste it to the Recovery section.

Solving Typical Problems When Entering TWRP

Even after unlocking the bootloader, users encounter errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔄 "Loaded Loading (Endless Mi logo): usually caused by an incompatible version TWRP. Check the support of your model on the official website TWRP.
• 🔌 "Fastboot Mode instead of Fastboot Mode TWRP: So the bootloader is locked or the Recovery is not stitched.
• 📵 "Touch doesn't work in TWRP: characteristic POCO. The solution is to connect OTG-mouse or use hardware buttons (Vol+/Vol− for navigation, power for choice).
• 🔐 "Password required" (password request): if a graphical key has been installed in the system or PIN, It needs to be put in and out. TWRP. If you forget, you will have to reset your data via Wipe. → Format Data.

⚠️ Attention: If after installation TWRP The device stopped booting into the system, check if Force Encryption is enabled in the recover settings. MIUI This leads to an encrypted partition. /data, The solution is to patch the patch. Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.

Installation of TWRP on Xiaomi: step-by-step guide

If you haven't already flashed TWRP into the recovery section, follow this instruction.

• 📥 Official image TWRP For your model with twrp.me, for example, twrp-3.6.2_9-raphael.img for Redmi K20 Pro).
• 📥 ADB Fastboot Tools by Google.

Next:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Power + Vol− when the device is off).
2. Check the connection command: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
3. Please. TWRP Recovery: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.6.2_9-raphael.img
4. Reboot to Recovery: Fastboot Reboot Recovery

After the first download to TWRP, it is recommended:

• 🔧 Backup of Boot, System and Data Partitions.
• 🔄 Disable forced encryption (if you plan to use custom firmware): Wipe → Format Data → yes.

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After the firmware TWRP Never select the Reboot System option from the Recovery menu unless you have stitched it. Disable_Dm-Verity. This can lead to a looped boot! Instead, reboot to Fastboot and then back to the system.

Xiaomi models with features of TWRP entry

Some Xiaomi devices have unique nuances when working with TWRP. Here are the most problematic models and solutions:

Newer models (such as the Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12) may require additional unlocking of critical sections via the command:

fastboot flashing unlock_critical

This option is only available in the latest versions of the Mi Unlock Tool (5.0+) and requires confirmation via SMS.

What to do after successfully joining TWRP

When you finally boot into TWRP, take a few critical steps before you take action:

1. Create a backup copy: 📁 Choose Backup → Check the Boot, System, Data, Vendor sections. 💾 Save a copy for SD-map OTG-storage device (internal memory can be encrypted).

Check firmware compatibility

• 🔍 If you plan to stitch a custom (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), make sure it supports your model and version. MIUI.
• ⚠️ Firmware incompatible version can lead to hard brick (irreparable damage).
• Disable Forced Encryption (if necessary): fastboot flash vbmeta vbmeta.img (vbmeta.img file can be downloaded here)

Do not update TWRP via fastboot flash recovery over the old version – it can lead to conflicts!