Awesome Android Root

Appearance

Complete Custom Recovery Installation Guide ​

Your gateway to Android customization - Install custom recovery to unlock rooting, custom ROMs, and advanced system management.

🔗 Essential Resources ​

⚡ What is Custom Recovery? ​

Custom recovery replaces Android's stock recovery with an enhanced system that unlocks advanced modification capabilities:

Core Advantages ​

  • Complete NANDroid Backups - Full system snapshots for safe experimentation
  • Custom ROM Installation - Gateway to LineageOS, GrapheneOS, Pixel Experience
  • Root Solution Management - Install Magisk, KernelSU, APatch efficiently
  • Advanced File Operations - Partition management and system repair tools
  • Enhanced ADB Access - Powerful debugging and troubleshooting capabilities

Requirements Path ​

  1. 🔓 Unlock bootloader ← Start here
  2. 🛠️ Install custom recovery (this guide)
  3. ⚡ Install root solution ← Next step

⚠️ ESSENTIAL PREREQUISITE

Unlocked bootloader required! Complete bootloader unlocking first.

Recovery Options ​

Choose the best recovery for your needs:

Team Win Recovery Project - Most popular and stable

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

OrangeFox (Best Interface) ​

OrangeFox Recovery - Modern TWRP-based recovery

  • ✅ Beautiful modern interface with Material Design
  • ✅ Enhanced features and improved file manager
  • ✅ TWRP compatible with regular updates
  • ❌ Limited device support vs TWRP
  • Best for: Users wanting modern UI and extra features

SKYHAWK/SHRP (Advanced Features) ​

SKYHAWK Recovery - Feature-rich with dashboard

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

💡 Quick Decision Guide

  • New to custom recovery? → Choose TWRP
  • Want modern interface? → Choose OrangeFox
  • Need advanced features? → Choose SKYHAWK
  • Device not supported? → Check XDA Forums for unofficial builds

✅ Prerequisites & Preparation ​

Essential Requirements ​

  • 🔓 Unlocked Bootloader - Mandatory prerequisite
  • Platform Tools - Download ADB/Fastboot
  • USB Drivers - Manufacturer-specific drivers installed
  • Recovery Image - Device-specific file from official sources
  • Quality USB Cable - Data transfer capable

Critical Safety Checks ​

⚠️ ESSENTIAL WARNINGS

  • Device Model Match - Wrong recovery = potential brick
  • Battery Level 50%+ - Prevent interruption during flash
  • Backup Creation - Full system backup recommended
  • Warranty Impact - Process voids manufacturer warranty

Preparation Steps ​

  1. Verify Device Information

    • Settings → About Phone → Model Number
    • Note exact model and Android version

  2. Download Recovery Sources

🚀 Installation Process ​

Step 1: Download & Prepare Recovery ​

  1. Download Recovery Image

    • Visit official source for your chosen recovery
    • Select your exact device model
    • Download latest .img file

  2. Setup Working Directory

    • Place recovery file in platform-tools folder
    • Rename to simple name: recovery.img
    • Open terminal/command prompt in this folder

Step 2: Enter Fastboot Mode ​

ADB Method (Recommended):

bash
adb reboot bootloader

Hardware Keys Method:

  • Power off device completely
  • Hold Volume Down + Power until fastboot appears
  • (Key combination varies by manufacturer)

Verify Connection:

bash
fastboot devices

Expected: Device serial number displayed

Step 3: Flash Custom Recovery ​

⚠️ CRITICAL VERIFICATION

Double-check device model compatibility before flashing!

Flash Command:

bash
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

Success Indicators:

  • Sending 'recovery' message
  • Writing 'recovery' confirmation
  • OKAY status with timing info

Step 4: Boot to Recovery (Essential!) ​

Immediately boot to prevent stock recovery restoration:

bash
fastboot boot recovery.img

Or use hardware keys: Volume Up + Power (varies by device)

💡 Why Boot Immediately?

Some devices automatically restore stock recovery on first normal boot. Booting to custom recovery first prevents this restoration.

Post-Installation ​

1. Verify Installation ​

  • 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!) ​

💾 CREATE BACKUP FIRST

Always create a complete backup before making any system changes!

In recovery interface:

  1. Go to Backup section
  2. Select partitions:
    • ✅ Boot (essential)
    • ✅ System (essential)
    • ✅ Data (recommended)
    • ✅ Recovery (for safety)
  3. Start backup (takes 10-30 minutes)
  4. Store backup files safely

3. Test Basic Functions ​

  • File manager - Browse system folders
  • Flash test - Try flashing a simple zip
  • Wipe functions - Test cache wipe (safe)

Essential Operations ​

Installing ZIP Files ​

  1. Download .zip file to device storage
  2. Boot to recovery
  3. Install → Navigate to file → Swipe to confirm
  4. Reboot System when complete

Managing Backups ​

  • Create: Backup → Select partitions → Start
  • Restore: Restore → Select backup → Choose partitions → Confirm
  • Store safely: Copy backups to computer/cloud storage

Wiping System ​

  • Factory Reset: Wipe → Factory Reset (keeps internal storage)
  • Advanced Wipe: Choose specific partitions (System, Data, Cache, etc.)
  • Format Data: Complete data partition wipe (loses encryption)

⚠️ 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 ​

Common Issues ​

Recovery Won't Boot ​

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 ​

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 ​

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 ​

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 ​

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 ​

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 ​

Recovery installed successfully! Choose your path:

For Beginners ​

  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 ​

  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? ​

🎉 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 ❤️ for the Android Root community

Copyright © 2025 Awesome Android Root Project. All rights reserved.