Modifying smartphone software opens the door to opportunities that the manufacturer often hides by default. Installation custom recovery (Custom Recovery) is a fundamental step for any enthusiast who wants to gain complete control over their device. It is this tool that allows you to install modified firmware, make full system backups and clear memory partitions in a way that is impossible in standard mode.
The process of replacing the stock recovery menu with an advanced solution, such as TWRP or OrangeFoxrequires care and strict adherence to instructions. An error at any stage can lead to data loss or, in the worst case, to turning the gadget into a “brick.” However, if you prepare in advance and understand the logic of the bootloader, the procedure becomes quite accessible even for beginners.
In this article we will analyze each stage in detail: from preparing drivers to the first boot into the new menu. You will learn what risks exist, how to minimize them, and why unlocking the bootloader is a prerequisite for getting started. Prepare for the fact that the standard software warranty will be voided, but in return you will get freedom of action.
Preparing tools and unlocking the bootloader
Before you begin manipulating system partitions, you need to collect a complete arsenal of software. You will need a computer with a Windows, Linux or macOS operating system, a working USB cable and, of course, the smartphone itself with at least 60% battery charge. It is critically important to install drivers ADB and Fastbootthat provide communication between the PC and the phone in a special mode.
The next step is to activate developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7 times on the item Build number. After the message “You have become a developer” appears, go to the new menu For developers and activate the item USB debugging. Without this step, the computer simply will not see the device in the desired mode.
The most difficult and risky moment is unlocking bootloader (Bootloader). On devices of different brands, this process is different: for Xiaomi a special application is required and a wait of 3 to 7 days, for Google Pixel i OnePlus the procedure takes place instantly through a command, and for Samsung you need to use a combination of buttons and confirmation in the boot menu.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader completely deletes all user data from the internal storage. Be sure to save important photos, contacts and files to a cloud drive or computer before starting the procedure.
After executing the unlock command, the device will reboot and erase the data. This is a security measure to prevent information theft when ownership changes. Only after re-configuring the phone and enabling debugging can you proceed to the next stage.
☑️ Ready for firmware
Searching for a suitable recovery image and drivers
There is no universal solution for all smartphones. You need to find an image file (.img) created specifically for your processor model and revision. An attempt to flash an image from Samsung Galaxy S10 to S20 or even to another modification of the S10 can lead to the touchscreen not working in recovery or a complete failure of the device.
The main sources of safe files are the official forum XDA Developers and websites projects TWRP or OrangeFox. Look for topics marked "Official" or "Maintained". In such topics, the authors regularly update their builds for new versions of Android and security patches.
When downloading, pay attention to the date of the last update. If the latest version was released more than a year ago, there is a high risk of incompatibility with the current version of Android, especially if you are using Android 13 or 14. Also check user comments: they often indicate specific bugs, for example, Wi-Fi not working or problems with data encryption.
Use only files with the .img extension for flashing firmware via Fastboot. .zip files are intended to be installed from within the recovery menu and are not suitable for initial replacement.
In addition to the recovery image, make sure that you have access to platform tools from Google. They can be downloaded separately or installed via a package SDK Platform Tools. This is a set of command line utilities, without which it is impossible to send commands to the device.
Installation process via Fastboot mode
When all the files are ready, put the smartphone into mode Fastboot (or Download Mode for some devices, although Fastboot is often needed for recovery). This is usually done with the command adb reboot bootloader with the cable connected or a physical combination of buttons (most often Volume Down + Power) on the device turned off.
Connect the phone to the computer and open the command line or terminal in the folder with tools. Enter the command fastboot devices. If you see the device serial number in response, it means the connection is established correctly. If the list is empty, check the cable or reinstall the drivers.
To temporarily load the recovery (without permanent writing to memory), use the command:
fastboot boot file_name_recovery.imgThis method is safe: if something goes wrong, after a reboot you will return to the stock menu. This is an ideal way to test the performance of the touchscreen and the mounting of partitions before the final installation.
If the test is successful, perform permanent firmware with the command:
fastboot flash recovery file_name_recovery.imgHowever, on modern devices with dynamic partitions (A/B partitions) this the command may not work or may write the image to an inactive slot. In such cases, you often need to use the command fastboot flash boot (if the recovery is built into the boot image) or specific scripts from the developers.
First launch and overwrite protection
The most common mistake made by newbies is rebooting into the system immediately after updating the firmware. On many smartphones, especially from Xiaomi and Samsung, the stock system checks the integrity of the recovery partition at the first start and automatically replaces the custom recovery with the original one. All your work will go down the drain.
To avoid this, immediately after executing the command flash do not press the power button to perform a normal reboot. Instead, use a combination of buttons to enter recovery mode directly. Usually this is Volume Up + Powerheld until the logo appears.
If you accidentally boot into Android, don't panic. Put the phone into Fastboot again and repeat the firmware command. The main thing is not to lose the recovery image file on your computer until you are sure that the new menu loads stably and does not crash.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with data encryption (FBE), when you first enter custom recovery, you may be required to enter a pattern key or PIN code to unlock the storage. If you forget the code, access to files inside the recovery will be denied.
Once in the menu TWRP, first swipe your finger across the screen to allow modifications. Then it is recommended to immediately make a backup of the current system, even if it is stock. This will save your IMEI and EFS partitions, which are extremely difficult to restore manually.
Setting up and creating a Nandroid backup
One of the main advantages of custom recovery is the ability to create a complete copy of the system, known as Nandroid Backup. Unlike cloud services, this copy saves absolutely everything: settings, applications, data and the operating system itself in the form in which it was at the time of creation.
In the recovery menu, go to the section Backup. Here you will see a list of sections: Boot, System, Data, Vendor and others. For a complete recovery, be sure to select Boot, System (or Super) and Data. The section Vendor is also important because it contains hardware drivers.
Before starting the process, make sure that there is enough space on the internal memory or SD card. A complete copy of a modern smartphone can take from 5 to 15 GB. Swipe the button Swipe to Backup and wait for the process to complete. You cannot interrupt it.
| Section | Description | Required for backup |
|---|---|---|
| Boot | Contains the system kernel and recovery | Yes |
| System / Super | Android operating system files | Yes |
| Data | Custom applications, settings, photos | Yes |
| Vendor | Manufacturer's proprietary drivers | Recommended |
| EFS / Persist | IMEI, MAC addresses, sensor calibration | Critical important |
After To create a copy, it is recommended to copy the folder TWRP/Backups from your phone to your computer. The internal memory can be damaged if experiments go wrong, rendering the only copy stored on the device useless.
What is an EFS partition?
The EFS partition stores unique identifiers for your device, including IMEI. If you damage this partition when flashing the firmware, the phone will no longer see SIM cards and networks. It is almost impossible to restore IMEI without an EFS backup, so always make a backup copy of it before any manipulations.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
Even with careful preparation, unforeseen situations may arise. One of the common problems is “bootlap” (cyclic reboot) after installing custom recovery or firmware. This is often due to a conflict between Android and kernel versions, or incorrect partition formatting.
If the phone does not boot beyond the logo, try going into recovery and clearing the cache. Go to the Wipe section and select Dalvik / ART Cache i Cache. Do not confuse this with a full reset (Format Data), which will delete all your files.
Another common problem is an error Status 7 when trying to install the firmware through recovery. This means that the installation script checks the device model and finds no matches. In new versions TWRP this check can often be disabled, but it is safer to look for firmware that strictly corresponds to the model code of your device.
⚠️ Attention: The recovery menu interfaces and item names may differ depending on the version of TWRP, OrangeFox or PitchBlack. Always check the documentation for the specific build you are using.
In case of serious errors, when the phone does not even enter Fastboot, you may need to use emergency recovery modes such as EDL Mode (for Qualcomm) or Odin (for Samsung) to return to stock firmware and save the device.
Most errors during firmware are reversible if you have access to Fastboot mode and a stock firmware image for recovery. The main thing is not to panic and act consistently.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will installing a custom recovery void the warranty?
Formally, yes. Unlocking the bootloader and modifying the system software is a violation of the warranty conditions of most manufacturers. However, if you return the stock recovery and block the bootloader back (if this is technically possible), it will be difficult to visually determine the interference, although the counter Knox on Samsung will work irreversibly.
Is it possible to receive OTA updates after installing TWRP?
Standard over-the-air updates (OTA) will stop arriving or will not be able to install because the system will detect a modified recovery partition. For updates, you will have to download full firmware images and install them manually through the recovery menu.
Is it safe to use banking applications with custom recovery?
The very fact of having a custom recovery can act as a security trigger Google SafetyNet or Play Integrity. Banking applications may refuse to work. To get around this, you often need root access and special modules (for example, Magisk or KernelSU) that hide system modifications from applications.
What to do if the touchscreen does not work in the recovery menu?
This is a common problem when installing an image from a different version of Android or for a different screen revision. Try to find another recovery build (for example, OrangeFox instead of TWRP or vice versa), where the touchscreen drivers for your model are fixed. Control is also possible by connecting a USB mouse (with OTG support) or using the volume buttons.