Custom Recovery Installation Guide

Complete guide to installing custom recovery on Android devices - your gateway to advanced modifications, custom ROMs, and powerful system management tools.

Table of Contents

• Quick Start
• What is Custom Recovery?
• Recovery Options Comparison
  • TWRP - Team Win Recovery Project
  • OrangeFox Recovery
  • SKYHAWK Recovery Project (SHRP)
• Before You Begin
  • Prerequisites
  • Important Warnings
• Universal Installation Steps
• Post-Installation Setup
• Using Your Custom Recovery
• Troubleshooting
• Advanced Topics

Quick Start

Ready to install custom recovery? Follow this roadmap:

1. 🔓 Unlock bootloader - Essential prerequisite
2. 🔍 Choose recovery - TWRP, OrangeFox, or SKYHAWK
3. 📋 Check prerequisites - Ensure you have everything ready
4. 📱 Find your device - Download correct recovery image
5. 🛠️ Install recovery - Flash using fastboot
6. ✅ Verify installation - Test recovery functionality

🔗 Related Guides in This Series:

• 📖 Complete Rooting Guide - Master guide covering all aspects of rooting
• 🔓 Bootloader Unlocking - Required prerequisite step
• ⚡ Root Installation - Next step: Install Magisk, KernelSU, or APatch
• 🌟 Custom ROM Installation - Advanced: Install custom Android ROMs
• ❓ FAQ & Troubleshooting - Complete support guide with troubleshooting solutions

🚀 Prerequisites Check

Before starting, ensure you have completed bootloader unlocking and have ADB/Fastboot tools ready. Custom recovery installation requires an unlocked bootloader.

What is Custom Recovery?

Custom recovery is a specialized environment that replaces your device's stock recovery mode, providing advanced system management capabilities:

Key Functions

• 📦 Flash Custom ROMs - Install LineageOS, Pixel Experience, and other custom Android versions
• 🔧 Install Root Solutions - Flash Magisk, KernelSU, and APatch packages
• 💾 Complete System Backups - Create and restore NANDroid backups of entire system
• 🗂️ Advanced File Management - Mount partitions and manage system files
• 🧹 System Maintenance - Wipe cache, dalvik, and perform factory resets
• 🔄 Update Management - Install OTA updates and custom firmware

Stock vs Custom Recovery

Stock Recovery	Custom Recovery
✅ Factory reset and cache wipes	✅ All stock features plus advanced options
✅ Official OTA updates	✅ Custom ROM and kernel installation
❌ No custom ROM support	✅ Complete system backups (NANDroid)
❌ Limited file management	✅ Advanced file manager with root access
❌ No root package installation	✅ Flash Magisk, KernelSU, and custom packages
❌ Basic interface	✅ Touch-friendly modern interface

Recovery Options Comparison

TWRP - Team Win Recovery Project

TWRP - The most popular and widely supported custom recovery

Latest Version: 3.7.1 (February 2024)

Pros:

• ✅ Widest Device Support - Largest compatibility across Android devices
• ✅ Mature and Stable - Years of development and testing
• ✅ Extensive Documentation - Comprehensive guides and community support
• ✅ Touch Interface - Full touchscreen navigation
• ✅ Active Community - Large user base and developer community

Cons:

• ❌ Basic Interface - Older, less modern design
• ❌ Limited Theming - Minimal customization options
• ❌ Development Slowing - Updates less frequent recently

Best For:

• First-time users seeking maximum compatibility
• Devices with official TWRP support
• Users wanting proven stability

Device Support: Check TWRP Device Database

OrangeFox Recovery

OrangeFox Recovery - Modern TWRP-based recovery with enhanced features

Pros:

• ✅ Modern Interface - Beautiful, intuitive design with Material Design elements
• ✅ Enhanced Features - Additional tools and utilities beyond standard TWRP
• ✅ Regular Updates - Active development with frequent improvements
• ✅ TWRP Compatibility - Full compatibility with TWRP scripts and functions
• ✅ Advanced File Manager - Improved file management capabilities

Cons:

• ❌ Limited Device Support - Fewer officially supported devices than TWRP
• ❌ Newer Project - Less long-term stability testing
• ❌ Larger Size - More storage space required

Best For:

• Users wanting modern interface and enhanced features
• Devices with official OrangeFox support
• Advanced users appreciating extra utilities

Device Support: Check OrangeFox Downloads

SKYHAWK Recovery Project (SHRP)

SKYHAWK Recovery - Feature-rich recovery with dashboard interface

Latest Version: 3.1

Pros:

• ✅ Dashboard Interface - Unique dashboard design for easy navigation
• ✅ Built-in Tools - Integrated Magisk installer, Camera2API enabler
• ✅ Security Features - Password lock protection for recovery access
• ✅ Theming Support - Multiple theme options (Dark, Black, White)
• ✅ Modern Design - Clean, contemporary interface

Cons:

• ❌ Newest Project - Least mature of the three options
• ❌ Limited Device Support - Smallest device compatibility list
• ❌ Less Documentation - Fewer guides and community resources

Best For:

• Users wanting cutting-edge features and modern design
• Devices with official SHRP support
• Power users who appreciate integrated tools

Device Support: Check SHRP Devices

Before You Begin

Prerequisites

⚠️ ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

You MUST have these completed before proceeding:

1. 🔓 Unlocked Bootloader - Custom recovery requires unlocked bootloader
2. 📱 ADB/Fastboot Tools - Setup guide here
3. 💻 USB Debugging Enabled - Enable in Developer Options

Additional Requirements

• ✅ Device Drivers - Proper USB drivers installed (Windows)
• ✅ Recovery Image - Correct recovery file for your exact device model
• ✅ Backup - Complete device backup before proceeding
• ✅ Battery - At least 50% charge on device
• ✅ Stable Connection - Quality USB cable and reliable computer

Important Warnings

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNINGS

Read these warnings carefully:

• 📱 DEVICE-SPECIFIC: Using wrong recovery image can brick your device
• 🔄 IRREVERSIBLE: Some devices cannot return to stock recovery easily
• ⚡ POWER LOSS: Interruption during flashing can cause serious issues
• 🔒 WARRANTY: Further voids warranty beyond bootloader unlocking
• 🛡️ SECURITY: Custom recovery provides root-level system access

Universal Installation Steps

These steps apply to all custom recovery installations:

Step 1: Download Recovery Image

Finding Recovery for Your Device

1. Identify Your Device:

   • Find exact model number: Settings → About Phone → Model Number
   • Note Android version and build number
   • Identify device codename (important for downloads)

2. Download from Official Sources:

   For TWRP:

   • Visit TWRP.me
   • Search for your device model
   • Download latest stable version

   For OrangeFox:

   • Visit OrangeFox Downloads
   • Use search to find your device
   • Download latest stable build

   For SKYHAWK (SHRP):

   • Visit SHRP Devices
   • Find your device in supported list
   • Download from official channels

💡 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

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:

adb devices

Expected output: [device_serial] device

Step 3: Boot to Fastboot Mode

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

⚠️ 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!)

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

💡 Why Boot Immediately?

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

Post-Installation Setup

Step 1: Verify Installation

1. Boot to Recovery:

   • Power off device
   • Use hardware key combination to enter recovery
   • Should boot to custom recovery interface

2. Test Basic Functions:

   • Navigate through menus
   • Test backup function (create test backup)
   • Verify file manager works

Step 2: Create System Backup

💾 CRITICAL: Create Backup Immediately

Create a NANDroid backup before making any modifications!

In Custom Recovery:

1. Navigate to Backup section
2. Select partitions to backup:
   • ✅ Boot (essential)
   • ✅ System (essential)
   • ✅ Data (user data - optional but recommended)
   • ✅ Recovery (to restore current recovery if needed)
3. Start backup process
4. Wait for completion (may take 10-30 minutes)

Step 3: Configure Recovery Settings

Recommended Settings:

• Enable screen timeout extension
• Set default backup location
• Configure advanced features as needed
• Test restore functionality with small backup

Using Your Custom Recovery

Essential Operations

Installing Packages (.zip files)

1. Download files to internal storage or SD card
2. Boot to recovery
3. Select Install (or Flash in some recoveries)
4. Navigate to file location
5. Select package and swipe to confirm
6. Reboot when complete

Creating Backups

1. Go to Backup section
2. Select partitions to backup
3. Choose backup location
4. Start backup process
5. Store backup safely

Restoring Backups

1. Go to Restore section
2. Select backup location
3. Choose backup to restore
4. Select partitions to restore
5. Confirm and wait for completion

Wiping Partitions

1. Go to Wipe section
2. Select wipe type:
   • Factory Reset - Data and cache
   • Advanced Wipe - Choose specific partitions
   • Format Data - Complete data partition format

Troubleshooting

Common Issues and Solutions

Recovery Won't Boot / Bootloop

Symptoms: Device stuck on boot screen or boot loops

Solutions:

1. Boot to Fastboot:

   • Use hardware keys to enter fastboot mode
   • Reflash recovery image

   fastboot flash recovery recovery.img

2. Flash Stock Recovery (Emergency):

   • Download stock recovery for your device
   • Flash using fastboot

   fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img

"No OS Installed" Message

Meaning: Recovery doesn't detect bootable system

Solutions:

1. Install ROM:

   • Flash custom ROM if intended
   • Or restore system backup if available

2. Boot to System:

   • Try rebooting to system anyway
   • May boot normally despite message

Touch Not Working in Recovery

Causes: Incompatible recovery image or driver issues

Solutions:

1. Try Different Recovery:

   • Download different recovery version
   • Try different recovery project (TWRP vs OrangeFox)

2. Use Hardware Keys:

   • Volume keys for navigation
   • Power key for selection
   • Check if hardware navigation works

Recovery Gets Replaced by Stock

Symptoms: Custom recovery disappears after reboot

Solutions:

1. Disable Recovery Replacement:

   • Root device first
   • Install Magisk to prevent stock recovery restoration

2. Flash Recovery Again:

   • Reflash custom recovery
   • Boot directly to recovery after flashing

Emergency Recovery Procedures

Soft Brick Recovery

1. Boot to Fastboot Mode:

   fastboot devices  # Verify device detected

2. Flash Stock Recovery:

   fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img

3. Flash Stock ROM:

   fastboot flashall  # If fastboot ROM available

Complete Recovery Process

1. Download stock firmware for your exact device
2. Use manufacturer tools:
   • Samsung: Odin + stock firmware
   • Xiaomi: Mi Flash Tool + fastboot ROM
   • OnePlus: MSM Download Tool
   • Google Pixel: Flash factory images

Advanced Topics

Recovery Modifications

Themes and Customization:

• Custom themes for supported recoveries
• Icon packs and layout modifications
• Language translations

Integration with Root Solutions

Magisk Integration:

• Automatic Magisk installation from recovery
• Magisk module flashing
• SafetyNet considerations

KernelSU/APatch Integration:

• Recovery compatibility with kernel-based solutions
• Module management from recovery

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What's Next?

Excellent work! You now have custom recovery installed. Here's your roadmap:

Essential Steps

1. 💾 Create NANDroid Backup - Protect your current system
2. ⚡ Root Your Device - Install Magisk, KernelSU, or APatch
3. 🧪 Test Recovery Features - Familiarize yourself with the interface

Advanced Modifications

4. 🌟 Install Custom ROM - Complete Android transformation
5. 📦 Install LSPosed Modules - System customization

Need Help?

• ❓ FAQ & Troubleshooting - Solutions to common issues
• 💬 Join Community - Connect with fellow enthusiasts