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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€‹

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 RecoveryCustom Recovery
โœ… Factory reset and cache wipesโœ… All stock features plus advanced options
โœ… Official OTA updatesโœ… Custom ROM and kernel installation
โŒ No custom ROM supportโœ… Complete system backups (NANDroid)
โŒ Limited file managementโœ… Advanced file manager with root access
โŒ No root package installationโœ… Flash Magisk, KernelSU, and custom packages
โŒ Basic interfaceโœ… Touch-friendly modern interface

Requirements Path โ€‹

  1. ๐Ÿ”“ Unlock bootloader โ† Start here
  2. ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Install custom recovery (this guide)
  3. โšก Install root solution โ† Next step

โš ๏ธ ESSENTIAL PREREQUISITE

Unlocked bootloader required! Complete bootloader unlocking first.

Recovery Options โ€‹

Choose the best recovery for your needs:

Team Win Recovery Project - Most popular and stable

  • โœ… Widest device support and extensive documentation
  • โœ… Proven stability with large community
  • โœ… Touch interface with easy navigation
  • โŒ Basic interface design
  • Best for: First-time users, maximum compatibility

OrangeFox (Best Interface) โ€‹

OrangeFox Recovery - Modern TWRP-based recovery

  • โœ… Beautiful modern interface with Material Design
  • โœ… Enhanced features and improved file manager
  • โœ… TWRP compatible with regular updates
  • โŒ 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

  • โœ… Unique dashboard interface with built-in tools
  • โœ… Security features (password protection)
  • โœ… Integrated Magisk installer and theming
  • โŒ Newest project with smallest device support
  • Best for: Power users wanting cutting-edge features

๐Ÿ’ก 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€‹

โš ๏ธ ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. Unlocked bootloader - Absolutely required
  2. ADB/Fastboot tools - Setup guide
  3. USB debugging enabled - In Developer Options
  4. Correct recovery image - For your exact device model
  5. 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€‹

  1. Find your device specs:

    • Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ Model Number
    • Note Android version and device codename
  2. Download from official sources:

๐Ÿ’ก 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€‹

  1. Place Recovery File:

    • Move downloaded .img file to ADB/Fastboot folder
    • Rename to simple name: recovery.img
  2. Enable USB Debugging:

    • Ensure USB Debugging is still enabled
    • Connect device to computer
  3. Test ADB Connection:

bash
adb devices

Expected output: [device_serial] device

Step 3: Boot to Fastboot Mode โ€‹

Choose your method:

Method 1: ADB Command (Recommended)

bash
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)

bash
fastboot devices

Verify device is detected: [device_serial] fastboot

Step 4: Flash Custom Recovery โ€‹

โš ๏ธ CRITICAL STEP

Double-check you have the correct recovery image for your exact device model before proceeding!

Flash the recovery:

bash
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

bash
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

๐Ÿ’ก 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€‹

๐Ÿ’พ CREATE BACKUP FIRST

Always create a complete backup before making any system changes!

In recovery interface:

  1. Go to Backup section
  2. Select partitions:
    • โœ… Boot (essential)
    • โœ… System (essential)
    • โœ… Data (recommended)
    • โœ… Recovery (for safety)
  3. Start backup (takes 10-30 minutes)
  4. 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€‹

  1. Download .zip file to device storage
  2. Boot to recovery
  3. Install โ†’ Navigate to file โ†’ Swipe to confirm
  4. 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)

โš ๏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:

  1. Re-flash recovery:
    bash
    fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
  2. Try different recovery version or different recovery project
  3. Emergency: Flash stock recovery if available

"No OS Installed" Warning โ€‹

Problem: Recovery shows system not detected Solutions:

  1. Ignore and reboot - often boots normally anyway
  2. Flash custom ROM if this was your intention
  3. Restore system backup if available

Touch Not Working โ€‹

Problem: Cannot navigate recovery with touch Solutions:

  1. Use hardware keys - Volume keys navigate, Power selects
  2. Try different recovery - Some have better touch support
  3. Check device compatibility - May need specific build

Recovery Disappears โ€‹

Problem: Custom recovery replaced by stock after reboot Solutions:

  1. Install root solution (Magisk) to prevent replacement
  2. Boot to recovery immediately after flashing
  3. Avoid normal boot until root is installed

Emergency Recovery โ€‹

If recovery is completely broken:

  1. Boot to fastboot:

    bash
    fastboot devices
  2. Flash stock recovery:

    bash
    fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img
  3. 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€‹

  1. Install Magisk - Most popular root solution
  2. Practice with recovery - Create backups, flash simple mods
  3. Read FAQ - Common questions answered

For Advanced Users โ€‹

  1. Try KernelSU/APatch - Kernel-based root alternatives
  2. Install custom ROM - Complete Android replacement
  3. Set up development environment - For ROM building

Need Help? โ€‹

๐ŸŽ‰ 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.

Made with โค๏ธ for the Android Root community