Install TWRP Recovery

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is your gateway to custom ROMs. It's the tool that lets you flash ROMs, make backups, and modify your system.

I've installed TWRP on dozens of devices. Here's everything you need to know.

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What is TWRP?

TWRP replaces your phone's stock recovery with a powerful alternative:

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Before You Start

Prerequisites

• Bootloader unlocked - Guide here
• ADB/Fastboot installed - Setup guide
• USB debugging enabled
• TWRP image for your device

Get Correct TWRP

⚠️ Critical: Download TWRP for YOUR EXACT device!

Wrong TWRP = potential brick.

Official Source: twrp.me

1. Find your device by brand and model
2. Download the .img file
3. Note any device-specific instructions

No Official TWRP? Check:

• XDA Forums for your device
• Device-specific Telegram groups
• OrangeFox as alternative

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Method 1: Fastboot Flash (Standard)

The most common method for most devices.

Step 1: Boot to Fastboot/Bootloader

adb reboot bootloader

Or with phone off, hold:

• Most devices: Power + Volume Down
• Some Samsung: Different mode (see Samsung section)

Step 2: Verify Connection

fastboot devices

Should show your device ID. If not:

• Try different USB port (USB 2.0 often works better)
• Install proper drivers
• Check cable is data cable, not charge-only

Step 3: Flash TWRP

fastboot flash recovery twrp-xxx-device.img

Wait for success message.

Step 4: Boot Directly to TWRP

Important: Don't boot to system first!

fastboot reboot recovery

Or use button combo:

• Hold Power + Volume Up immediately after reboot
• Release when TWRP logo appears

Step 5: Make TWRP Persistent

First boot into TWRP:

• Swipe to allow modifications when prompted
• This makes TWRP permanent

Some devices need additional steps - check device-specific notes.

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Method 2: Temporary Boot (Testing)

Want to test TWRP before permanently installing?

fastboot boot twrp-xxx-device.img

This boots TWRP once without flashing. After reboot, stock recovery returns.

Good for testing if TWRP works on your device.

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Method 3: Flash via Existing TWRP

Already have old TWRP? Update like this:

1. Copy new TWRP.img to phone
2. Boot to TWRP
3. Install → Install Image
4. Select TWRP.img
5. Select Recovery partition
6. Swipe to flash
7. Reboot to Recovery

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Samsung Devices (Odin Method)

Samsung doesn't use fastboot. Use Odin instead.

Get Files

• TWRP as .tar or .tar.md5 file
• Odin tool (latest version)

Boot to Download Mode

Power off, then:

Hold Volume Down + Volume Up + Connect USB
Press Volume Up when prompted

Flash with Odin

1. Open Odin (run as administrator)
2. Click AP → Select TWRP.tar
3. UNCHECK Auto Reboot
4. Click Start
5. Wait for PASS message
6. Manually reboot to recovery:
   Volume Up + Power (while holding Volume Down first to disconnect)

Samsung Tips

• Immediately boot to TWRP after flash (don't boot to system)
• Stock boot can replace custom recovery
• Consider installing TWRP app for easier re-flashing

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Xiaomi/POCO/Redmi Devices

Xiaomi often replaces recovery on boot.

Standard Flash

fastboot flash recovery twrp-xxx.img
fastboot reboot recovery  # Boot directly to recovery!

Prevent Stock Recovery Return

After flashing TWRP:

1. Boot directly to TWRP (don't boot system)
2. Flash Magisk or a ROM immediately
3. This prevents stock from replacing TWRP

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A/B Partition Devices (Modern Phones)

Newer phones have A/B partitions (no separate recovery partition).

How to Check

adb shell getprop ro.boot.slot_suffix
# Returns _a or _b = A/B device

Flashing on A/B Devices

Different process:

# Boot TWRP temporarily
fastboot boot twrp-xxx.img

# Once in TWRP, flash permanently
# TWRP → Advanced → Flash Current TWRP

Some A/B devices need ramdisk patching - check device XDA thread.

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Using TWRP

Main Screen Overview

┌──────────────────────────────┐
│         TWRP v3.X.X          │
├──────────────────────────────┤
│  Install    Wipe    Backup   │
│  Restore   Mount   Settings  │
│  Advanced  Reboot            │
└──────────────────────────────┘

Install (Flash ZIPs)

Install → Navigate to ZIP file → Swipe to confirm
Can queue multiple ZIPs

Wipe (Reset Data)

Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Select partitions
- Dalvik/Cache: Always safe
- System: Clears ROM
- Data: Factory reset
- Cache: Safe to clear
- Internal Storage: Wipes all files!

Backup (Create NANDroid)

Backup → Select partitions to backup
- Boot (always)
- System (recommended)
- Data (if space permits)
Swipe to backup

Restore

Restore → Select backup → Choose partitions → Swipe

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Making Backups

Before ANY modifications, backup!

Essential Backup

At minimum, backup:

• Boot ✓
• System ✓
• Vendor ✓

Full Backup

For peace of mind:

• All of the above
• Data (takes longer, much larger)
• EFS (very important for some devices)

Backup Location

Backups go to:

/sdcard/TWRP/BACKUPS/[serial]/[backup_name]/

Copy to computer for safekeeping!

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Troubleshooting

TWRP Boots Then Replaced by Stock

Some phones replace recovery on boot:

1. Boot directly to TWRP without booting to system
2. Flash Magisk or ROM immediately
3. This prevents replacement

Touch Screen Not Working

Try:

• Different TWRP version
• Unofficial TWRP built for your ROM
• Use volume buttons + power for navigation

Can't Decrypt Storage

TWRP version doesn't match Android version:

• Get TWRP matching your Android version
• Or: Wipe → Format Data (erases everything but allows access)

"Unable to Mount Storage"

Advanced → Fix Contexts
If still fails, Format Data (erases internal storage)

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Alternatives to TWRP

OrangeFox Recovery

Modern alternative with:

• Better UI
• More features
• Built-in Magisk installer
• OrangeFox Guide

PitchBlack Recovery

Another good option for some devices.

SHRP (Skyhawk)

Modern recovery with theming support.

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Summary

Quick TWRP Install:
1. Download TWRP.img for your device
2. adb reboot bootloader
3. fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
4. fastboot reboot recovery
5. Swipe to allow modifications
6. Done!

TWRP is the foundation for everything else - ROMs, root, mods. Get it installed, and the rest is easy.

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