Android: Install and set up TWRP recovery - how it works

We'll show you how to install and set up Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP) for Android. The tool brings powerful functions with it, which in the best case can save the complete data of your Android smartphone.

Install and set up TWRP recovery: basic information

Every Android smartphone comes from the factory with a so-called recovery system. This can be called up using a special key combination when the mobile phone is switched off. However, the pre-installed recovery system can often not do much and is therefore usually uninteresting for many users.

But Android allows the user to remove the recovery system and replace it with a new recovery system. Technology-savvy users therefore use this option to unlock additional functions for their smartphone. A post-installed recovery system that differs from the original system is called "custom recovery".

Team Win Revocery Project (TWRP) is one of these alternative recovery systems. We'll show you how to install and set up the system.

But be careful: By replacing the recovery system, you access the deep directories of the smartphone system. Incorrect handling can reset the device or even uninstall the operating system . Even a soft or hard brick of the device is not excluded, which in the worst case can make your smartphone unusable . Your smartphone's warranty will also expire if you replace the recovery system. CHIP assumes no liability for any damage to your smartphone!

Install TWRP Recovery - how it works

First download the current image file from TWRP. Ultimately, this image file is the complete recovery system, packed in one file. Important: Every smartphone has its own TWRP recovery system. When downloading, make sure you have selected the right smartphone model. For the installation you need a computer, a charging cable for your smartphone and your smartphone itself.

At the beginning, the preparations must be made on the smartphone:

1. Unlock the developer options on your smartphone. Instructions on how to unlock the developer options can be found here.
2. Then open the developer options and activate the item "Activate OEM unlocking".
3. Finally, activate the "USB debugging" item.

TWRP: Connect smartphone and PC

The installation can now begin on the part of your smartphone. The next step is to prepare on the PC:

1. Since you access the ADB function during the installation process, "Minimal ADB and Fastboot" must be installed on the PC. The download of this program can be found here and instructions for installation and checking for a successful installation can be found here.
2. The installation process cannot begin until ADB is installed and functional.
3. The image file should now be downloaded to your computer. Open Explorer and navigate to the directory in which the image file is located. The file often has a name, such as "twrp-3.2.3-0-tulip.img".
4. Change the file name to "twrp.img".

Installation of the recovery system

• Open the command prompt (cmd) on your computer and use the "adb devices" command to ensure that your smartphone responds to the commands from the computer
• Then enter the "adb reboot bootloader" command and confirm with the Enter key. The smartphone now restarts and ends up in bootloader mode. Now TWRP can be installed.
• To install TWRP, enter the command "fastboot flash recovery [file path] \ twrp.img" and confirm with Enter. For [File path], enter the path under which the image file is saved (for example, "C: \ Users \ Jamal \ Downloads \ twrp.img"). Note that these are backslashes. These can be written with "AltGr + ß".
• When the process is finished with "finished", TWRP is successfully installed on the smartphone.
• TWRP can now be started easily with the key combination of power + volume down.

You can do it all with TWRP

• Install: Under "Install" you can install so-called custom ROMs on your smartphone. To do this, you must first reset the smartphone including the "System" (see "Wipe"). Then play the ZIP file of the Custom ROM on your smartphone. Click on the ZIP file under "Install", then the ROM will be installed.
• Wipe: Here you have the option to clear your phone's memory. With the normal method, only system files are deleted. This is useful if you want to install a new ROM or update. Under "Advanced Wipe" you can also specify that all smartphone data, including the operating system, for example, should be deleted.
• Backup and Restore: Here you will find the most important settings. You have the option of creating and saving a complete system backup. In addition, you can explicitly specify which areas should be saved. With "Restore" you can restore the system with an existing backup. If you are trying to install a custom ROM, we recommend that you always make a full backup beforehand. In the event that something goes wrong, the last saved status including the operating system can be restored at any time.
• Mount: If you want to link additional partitions with your smartphone, you can do so here. For example, you can connect a USB stick to the smartphone or connect it to the PC.

Additional settings: Install recovery and set up TWRP

• Settings: To make settings in the app, navigate to "Settings". There you can, for example, adjust the brightness, timeout of the screen, or the time zone to the time shown in the recovery.
• Advanced: The advanced settings and functions are interesting for experienced users. Here you can view log files, exchange data via the Android Device Bridge (ADB) or make adjustments via the terminal.
• Reboot: When you are finished, you can use reboot to either restart, turn off, or put the device in recovery mode.