How to Install TWRP Recovery on Android (No Root Required)

TWRP stands for Team Win Recovery Project and it is an open source recovery software for Android devices. TWRP allows users to save, install, backup and restore firmware on their devices without worrying about affecting the state of the device when rooting, flashing or installing new firmware on Android devices.

This guide illustrates how to safely install TWRP on an Android device without rooting.

Note: Users do not need to root Android to install TWRP, but will need to unlock the bootloader, and it will erase all content on your device. Also, the method to unlock the bootloader will be different for each device.

Download and extract Android SDK tools

Before installing TWRP, you’ll need to install the Android SDK tools . On that page, if you just want the command line tools instead of the full Android Studio (which takes up quite a bit of space), click “Download options” and then select the package that corresponds to your operating system from the “Command line tools only” section of the Android developer site.

Once downloaded, extract the command line tools to a location of your choice.

Download the TWRP image corresponding to your device

You will need to download the TWRP image that is appropriate for your device. You can find a full list of available images on the TWRP website.

https://twrp.me/Devices/

Unlock Developer Options, enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking

You'll need to unlock developer options on your phone. To do this, go to the About section of your phone in the Settings app . You'll need to tap the Build number 7 times before you'll be granted access to developer options.

From Android settings, tap System > Advanced > Developer options > USB debugging . Tap OK.

Next, look for OEM unlocking in the Developer options menu and select this option.

Your device will prompt you to enter a security code and inform you that unlocking the bootloader will disable device protection. This allows you to unlock the bootloader when you first start your device. In most cases, unlocking the bootloader will erase all data from your device, so be sure to back up any files, images, data, and settings you want to keep.

Connect the device to the computer

Connect your device to your computer via a USB data cable. When you connect your device to your computer, you may see a message asking you to enable USB debugging, if so, tap Always allow from this computer > OK .

If these prompts don't appear, you're probably using a regular USB charging cable instead of a data cable and you'll need to find a replacement.

Install TWRP via Command Prompt

The steps will vary depending on your operating system, but you'll need to launch a Command Prompt in the folder where you installed or extracted your Android SDK tools. You'll also need to place the TWRP image in this folder.

In the command window, type:

adb devices

… then press Enter. Your device will be listed.

Next, type the following command to reboot your device into bootlader/fastboot mode:

adb reboot bootloader

Next, run:

fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.6.X-XXX.img

You will need to make sure to replace the TWRP version in this line of code with the version that corresponds to the one you need to load onto your device.

Finally, run the following line of code:

fastboot reboot

Once you complete that step, you will be able to boot your device using TWRP custom recovery and use its features.

Good luck!

See also:

• How to remove Magisk module using TWRP Recovery
• How to remove Magisk and unroot Android phone
• Guide to root Android phone using Magisk