How to go into TWRP mode on Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

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

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to enter TWRP mode on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, including devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek processors. You will learn how to prepare the phone, what tools you will need, and what to do if the system does not respond to standard combinations, and we will pay special attention to typical errors (for example, Fastboot mode instead of TWRP) and how to fix them.

1. Preparation of Xiaomi smartphone for the entrance to TWRP

Before you try to enter TWRP, you need to follow several mandatory steps, without which access to the custom Recovery will be impossible or lead to errors.

First, on Xiaomi devices, bootloader unlocking is a strict requirement to work with TWRP. Without it, the phone will simply ignore attempts to download to custom recavator. Unlocking is done through the official Mi Unlock tool and requires you to link the Mi Account to the device. The process can take up to 72 hours (due to Xiaomi's security policy).

Second, the custom TWRP recap must be pre-installed in the recovery section of the phone, and this is done via fastboot using the command:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

And finally, check it out.

• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 50% (to avoid shutdown during manipulation).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (for modern models) or Micro-USB – original or high-end.
• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot and a disabled firewall (it can block commands).
• 📱 Find My Device and Mi Cloud Sync Disabled in Phone Settings.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) after installation TWRP The system can automatically rewrite the recavers to the stock at the first load. TWRP You need to disable the Auto-reboot option in the Recavery settings.

2. Standard method: button combination for TWRP login

The most common way to get into TWRP is to use hardware buttons, but the combinations may vary depending on the model and year of the smartphone.

For most Xiaomi devices (2018 and later), the following scheme applies:

1. Turn off the phone (hold the power button and select Turn off).
2. Press the power button + volume button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Xiaomi or TWRP logo appears.

Older models (such as the Redmi 4X or Mi A1) may require a different combination:

• 🔘 Power button + Volume reduction (to log in to Fastboot, then select Recovery Mode via menu).
• 🔘 Power button + both volume buttons (on some devices with MediaTek).

If after holding the buttons the phone loads into Fastboot (black screen with a rabbit and a sign). FASTBOOT), signifier, TWRP It's not installed or damaged, and you'll need to re-flash the recavery through fastboot.

3. Entrance TWRP through ADB-commands (if the buttons are not working)

If the hardware buttons are damaged or the phone is not responding to them, you can log into TWRP using ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is also useful if the device is getting stuck on the Mi logo or in bootloop mode.

For this:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
2. Open the command prompt (CMD) in the ADB folder.
3. Enter the command to reboot in Recavérie: adb reboot recovery

If the phone is not identified in ADB, check first:

• 🔌 Is the debugging mode on? USB in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings → For developers).
• 🖥️ Mi drivers installed USB Driver on your computer.
• 🔄 Try another one. USB-port.

If the adb reboot recovery command results in a loading to a stock Recovery (with the Mi logo and menu in Chinese), then the TWRP is not installed or replaced by the system, in which case you will need to re-rout the firmware via fastboot:

fastboot flash recovery twrp.img


fastboot reboot recovery

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic Partition (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) firmware TWRP These models require a special version of the recovery with support. super.img.

4. Features of TWRP entry on different Xiaomi models

Xiaomi devices differ not only in hardware, but also in bootloader implementation, which affects the process of entering TWRP. Below are the key nuances for the popular series.

For devices with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi 10A or POCO C31), the process of logging into TWRP can be complicated by locking the bootloader at the chipset level. In such cases, it is recommended to use the SP Flash Tool for the firmware recovery.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the right TWRP installation, users often have trouble accessing it, and let's look at some of the most common.

Error 1: The phone is loaded into Fastboot instead of TWRP.

• 🔧 Reason: Castomy Recovery not installed or the recovery section damaged.
• 🔧 Solution: Repeat the process TWRP Use the fastboot command to reboot recovery.

Error 2: After logging into TWRP, the screen flashes or the recovery immediately reboots.

• 🔧 Reason: Stock conflict boot.img or on AVB (Android Verified Boot).
• 🔧 Solution: Sweat the patchy boot.img through TWRP or turn it off. AVB team: fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img

Error 3: TWRP does not show internal memory (/data is not mounted).

• 🔧 Reason: Encryption is enabled FBE (File-Based Encryption).
• 🔧 Solution: Please disable_forceencrypt.zip or use TWRP supportive FBE.

Error 4: When you log in to TWRP, a message appears “No OS installed.”

• 🔧 Reason: System partition is damaged or incompatible firmware is installed.
• 🔧 Solution: Restore the system through TWRP (Restore menu) or run a clean firmware through fastboot.

💡

After installation TWRP The phone is loaded into bootloop (cyclic reboot), try flashing magisk_patched.img This often solves the problem of checking the boot's signature.

6. Alternative methods of entering into TWRP

If the standard methods don't work, alternative methods can be used, and they're suitable for power users or when the phone is partially operational.

Method 1: Through the Android terminal (if the phone is turned on)

If you have root access or USB Debugging enabled, you can reboot to TWRP via the terminal:

1. Install Terminal Emulator from Google Play.
2. Enter the command: su reboot recovery

Method 2: Through Fastboot with Forced TWRP boot

If the TWRP is installed, but the phone is persistently loaded into Fastboot, you can force the recavator to run the command:

fastboot boot twrp.img

This command temporarily loads the TWRP without firmware into the recovery section, and after the reboot, the phone will return to the drain recave.

Method 3: Use of Mi Flash Tool (for devices with locked boot loader)

On some models (e.g., the Redmi Note 8 Pro with the MediaTek Helio G90T), standard methods do not work due to the MTK lock.

1. Download the Mi Flash Tool and firmware for your model.
2. In the firmware file, replace recovery.img with TWRP.
3. Sweep the modified firmware through the Flash Tool.

⚠️ Note: On devices with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 9T or POCO M3) Use of informal tools such as SP Flash Tool can lead to a hard brick. Always check firmware and tools compatibility!

💡

If none of the methods worked, check if the antivirus (such as Avast or Kaspersky) blocks access to ADB/Fastboot. Add the tool folder to exceptions or temporarily disable protection.

7.What to do after successfully entering TWRP?

When you are finally logged into TWRP, it is important to do a few things to avoid problems in the future:

1. Backup: Go to the Backup menu. Tap the Boot, System, Data sections, EFS. Save a copy for SD-map USB-storage device (through OTG).
2. Turn off forced encryption (if necessary): Please disable_forceencrypt.zip (download 4PDA or XDA). Or use the team in ADB Sideload: adb sideload disable_forceencrypt.zip
3. Install Magisk for root access: Download the latest version of Magisk (Magisk-v26.4.zip). Fly through Install. → Select Zip in the TWRP.

If you plan to install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), pre-execute Format Data in the TWRP (Wipe → Format Data → This will remove the encryption and prepare the section. /data new-system.

After all the manipulations, restart the phone to the system. If bootloop occurs, repeat boot.img firmware with Magisk support.

FAQ: Frequent questions about TWRP on Xiaomi