Xiaomi Redmi Note 5
whyred
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project)
Many users experience problems when first logging into TWRP: the device is not detected by the PC, there are errors when you run through fastboot, or the system automatically reboots to the standard Mi Recovery Recovery. In this article, we will analyze all the steps from preparing drivers to solving typical errors, including the current nuances for the Redmi Note 5 based on MIUI 14 and Android 12/13.
Important: the procedure voids Xiaomi warranty and erases all data from the device. If you are a beginner, we recommend that you first learn the theory about the work of downloaders and recoveries.
Preparation of the device: unlocking the loader
The first and mandatory step is to unlock the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock Tool, without which TWRP will not be able to obtain the rights to modify the system partition.
✅ Requirements for unlocking:
- 📱 Device: Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (model whyred, check in Settings) → The phone)
- 🔗 Mi Account linked to the device (required to verify phone number)
- 💻 Windows PC 7/10/11 (Mi Unlock Tool is required.NET Framework 4.5+)
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (use the port) USB 2.0 on PC for stability)
The unlocking process takes up to 720 hours (30 days) due to Xiaomi’s policy: once the account is first linked to the device, you need to wait for confirmation.
⚠️ Note: If you bought the Redmi Note 5 "with your hands", make sure that the previous owner untie your Mi Account in the settings. Otherwise, unlocking will be impossible without his data.
After waiting:
- Turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
- Activate. OEM-unlocking and debugging USB In Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Connect the phone to the PC, confirm the debugging permission.
- Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, log in to your account and follow the program instructions.
2. Installation of drivers and ADB/Fastboot
Without the correct drivers, the PC will not recognize the Redmi Note 5 in fastboot mode. Official drivers from Xiaomi often work unstable, so we use a universal solution:
🔧 Methods of installing drivers:
- 🖥️ Automatically: Download Universal ADB Drivers and start the installer.
- 🛠️ Manual: In Device Manager, update the driver for Android Bootloader Interface, specifying the folder with unpacked Google drivers USB Driver (from Android) SDK).
Fastboot will also require ADB and Fastboot Tools to run. Install them via:
- 📦 Google’s official Platform Tools package (recommended).
- 🐧 Sudo apt install adb fastboot for Linux.
Check the connection by the command at the terminal:
fastboot devicesIf the device is displayed (e.g., c3d8e7f9fastboot) the drivers are installed correctly.
💡
If the fastboot device command does not show the device, try reconnecting the cable, changing the device. USB-port or disable driver signatures in Windows (click on) F8 loading →"Disable mandatory driver signature verification").
3. Download the correct version of TWRP for Redmi Note 5
Using an incompatible version of TWRP is the main cause of login errors. The following builds are relevant for the Redmi Note 5 (whyred):
| TWRP version | Android support | Download link | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7.0_12-0 | 10–13 | Official website | Stable, supports FBE (encryption) |
| 3.6.2_11-0 | 9–12 | XDA Developers | For old MIUI firmware |
| 3.5.2_9-0 | 8–10 | TWRP archive | Outdated, not recommended |
Critical: For Redmi Note 5 on MIUI 14+, use only TWRP 3.7.0+ – older versions do not support new data encryption (FBE) and lead to the “Data decryption unsuccessful” error.
Downloaded file (usually) twrp-3.7.0_12-0-whyred.img) Place it in a folder with platform-tools (where adb.exe and fastboot.exe lie).
4. TWRP firmware via Fastboot
Now, let's plug TWRP into the recovery section. Importantly, after firmware, Xiaomi can automatically replace TWRP with a standard recap on the first boot, and to avoid that, you need to log into TWRP immediately after you have firmware.
📌 Step-by-step instruction:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press the Power button + Volume down to enter the fastboot (a screen with a rabbit and the inscription FASTBOOT).
- Connect the device to your PC and check the connection: fastboot devices
- Please. TWRP: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-0-whyred.img
- Don't turn it off. USB! Go to the Recavator: Fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_12-0-whyred.img
If step 5 reboots your phone, you're late, and MIUI overwrote the recaps. Repeat the firmware and immediately after the fastboot flash command, hold Volume Up + Power to force you to log into TWRP.
Download the correct TWRP image for whyred|
ADB/Fastboot drivers installed |
Phone in fastboot mode (screen with a rabbit)|
The fastboot device team shows the device |
Automatic update of MIUI is disabled in the settings-->
5.Initial TWRP configuration and reset prevention
After you first log in to TWRP, you'll be asked to allow modifications to the system partition. Swipe right to confirm.
🔐 How to Avoid Replacement TWRP standard-Recovery:
- 🔧 Install dm-verity and forceencrypt disabler (download the zip file and stitch through Install to the TWRP).
- 🔄 Go to Reboot. → Recovery to reboot to the TWRP (This will confirm his survival").
If you skip these steps, the next reboot MIUI will return the standard recaveri, and all the manipulations will have to be repeated.
⚠️ Attention: On screen TWRP You may have a password request for decryption. /data. If you haven't installed PIN/If you have a password, enter it, otherwise access to internal memory will be limited.
6. Solving Typical Errors When Logging into TWRP
Even if you follow the instructions accurately, users face problems.
❌ Error: Data decryption unsuccessful"
- 🔹 Reason: TWRP Does not support the current version of encryption MIUI.
- 🔹 Solution: Please TWRP supportive FBE or back on MIUI 12.
❌ Error: "Invalid zip file format"
- 🔹 Reason: A damaged file TWRP or incorrect extension (.img.gz instead of.img).
- 🔹 Solution: Pump the image and check integrity through MD5-sum.
❌ This package is for whyred devices; this is a santoni."
What if the phone does not turn on after TWRP firmware?
7. Additional TWRP features on the Redmi Note 5
After successfully logging into TWRP, you get access to advanced features:
🛠️ What can be done in TWRP:
- 📱 Backup: Full partition backup /data, /system and boot (save on to) SD-map!).
- 🔄 Firmware: Install custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) or cores.
- 🧹 Cleaning: Selective formatting of partitions (e.g, Dalvik/ART Cache to speed up the system).
- 🔐 Root: Magisk firmware to obtain superuser rights.
For custom firmware installation:
- Download. ZIP-Firmware file (e.g. LineageOS for whyred).
- Transfer it to the phone or SD-map.
- In TWRP, select Install → specify file → swipe for confirmation.
- After installation, run Wipe → Format Data (if required by firmware).
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Before running a custom OS, always check for compatibility with the bootloader version of your device, and the mismatch will result in a "brick" or reboot cycle.