How to Install TWRP on Android

Get custom recovery when you flash TWRP

Android Device

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by Fionna Agomuoh
Fionna Agomuoh has been a tech writer and product reviewer since 2011. Her writing has appeared in Newsweek, International Business Times, and others.
Updated January 16, 2019

There are certain tricks of the trade Android users can apply to their devices to open them up for greater customization. One of the most popular customization programs available is the Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP) Custom Recovery tool, which allows users to access the most advanced Android customization functions in a relatively safe manner.

The process to install TWRP Custom Recovery tool isn't too hard, especially now that Team Win has an application that simplifies everything.

Before installing TWRP Custom Recovery, make sure your device is rooted and its bootloader is unlocked. Failing to do so will bring up issues with your installation and can brick your device, rendering it unusable.

How to Install TWRP Custom Recovery on Android

This method is universal and should work for most Android devices. However, issues can arise even if you believe you've installed TWRP correctly, including the TWRP app or the Android OS crashing. Be sure to back up your device data, especially if you have to root your device or unlock the bootloader before installing TWRP.

  1. Search and download the Official TWRP app from the Google Play Store.

  2. Open the app and enable root access if it asks.

  3. Tap Flash, then tap allow for any access requests that pop up.

  4. Tap the device for which you're installing TWRP; either type the name of the device or scroll to search for it.

  5. Download the latest TWRP image file, making sure to save the file to your device’s internal storage. 

  6. Return to the app and tap Select a file to flash.

    TWRP app

  7. Find, then tap the image file.

  8. Tap Flash, then confirm the action. The flash operation should finish in a matter of seconds.

One of the most common ways to use TWRP is to install unreleased or unofficial software. These include customized versions of the Android OS, beta versions of the upcoming Android operating system, and apps, modified features, or programs unavailable on the Google Play Store.

How to Confirm TWRP Installed Correctly

  1. Tap Recovery mode when the option to do so comes up to restart your device.

  2. Your device will restart and go straight to the TWRP interface instead of to your device home screen.

  3. From there, you can access functions including installing custom ROMS and other software, wiping your device, backing up your device, and restoring your device to factory settings. To boot back into your main Android system, tap Reboot > System.