Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to install custom TWRP recavator — a powerful tool for backing up, firmware modified OS or restore the system after failures. However, logging into TWRP on Xiaomi devices requires preliminary preparation: unlocking the bootloader, installing the recavator itself, and using button combinations correctly. Without these steps, trying to log into TWRP leads to standard Mi Recovery or even loading errors.
In this article, we will look at the whole process from A to Z, from checking the status of the bootloader to alternative ways to log into TWRP on models with a locked bootloader, and focus on typical errors (for example, Fastboot mode instead of a recovery) and how to fix them, if you plan to flash LineageOS, do a NANDroid backup or just experiment with the system, this guide will become your navigation map.
Preparation of the device: check of loader and model
Before you try to get into TWRP, make sure your Xiaomi smartphone supports custom recavator installation. Not all models are officially TWRP compatible, and some (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) require special versions of the recavator.
First thing you do is check the status of the bootloader.
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
- Connect the device to the PC and type the command: fastboot oem device-info
In conclusion, note the line Device unlocked: true/false. If false - the bootloader is locked and it needs to be unlocked through the Mi Unlock Tool. On models from 2023-2026 (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), unlocking can take up to 720 hours of waiting due to Xiaomi's policy.
2 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool
Without the unlocked bootloader, you can't log in to TWRP -- it just ignores the custom Recovery and loads the standard one.
- Linking the Mi Account: 📱 Go to Settings. → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud and log in. 🔗 Turn on synchronization and find the item Device Status (on some firmware - Additional) → Unlocking OEM).
- Installation of Mi Unlock Tool: 💻 Download the official tool from the site en.miui.com/unlock (Windows version). 🛠️ Launch it. miflash_unlock.exe on behalf of the administrator.
Connecting the device
- 🔌 Transfer the smartphone to Fastboot mode (Loudness down) + Nutrition).
- 🖱️ In Mi Unlock Tool, press Unlock and confirm the action.
On the new models (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12 Pro) after the first request to unlock, a waiting timer (from 168 to 720 hours) will appear.
- ⏳ Do not turn off the device for a long time (once every 2-3 days, turn it on for 10-15 minutes).
- 🔄 Do not update the firmware through MIUI Updater - this will reset the timer.
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If the Mi Unlock Tool gives you a "Couldn't unlock" error, try using the 5.5.224.30 version of the tool, which is often more stable than new releases.
3. Installing TWRP on Xiaomi
Once the bootloader is unlocked, you can start installing TWRP. It is important to find the right version of the backpack for your model - universal builds often do not work. download files only from the official twrp.me website or trusted sources (for example, XDA Developers).
Installation instructions:
☑️ Installation TWRP via Fastboot
The firmware command (replace twrp.img with your file name):
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot boot twrp.imgAfter the second command is executed, the device should automatically boot into TWRP. If this does not happen, manually reboot to the recavers with the combination Volume up + Power (hold until the TWRP logo appears).
⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X5 Pro, Redmi Note 11 Pro) after firmware TWRP The standard recap is restored when you first boot into the system, so that you don't, right after you log in. TWRP Go to Mount. → System and delete the file /system/recovery-from-boot.p (if it exists).
4. Ways to Sign In to TWRP on Xiaomi
There are several methods of downloading to TWRP, depending on the state of the device and the installed software.
| Method | When to use | Button combination/command |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware buttons | If the TWRP is installed as the main Recovery | Volume up + Nutrition (hold 10-15 seconds) |
| ADB Team Team | Device on, USB debugging activated | adb reboot recovery |
| Fastboot | If TWRP is stitched but is not the main Recovery | fastboot boot twrp.img |
| Quick Reboot app | For root-right devices | Select "Recovery" from the app menu |
On models with Dynamic RAM (e.g. Xiaomi 12T), the hardware combination may not work the first time.
- Turn off the device.
- Press Volume Up + Power and hold until the screen goes out (usually 15-20 seconds).
- Release the buttons and again press Volume up + Power – the device should boot into TWRP.
What if Mi Recovery is downloaded instead of TWRP?
5. Solving problems when entering TWRP
Even after installing TWRP correctly, users are faced with errors.
- 🔴 The device hangs on the Mi logo: Reason: incompatible version TWRP Solution: run a different version of the Recovery (for example, for Redmi Note). 10 Pro is a good fit. twrp-3.7.0_12-v6.6_A11-sweet.img, not a universal assembly).
- 🔴 The inscription "No" appears OS Installed: This is not a mistake — TWRP warns that the system will not detect (for example, after a complete reset.
- 🔴 Touch doesn't work. TWRP: The problem is common to some models (POCO M4 Pro, Redmi 10C). Solution: Use OTG-cable and mouse or run an alternative version of the Recovery with support for touch.
If you see E: unable to mount /data after you log in to TWRP, it means that the data partition is encrypted.
- Go to Wipe → Format Data.
- Enter yes to confirm (all data will be deleted!).
- Reboot to TWRP, the error must disappear.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and newer data formatting may result in blocking FRP (Factory Reset Protection! Before this step, make sure you remember the Xiaomi account details tied to your phone.
6. Alternative methods of logging into TWRP without buttons
If the hardware buttons on your Xiaomi don’t work (for example, after a drop or moisture), you can boot into TWRP software.
- 💻 Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot.
- 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).
- 📱 Included debugging by USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Press 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers → Debugging by USB).
Ways:
- ADB (if the system works): adb reboot recovery
- Fastboot (if the system doesn't boot): fastboot boot twrp.img
- Open the terminal in your phone and execute: su echo 'boot-recovery' > /cache/recovery/command reboot recovery
On HyperOS models (e.g. Xiaomi 14), the standard adb reboot recovery command may not work.
adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.REBOOT -e command boot,recovery7. Security and cautionary tales
Working with TWRP gives you complete control over the system, but it also carries risks.
- 🔐 Backup before any manipulation: In TWRP Create a full backup (Backup) → Select Partitions, select Boot, System, Data, Vendor. Save a copy to your PC or cloud.
- 🛡️ File Checking: Download TWRP And firmware only from official sources (SHA-256) downloaded.
- 🔧 Beware of dirty firmware: Some custom OSes (such as those ported from other devices) may contain malware or unstable cores.
On Mi Pay or Mi Wallet devices, unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP will remove the security keys.
- 💳 Linked bank cards in Mi Pay will be removed.
- 🔑 Find My Device and Remote Lock will stop working.
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If you don’t plan on flashing custom OSes but want backup, consider alternatives like OrangeFox Recovery or PitchBlack Recovery, which offer advanced backup features without having to unlock the bootloader on some models.