Custom Recovery Installation Guide โ
Complete guide for beginners and advanced users to install custom recovery - your gateway to root access, custom ROMs, and advanced Android modifications.
Table of Contents โ
- Overview
- Recovery Options
- Prerequisites
- Installation Process
- Post-Installation
- Essential Operations
- Troubleshooting
What is Custom Recovery? โ
Custom recovery is a specialized environment that replaces your device's stock recovery mode, providing advanced system management capabilities.
What You Can Do โ
- Flash custom ROMs (LineageOS, Pixel Experience, etc.)
- Install root solutions (Magisk, KernelSU, APatch)
- Create complete system backups (NANDroid)
- Manage system files with root access
- Install mods and frameworks (LSPosed, Xposed)
Stock vs Custom Recovery โ
Stock Recovery | Custom Recovery |
---|---|
โ Factory reset and cache wipes | โ All stock features plus advanced options |
โ Official OTA updates | โ Custom ROM and kernel installation |
โ No custom ROM support | โ Complete system backups (NANDroid) |
โ Limited file management | โ Advanced file manager with root access |
โ No root package installation | โ Flash Magisk, KernelSU, and custom packages |
โ Basic interface | โ Touch-friendly modern interface |
Requirements Path โ
- ๐ Unlock bootloader โ Start here
- ๐ ๏ธ Install custom recovery (this guide)
- โก Install root solution โ Next step
โ ๏ธ ESSENTIAL PREREQUISITE
Unlocked bootloader required! Complete bootloader unlocking first.
Recovery Options โ
Choose the best recovery for your needs:
TWRP (Recommended for Beginners) โ
Team Win Recovery Project - Most popular and stable
- โ Widest device support and extensive documentation
- โ Proven stability with large community
- โ Touch interface with easy navigation
- โ Basic interface design
- Best for: First-time users, maximum compatibility
OrangeFox (Best Interface) โ
OrangeFox Recovery - Modern TWRP-based recovery
- โ Beautiful modern interface with Material Design
- โ Enhanced features and improved file manager
- โ TWRP compatible with regular updates
- โ Limited device support vs TWRP
- Best for: Users wanting modern UI and extra features
SKYHAWK/SHRP (Advanced Features) โ
SKYHAWK Recovery - Feature-rich with dashboard
- โ Unique dashboard interface with built-in tools
- โ Security features (password protection)
- โ Integrated Magisk installer and theming
- โ Newest project with smallest device support
- Best for: Power users wanting cutting-edge features
๐ก Quick Decision Guide
- New to custom recovery? โ Choose TWRP
- Want modern interface? โ Choose OrangeFox
- Need advanced features? โ Choose SKYHAWK
- Device not supported? โ Check XDA Forums for unofficial builds
Prerequisites โ
Required (Must Complete First) โ
โ ๏ธ ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Unlocked bootloader - Absolutely required
- ADB/Fastboot tools - Setup guide
- USB debugging enabled - In Developer Options
- Correct recovery image - For your exact device model
- 50%+ battery charge - Prevent interruption during flashing
Important Warnings โ
- Wrong recovery = brick risk - Double-check device compatibility
- Warranty voided - Beyond bootloader unlocking
- Backup recommended - Create full backup before proceeding
- Power interruption - Can cause serious device issues
Installation Process โ
Step 1: Download Recovery Image โ
Find your device specs:
- Settings โ About Phone โ Model Number
- Note Android version and device codename
Download from official sources:
- TWRP: twrp.me/Devices
- OrangeFox: orangefox.download
- SKYHAWK: skyhawkrecovery.github.io
๐ก Device Not Listed?
If your device isn't officially supported:
- Check XDA Developers forum for unofficial builds
- Look for Telegram groups for your device
- Consider TWRP first as it has widest support
Step 2: Prepare for Installation โ
Place Recovery File:
- Move downloaded
.img
file to ADB/Fastboot folder - Rename to simple name:
recovery.img
- Move downloaded
Enable USB Debugging:
- Ensure USB Debugging is still enabled
- Connect device to computer
Test ADB Connection:
adb devices
Expected output: [device_serial] device
Step 3: Boot to Fastboot Mode โ
Choose your method:
Method 1: ADB Command (Recommended)
adb reboot bootloader
Method 2: Hardware Keys
- Power off device completely
- Hold Volume Down + Power until fastboot screen appears
- (Key combination varies by manufacturer)
Method 3: Fastboot Command (if in fastboot already)
fastboot devices
Verify device is detected: [device_serial] fastboot
Step 4: Flash Custom Recovery โ
โ ๏ธ CRITICAL STEP
Double-check you have the correct recovery image for your exact device model before proceeding!
Flash the recovery:
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
Expected output:
Sending 'recovery' (xxxxx KB)...
OKAY [ x.xxxs]
Writing 'recovery'...
OKAY [ x.xxxs]
Finished. Total time: x.xxxs
Step 5: Boot to Recovery (Important!) โ
Immediately boot to recovery to prevent stock recovery restoration:
Method 1: Fastboot Command
fastboot boot recovery.img
Method 2: Hardware Keys
- Use Volume buttons to navigate to "Recovery Mode"
- Press Power to select
- Device should boot directly to custom recovery
๐ก Why Boot Immediately?
Some devices automatically restore stock recovery on first normal boot. Booting to custom recovery first prevents this restoration.
Post-Installation โ
1. Verify Installation โ
- Boot to recovery using hardware keys (Volume Up + Power)
- Navigate through menus to test touch/button response
- Check if all features load properly
2. Create NANDroid Backup (Critical!) โ
๐พ CREATE BACKUP FIRST
Always create a complete backup before making any system changes!
In recovery interface:
- Go to Backup section
- Select partitions:
- โ Boot (essential)
- โ System (essential)
- โ Data (recommended)
- โ Recovery (for safety)
- Start backup (takes 10-30 minutes)
- Store backup files safely
3. Test Basic Functions โ
- File manager - Browse system folders
- Flash test - Try flashing a simple zip
- Wipe functions - Test cache wipe (safe)
Essential Operations โ
Installing ZIP Files โ
- Download
.zip
file to device storage - Boot to recovery
- Install โ Navigate to file โ Swipe to confirm
- Reboot System when complete
Managing Backups โ
- Create: Backup โ Select partitions โ Start
- Restore: Restore โ Select backup โ Choose partitions โ Confirm
- Store safely: Copy backups to computer/cloud storage
Wiping System โ
- Factory Reset: Wipe โ Factory Reset (keeps internal storage)
- Advanced Wipe: Choose specific partitions (System, Data, Cache, etc.)
- Format Data: Complete data partition wipe (loses encryption)
โ ๏ธ Wipe Warnings
- System wipe removes Android OS - have ROM ready to flash
- Data wipe removes all user data and apps
- Format Data removes encryption - requires password/PIN reset
Troubleshooting โ
Common Issues โ
Recovery Won't Boot โ
Problem: Device stuck on boot screen or bootloop Solutions:
- Re-flash recovery:bash
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
- Try different recovery version or different recovery project
- Emergency: Flash stock recovery if available
"No OS Installed" Warning โ
Problem: Recovery shows system not detected Solutions:
- Ignore and reboot - often boots normally anyway
- Flash custom ROM if this was your intention
- Restore system backup if available
Touch Not Working โ
Problem: Cannot navigate recovery with touch Solutions:
- Use hardware keys - Volume keys navigate, Power selects
- Try different recovery - Some have better touch support
- Check device compatibility - May need specific build
Recovery Disappears โ
Problem: Custom recovery replaced by stock after reboot Solutions:
- Install root solution (Magisk) to prevent replacement
- Boot to recovery immediately after flashing
- Avoid normal boot until root is installed
Emergency Recovery โ
If recovery is completely broken:
Boot to fastboot:
bashfastboot devices
Flash stock recovery:
bashfastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img
Flash stock ROM if needed:
- Samsung: Use Odin + stock firmware
- Xiaomi: Mi Flash Tool + fastboot ROM
- OnePlus: MSM Download Tool
- Google: Factory images
Advanced Troubleshooting โ
Fastboot not working:
- Check USB drivers (Windows)
- Try different USB port/cable
- Enable OEM unlocking again
- Use different computer
Recovery crashes:
- Wrong recovery for device variant
- Corrupted download - re-download
- Hardware incompatibility
Next Steps โ
Recovery installed successfully! Choose your path:
For Beginners โ
- Install Magisk - Most popular root solution
- Practice with recovery - Create backups, flash simple mods
- Read FAQ - Common questions answered
For Advanced Users โ
- Try KernelSU/APatch - Kernel-based root alternatives
- Install custom ROM - Complete Android replacement
- Set up development environment - For ROM building
Need Help? โ
- Complete FAQ - Troubleshooting guide
- Join community - Get support from other users
- XDA Forums - Device-specific help
๐ Congratulations!
You've successfully installed custom recovery! This unlocks the full potential of Android modification. Take time to explore the interface and always backup before making changes.