The modified recovery environment, known as Team Win Recovery Project, opens up opportunities for smartphone owners that are not available in stock mode. One of the main advantages is the ability to install custom firmware, security patches and system updates manually, even if the official manufacturer has already stopped supporting your device. This method is often used by enthusiasts to extend the life of a gadget or install newer versions of the operating system, such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
The update process via TWRP is radically different from the standard OTA procedure. Here you get full control over the memory partitions, which allows you to perform a “clean” installation without saving garbage from previous versions. However, such freedom of action requires increased care and understanding of the structure of the file system Android. Incorrect actions can lead to data loss or the need to reflash the device via a computer.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, the necessary files and pitfalls that you may encounter when manually installing updates. You will learn how to properly prepare the device, what is the safest course of action, and how to restore the system in the event of a failure. It is important to understand that you perform all manipulations at your own peril and risk.
Preparing the device and downloading the necessary files
Before taking active steps in the recovery menu, you must carefully prepare the working environment. The first step is to find a compatible firmware image. Do not try to install a version designed for a different model or region, as this is guaranteed to brick your smartphone. Look for files on reputable resources, such as forum 4PDA or XDA Developers, where moderators check the stability of assemblies.
You will need to download the archive itself with the operating system, which usually has the extension .zip. In addition, if you want to keep Google services running, you need to download the package in advance for the appropriate version of Android and processor architecture (most often). It would also be a good idea to download the archive from GApps corresponding Android version and processor architecture (most often arm64). It would also be a good idea to download the archive from Magiskif you plan to get root access after the update.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the battery level is at least 60-70%. The process of writing data to flash memory is energy-consuming, and a sudden power outage in the middle of the procedure can disrupt the partition structure, making the device unable to boot.
Copy all downloaded archives to the internal memory of the smartphone or to an external card microSD. It is advisable to place them in the root directory so as not to get confused in the paths when navigating through the recovery touch interface. Check the integrity of the files: if the download is interrupted, the archive may be damaged, which will cause a signature verification error during installation.
☑️ Preparing for firmware
Loading into Recovery mode and creating a backup copy
After preparing the files, you need to reboot the device into a special mode. On most smartphones, this is done using a combination of hardware buttons: usually you need to hold down the volume up button and the power button at the same time until the logo or menu appears. If you already have TWRPinstalled, you will see a touch interface with a distinctive design. In some cases, you need to unlock the bootloader through your computer using the commands fastboot.
The most critical step before any changes is to create a full backup copy. Even if you are confident in the stability of the firmware, a human factor or a software glitch can destroy all your data: photos, contacts, correspondence. In the main menu, select Backup. Here you will be asked to select partitions to save.
It is recommended to check the sections Boot, System, Data and Vendor. The section Data contains all your user applications and settings, so saving it is mandatory unless you plan on doing a hard reset. The process can take from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the amount of occupied memory and the speed of the memory card on which the recording is made.
Save backups not only to the internal memory of the phone, but also copy them to a computer or cloud storage immediately after creation. Internal memory can be formatted in case of serious errors.
Wipe data (Wipe) before installing a new version
Upgrading to a new version of Android or installing custom firmware often requires cleaning old system files to avoid conflicts and errors. In the menu TWRP go to the section Wipe. You should not immediately use the function Factory Reset, as it may not clear some specific partitions necessary for the new system to work correctly.
For advanced users, it is recommended to use the option Advanced Wipe. Here you need to select sections Dalvik / ART Cache, Cache, System and Data. Please note that wiping the partition Data will delete all your files inside the storage, including photos and music, so make sure that you have backed up important information to an external storage device.
⚠️ Attention: Never clear the partition
Internal Storage(Internal memory) if it contains firmware files that you are going to install. This will lead to the fact that the installer simply will not find the desired archive.
After selecting partitions, slide the slider at the bottom of the screen to confirm the action. The formatting process will take a few seconds. If you are moving from one version of Android to another (for example, from 11 to 12), complete data clearing is a mandatory requirement for stable operation, otherwise cyclic reboots (bootloop) are possible.
What is Data formatting?
Full formatting of the Data section is required when switching to new encryption or when installing custom firmware for the first time. This deletes everything, including the internal memory, and requires re-configuring the phone as a new device.
Installing the archive with firmware and additional modules
Now comes the most crucial moment - the direct installation of the new system. In the main menu, press the button Install. A file manager will open in which you need to find the previously copied archive with the firmware. Select a file and the system will display its name at the bottom of the screen.
Before starting the process, you can configure additional settings by clicking the button Add more Zips. This allows you to create an installation queue. The correct order is critical: first comes the firmware itself, then the package GApps, and at the very end - Magisk (if you need root). Violation of this sequence may result in superuser rights not being applied or Google services not starting.
Check the settings in item Options. The function Zip signature verification must be disabled if you are installing unsigned custom firmware, otherwise the installation will fail with an error. Also make sure that the option Wipe Dalvik Cache is active. After checking all parameters, slide the slider Swipe to confirm Flash to start recording.
| Component | Purpose | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| ROM (Firmware) | Main operating system | Yes |
| GApps | Google Services (Play Market, YouTube) | No (for pure Android) |
| Magisk | root access management | No (for desired) |
| Firmware | Modem and Bluetooth drivers | Depends on the firmware |
First launch and initial system setup
After the installation has been successfully completed, as indicated by a green message in the log, return to the main menu. Select option Rebootand then System. The first startup after updating or changing the firmware always takes longer than usual. This is due to the fact that the system optimizes applications and creates a cache.ART.
The process can last from 5 to 15 minutes. A logo Android or a loading animation may be displayed on the screen. If your phone is stuck at the logo for more than 20 minutes, there may be a compatibility issue or the data has not been cleared. In this case, you will have to return to TWRP and do Wipe Data/Factory Reset again.
When the system finally boots, you will be greeted by the initial setup wizard. Select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in to your Google account. At this stage, it is recommended to immediately check the Android version in the settings (Settings → About phone) to make sure that the update was completed correctly.
The first launch after the firmware is always slow due to application optimization. Do not try to force reboot your phone if you see the boot animation for more than 10 minutes.
Possible problems and methods for solving them
Even if you strictly follow the instructions, unforeseen situations may arise. One of the most common problems is an error during installation. This often indicates that the recovery version is outdated and does not support the new firmware archive format. The solution is simple: update yourself Status 7 or Error 255 during installation. This often indicates that the recovery version is outdated and does not support the new firmware archive format. The solution is simple: update yourself TWRP to the latest version via fastboot or install the new version directly from the recovery menu.
Another common situation is lack of connection or non-working Wi-Fi after installation. This means that the firmware requires updating basic modules (firmware), such as the modem or bluetooth. The description of the firmware on the forum usually indicates the required minimum firmware. Download the required archive and flash it through Install before installing the main system.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and item names in different TWRP builds may vary slightly. Always check the documentation for the specific version of recovery installed on your device, as mod manufacturers often make their own changes.
If the phone goes into an endless reboot (bootloop), try going into recovery and clearing the cache (Wipe Cache) and Dalvik cache (Wipe Dalvik Cache). As a last resort, only restoring from a previously created backup will help through the item Restore in the main menu.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update Android via TWRP without unlocking the bootloader?
No, installing a custom one TWRP recovery and subsequent firmware flashing are not possible on a device with a Locked Bootloader. The Android security system will not allow you to write modified system partitions. First, you need to unlock the bootloader, which usually entails a complete wipe of the data.
What to do if all photos are gone after the update?
If you performed a complete wipe of the Data section (Full Wipe), then all user files were deleted permanently. You can only restore them from a backup if you made one before updating the firmware. If there is no backup, the data is lost. In the future, always copy media files to your computer before serious manipulations.
Is it safe to install banking applications after flashing the firmware?
By default, banking applications do not work on devices with an unlocked bootloader or root access due to the Google Play Protect security check. To get around this, you need to use Magisk Hide or Zygisk, hiding the fact that specific applications have received superuser rights.
Do you need to format the internal memory with each update?
No, formatting the internal memory is only required when you first switch to custom firmware or when changing the encryption type. When updating the version of the same firmware (for example, from 1.0 to 2.0), it is enough to make Wipe System, Data and Cache, saving files in the internal storage.