Install TWRP Recovery using Odin on Samsung Devices

Last updated: November 7, 2025

TWRP stands for Team Win Recovery Project. It is a powerful, custom recovery environment for Android devices, primarily used for tasks like:

Creating a full backup (Nandroid) of your entire ROM, including system, data, and boot partitions.
Flashing custom ROMs, kernels, and system modifications (like Magisk for root access).
Restoring a previous backup.
Wiping partitions for a clean install.

TWRP is device-specific, so you must download the exact version made for your phone’s model number. If you have a Samsung Android device, the standard and most reliable method to install (or “flash”) TWRP is by using the PC software Odin.

Table of Contents

Prerequisites and Essential Setup

Before you begin, gather these items and complete these critical steps:

Requirement	Notes
PC/Laptop	Running Windows (Odin is a Windows-based tool).
Odin	Download the latest official version (v3.13.1 or newer is generally recommended).
Samsung USB Drivers	Install these on your PC so Odin can properly communicate with your device.
TWRP Recovery File	Download the TWRP file specifically for your phone’s exact model number. The file should be in `.tar` or `.img.tar` format. You can find this on the official TWRP website or reputable forums like XDA Developers.
USB Cable	Use the original, high-quality cable that came with your device.
Data Backup	Crucial: Flashing custom binaries will trigger a factory reset (data wipe) on modern Samsung devices due to the Knox security feature. Back up all personal data, photos, and files.

Step-by-Step Guide to Install TWRP Recovery Using Odin

Phase 1: Prepare Your Samsung Device

1. Enable Developer Options:

Go to Settings > About phone > Software information.
Tap on the “Build number” seven times until a message says, “You are now a developer!”

2. Enable OEM Unlock (Critical):

Go back to Settings > Developer options.
Find the “OEM unlocking” toggle and enable it.
- Warning: Enabling this will factory reset your device and permanently trip the Knox security fuse, voiding your warranty and disabling some Samsung features (like Samsung Pay) forever.

3. Enable the Download Mode (Odin Mode):

Power off your phone completely.
The button combination varies based on the device model:
- Modern Devices (Galaxy S20/S21/S22/S23/S24 series, and many recent A/M series):
  - Press and hold the Volume Up + Volume Down buttons simultaneously.
  - While holding the buttons, connect the phone to your PC using the USB cable.
- Older Devices (S8, S9, Note8, Note9, and older with a Bixby button):
  - Press and hold the Volume Down + Bixby Button + Power button.
  - Connect the phone to your PC.
When a Warning/Splash screen appears, release the buttons and press the Volume Up button to confirm and enter Download Mode.

Phase 2: Flash TWRP using Odin

4. Configure Odin:

Open the Odin software on your PC (run as Administrator).
Connect your phone (still in Download Mode) to your PC.
Odin should detect your device. You will see a box light up (usually blue or yellow) with a message like <ID:0/003> Added!.

5. Disable Auto Reboot (Crucial Step):

In the Odin program, click on the “Options” tab at the top.
UNCHECK the box next to “Auto Reboot.”
- This prevents the phone from booting back into the stock OS right away, which would cause the stock recovery to overwrite your newly installed TWRP recovery.

6. Load the TWRP File:

Click the “AP” button (or PDA button on very old versions of Odin).
Browse to the location where you saved your downloaded TWRP .tar or .img.tar file and select it.

7. Start the Flashing Process:

Click the “Start” button at the bottom of the Odin window.
The flashing process is very fast. Wait for Odin to display “PASS!” (with a green background) in the log area.

Phase 3: Boot Immediately into TWRP

8. Boot Directly to Recovery Mode:

Immediately after seeing the “PASS!” message in Odin, you must force the phone to reboot directly into the custom recovery (TWRP) before it boots the system.
To force a reboot and enter TWRP:
- Press and hold the Volume Down + Power button simultaneously until the screen goes black (this forces a restart).
- The very instant the screen goes black, immediately switch your finger to the Volume Up button and press the new key combination for recovery:
  - Modern Devices (without Bixby/Home): Press and hold Volume Up + Power button.
  - Older Devices (with Bixby button): Press and hold Volume Up + Bixby Button + Power button.
Hold the new combination until the TWRP splash screen appears. If done correctly, TWRP is now permanently installed.
If you accidentally boot into the system, the stock recovery will overwrite TWRP, and you will have to repeat the entire process from Step 1.

You have now successfully installed TWRP Recovery! The first thing you should do in TWRP is to create a complete backup (Nandroid) of your device.

FAQs

Can I install TWRP recovery using Odin on any Android device?

Installing TWRP recovery using Odin is primarily intended and only works for Samsung Galaxy devices. Odin is a proprietary Samsung flashing tool. For non-Samsung Android devices (like Google Pixel, OnePlus, etc.), you would typically use the fastboot command line tool on your PC.

How do I boot my device into Download Mode (Odin Mode)?

The key combination has changed for modern Samsung devices:

Newer Devices (S20, S24, etc.): Turn off the phone, hold Volume Up + Volume Down, and plug the USB cable (connected to a PC) into the phone. Press Volume Up on the warning screen.
Older Devices (S8, Note8, etc.): Turn off the phone, hold Volume Down + Bixby Button + Power, and then plug the USB cable in or continue holding until the warning screen appears.

What precautions should I take before installing TWRP recovery with Odin?

Before installing TWRP:

Back up your entire device data as the process will initiate a factory reset (data wipe) due to security policies when enabling OEM unlock.
Ensure your device has sufficient battery charge (at least 50% or more).
Use the correct TWRP file for your exact model number to prevent bricking your device.

Can I revert to the stock recovery after installing TWRP with Odin?

Yes, it is possible. You must download the stock recovery image (usually part of the full official Samsung firmware) specific to your device model and carrier. You can then flash this stock firmware or just the stock recovery file (usually in the AP slot of Odin) in the same way you installed TWRP.

What should I do if Odin fails or encounters an error during installation?

If Odin fails (e.g., gets stuck or shows FAIL!), try these troubleshooting steps:

Ensure you are using the correct TWRP image file for your model.
Try a different USB port on your PC.
Use a different, high-quality USB cable.
Try a different, recent version of the Odin tool.
Ensure all Samsung USB Drivers are properly installed.
Reboot your PC and your device before attempting the installation again.

How to Install TWRP Recovery using Odin on Samsung Devices (Updated)

Technical Skills Everyone Should Have

What Is A Dangerous Temperature For A CPU? Warning Signs

MPEG Noise Reduction: What It Is and How to Use It