TWRP Recovery - instructions for use. TWRP Recovery - instructions for use Briefly about all TWRP Recovery menus

In previous articles we talked about CWM Recovery. In this article you will learn in detail what items there are and what the menus in TWRP recovery are responsible for.

Download TWRP

You can download custom recovery TWRP to your Android device from official page TeamWIN - https://twrp.me/Devices/

You can install TWRP according to these instructions - Installing custom Recovery

Management in TWRP

Control in the TWRP menu is carried out with touch screen. Confirm actions using a swipe at the bottom of the screen.

Briefly about all the TWRP Recovery menus

The main TWRP interface looks something like this:

Let's look at each submenu

  • Install– Installation of various patches and firmware in ZIP archive format
  • Wipe– erasing (formatting) Android partitions and memory cards (details about WIPE or data reset)
  • Backup– creating backup copies of the system and user data
  • RestoreAndroid recovery from system backups and user data
  • Mount– connect or disconnect Android partitions
  • Settings– setting TWRP Recovery
  • Advanced– additional or enhanced TWRP features
  • Reboot– reboot Android into different modes

More about TWRP

Now let's take a closer look at the capabilities of each submenu.

Install menu (install update.zip)

As mentioned above, the Install menu allows you to install patches or firmware. Clicking the button Install you get into file manager to a memory card or internal memory with your folders and files:

In order to install the ZIP update, you need to click on it and a new menu will appear to confirm your intentions to install the archived update

In order to install the update you need to swipe from left to right

You may also notice that there is this menu buttons:

Add More Zips- install any additional archive ZIP update

Clear Zip Queue- cancel previously selected ZIP updates

WIPE menu

This menu can perform various resets of various sections of Android. By default, wipe resets the partition. /data And /cache

To activate additional features you need to press a button Advanced Wipe

Read about how to do wipe correctly in the article - wipe Android.

Backup menu

In this menu you can make backup copies (slices) current state Android. You can configure which partitions to backup, and also activate the ability to compress backups - enable compression and also add validation - skip MD5 generation during backup , which will allow, if the backup copy is created “broken,” in the future not to perform a recovery from such a copy.

Backups are stored along the path SdCard/TWRP/BACKUPS, they can be copied to a computer and, if a problem occurs, you can restore Android from the Restore menu.

Restore menu

Allows you to restore from previously created backups (created in the Backup menu of TWRP Recovery):

Mount menu

Allows you to mount or detach Android partitions - this is necessary for applying various patches (which indicate or do not indicate whether the partition needs to be mounted). also in this section you can connect the ability to connect the device as a flash drive - Mount USB Storage

Settings menu

This menu combines all the settings in the various menus.

  • Checking the signature of ZIP updates
  • Formatting Partitions
  • Skip verification
  • Checking the verification of backup copies
  • Screen brightness, time zone selection and others
  • Interface language (from TWRP version 3)

Widespread use of modified Android firmware, as well as various additional components that expand the capabilities of devices, became possible largely thanks to the advent of custom recovery. One of the most convenient, popular and functional solutions among similar software today is TeamWin Recovery (TWRP). Below we will look in detail at how to flash a device via TWRP.

Let us remind you that any change in the software of Android devices in ways and methods not provided by the device manufacturer is a kind of hacking of the system, and therefore carries certain risks.

Important! Every user action with his own device, including following the instructions below, is carried out at his own risk. The user is solely responsible for possible negative consequences!

Before proceeding with the steps of the firmware procedure, it is strongly recommended to make a system backup and/or a backup copy of user data. You can learn how to carry out these procedures correctly from the article:

Before proceeding directly to the firmware through a modified recovery environment, the latter must be installed on the device. There are quite a large number of installation methods, the main and most effective of which are discussed below.

Method 1: Android application Official TWRP App


Method 2: For MTK devices - SP FlashTool

In cases where installing TWRP through the official TeamWin application is not possible, you will have to use a Windows application to work with device memory partitions. Owners of devices based on the Mediatek processor can use the SP FlashTool program. How to install recovery using this solution is described in the article:

Method 3: For Samsung devices - Odin

Owners of devices manufactured by Samsung can also take full advantage of the modified recovery environment from the TeamWin team. To do this, you need to install TWRP recovery using the method described in the article:

Method 4: Installing TWRP via Fastboot

Another almost universal way to install TWRP is to flash the recovery image via Fastboot. The steps taken to install recovery using this method are described in detail at the link:

Firmware via TWRP

Despite the apparent simplicity of the steps described below, you need to remember that modified recovery is a powerful tool whose main purpose is to work with device memory sections, so you need to act carefully and thoughtfully.

In the examples described below, a microSD card of an Android device is used to store used files, but TWRP allows you to use it for such purposes as well. internal memory device and OTG. The operations when using any of the solutions are similar.

Installing zip files

  1. We download the files that need to be flashed into the device. In most cases, these are firmware, additional components or patches in the format *.zip, but TWRP allows you to write to memory partitions and image files in the format *.img.
  2. We carefully read the information in the source where the files for the firmware were obtained. It is necessary to clearly and unambiguously clarify the purpose of the files, the consequences of their use, and possible risks.
  3. Among other things, the creators of modified software who have posted packages on the network can note the requirements for renaming the files of their solutions before installing the firmware. In general, firmware and add-ons distributed in the format *.zip There is NO NEED to unpack with an archiver! TWRP manipulates exactly this format.
  4. Copy the necessary files to the memory card. It is advisable to arrange everything in folders with short, clear names, which will avoid confusion in the future, and most importantly, accidental recording of the “wrong” data package. It is also not recommended to use Russian letters and spaces in the names of folders and files.

    To transfer information to a memory card, it is advisable to use a PC or laptop card reader, and not the device itself connected to the USB port. This way the process will happen much faster in many cases.

  5. We install the memory card into the device and go into TWRP recovery using any in a convenient way. IN large quantities Android devices use a combination of hardware keys on the device to log in "Volume-" + "Nutrition". With the device turned off, press the button "Volume-" and, while holding it, the key "Nutrition".
  6. In most cases, today users have access to TWRP versions with Russian language support. But in older versions of the recovery environment and unofficial recovery builds, Russification may be missing. For greater versatility in the use of instructions, the work in the English version of TWRP is demonstrated below, and the names of items and buttons in Russian are indicated in parentheses when describing the actions.
  7. Very often, firmware developers recommend performing the so-called “Wipe” before the installation procedure, i.e. cleaning, partitions "Cache" And "Data". This will delete all user data from the device, but avoids a wide range of software errors and other problems.

    To perform the operation, press the button "Wipe"(“Cleaning”) In the menu that opens, move the special procedure unlocker "Swipe to Factory Reset"(“Swipe to confirm”) to the right.

    When the cleaning procedure is complete, the message "Succsessful"("Ready"). Press the button "Back"(“Back”), and then a button at the bottom right of the screen to return to the TWRP main menu.

  8. Everything is ready to start the firmware. Press the button "Install"("Installation").
  9. The file selection screen is displayed - an improvised “Explorer”. At the very top there is a button "Storage"(“Storage Select”), which allows you to switch between memory types.
  10. Select the storage into which the files planned for installation were copied. The list is as follows:
  • "Internal Storage"(“Device memory”) – internal storage of the device;
  • "External SD card"(“MicroSD”) – memory card;
  • "USB-OTG"— a USB storage device connected to the device via an OTG adapter.

Having decided, set the switch to the desired position and press the button "OK".

  • We find the file we need and tap on it. A screen opens with a warning about possible negative consequences, as well as an option "Zip file signature verification"(“Verifying Zip File Signature”). This item should be marked by placing a cross in the checkbox, which will avoid the use of “wrong” or damaged files when writing to device memory sections.

    After all parameters have been determined, you can proceed to the firmware. To start it, move the special procedure unlocker "Swipe to Confirm Flash"(“Swipe for firmware”) to the right.

  • Separately, it is worth noting the possibility of batch installation of zip files. This is a rather convenient feature that saves a lot of time. In order to install several files in turn, for example, firmware and then gapps, press the button "Add More Zips"(“Add more Zip”). This way you can flash up to 10 packages at the same time.
  • The procedure for writing files to the device’s memory will begin, accompanied by the appearance of inscriptions in the log field and the filling of the progress bar.
  • The completion of the installation procedure is indicated by the inscription "Succsesful"("Ready"). You can reboot into Android - button "Reboot System"(“Reboot into OS”), clean partitions – button "Wipe cache/dalvik"(“Clear cache/dalvik”) or continue working in TWRP – button "Home"("Home").
  • Installing img images


    Thus, using TWRP to flash Android devices is generally a simple procedure that does not require many steps. Success largely determines the user’s correct choice of files for firmware, as well as the level of understanding of the goals of the manipulations and their consequences.

    Those who daily use a tablet or smartphone based on the Android OS often want more functionality than is provided with the purchase. To do this you need to get root rights(access to administrator rights), install custom firmware, install another boot animation and much more.

    When a user studies information on changing his device, he often comes across a mention of a modified recovery, which is usually called ClockworkMod Recovery or TWRP Recovery. General concept you can find about modrecovery in other articles, but here we will take a closer look at another well-known type of modified factory menu, namely TWRP Recovery, which was developed by the Teamwin team.

    Before we look at the functions of TWRP Recovery in more detail, it should be noted that in comparison with ClockworkMod there are a number of features due to which many users prefer to use TWRP:
    - The ability to fully use the touchscreen to control mod recovery functions;
    - more flexible configuration of a number of options;
    - support for installing multiple zip files at once;
    - a detailed menu for selecting what needs to be saved in backup copies;
    - the ability to use the S-Pen on Galaxy Note tablets;
    - Screen lock and sleep mode using the power button.

    User guide for working with TWRP Recovery mod recovery
    1. General information about TWRP
    2. Installing TWRP Recovery
    3. How to get to the TWRP Recovery menu
    4. Detailed examination of the main functions in the TWRP Recovery menu
    5. Flashing, replacement system files, installation of updates, modifications on Android devices using TWRP

    What is TWRP Recovery

    Let's get acquainted with what TWRP Recovery is.
    Compared to the standard factory menu, TWRP Recovery has a much larger number of functions available to the user. Using it, you can save a complete snapshot of the system, install non-standard software, other firmware, replace the OS kernel, restore the system from backup copy, and many other options are available. TWRP is written to a special section of the internal memory of the phone or tablet, replacing the factory recovery.
    Often, in a number of seemingly hopeless situations, TWRP Recovery can come to the rescue. Despite the fact that the phone may stop booting, it is not uncommon that by using TWRP, you can completely restore the device’s functionality from a backup copy, saving all settings, programs and their settings.

    Here is a short list of the main features of TWRP Recovery:
    - Installation of alternative (custom) firmware, or kernels;
    - Installing system updates, patches, making adjustments to the gadget’s functions;
    - Creating a full backup of the system or its individual parts (application data, system partition, cache, settings);
    - Connection via USB cord to a computer as a removable storage device;
    - Restoring the previous state of the system from a previously saved backup copy (backup);
    - Editing partitions on the memory card (creating, formatting, deleting);
    - Possibility of resetting to factory settings (Wipe - data/factory reset). You can delete only part of the data instead full reset to the original state: deleting battery statistics (wipe battery stats), clearing cache (wipe cache), erasing Dalvik-cache (wipe Dalvik-cache);
    - Use as a terminal to execute commands;
    - Ability to work with system files on a tablet or phone.

    Installing TWRP Recovery

    It doesn't take much effort to install TWRP Recovery on most devices. If installed with Google Play GooManager application, you can use the “Install OpenRecovery Script” function in its menu.

    Many Android gadgets, such as Nexus smartphones and tablets, have specially designed programs, like the Google Nexus 7 Toolkit, which has a function for installing a modified recovery. In addition, using the adb program, you can also install TWRP Recovery.

    How to get into TWRP Recovery

    In order to enter the modified recovery menu, you can use several methods:
    1. By pressing a special combination of buttons when turning on the gadget. The combination may vary for different Android device models. For example, on a number of devices you can get into recovery by holding down the volume up key and the power button at the same time while turning it on.
    2. Taking advantage specialized program, like GooManager and Titanium Backup, which allow you to select the boot function in your menu Recovery mode, item "Reboot Recovery".
    3. If the appropriate drivers for the gadget are installed on the PC and the connection is configured using ADB programs(so-called ADB shell), then connecting to USB device wire from the computer, you can run the command:

    adb reboot recovery

    Basic functions and menus of TWRP Recovery

    After booting your phone or tablet into TWRP Recovery, you will first be taken to the main menu.

    This manual discusses the functions and capabilities of TWRP Recovery version 2.3.2, which is the most relevant at the time of writing. Other versions of TWRP may have a slightly different interface, but the main functionality will remain the same as in the version we are considering.

    The appearance of TWRP recovery may also differ slightly, depending on specific device and the selected design theme.
    Since TWRP recovery supports touch controls, selecting the desired menu items and navigating through them is very simple - just like when using a gadget normally, you just need to press the item you need with your finger.
    If you want to return to the previous menu, then in each submenu there is a return button at the bottom (phone) or top right (tablet) of the display. Also shown at the top is the battery charge percentage and the current time.

    Functions of the main menu items:
    1. Install

    Used to install firmware, patches and modifications.
    This is one of the most used features of TWRP Recovery.
    Using this option, you can install custom (unofficial) official firmware, programs to the system partition, replace kernels, change bootanimation, themes and more. Updates are installed from files located anywhere on the device’s memory card, in zip format.
    By selecting required file, a menu opens where you can add the next update. In this way, you can create a queue through which patches will be installed (Add More Zips item). After necessary files selected, you need to start flashing the firmware by dragging the slider located at the bottom of the display from the left side to the right.

    Zip Signature verifications feature can enable verification digital signature zip files.
    Using the Force MD5 check on all Zips item, you can check installed updates for compliance with MD5 checksums.

    2. Wipe Clear and delete data menu

    In this section, it is possible to clear the phone’s memory, either by completely returning to the factory settings (Factory Reset), or by choosing to clear only a certain part of it, such as the System partition, cache, or Dalvilú Cache. After applying Factory Reset, the device will return to the state in which it came from the factory.
    In addition, it is possible to clear the internal memory (Internal Storage) or external SD card (External Storage), clear the folder where programs installed on external media are stored (android_secure) or reset the battery statistics counter (Wipe Battery Stats).
    Similar to other executable functions, you can confirm your choice using the slider that appears at the bottom of the display. You can cancel tasks by tapping the "Back" button.

    3.Backup Data or system backup section

    This is one of the most important points in a modified recovery. Here you can backup the entire system of your phone or tablet, including application data and device installations - Nandroid Backup.

    In this section you can:
    - Select the parts of memory that you want to reserve: Data, System, Recovery, Boot, Uboot, Cache, NVram;
    - Look at the available amount of memory space (Free Space);
    - Disable the creation of checksums in backup files (Skip MD5 generation during backup);
    - Activate compression of backup files (Enable Compression);
    - Select the internal memory of the device to save backup data (Use internal storage);
    - Choose external card memory for saving backup files (Use external SD);
    - Update information on free memory in sections (Refresh Sizes);
    - Set Backup name.
    Just as before, you can activate the launch of the functions you have chosen using the slider, after which the progress of the operation will be shown.

    When the process is complete, you can reboot the gadget using the Reboot System option, or return to the TWRP main menu using the arrow.

    4.Restore Menu for restoring parts or the entire system from a previously created backup

    This section provides the following options:
    - selecting the device’s internal memory as the place where backups will be searched (Use internal storage);
    - set an external memory card as a partition where recovery will look for backup (Use external SD).
    If you did not change the settings when creating a backup, then by default the names of backup copies are composed of the number and time of creation. Files can be sorted in the following ways:
    - in ascending (Sort Ascending) or descending (Sort Descending) order of creation date;
    - increasing or decreasing the size of backup copies.

    When the required backup is found, the following selection of functions is provided:
    - mark those partitions that need to be restored (Data, System, Recovery, Boot, Uboot, Cache, NVram);
    - delete this backup copy (Delete Backup);
    - give a different name to the selected backup (Rename Backup);
    - enable checking of MD5 checksums in backup files.

    Start performing the selected operation by confirming your choice using the slider at the bottom of the screen.

    5.Mount

    Here you can mount and unmount partitions and perform operations on them. When mounted, the data contained on the partition becomes accessible.

    This section contains functions:
    - Mounting, unmounting the system partition (Mount/Unmount System);
    - Mounting, unmounting the cache partition (Mount/Unmount Cache);
    - Mounting, unmounting the data partition (Mount/Unmount Data);
    - Mounting, unmounting internal memory (Mount/Unmount Internal);
    - Mounting, unmounting an external memory card (Mount/Unmount Sdcard);
    - Connecting the device to a PC as a drive (Mount USB storage). Here you can connect an SD card to your PC (Use external SD) or the gadget’s built-in memory (Use internal storage).

    6.Settings Modified recovery settings

    Here you can set the settings that TWRP Recovery will use by default when performing functions:
    - Enable/disable verification of the digital signature of installed files (Zip file signature verification);
    - Enable/disable checksum checking for any zip files (Force MD5 check for all zips);
    - Erasing files instead of formatting during memory clearing (Use rm -rf instead of formatting);
    - Ignore errors in file sizes when performing backup(Ignore image size errors during backup);
    - Do not create checksums during backup creation (Skip MD5 generation during backup);
    - Select your time zone;
    - Return to default TWRP Recovery settings (Restore Defaults).

    7. Advanced Additional TWRP options

    Here you can:
    - Activate saving the operation log file to the memory card (Copy Log to SD);
    - Restore access rights to the original state system folders and files that may be broken by some applications with root privileges. Sometimes access rights violations can lead to crashes and freezes of the tablet or phone (Fix Permissions);
    - Change partitions on the memory card (create, delete, create swap cache files). Swap is usually used to speed up Android devices. (Partition SD Card).
    Here you can run the following commands: Copy (copy a file), Move (move a file), Chmod 755 (set permissions to 755, which is the default for all system files), Chmod (set other permissions), Delete (delete a file), Rename File (rename file);
    - Execute a command entered manually in terminal mode (the same as from a PC using the adb Sshell interface) (Terminal Command).

    8.Reboot

    Using this item you can reboot the device. Available options:
    - reboot into the operating mode of the device (System);
    - reboot into recovery;
    - turn off the tablet or phone (Power Off).

    Flashing, replacing system files, installing updates, modifications on Android devices using TWRP

    In order to install another firmware or patch, you will need these files in zip format copy to a memory card or internal memory.

    Next we do the following:
    1. Boot into TWRP recovery;
    2. Select the "Install" function;
    3. Select internal (Use internal storage) or external memory (Use external SD), depending on where we copied the files we need.
    4. Find and select the file that needs to be installed.
    5. If you have an md5 file along with a Zip, then you can activate the check of amounts (Force MD5 check on all Zips), otherwise we do not do this;
    6. Start the installation by dragging the slider from left to right.

    You can select 10 zip files at once, which will be installed sequentially. Once the process is complete, the installation is complete.
    When the process is completed, it is recommended to clear the cache and dalvik cache.