Entering the custom TWRP receptacles on Xiaomi smartphones is a key step for firmware, backup or system recovery. However, the process is complicated by the bootloader lock and the features of the Qualcomm/Mediatek iron platform. This guide covers all current methods of entering TWRP on Redmi, POCO and Mi devices (including models from 2023-2026), taking into account the latest changes in Xiaomi’s policy on unlocking.
We will not only discuss standard button combinations, but also alternative methods through fastboot and ADB, and explain why some devices (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) may require additional preparation – disabling Mi Flash Lock or using patched versions of TWRP.
Preparation of the device: unlocking the loader
Without an unlocked bootloader, TWRP is not available — Xiaomi blocks the download of unofficial backups at the firmware level. The unlocking process is officially supported by the company, but has nuances:
- 🔓 Link your Mi Account to your device in Settings → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud (required to confirm email and phone!).
- ⏳ Wait 168 hours (7 days) after the first account binding is Xiaomi’s requirement for new devices (from 2022).
- 💻 Use the official Mi Unlock tool (version no lower than 5.5.224.24).
- 📱 Enable Developer Options (7 taps according to Version) MIUI) activate OEM Unlock + Debugging by USB.
⚠️ Note: On devices with a Mediatek chipset (e.g., Redmi Note 11 or POCO M5) unlocking may reset IMEI module NFC. Before the procedure, save a backup copy through ADB:
adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab💡
If Mi Unlock gives you a 50% or 99% “Couldn’t unlock” error, try using a proxy server (like a VPN with access to Hong Kong) or replace the USB cable with the original one from Xiaomi.
Method 1: Sign in via button combination (for devices with TWRP installed)
If TWRP is already stitched into the recovery section, you can enter it with hardware buttons, the combinations depend on the model and the generation of the device:
| Series of devices | Button combination | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 12/13, Redmi K50, POCO F4 | Food + Volume Up | Hold for 10-15 seconds until vibration. |
| Redmi Note 10/11, POCO X3/X4 | Food + Volume Up (let go at the Mi logo) | Mediatek may require 2-3 attempts |
| Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi K40 | Food + Volume Up + Volume Down | It only works when the device is switched off. |
| POCO M3/M4, Redmi 9/10 | Power + Volume Up (hold until TWRP appears) | On some firmware, it only works after 20 seconds of retention. |
On dynamic partition devices (such as Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 12 Pro), standard combinations may not work – TWRP pre-firmware is required via fastboot with avb disabled.
Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Shut it down. PIN-codes/graphic keys|Connect the original USB-cable (if you use it) ADB)|Make sure that TWRP It is in the correct section (recovery or boot)-->
Method 2: Login through ADB (no physical buttons)
If the hardware buttons don’t work (for example, after a device crashes), you can log into TWRP via the ADB command.
- Connect the device to the PC and confirm debugging over USB.
- Open the terminal (or PowerShell in Windows) and do adb reboot recovery.
- If the command doesn’t work, try the alternative: adb shell reboot recovery.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ and enabled Mi Protect (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite), the adb reboot recovery command can be redirected to stock recovery:
- 🔧 Disable Mi Protect in Settings → Memory. → Protect me.
- 🔄 Reboot and repeat the command.
Button combination |ADB-command |Fastboot |Another way-->
Method 3: Sign in via Fastboot (if TWRP is not installed)
If the TWRP isn't already hardwired, but the bootloader is unlocked, you can temporarily download the recoveries via fastboot.
- Download the image TWRP for your model from the official website (for example, twrp-3.7.0_9-0-platina.img for POCO X3 Pro).
- Transfer the device to fastboot: adb reboot bootloader
- In the terminal, perform: fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-platina.img
🔹 Important: This method does not leak TWRP Always, the Recovery will only be available until the first reboot:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-platina.imgWhat if fastboot doesn’t see the device?
Solving Common Errors When Logging into TWRP
Even after successful unlocking, users face problems, and here are the typical scenarios and solutions:
- 🚨 Orange State Error: Indicates version mismatch TWRP And the kernels. disable_dm-verity_forceencrypt.zip through TWRP or use a patchy image.
- 🔄 Hanging on the Mi logo after entering: Most likely, TWRP is not compatible with your version MIUI. Check the compliance of firmware and Recovery in the forum XDA.
- 🔒 Password requirement in TWRP: If you have used data encryption, TWRP request PIN-To get around this, you must do it in front of the entrance. ADB: adb shell twrp decrypt [your password]
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 13+ and MIUI 14+ (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro) may activate Rollback Protection if, after entering the TWRP The device is rebooted in fastboot with an anti-rollback error, you need to flash a full stock ROM The Mi Flash Tool is clean all and lock.
💡
After installation TWRP The device does not load into the system, check the compatibility of the Recovery with the version MIUI. For example, for the Redmi Note 12 Pro on MIUI 14.0.3 fitting TWRP 3.7.0_12-0 with a patch for Dynamic Partition.
Features for devices on Mediatek (MTK)
Xiaomi smartphones on the Mediatek platform (Redmi 10A, POCO M5, Redmi Note 11 SE) have unique nuances when working with TWRP:
- 🔧 There is no fastboot mode, instead it is used BROM mode (for firmware required) SP Flash Tool or MTK Client).
- 🔄 Automatic recovery of stock recapvere – after reboot MIUI may re-write TWRP. Solution: flash vbmeta with disabled check: fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img
- 📱 Sensor problems in TWRP: on certain devices (Redmi) 9C) The touchscreen is not working. OTG-cable.
🔹 For Mediatek-devices, it is recommended to use specialized versions TWRP, For example, OrangeFox Recovery or PitchBlack Recovery, which are better adapted to the same format. MTK-platform.