We've already reviewed the most essential aspects of the Android scene. We've seen what it's all about. Root, what is that about Bootloader, the difference between a Custom ROM and a Stock ROMs, and a few other things. Today we're going to focus on something essential, the Recovery menuWhat is this Recovery mode? What can we do with it? Is it necessary for rooting? This mode is the system's emergency gateway and allows retrieve phone when Android does not start normally.
What is the Recovery menu?
Some operating systems have this type of application, a Recovery menu. This menu is used to run low-level actions programming. That is, to make modifications to a large part of the system. Many computer systems have a menu of this type pre-installed. For most Androids, there are already compatible applications, created by developers, that They are installed as a Recovery menuIn some cases, it's very simple, while in others, it requires a somewhat more complex process. The Recovery menu only starts a few system drivers, and we usually can't even use the internet connection. It often has a few limited functions.
On Android, the Recovery resides on a separate partition from the system partition. This separation ensures that even if the primary partition fails, you can still enter Recovery to restore o to update the device. The environment is very limited, designed to troubleshoot software errors and perform critical maintenance tasks.
What is the Recovery menu for?
We have explained above what this menu can be used for at a conceptual level. Now, some practical examples would be, for example, to install a new ROM. Does the word flashing sound familiar to you? Actually, flashing anything is just installing it. The main difference in Android jargon is that installations are performed from the system itself, while flashing consists of modify the system itself, adding or changing something. To install, the system must be up and running; to flash, it's the opposite; it's usually necessary for almost the entire system to be inactive. In addition to installing a ROM and flashing files, we can also perform backup, or perform complete system wipes and formatting. And not just the system, but also the cache or memory. Dalvik/ART Cache. We can also create system partitions, and a whole host of other things that, while basic, are essential to know if we want to start changing the ROM on our smartphone.
From the standard Recovery it is common to find options such as Wipe cache partition (clear cache to improve performance and resolve errors after updates) and Wipe data / Factory reset (factory reset when there are boot loops or serious errors). You will also see Apply update from ADB (to apply updates from the PC using Android Debug Bridge) and Apply update from SD card (install local update packages). Common advanced options include Reboot system now, Reboot to bootloader/Fastboot, Power off, Mount /system, View recovery logs, Run graphics test o Run locale testAnd including Repair apps on some manufacturers like Samsung. For boot loop cases and using ADB+Recovery, see this guide.
Remember that Recovery is designed for with . If the problem is hardware (battery, motherboard, screen), your tools will be ineffective. In any case, using it wisely avoids unnecessary data loss.
What is the best known Recovery?
The Recovery menu is something that many computer systems have, and not just Android. However, in Google's operating system, there's an app that has earned a name of its own, ClockWorkMod Recovery. It's not only famous for being the most installed Recovery menu, but also because the rest of the Recovery programs out there are almost all based on it. That said, the most widespread one today is TWRP with touch interface, with touch interface, Nandroid copies complete, installation of ZIPs and selective partition deletion. There are other variants such as orangefox, focused on advanced features and broad device support.
How do I install a Recovery menu?
It depends a lot on the smartphone. ClockworkMod Recovery has an application that allows you to install the Recovery menu from the system itself. It's very easy to use, but only some smartphones are compatible. Sony Xperia, for example, are not. The latter have adapted versions of ClockworkMod Recovery, but their installation procedure varies, and we have to search for information for each specific one. In current practice, the most common is Unlock the bootloader and flash the Recovery file by Fastboot or other manufacturer tools. Please note that unlocking the charger may erase all data and not all models allow this to be done officially. Root is not required to install a custom Recovery, although Recovery is often used to get Root after.
Is it necessary to be Root?
No, it is not strictly necessary to be Root. The Factory recovery It works without Root and allows tasks like wipes or apply official updates. Installing a custom recovery is usually essential. unlock bootloader, not be Root. In fact, Root usually arrives after install an advanced Recovery (for example, flashing Magisk).
How do you access the Recovery menu?
Once the Recovery menu is installed, each smartphone can run it differently. Some ROMs allow us to directly reboot in recovery mode. If our smartphone is compatible, then it's very simple. If our smartphone is not compatible with this system, then we'll have to access the Recovery by pressing a key combination at a specific moment when the smartphone is turned on. For example, on the Sony Xperia S, you must press the volume up button when the LED lights up purple.
Common combinations according to manufacturer (with the mobile phone turned off):
- Samsung: Volume up + Bixby + Power (on models with Bixby); on others, Volume up + Home + Power.
- Google Pixel / Motorola / LG: Volume down + Power; then choose Recovery Mode with the volume keys.
- Huawei / Asus / BQ: Volume up + Power.
- HTC: disable Fast boot in settings; then Volume down + Power.
- Xiaomi: from the app UpdaterOption Reboot to Recovery mode, or Volume up + Power combination.
On some models you will first enter the bootloader/Fastboot and you must select Recovery Mode with volume and confirm with Power. If you see the screen "There are no commands", hold Power and quickly press volume up to access the menu. Alternatively, from a PC with debugging enabled, you can use adb reboot recovery.
The stock Recovery has limited features and is geared towards restore the mobile in case of error. For advanced functions, the Custom Recovery (TWRP, CWM, OrangeFox) add a touch interface, Nandroid backups, selective wipes, and ZIP flashing. Don't confuse it with the download mode or with Fastboot, designed to flash low-level firmware with PC tools.
Use Recovery with caution: actions such as factory reset They erase your data. If in doubt, consult a guide specific to your model and prepare a backup before touching anything.
