Modern ecosystem Android provides users with enormous freedom of action, but standard tools often limit access to deep system settings. This is where TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) the most popular custom recovery in the world comes into the picture. This is not just a recovery menu, but a powerful tool that allows you to create full system backups, install modified firmware and gain superuser rights.
The process of installing a custom image may seem complicated to a beginner, since it requires interaction with bootloader and mode Fastboot. However, if you strictly follow the algorithm and prepare all the necessary files in advance, the risk of turning your smartphone into a “brick” is minimal. In this article we will analyze in detail each stage, from obtaining root access to the first boot into the new menu.
It is worth noting right away that the procedure is not universal for all devices. Different manufacturers, such as Xiaomi, Samsung or OnePlus, use their own protection and unlocking mechanisms. Therefore, before starting any manipulations, it is critical to find instructions tailored specifically to your smartphone model.
Preparing the device and collecting the necessary tools
Before connecting the cable to the computer, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps on which the success of the entire operation depends. The first step is to activate developer mode on your gadget. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly click on the item Build number about seven times until an activation notification appears.
After activating the hidden menu, return to the main settings and find the new section For developers. Here you need to enable two key parameters: USB debugging and OEM unlocking. Without the second point, it will be impossible to unlock the bootloader on most modern devices.
Make a complete backup of all important data to a cloud drive or computer before starting the procedure, since unlocking the bootloader will completely delete all information from the internal memory.
Next you will need to install specialized software on your personal computer. You will need a minimalistic set ADB and Fastboot, as well as drivers for your device. Owners of processor-based smartphones Qualcomm may also require specific Qualcomm USB Driver drivers.
- 📱 Download the archive with Platform Tools from the official Android developers website.
- 💻 Install universal ADB drivers or specific drivers from the manufacturer of your smartphone.
- 📂 Download the image file
twrp.img, designed specifically for your device model, from a trusted resource. - 🔌 Prepare a high-quality USB cable, preferably an original one, to avoid connection interruptions during firmware.
Unlocking the bootloader: key access step
Bootloader is a app that runs in front of the operating system and verifies the digital signatures of all loaded components. Manufacturers block it to prevent the installation of unverified software. Installation TWRP is impossible without removing this lock, since custom recovery does not have an official digital signature.
The unlocking procedure differs depending on the brand. For example, on devices Xiaomi a special utility Mi Unlock Tool is required and a wait of 3 to 7 days is required after linking the account. On Motorola or OnePlus the process is faster by obtaining a unique unlock code on the manufacturer's website.
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader automatically voids the device warranty in most cases. In addition, this procedure initiates a complete data reset (Wipe Data), so saving the information is mandatory.
To initiate the process, switch the smartphone to Fastbootmode. This is usually done by turning off the device and holding down the combination of buttons Volume Down + Power when connecting to a PC. In the computer command line, enter the connection test command:
fastboot devicesIf you see the device serial number in response, then the connection is established. Next, enter the unlock command. For most devices, it looks like fastboot oem unlock or fastboot flashing unlock. A warning will appear on the smartphone screen, which you need to confirm with the volume buttons.
Installing the TWRP image via Fastboot mode
After successfully unlocking and rebooting the device, you need to return it to mode Fastboot. Now we can write the custom recovery image to a special memory section. Make sure that the file twrp.img is in the same folder where the executable files adb.exe and fastboot.exe.
Execute the firmware command, specifying the file name. The command syntax is extremely simple, but requires accuracy in spelling the file name:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.imgAfter the process is completed, you will see a message finished. total time: .... Here lies an important nuance that beginners often forget about. If you simply reboot the phone with a standard command, the stock recovery can automatically replace the newly installed TWRP factory recovery.
Why does TWRP crash after the first reboot?
Some firmware have a protection mechanism that checks the integrity of the recovery partition when booting. If a signature mismatch is detected, the system automatically restores the original image. To avoid this, you need to immediately boot into recovery mode after flashing the firmware, without rebooting into the system.
To prevent a rollback, use a special command that will immediately send the device to recovery mode:
fastboot boot twrp.imgOr, if the image is already written to memory, hold down the button combination to enter Recovery immediately after the screen goes blank upon reboot. Getting into the menu with touch controls and a logo Team Win means the success of the operation.
Initial setup and saving changes
At the first start TWRP may ask for permission to make changes to the system. Swipe the slider Swipe to Allow Modifications. If this is not done, the recovery will return to stock state the next time you reboot. This is a critical step to consolidate the result.
Next, it is recommended to format the data section. This is necessary if you are moving from stock firmware with encryption that the new recovery cannot read. In the menu, select the item Wipethen Format Data and enter the word yes to confirm.
| Action | TWRP menu | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Allowing modifications | Home screen (Swipe) | Saving TWRP after reboot |
| Full reset | Wipe → Format Data | Removing encryption and clearing memory |
| Backup | Backup | Creating an image of the current system |
| Installing ZIP | Install | Flashing patches or new OS |
After formatting, the device will reboot. Now you can boot into the system or stay in recovery to install additional components, such Magisk to obtain root access. The interface TWRP is fully touch-sensitive and intuitive, which simplifies navigation.
The main rule for a successful installation is not to reboot into Android immediately after flashing the image, but first go into the recovery itself and allow system modifications.
Possible errors and methods for eliminating them
During the installation process, users often encounter various problems. One of the most common is error FAILED (remote: device locked). It means that the bootloader is still locked or has been locked again. Check the status in Fastboot mode with the command fastboot oem device-info.
Another common problem is “bricked” after trying to install recovery from another model. The processor architecture and memory sections differ between smartphones. Flashing an image from Redmi Note 10 to Redmi Note 9 is guaranteed to disable the device.
⚠️ Attention: Never use image files intended for other models, even if they look similar. Incompatibility of partition tables can lead to irreversible damage to the device.
If the computer does not see the phone in Fastboot mode, try replacing the USB cable or switching it to another port, preferably USB 2.0. It is also worth checking the Windows Device Manager: if there is a device with a yellow exclamation mark there, then the drivers are not installed correctly.
☑️ Diagnosing connection problems
B If the device is stuck on the logo when booting (bootloop), you will need to enter Fastboot mode again and flash the stock image from the official firmware. This will return the phone to its factory state. boot.img or recovery.img from the official firmware. This will return the phone to its factory state.
What to do after successful installation of TWRP
Once TWRP works stably, new opportunities open up before you. You can install custom ROMs, such as LineageOS or Pixel Experiencewhich are often faster and offer more features than stock Android.
Creating full backups (Nandroid Backup) is also available. Unlike cloud services, such a copy saves absolutely everything: settings, applications, passwords and data. Restoring from such a copy takes a matter of minutes and returns the phone exactly to the state it was in at the time of the backup.
To obtain superuser rights, download the archive Magisk.zip. In the TWRP menu, click Install, select the downloaded file and swipe to confirm the installation. After the reboot, you will have full control over the system.
Regularly make backups of the EFS partition, if it is available in your version of TWRP. This section contains unique IMEI identifiers, and its loss can lead to the inoperability of the mobile network.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will installing TWRP delete all my data?
Flashing the image to the recovery partition itself does not delete the data. However, the process of unlocking the bootloader, which is a mandatory preliminary step, always causes a full reset of the device (Factory Reset). Therefore, creating a backup copy is necessary.
Is it possible to update Android over the air (OTA) with TWRP installed?
Official updates over the air usually do not come to devices with an unlocked bootloader or custom recovery installed. Trying to install an OTA update may result in an error or overwriting TWRP to stock. It is better to update manually through downloaded firmware images.
Is it safe to use banking applications after installing TWRP?
By default, the presence of a custom recovery and an unlocked bootloader violates the integrity of the system (SafetyNet/Play Integrity), which is why banking applications and Google Pay may not work. However, using Magisk modules (for example, Play Integrity Fix) can often hide these modifications and restore application functionality.
What to do if TWRP does not see the internal memory?
This is a common problem on devices with data encryption. The solution is to format the Data section through the menu Wipe → Format Data inside TWRP itself. This will delete all files, but will decrypt the memory, making it writable.
Is it possible to return stock recovery back?
Yes, it is possible. To do this, you need to download the original file recovery.img from the stock firmware for your model and flash it via Fastboot with the command fastboot flash recovery recovery.img, having previously locked the bootloader if a complete state restoration is required.