How to Install TWRP Recovery using Odin on Samsung Android devices

Odin is a PC software used internally at all Samsung service centers for updating/flashing Firmware to Samsung devices. This software was never meant to go public but thanks to the growing world of Samsung’s Galaxy devices, Odin is now used by general users for all sorts of things like flashing stock Samsung ROMs, custom kernels and custom recoveries like TWRP.

For the unknown, TWRP recovery is a custom recovery developed and maintained by the folks over at TeamWin. Using TWRP, you can take full device (nandroid) backups, plus install/flash rooting scripts like SuperSU, Custom ROMs/MODs and other similar stuff.

TWRP recovery is available as both official and unofficial builds because it’s an open source project and anyone with knowledge can compile the recovery for any Android device.

You can download TWRP recovery for your device from TeamWin’s official repository for the recovery. And in case you don’t find your device listed there, do a search for it on our website once. We cover both official and unofficial TWRP builds from various Android community forums such as XDA on a regular basis. So you might find an unofficial TWRP build for your device on our site.

[icon name=”download” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Download TWRP Recovery

Note: Make sure to get the .tar file of TWRP recovery for your Samsung device to be able to flash/install using Odin.

How to Flash TWRP recovery using Odin

[icon name=”cloud-download” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Download Odin 3.12.3

  1. Unzip the Odin 3.12.3 .zip file and run/open Odin3 v3.12.3.exe file from the extracted files on your PC.
  2. Make sure you’ve downloaded a Odin flashable TWRP recovery .tar file compatible for your device.
  3. (If applicable) Enable OEM unlock:
    1. Go to Settings » About phone » and tap Build number seven times to enable Developer options.
    2. Go back to main Settings page, scroll to bottom and select Developer options from there.
    3. Under Developer options, look for Enable OEM unlock checkbox/toggle and enable it.
  4. Boot your device into Download mode:
    1. Switch off your device.
    2. Press and hold “Home + Power + Volume down” buttons for a few seconds until you see a warning screen.
    3. Press Volume Up on the warning screen to accept it and boot into Download mode.
  5. Once your device is in download mode, connect it to the PC with a USB cable. The Odin window on PC should detect the device and show an “Added!!” message.
  6. Now click on the AP tab on Odin window and select the TWRP recovery .tar file that you downloaded for your device.
    └ Note: DON’T play with any other options on the screen. You’re only required to connect your device and select the TWRP recovery .tar file in the AP tab.
  7. Click the Start button on Odin and wait for it to finish the process. Once it has finished successfully, you’ll see a pass message on the Odin screen.
  8. Your device will automatically reboot when Odin is done flashing. You can then disconnect your device.

How to boot into TWRP recovery on a Samsung Galaxy device

  1. Switch off your device.
  2. Press and hold “Home + Power + Volume Up” buttons for a few seconds and as soon as you see your device’ logo on-screen, release three buttons altogether. Your device will boot into TWRP recovery.

Happy Androiding! 

Posted by
Shivam Malani

Shivam is our resident designer and web developer who also enjoys writing. He loves to meditate, drive on the freeways and hunt for snipers during his Call Of Duty playtime. Email: [email protected]

89 Comments

  1. I did all of the instructions and nothing happens, i mean, i still have the stock recovery
    ¿?

    1. It could been “reflashed” by stock rom – follow this instructions http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2560928

  2. I did all of the instructions and nothing happens, i mean, i still have the stock recovery
    ¿?

    1. It could been “reflashed” by stock rom – follow this instructions http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2560928

  3. Thanks for the most user friendly guide to get a recovery installed! This deserves a cookie!

  4. Thanks for the most user friendly guide to get a recovery installed! This deserves a cookie!

  5. thanks a lot. it works in my note 4. i have now twrp recovery.
    heimdall is very hard to comprehend.

    odin is very smooth. just get your version of your device of twrp and flash it.

  6. thanks a lot. it works in my note 4. i have now twrp recovery.
    heimdall is very hard to comprehend.

    odin is very smooth. just get your version of your device of twrp and flash it.

  7. says “recovery is not seandroid enforcing” and that’s it
    doesn’t even boot to the stock recovery

  8. says “recovery is not seandroid enforcing” and that’s it
    doesn’t even boot to the stock recovery

  9. I found a mistake:

    […] recovery .tar file in the PA tab.

    You wrote pa insteand of ap

    1. Corrected. Thanks for notifying 🙂

  10. I found a mistake:

    […] recovery .tar file in the PA tab.

    You wrote pa insteand of ap

    1. Corrected. Thanks for notifying 🙂

  11. i did the same n flash and odin show pass but now i can not switch on my device,is it kind of joke ? odin is showing complete and passed but i can not switch on my phone neither go to recovery mode but goes to download mode..what to do

    1. Hello,

      I came across exactly the same problem which I could only rectify by downgrading to 2.8.7.0 using the usual Odin routine. Hopefully it goes well for you too.

      Cheers.

    2. Happy to hear that u can go in download mode.. my phone (Galaxy Core Prime SM-G360H) has the same problem.. i went to the many repair stores and they give up.. and i was like Now what to do with this dead phone..
      After that i searched alot about it on internet and found that FLASHING STOCK RECOVERY can give a new life to your phone..
      For more info, u can go to this linkhttps://androidmtk.com/flash-samsung-stock-rom-using-odin

    3. There is a download mode and a TWRP mode

      YOU get TWRP mode ONLY if you flash/installed TWRP via ODIN.

      IF you did not install TWRP you go into regular DOWNLOAD mode.

      Anyways, to fix it just re-install TWRP using ODIN … OR … there are file types of Androids you can install using the other 3 features of ODIN (1 AP 2 blah 3 blah 4 blah) while your phone is in DOWNLOAD mode. Reboot.

      These instructions are pretty much the same for MOST SAMSUNG PHONES AND TABLETS AND GADGETS. JUST SELECT THE PACKAGES FOR YOUR SAMSUNG MODEL.

      Some Samsung product can only support up to a certain version of android. LOL try the highest and keep dropping down until you get 1 that works! <– at least I did.

  12. i did the same n flash and odin show pass but now i can not switch on my device,is it kind of joke ? odin is showing complete and passed but i can not switch on my phone neither go to recovery mode but goes to download mode..what to do

    1. Hello,

      I came across exactly the same problem which I could only rectify by downgrading to 2.8.7.0 using the usual Odin routine. Hopefully it goes well for you too.

      Cheers.

    2. Happy to hear that u can go in download mode.. my phone (Galaxy Core Prime SM-G360H) has the same problem.. i went to the many repair stores and they give up.. and i was like Now what to do with this dead phone..
      After that i searched alot about it on internet and found that FLASHING STOCK RECOVERY can give a new life to your phone..
      For more info, u can go to this linkhttps://androidmtk.com/flash-samsung-stock-rom-using-odin

  13. Could you give me a TWRP Recovery for my ‘Samsung A7100(A7 2016)’?
    I looked for it here and there,but failed.Thanks 🙂

  14. Could you give me a TWRP Recovery for my ‘Samsung A7100(A7 2016)’?
    I looked for it here and there,but failed.Thanks 🙂

  15. […] the buttons.  You will be prompted to cancel (Volume Down) or continue (Volume Up).  If you have the ability to flash a file here, like TWRP recovery, you’d press Volume […]

  16. I flash this fine using odin, but when I boot into recovery i get a green screen that flashes and then it reboots normally….I used to have CWM recovery installed., not sure if this is the issue.

  17. Hopefully someone can help. I am trying to install marshmallow CM 13, but I am told that it will only work using the recovery twrp. I have/had CWM which I tried using first to install cm 13, but the GAPPS failed…so I found that you have to use twrp. SO i download the correct md5 file to flash for my s4 mini 3g and flashed this via odin, successfully. Immediately after this flash I rebooted into recovery and this is were I get a green screen, it goes away by itself and takes me back to the phone (normal boot). SO my phone is not soft brick. How can I get twrp installed to flash the cm 13 rom and gapps?

    1. It seems the TWRP recovery build you tried flashing isn’t functional. Let us help you find a stable build, what is your S4 mini device model number?

  18. I flash this fine using odin, but when I boot into recovery i get a green screen that flashes and then it reboots normally….I used to have CWM recovery installed., not sure if this is the issue.

  19. Hopefully someone can help. I am trying to install marshmallow CM 13, but I am told that it will only work using the recovery twrp. I have/had CWM which I tried using first to install cm 13, but the GAPPS failed…so I found that you have to use twrp. SO i download the correct md5 file to flash for my s4 mini 3g and flashed this via odin, successfully. Immediately after this flash I rebooted into recovery and this is were I get a green screen, it goes away by itself and takes me back to the phone (normal boot). SO my phone is not soft brick. How can I get twrp installed to flash the cm 13 rom and gapps?

    1. It seems the TWRP recovery build you tried flashing isn’t functional. Let us help you find a stable build, what is your S4 mini device model number?

  20. Good day!

    I tried rooting my SM-G900F today and I already downloaded odin and the recovery file, but the problem is it won’t open in odin. Am I supposed to download another program or is it something wrong with the recovery file?
    Thanks in advance!

  21. Good day!

    I tried rooting my SM-G900F today and I already downloaded odin and the recovery file, but the problem is it won’t open in odin. Am I supposed to download another program or is it something wrong with the recovery file?
    Thanks in advance!

  22. I am using a straight talk galaxy E5 – SM-s978L – was able to successfully install TWRP twrp-2.8.4.0-jfltetmo.tar via Odin, as instructed. When I try to reboot in to recovery mode, it hangs on the black screen, and does not allow TWRP to start so I can upgrade to TWRP-3.0.0-0-F2FS-(JDC).zip. I am able to hold power/home buttons and cancel back to a normal boot. Any ideas would be extremely welcome. Thanks in advance.

    using guide atz:
    http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=64963179&postcount=162

  23. I am using a straight talk galaxy E5 – SM-s978L – was able to successfully install TWRP twrp-2.8.4.0-jfltetmo.tar via Odin, as instructed. When I try to reboot in to recovery mode, it hangs on the black screen, and does not allow TWRP to start so I can upgrade to TWRP-3.0.0-0-F2FS-(JDC).zip. I am able to hold power/home buttons and cancel back to a normal boot. Any ideas would be extremely welcome. Thanks in advance.

    using guide atz:
    http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=64963179&postcount=162

  24. odin doesnt up the file. i press ap then load the tar from twrp offical site and it just doesnt go on it stucks on please wait after says checking md5

  25. odin doesnt up the file. i press ap then load the tar from twrp offical site and it just doesnt go on it stucks on please wait after says checking md5

  26. Hi, just to confirm…is Ordin meant for Samsung devices ONLY…I have LG G3 D855 and want to flash TWRP using Ordin…can it be done ?

    If not can you advice what other software that can flash TWRP into LG G3 D855 without rooting the phone…many thanks in advance…

  27. Hi, just to confirm…is Ordin meant for Samsung devices ONLY…I have LG G3 D855 and want to flash TWRP using Ordin…can it be done ?

    If not can you advice what other software that can flash TWRP into LG G3 D855 without rooting the phone…many thanks in advance…

  28. Sorry if this has been coverd already…..didnt read every comment.
    Do you also need to have install from unfamiliar devices checked or is this different than pingpong root?….sorry only rooted 1 phone….well 1.5 phones lol so im a newb.

  29. Sorry if this has been coverd already…..didnt read every comment.
    Do you also need to have install from unfamiliar devices checked or is this different than pingpong root?….sorry only rooted 1 phone….well 1.5 phones lol so im a newb.

  30. thanks a lot, pal…. It works well.

  31. thanks a lot, pal…. It works well.

  32. I tried flashing the twrp recovery on my smt561, nothing happened, it still booted to stock recovery.well i want to flash it again and i hope i will be successful but i need a custom rom for my tab, like a cm12.1 or cm13 and also i need a solution to the storage, the system forbids writing on an external sd card, my sd card is just useless.my tab is samsung galaxy smT561XXU0AOL2. Will be waiting for your reply.

  33. I tried flashing the twrp recovery on my smt561, nothing happened, it still booted to stock recovery.well i want to flash it again and i hope i will be successful but i need a custom rom for my tab, like a cm12.1 or cm13 and also i need a solution to the storage, the system forbids writing on an external sd card, my sd card is just useless.my tab is samsung galaxy smT561XXU0AOL2. Will be waiting for your reply.

  34. […] How to Install TWRP Recovery using Odin […]

  35. Hi, can someone please assist me, After i loaded twrp via odin my galaxy tab 4 10.1 keeps booting to download mode instead of recovery mode. i then tried a few other methods like flashify when i downloaded the twrp recovery .img i got to booting what looks like twrp recovery mode but then the screen crashes out like its broken with horizontal lines over the screen. Any help would be appreciated tnks.

    1. Have you gotten this fixed?

  36. Hi, can someone please assist me, After i loaded twrp via odin my galaxy tab 4 10.1 keeps booting to download mode instead of recovery mode. i then tried a few other methods like flashify when i downloaded the twrp recovery .img i got to booting what looks like twrp recovery mode but then the screen crashes out like its broken with horizontal lines over the screen. Any help would be appreciated tnks.

    1. Have you gotten this fixed?

  37. How long does it usually take to flash twrp on s7?

  38. How long does it usually take to flash twrp on s7?

  39. Im so sorry, I Need TWRP for Samsung Galaxy J5 (2015) MM 6.0.1

  40. Im so sorry, I Need TWRP for Samsung Galaxy J5 (2015) MM 6.0.1

  41. Hi I have a problem. Odin is sending me this message: “Can’t open the serial(COM) port.” Do you know what to do with it?

    1. You download Samsung-Usb-Driver-v1.5.61.0

  42. Hi I have a problem. Odin is sending me this message: “Can’t open the serial(COM) port.” Do you know what to do with it?

    1. You download Samsung-Usb-Driver-v1.5.61.0

  43. Im sorry , my samsung j2 is no boot twrp. what I Do?

    1. have you done all steps correctly?

    2. It works fine on my Galaxy Tab 2.

  44. Im sorry , my samsung j2 is no boot twrp. what I Do?

  45. So lets say, my tablet is not really a big brand and i can’t find a twrp for it. what should i to install a custom
    recovery

  46. So lets say, my tablet is not really a big brand and i can’t find a twrp for it. what should i to install a custom
    recovery

  47. Custom Binary (Recovery) blocked by FAP lock

    1. before flashing tpwrp go to developer potion turn on oem unlock if not u will face the same problem,

  48. Custom Binary (Recovery) blocked by FAP lock

    1. before flashing tpwrp go to developer potion turn on oem unlock if not u will face the same problem,

  49. I’ve tried several versions of ODIN but it always ends up with a “FAIL!”. I have the most recent version of TWRP for my device (Sprint Samsung Galaxy S6).

  50. I’ve tried several versions of ODIN but it always ends up with a “FAIL!”. I have the most recent version of TWRP for my device (Sprint Samsung Galaxy S6).

  51. my odin screen is stuck on setupconnection.. any help?

  52. my odin screen is stuck on setupconnection.. any help?

  53. I followed the steps above, but every time I try to boot into TWRP recovery mode, the phone boots into regular mode. Problem maybe that I have Android 6.0.1 via Resurrection Remix on my phone (Galaxy S4 GT i9505). What can I do to make TWRP work on that phone?

  54. I followed the steps above, but every time I try to boot into TWRP recovery mode, the phone boots into regular mode. Problem maybe that I have Android 6.0.1 via Resurrection Remix on my phone (Galaxy S4 GT i9505). What can I do to make TWRP work on that phone?

  55. I have samsung galaxy j5 2015-sm-j500f and i do everything but phone boots into regular mode. 🙁

  56. I have samsung galaxy j5 2015-sm-j500f and i do everything but phone boots into regular mode. 🙁

  57. can i have twrp for samsung j2 j210f, i’s not in the list

  58. can i have twrp for samsung j2 j210f, i’s not in the list

  59. well when i clikc on odin start i have everything okey but it get stuck in setup connection and never moves

  60. I am using Ubuntu and because of that the software will not detect the device, please make a tutorial for Linux users.

  61. tnx a lot boss

  62. when i download the twrp recovery image…where should i save it……when i search for it where i stored it on desktop….file search doesn’t recognize or see it……and what if recovery says its corrupted?

  63. I’m trying to do this, but it keeps failing, saying, “ Complete(Write) operation failed.” I’ve tried different USB cables, restarted both the PC and phone, and even used different versions of Odin, but nothing works. I’ve enabled USB Debugging in addition to the OEM mentioned in the instructions. Any ideas?

    1. On your phone, go into Settings – Developer Options – OEM Unlock and enable that.

      1. It already is.

  64. When I am attempting to flash my Samsung Galaxy Tab A, Odin says the flash failed and my tablet says “ODIN : Binary size is too large : recovery.” What is the issue here and how can I fix it?

  65. disqus_o0e0FeaGOs

    Important point: When you start the flash process make sure to hold down the VOLUME UP and HOME keys until the flash process is done and your phone reboots. If you don’t your newly installed recovery will be wiped out and replaced with the original recovery when your phone reboots into stock Android.

    1. great advice! thank you!

    2. VERY VERY IMPORTANT!!! Your phone will automatically overwrite the TWRP with stock recovery until you do this during install. You can also uncheck the reboot option in Odin and once Odin says “RES OK!”, unplug usb, hold power and home key until screen goes black, quickly add holding vol up key until you see small blue and yellow text in the top left corner of the boot screen.

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