How to Install Custom ROM on Xiaomi Redmi POCO (MI 11X) via TWRP

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide walks you through installing a custom ROM on Xiaomi Redmi POCO devices, specifically the MI 11X (also known as POCO F4 or Redmi K40), using TWRP recovery. You’ll learn how to unlock the bootloader, flash TWRP, and install a custom ROM, giving you access to newer Android versions, better performance, and a stock-like experience. Before starting, back up your data and ensure your device has at least 50% battery.

What You’ll Need

Xiaomi Redmi POCO MI 11X (or compatible device)
Unlocked bootloader (required; see Step 1)
TWRP recovery image for your exact device model (e.g., alioth for MI 11X)
Custom ROM ZIP file (e.g., LineageOS, Pixel Experience) compatible with your device
USB cable and a Windows PC (or Linux/macOS with fastboot)
ADB and Fastboot tools installed on your PC
USB debugging enabled on your phone (Developer options)
Backup of your data (photos, contacts, etc.)

Step-by-Step

Unlock the bootloader – Go to Settings > About Phone, tap “MIUI version” 7 times to enable Developer options. Then go to Settings > Additional settings > Developer options and enable “OEM unlocking” and “USB debugging”. Apply for bootloader unlock on Xiaomi’s official website (Mi Unlock), wait for approval (can take up to 7 days), then use the Mi Unlock tool on your PC to unlock the bootloader. This wipes your phone.
Install ADB and Fastboot – Download the platform-tools from the Android developer site and extract them to a folder like C:\adb. Open a command prompt in that folder (Shift+Right-click > Open command window here).
Boot to fastboot mode – Power off your phone. Press and hold Volume Down + Power together until the fastboot screen appears (shows a rabbit with a robot). Connect your phone to the PC via USB.
Verify fastboot connection – In the command prompt, type fastboot devices. You should see your device ID. If not, install the proper drivers (Xiaomi USB drivers).
Flash TWRP recovery – Download the TWRP image file (e.g., twrp-3.7.0_12-alioth.img) and place it in the same folder. Type fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_12-alioth.img and press Enter. Wait for the “OKAY” message.
Boot into TWRP – After flashing, do not let the system boot. Instead, use the volume keys to select “Recovery” and press Power, or type fastboot reboot recovery. Your phone will now boot into TWRP.
Wipe data (factory reset) – In TWRP, tap “Wipe” > “Format Data”. Type “yes” and confirm. This removes encryption and all data. Also go to “Advanced Wipe” and select Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, and Cache (not Internal Storage) to wipe them.
Transfer the ROM ZIP – With your phone in TWRP, use the “Mount” option to enable MTP, then copy the ROM ZIP file from your PC to the phone’s internal storage. Alternatively, use an OTG cable with a USB drive.
Flash the custom ROM – In TWRP, tap “Install”, select the ROM ZIP, and swipe to confirm. Wait for the installation to complete. Do not reboot yet.
Flash GApps (optional) – If your ROM doesn’t include Google apps, download the appropriate GApps package (e.g., MindTheGapps) and flash it the same way, right after the ROM.
Wipe cache and reboot – After flashing, go to “Wipe” > “Advanced Wipe” and wipe Dalvik/ART cache and cache again. Then tap “Reboot System”. The first boot may take 5–10 minutes.

Common Mistakes

Flashing the wrong TWRP or ROM for your device model – always verify the codename (MI 11X is “alioth”).
Skipping the bootloader unlock – it’s mandatory; flashing without it will fail or brick.
Not formatting data – if you don’t format, you’ll get bootloops or encryption errors.
Rebooting to system before flashing ROM – after flashing TWRP, always boot into recovery directly, not to MIUI.
Using an incompatible GApps package – always match the Android version (e.g., Android 13 GApps for Android 13 ROMs).

Tips

Always keep a backup of your current ROM (Nandroid backup) in TWRP before wiping.
Download the ROM and GApps to your PC before starting, so you don’t need to download on the phone.
Use a high-quality USB cable and a USB port directly on the motherboard to avoid disconnections.
Read the ROM’s official XDA thread for specific instructions, as some ROMs require a specific firmware version.
After installing, consider flashing a custom kernel for better battery life, but only if you know what you’re doing.

Troubleshooting

Bootloop after flashing – Go back to TWRP, wipe data and cache, then reflash the ROM. If still bootlooping, restore your Nandroid backup or flash the stock ROM via Mi Flash tool.
TWRP not booting – Try reflashing TWRP and immediately booting to recovery. If it boots to MIUI, you may need to use the “fastboot boot” command instead of flashing.
Fastboot not detecting device – Install the latest Xiaomi USB drivers, try a different USB port, or use a different cable.
Error 7 in TWRP – This usually means your firmware is outdated. Update to the latest MIUI firmware before flashing the ROM.
No network signal – Flash the correct firmware for your region, or reflash the ROM after wiping everything.
Battery drains fast – Calibrate the battery by letting it drain to 0% and charge to 100% without interruption, or try a different kernel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my warranty void after installing a custom ROM?

Yes, unlocking the bootloader and flashing a custom ROM typically voids the warranty, though some regions have laws protecting consumers. You can restore the stock ROM to regain warranty, but the bootloader unlock status may remain.

Will I still receive OTA updates?

No, custom ROMs do not receive OTA updates from Xiaomi. You’ll need to manually download and flash new builds from the ROM’s official page.

Can I go back to MIUI after installing a custom ROM?

Yes, you can flash the stock MIUI ROM using Mi Flash tool in fastboot mode. This will restore the original system, but the bootloader will remain unlocked.

Do I need to root my phone to install a custom ROM?

No, rooting is not required. TWRP and custom ROMs work without root. If you want root later, you can flash Magisk separately.

What is the difference between TWRP and OrangeFox?

TWRP is the most widely used custom recovery. OrangeFox is a fork based on TWRP with extra features like a modern UI and built-in password vault. Both work for flashing ROMs, but TWRP is more stable and recommended for beginners.

Why does my phone show “can’t verify” or “unlocked bootloader” warning?

That’s normal. The warning appears because the bootloader is unlocked. It will go away after you install a custom ROM that doesn’t enforce verified boot, or you can ignore it.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.