[NEWBIE GUIDE v2.0] MIUI ROMs, TWRPs, ZIPs, BACKUP, FLASH, RESTORE

[prathameshsd]

UPDATED NEWBIE GUIDE v2.0
FOR REDMI NOTE 3 SNAPDRAGON (KENZO)
(WORKS FOR ALL MIUI / AOSP / CM BASED ROMs)​

GUIDE SECTIONS : QUICK LINKS​

#1 : MIUI ROM | TYPES OF MIUI ROM | TWRP | TYPES OF TWRP
#2 : TWRP FLASHABLE ZIPs | FULL PARTITION BACKUP | FLASHING ROM
#3 : RESTORING MIUI FIRMWARE (WIP) | SUMMARY | CREDITS​

IMPORTANT NOTE !!​

- Before following any step or asking any question, please read the guide & the below comments very carefully & thoroughly
- You are choosing to make these modifications, I take no responsibility for bricked devices, dead or corrupt SD cards, accidental data wipe etc.
- This guide only supports users who have UNLOCKED their BOOTLOADER using OFFICIAL method
- I have dropped support for users who have UNLOCKED their BOOTLOADER using UNOFFICIAL method as it was risky & confusing
- This guide will be updated as new information, TWRP, methods are added. Do let me know if I have forgot to mention anything useful

MIUI ROM​

MIUI (pronounced as Me-You-I) is Xiaomi's custom built firmware on top of Android like Samsung's Grace UX, HTC's Sense, OnePlus's OxygenOS which runs on their smartphones. MIUI is also the second most popular Android firmware, after CyanogenMod. MIUI is based on Android's AOSP base with its own modifications and extensive features over the top. At first glance it resembles like a hybrid between Google's Material Design and Apple's iOS. But unlike Stock Android or iOS, MIUI is very intuitive, feature rich and has multiple tweaking options.
MIUI is updated regularly depending on the development branch. Xiaomi takes reports, feedback and suggestions from the community, addresses the bugfixes and integrates new features upon request. Most of Xiaomi devices are regularly patched with monthly security updates. The flagship "Mi" series like Mi3, Mi4, Mi5 receive quicker Android version updates than their budget "Redmi" series like Redmi 2, Redmi 3, Note 2, Note 3 etc.

TYPES OF MIUI ROM​

There are 2 development branches of official MIUI ROMs for all Xiaomi devices.
A) Stable Branch aka Stable Builds
- It is updated on a monthly basis or longer
- New features are added slowly after testing
- Higher system stability and less bugs than Beta ROMs
- It has a four digit numbering scheme (X.X.X.X)
- For eg. 8.X.X.X is MIUI8 Stable ROM
- Stable ROMs come in 2 variants

1. MIUI China Stable ROM
- This ROM is pre-installed on all Xiaomi devices sold in China
- It is made for the Chinese market & contains Chinese MIUI apps
- Google Apps are absent. You can install them manually or by using ADB
- It supports Chinese & English language
2. MIUI Global Stable ROM
- This ROM is pre-installed on all Xiaomi devices sold outside China
- It is made for the International market & contains English MIUI apps
- Google apps are pre-installed by default
- It supports 50+ languages


B) Beta Branch aka Developer Builds
- It is updated on a weekly/bi-weekly basis or longer
- New features are added quickly for testing
- Lower system stability and more bugs than Stable ROMs
- It has a three digit numbering scheme (X.X.X)
- For eg. 6.11.21 is MIUI8 Beta ROM for 21th Nov, 2016
- This ROM is not pre-installed on any Xiaomi device.
- You have to install Beta ROM over Stable ROM manually.
- Beta/Developer ROMs come in 2 variants

1. MIUI China Beta/Developer ROM
- It is made for the Chinese market & contains Chinese MIUI apps
- Google Apps are absent. You can install them manually or by using ADB
- It supports Chinese & English language
2. MIUI Global Beta/Developer ROM
- It is made for the International market & contains English MIUI apps
- Google apps are pre-installed by default
- Supports more than 50+ languages

Vendor aka Unofficial MIUI ROM
- Official MIUI ROM is found on Xiaomi devices that are bought from official channels
- Official channels include Xiaomi stores, flipkart.com, amazon.com etc.
- Vendor/Unofficial MIUI ROM is typically found on Xiaomi devices that are bought from unofficial channels/third-party resellers
- Unofficial channels include geekbuying.com, gearbest.com, banggood.com, ebay.com etc.
- Resellers take any of the official MIUI ROMs and modify it by injecting malwares, adwares, promotional apps etc.
- Vendor ROM may or may not contain Chinese MIUI Apps or Google Apps
- The Vendor ROM is then flashed by the reseller via EDL mode using MiFlash Tool, which bypasses LOCKED bootloader status
- Vendor ROMs can be identified by their odd 5 digit numbering scheme (X.X.X.X.X) eg. MIUI8 8.0.1.1.0, MIUI7 7.9.8.8.0
- You can identify a vendor ROM by comparing its version with official MIUI version here : http://en.miui.com/download.html
- Due to stability & security reasons, such ROMs should not be used and should be changed immediately.
- You should flash official MIUI ROMs using MiFlash Tool via EDL mode.

TWRP​

TWRP stands for Team Win Recovery Project. It is a custom recovery used to flash ROMs, kernels & scripts, take full system backups, restore backups etc. There are multiple versions of TWRPs for the Redmi Note 3 Snapdragon (kenzo). Many new users are confused as to which version of TWRP to flash after UNLOCKING the BOOTLOADER OFFICIALLY.
Thanks to Xiaomi for the multiple hardware revisions, outdated kernel sources & the tiresome process of unlocking the bootloader, this device has become even more complicated for the developers as well as for the end users. Hopefully Xiaomi updates the kernel sources as soon as possible. This will result in a streamlined and unified environment for the developers while compiling ROMs and for the user for a better end user experience.

TYPES OF TWRP​

1. Official TWRP : https://dl.twrp.me/kenzo/
- The base version of TWRP 3.0.2-2
- It is the stock version with no modifications done to it
- Used to flash flash ROMs, kernels & scripts, take full system backups, restore backups etc.

2. F2FS TWRP
Nougat : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=70148939&postcount=3710
Marshmallow : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68023154&postcount=2
- Based on official TWRP 3.0.2-2
- Adds support for F2FS based file systems
- Specifically made for official CyanogenMod ROMs
- Compiled with Android 6.x & Android 7.1 branch respectively.
- Users can convert their /data & /cache partitions from EXT4 to F2FS for better performance (Optional)

3. Unofficial TWRP : http://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-3/development/recovery-twrp-3-0-2-0-t3446909
- Based on official TWRP 3.0.2-2
- Up-to-date with Android 6.0 & Android 7.0 branch
- Adds support for F2FS based file systems
- Users can convert their /data & /cache partitions from EXT4 to F2FS for better performance (Optional)
- Can backup all partitions of the device
- Permissive SELinux

4. ZCX TWRP : http://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-3/how-to/zcx-twrp-install-twrp-flash-supersu-t3462448
- Based on official TWRP 3.0.2-0
- Patches boot.img automatically (Removes dm-verity flag)
- Disables forced encryption
- Updated to Android 7.1 TWRP source
- SuperSU updated to v2.76
- Fixes "0MB Storage", "Unable to mount /" errors
- Adds support for Android 6.0 /data partition decryption
- Can be used to flash incremental OTA updates on MIUI rooted ROMs

5. Cofface TWRP : http://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-3/development/recovery-kenzotwrp-cafface-3-0-0-t3369341
- Based on official TWRP 3.0.0-0
- Patches boot.img automatically (Removes dm-verity flag)

6. Safe TWRP v2 : http://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-3/how-to/modified-twrp-deleting-emmcappsboot-t3371667
- Based on Cofface TWRP 3.0.0-0
- Patches boot.img automatically (Removes dm-verity flag)
- Specifically compiled for users who UNLOCKED the BOOTLOADER using UNOFFICIAL method.
- Prevents hardbrick while flashing MIUI Recovery ROM Zip or incremental OTA Zip

7. Alka TWRP : http://en.miui.com/thread-282773-1-1.html
- Based on Cofface TWRP 3.0.0-0
- Patches boot.img automatically (Removes dm-verity flag)
- Disables forced encryption
- Can backup all partitions of the device

 

[prathameshsd]

TWRP FLASHABLE ZIPS​

- These zips are meant to be flashed with TWRP with a specific order.
- Before flashing any zip make sure you have taken full backup of your device partitions using TWRP.
- Steps for full backup are mentioned in the next section.

PATCHES
1. Universal Boot Image Patcher : http://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-3/how-to/modified-twrp-deleting-emmcappsboot-t3371667
- This zip patches the boot.img i.e. it disables "dm-verity" (Lollipop Only)
- Use this zip if you are having official TWRP, F2FS TWRP, Unofficial TWRP installed.
- All other TWRPs automatically patch the boot.img so no need to use this zip.
- This zip has to be flashed immediately after flashing MIUI Lollipop Recovery ROM else your ROM wont boot.

2. Lazy Flasher : https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByWEieei-0nyMTR4R0dxWk9BTms/view
- This zip patches the boot.img i.e. it disables "dm-verity" and disables forced encryption (Marshmallow Only)
- Use this zip if you are having Official TWRP, F2FS TWRP, Unofficial TWRP, Cofface TWRP, Safe TWRP v2 installed.
- If you are using ZCX, Alka TWRP no need to use this zip
- This zip has to be flashed immediately after flashing MIUI Marshmallow Recovery ROM else your ROM wont boot.

3. VoLTE Patch : http://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-3/development/volte-patches-nougat-based-cm-roms-t3509257
- This zip is to be flashed on specific Android 7.x Nougat based ROMs
- It enables VoLTE support by flashing modem partitions

4. RR 5.8.0 Fingerprint Fix : http://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-3/how-to/guide-how-to-enable-goodix-fingerprint-t3507979
- This zip is to be flashed on Resurrection Remix 5.8.0
- This zip enables fingerprint sensor support for models having Goodix FP sensor

5. CM13 Front Camera Fix : http://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-3/how-to/fix-camera-fix-official-cm13-builds-t3454893
- This zip is to be flashed if your front camera doesnt work on CM13 ROM
- This zip fixes "Could not connect to camera" issues.

6. CM13 Security & Radios Fix : https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2CgYqnPbCh_RnJDaHJtdEFYRGM
- This zip is to be flashed after booting into system after flashing CM13 ROM
- This zip fixes the SIM issues and the force close in Security setting

FIRMWARES
1. Multi-ROM Firmware : http://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-3/development/rom-multirom-firmwares-t3519420
- This zip enables us to boot multiple ROMs on the device simultaneously
- It flashes bootloader and other partitions
- This zip locks the bootloader

2. TheStrix's CM13 Firmware : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68023154&postcount=2
- This is the firmware that CyanogenMod 13 supports. Upgrades it from LP to MM firmware.
- This zip has to be flashed before flashing CM13 ROM else fingerprint & other sensors might not work.
- This zip does not lock the bootloader

3. TheStrix's CM14 Firmware : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=68671310&postcount=2
- This is the firmware that CyanogenMod 14.1 supports.
- This zip has to be flashed before flashing CM14.1 ROM else fingerprint & other sensors might not work
- This zip locks the bootloader. Flash this one if you dont want BL Lock : https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzDVQwVyIvEbTUZCR3lkSmR6X1E/

4. Android N Firmware : http://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-3/how-to/cm14-14-1-aosp-n-firmware-kenzo-kate-t3507789
- This zip upgrades your firmware to support 7.x Nougat ROMs
- This zip should be flashed before flashing any Android 7.x Nougat ROM
- This zip does not lock the bootloader

ADD-ONS
1. Xposed Framwork : http://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-3/how-to/guide-installing-xposed-framework-roms-t3416123
- Before installing any zip, perform a full backup.
- Official release is for AOSP / CM based ROMs
- Unofficial release is for MIUI ROMs

FULL PARTITION BACKUP​

Before proceeding towards Flashing ROMs make sure you have backed up all the partitions on your device. Incase anything goes wrong, you can always restore the backup.

Requirements:
- Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10 PC
- Unofficial TWRP / Alka TWRP / ZCX TWRP
- Running on official MIUI7 / MIUI8 Stable ROM
- BOOTLOADER UNLOCKED Using OFFICIAL method from here : http://en.miui.com/thread-202290-1-1.html
- Minimal ADB+Fastboot drivers : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2317790

1. Installing drivers & initial setup
- On your PC, go to "Folder Options" and de-select "Hide file extensions for known file types"
- Install Minimal ADB+Fastboot drivers & restart your PC
- Make sure your phone's battery level is above 75%. Switch off your phone
- Copy the desired TWRP image file inside the Minimal Fastboot directory (C:\Program Files)
- Rename the TWRP as "twrp.img" Make sure the filename isnt "twrp.img.img"
- Hold "Power Button" & "Volume Down" button together & release both of them after "Fastboot" appears
- Connect the device to PC using USB cable

2. Flashing TWRP
- On your PC, go inside Minimal Fastboot folder directory. Hold shift and right click inside the folder
- Select "Open command window here" and type "fastboot devices" inside the command window.
- If everything goes right, your device should be recognized as "<serial number> <fastboot>"
- Type "fastboot flash recovery twrp.img" & press Enter. This will flash the TWRP in the recovery partition.
- Type "fastboot boot twrp.img" & press Enter. This will boot the phone in TWRP.
- If the language is in Chinese, select the right box, & select English.
- Uncheck "Keep System Read-Only" & Swipe to allow modifications.

3. Backup All Partitions
- Select "Backup" Option & select "Storage location" to external MicroSD card
- Select each & every partition & swipe to backup.
- After backing up, reboot to system.
- For additional saftey, copy the backup from MicroSD card to PC.

4. Flash Recommended TWRP
- After backup is complete you should switch to ZCX TWRP for best results
- Select "Install" Option & select "Flash Image" option
- Select Official TWRP / ZCX TWRP and swipe to flash
- After flashing go back, select "Reboot" and then select "Reboot to Recovery"

FLASHING MIUI/CM/AOSP ROM USING TWRP​

Requirements:
- BOOOTLOADER : UNLOCKED Using OFFICIAL METHOD
- BACKUP : Full partitions backup
- TWRP : Use ZCX TWRP for best results

1. Rooting MIUI7/8 Lollipop ROM
- Boot To TWRP
- Flash Universal Boot Img Patcher Zip (Flash if using Official TWRP, else skip step)
- Reboot to System
- Boot to TWRP
- Backup Current ROM
- Flash SuperSU Zip v2.78
- Reboot To System

2. Rooting MIUI7/8 Marshmallow ROM
- Boot To TWRP
- Flash Lazy Flasher Zip (Skip step if using ZCX TWRP)
- Reboot to System
- Boot to TWRP
- Backup Current ROM
- Flash SuperSU Zip v2.78
- Reboot To System

3. Flashing MIUI7/8 Lollipop Recovery ROM
- Boot To TWRP
- Backup Current ROM
- Factory Reset
- Flash ROM Zip
- Flash Universal Boot Img Patcher Zip (Flash if using Official TWRP, else skip step)
- Reboot To System

3. Flashing MIUI7/8 Marshmallow Recovery ROM
- Boot To TWRP
- Backup Current ROM
- Factory Reset
- Flash ROM Zip
- Flash Lazy Flasher Zip (Skip if Using ZCX TWRP)
- Reboot To System

4. Flashing MIUI7/8 Xiaomi.EU ROM
- Boot To TWRP
- Backup Current ROM
- Factory Reset
- Flash ROM Zip
- Reboot To System

5. Flashing Official CM13 ROM
- Boot To TWRP
- Backup Current ROM
- Flash CM13 Firmware Zip
- Reboot to Recovery
- Factory Reset
- Flash ROM Zip
- Flash G-Apps 6.0 Zip
- Reboot To System

6. Flashing Official CM14.1 ROM
- Boot To TWRP
- Backup Current ROM
- Flash CM14 Firmware Zip
- Reboot to Recovery
- Factory Reset
- Flash ROM Zip
- Flash G-Apps 7.1 Zip
- Reboot To System

7. Flashing AOSP 7.x Nougat ROMs
- Boot To TWRP
- Backup Current ROM
- Flash Android N Firmware Zip
- Reboot to Recovery
- Factory Reset
- Flash ROM Zip
- Flash G-Apps 7.0/7.1 Zip
- Reboot To System

FLASHING MIUI ROM USING MIUI UPDATER APP​

- This method does not require PC for flashing.
- We use the updater app present on the MIUI ROM itself to flash recovery ROM zip.
- Recovery ROM format : MIUI_DEVICENAME_MIUIVERSION_KEY_ANDROIDVERSION.ZIP
- Example : miui_HMNote3ProGlobal_V8.1.1.0.MHOMIDI_8e5f6f8e03_6.0.zip

Requirements:
- BOOTLOADER : LOCKED / UNLOCKED
- Recovery ROM : MIUI7/8 Stable/Beta : http://en.miui.com/download-301.html
- Stock : System, Boot Image, Recovery
- System : Unrooted

1. Flashing newer Global Stable version from older Global Stable version
i.e. MIUI 8.1.1.0 > MIUI 8.1.4.0
- All data will be preserved in this process, nothing will be wiped.
- Place the ROM zip inside internal storage
- Make sure battery level is above 75%
- Turn on WiFi / Cellular Data
- Open Updater App, select "Choose Update Package"
- Choose the ROM zip & select "Reboot and update"
- The update will take from 5-30 mins to install depending on the size

2. Flashing MIUI Global Beta version from Global Stable version
i.e. MIUI 8.1.1.0 > MIUI 6.12.15
- This process will wipe everything from your device, so take backup before proceeding.
- Place the ROM zip inside internal storage
- Make sure battery level is above 75%
- Turn on WiFi / Cellular Data
- Open Updater App, select "Choose Update Package"
- Choose the ROM zip & select "Reboot and update"
- The update will take from 5-30 mins to install depending on the size

3. Flashing newer MIUI Global Beta version from older Global Beta version
i.e. MIUI 6.12.9 > MIUI 6.12.15
- All data will be preserved in this process, nothing will be wiped.
- Place the ROM zip inside internal storage
- Make sure battery level is above 75%
- Turn on WiFi / Cellular Data
- Open Updater App, select "Choose Update Package"
- Choose the ROM zip & select "Reboot and update"
- The update will take from 5-30 mins to install depending on the size

4. Flashing Global Stable version from Global Beta Version
i.e. MIUI 6.12.15 > MIUI 8.1.1.0
- Unfortunately you cannot flash it using Updater-app
- You will have to use MiFlash Tool to flash fastboot ROM package
- This process will wipe everything from your device, so take backup before proceeding.
- Check out Section #3 for fastboot ROM package flashing using PC

 

[prathameshsd]

RESTORING MIUI FIRMWARE (WIP)​

- We can restore to Stock MIUI firmware from a custom ROM or softbrick by flashing a fastboot ROM using MiFlash Tool
- This method flashes all partitions using stock images. Your entire phone will be restored to factory state.
- Fastboot ROM Format : CODENAME_IMAGES_MIUI-VERSION_BUILD-DATE_ANDROID-VERSION_REGION_KEY.tgz
- Example : kenzo_images_6.12.15_20161215.0000.00_6.0_cn_7f97e1f7a9.tgz
- There are 2 ways for flashing fastboot ROM

1. EDL : Emergency Download Mode (Qualcomm Only)
- It is low-level mode used for recovering the device when phone cannot boot into system, recovery and fastboot mode
- This mode can be used on LOCKED as well as on UNLOCKED bootloaders
- We can boot into EDL mode using ADB commands, Fastboot2EDL Method, Manual Method or Deep Flash Cable
- When your phone boots into EDL mode, the screen turns blank & LED light flashes continuously
- To exit EDL mode, hold the power button for 8-10 seconds till the device restarts

2. Fastboot
- Fastboot Mode is used to UNLOCK bootloader, flash images onto the partitions, recover the device when phone cannot boot into system, recovery mode.
- This mode can only be used on UNLOCKED bootloaders.
- We can boot into Fastboot mode using ADB commands or by using Manual Method.
- When your phone boots into Fastboot mode, the screen will show "Fastboot" text and "Mi Bunny" image.
- To exit Fastboot mode, hold the power button for 8-10 seconds till the device restarts or by typing "fastboot reboot" inside command window.

Requirements:
- PC : Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10
- Mi PC Suite : http://pcsuite.mi.com/
- Mi Flash Tool
Beta : https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9wtW2KGOf0RRS1lZGgybVVnbms/view
01/04/16 : https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9wtW2KGOf0RaERVZXFtaGxfZ2s/view?usp=drive_web
28/10/15 : http://bigota.d.miui.com/tools/MiPhone20151028.exe


1. Flashing Fastboot ROM using Emergency Download Mode (EDL)
2. Flashing Fastboot ROM using Fastboot Mode

WORK IN PROGRESS
_____________________________________



SUMMARY​

1. OFFICIAL UNLOCKED BOOTLOADERS users should use
Official TWRP
- If they plan on staying only on custom ROMs like CM14.1, AOSP
- Universal Boot Img Patcher / Lazy flasher needed after flashing MIUI ROMs
ZCX TWRP
- If they switch between MIUI & CM / AOSP ROMs
- Universal Boot Img Patcher / Lazy Flasher not needed after flashing MIUI ROMs


2. Just got a brand new Redmi Note 3 and wish to flash TWRP or a custom ROM?
STEP 1 : Verification
- Check the model : kenzo, kate, hennessy
- If kenzo, then proceed
- Verify if the installed ROM on your device is official MIUI ROM
- If NO, flash official MIUI ROM using MiFlash tool on PC via EDL mode

STEP 2 : Unlock Bootloader
- Apply for bootloader unlock
- Backup everything from internal storage, SMS, contacts etc.
- Unlock bootloader

STEP 3 : Flash TWRP
- Flash ZCX TWRP using fastboot mode using PC
- Backup all partitions using TWRP

STEP 4 : Flashing Custom ROM
- Factory Reset using TWRP
- Flash required files needed for the custom ROM
- Flash custom ROM zip
- Flash Google Apps zip
- Reboot to System


3. Follow the guides for recovering your device in case of softbrick/hardbrick, IMEI/EFS corrupt etc.
- Video Guide : Bootloader Unlock, Root, TWRP, Restore, Unbrick & ROMs : http://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-3/how-to/video-redmi-note-3-bootloader-unlock-t3407003
- Flash/Unbrick On Locked/Unlocked Bootloader : http://en.miui.com/thread-235865-1-1.html
- Flash/Unbrick From HS USB 900E Mode : http://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-3/how-to/unbricking-redmi-note3-hardbrickhs-usb-t3351325
- IMEI/EFS Repair : http://forum.xda-developers.com/redmi-note-3/how-to/flash-recover-efs-snapdragon-t3406789

CREDITS
TWRPs
Vibhor : Official TWRP
TheStrix : F2FS TWRP, CM Firmware
dadi11 : Unofficial TWRP
BY~XM : ZCZ TWRP
Cofface????? : Cofface TWRP
Rajdip : Safe TWRP v2
Alka121209 : Alka TWRP

PATCHES
Rajdip : Universal Boot Image Patcher
jcadduono : Lazy Flasher
Sudeep Duhoon : VoLTE Patch
*Moon- : RR 5.8.0 Fingerprint Fix
tank0412 : CM13 Front Camera Fix
banmeifyouwant : CM13 Radios & Security Fix

FIRMWARE
wmaster4g : Multi ROM Firmware
TheStrix : CM Firmware
Psy_Man : Android N Firmware

GUIDES
Tomsgt : Video Tutorial
Rajdip : Unbrick Guide
Muz_paray : Unbrick Guide
Archit9169 : IMEI/EFS Repair Guide

​

 

[white FANNg]

why after flashing alka recovery, we should again flash cofface? is alka recovery used for backup only? can we flash roms with alka recovery?

 

[prathameshsd]

why after flashing alka recovery, we should again flash cofface? is alka recovery used for backup only? can we flash roms with alka recovery?

For official users you can flash other ROMs with Alka TWRP as well.
For unofficial users you must flash Safe TWRP v2 after Alka to avoid hardbrick if you flash MIUI ROM.

 

[nonyhaha]

I am running now stocl global rom with officialy unlocked bootloader.
How can I flash Alka recovery to backup and install cm13? just use adb flash recovery?

 

[mnsk]

Thanks for the initiative, can you explain more about the partitions.
What if one doesn't have all the partitions backed up and flashed custom rom ( CM 13)?
Also please include the current version of TWRP for respective recoveries.

 

[prathameshsd]

I am running now stocl global rom with officialy unlocked bootloader.
How can I flash Alka recovery to backup and install cm13? just use adb flash recovery?

fastboot flash recovery alkatwrp.img

Thanks for the initiative, can you explain more about the partitions.
What if one doesn't have all the partitions backed up and flashed custom rom ( CM 13)?

Santhosh's CM13 zip based on M firmware has M boot loader. After flashing the zip your bootloader gets locked & gets updated to M boot loader.
So if you want to revert back to MIUI based on Lollipop you need to take backup of each & every partition using Alka TWRP, other TWRP wont work.
This restores the phone back to L boot loader & preserves IMEI.

All the links are updated to the latest versions of respective TWRPs.

 

[mnsk]

All the links are updated to the latest versions of respective TWRPs.

Can you also include them in the OP like official is on 3.0.2, alka on 3.0. Will be easier to keep track.

 

[Grantius]

I think for officially unlocked bootloader the official TWRP should be used. You can flash the universal boot image patcher as a secondary ZIP if needed, and you can back up EFS with it

 

[daveaus]

Hey all, I have successfully unlocked unofficially and flashed a alka via fastboot but I can't boot into recovery.

If I do adb reboot recovery it goes to a screen with a picture of my device which I assume is the stock recovery. If I reboot with Vol Up and Power I get the same thing. Any ideas? Thanks!

EDIT: I flashed "Safe TWRP v2" then Alka and it worked! Thanks OP

 

[Doublewise]

Nice information.

So the alka version is the best for official. Just want to know more:
1. Is that mean that backup/restore feature of cofface not backup all partitions?
2. Are there any differences between cofface and alka beside backup feature? Both seem not built from latest official twrp.
3. How about flashing (not restoring) other Rom from Santosh M Rom?

Thanks.

Sent from my Redmi Note 3 using Tapatalk

 

[nonyhaha]

I installed alka version and it is in chinese, I am trying desperately to find a way to switch language, but all the guides online point to twrp theme manager, which does not work. any guide to change language from within twrp?

I flashed Cofface twrp also and the language is still in Chinese. there is no way to add some files somewhere to change the freakin' language?

 

[prathameshsd]

I think for officially unlocked bootloader the official TWRP should be used. You can flash the universal boot image patcher as a secondary ZIP if needed, and you can back up EFS with it

Yes you can use it too

Nice information. So the alka version is the best for official. Just want to know more:
1. Is that mean that backup/restore feature of cofface not backup all partitions?
2. Are there any differences between cofface and alka beside backup feature? Both seem not built from latest official twrp.
3. How about flashing (not restoring) other Rom from Santosh M Rom?

1. Yes, only Alka TWRP is capable of backing up & restoring all partitions including bootloader.
2. Alka TWRP backs up EFS (IMEI) partition as well, Cofface dosent. Rest all features are same.
3. For official unlocked users : You can flash any ROM using Alka TWRP.
Unofficial unlocked users : You must flash Safe TWRP v2 before flashing any ROM else it will lead to hardbricking.

I installed alka version and it is in chinese, I am trying desperately to find a way to switch language, but all the guides online point to twrp theme manager, which does not work. any guide to change language from within twrp?
I flashed Cofface twrp also and the language is still in Chinese. there is no way to add some files somewhere to change the freakin' language?

Re-flash Alka / Cofface TWRP, you will be greeted by a chinese text. Click on the box on the right, select English & tick mark the box above slider & swipe it.

 

[nonyhaha]

Yes you can use it too



1. Yes, only Alka TWRP is capable of backing up & restoring all partitions including bootloader.
2. Alka TWRP backs up EFS (IMEI) partition as well, Cofface dosent. Rest all features are same.
3. For official unlocked users : You can flash any ROM using Alka TWRP.
Unofficial unlocked users : You must flash Safe TWRP v2 before flashing any ROM else it will lead to hardbricking.



Re-flash Alka / Cofface TWRP, you will be greeted by a chinese text. Click on the box on the right, select English & tick mark the box above slider & swipe it.

Alka and coface give an error, can't find en.xml in the zip.

 

[prathameshsd]

Alka and coface give an error, can't find en.xml in the zip.

Go to TWRP folder in the internal storage where you have installed Themes folder, delete the entire folder.

 

[jazzu4ia]

....i lost the L boot loader...

...good afternoon...
...i flashed shantosh's rom without taking backup...
...so, i lost the stock L bootloader...
...now i see the M bootloader with cyanogenmod logo...
...it's not a problem since i flashed a lot of cm based roms, and some miui roms also, with this M bootloader...
...but i want the official bunny bootloader back...
...how can i restore it back ?
...flashing with mi flash tool maby ??

 

[anshulratchet]

Thanks for this post cos this finally clears up my confusions.... And well I suppose Cofface is good because rooting after updates is easy....But just one question....Exactly how do I install OTAs? It seems I cant install the small 150mb ota files so I have to install the fastboot rom...But do I have to wipe system before that? Because I tried flashing 7.3.6.0 update (fastboot rom 1.1gb) without wiping system and its still showing me on 7.3.5.0.... So what exactly is the method before applying OTAs?

 

[Grantius]

Thanks for this post cos this finally clears up my confusions.... And well I suppose Cofface is good because rooting after updates is easy....But just one question....Exactly how do I install OTAs? It seems I cant install the small 150mb ota files so I have to install the fastboot rom...But do I have to wipe system before that? Because I tried flashing 7.3.6.0 update (fastboot rom 1.1gb) without wiping system and its still showing me on 7.3.5.0.... So what exactly is the method before applying OTAs?

You need to use recovery ROM, not fast boot.

 

[sangalaviral]

And how to move from unofficially unlocked bootloader to official unlocking?