How to Transfer and Install Files Using TWRP Recovery [4 Methods]

With the help of this guide, we will show you four different methods for transferring or installing files via TWRP Recovery. The ability to create custom recoveries is among the most useful tools a tech enthusiast can have around the house. The reason for the same is hardly a secret either. This app provides a wide array of interesting features, such as the ability to flash ZIP and IMG files, perform Android backups, and delete partition data so you can install custom firmware.

There are, however, a few challenging scenarios that may arise when you use this recovery. One of the most problematic cases is when a user booted to TWRP and performed a Format Data. They are left without a ROM because they have removed all their files from their Internal Storage. Despite the fact that booting up OS and transferring the file seems like a viable option, users are not usually able to access the OS in most cases.

Any tasks that need to be completed must be performed by TWRP. Keeping that in mind, this guide will teach you four different ways to transfer or install files from your PC to your device using TWRP Recovery. I’ll get started right away, so without further ado.

How To Transfer or Install Files via TWRP Recovery

You can accomplish this task by using four different methods listed here. Choose the one that is closest to your requirements after reviewing each of them. By performing the following steps, you are not held responsible in case of a thermonuclear war, your alarm does not wake you up, or anything happens to your device or data.

1: Install Android SDK

Firstly, you will need to install the Android SDK Platform Tools on your computer. The only recommended ADB and Fastboot binary is the official one provided by Google. Download the file and extract it anywhere on your computer that is convenient for you. You will then receive the platform-tools folder, which will be used throughout the guide.

2: Boot to TWRP Recovery

There is a good chance that most of you are already in TWRP recovery. In the event that that is not the case and you are currently running an OS, you must follow the steps below in order to boot your device into TWRP. NOTE: The following steps assume you have already installed TWRP Recovery. In the meantime, you can refer to our guide on How to Install TWRP Recovery on Android if you haven’t yet installed it.

  • You can find the build number by going to Settings > About Phone > 7 times and tapping it.

  • Select Settings > System > Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging.

Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking

  • You will now need to connect your device to the PC via a USB cable.
  • In the platform-tools folder address bar, type CMD, and press Enter to continue. You will be taken to the Command Prompt when you click this.

CMD and press Enter

  • The following command will boot your device to TWRP when you type it in the CMD window:
adb reboot recovery

install TWRP 3.0.x Recovery

3A: Transfer Files via TWRP & USB OTG

  • To transfer the desired files, you will need a USB OTG device.
  • Once that USB OTG is connected to your phone, you can start using it.
  • To mount USB OTG from TWRP, navigate to Mount and check the box

ransfer Files via TWRP & USB OTG

  • You can then tap on USB OTG after you’ve selected Install > Select Storage.
  • Now that all files in the OTG are displayed, select the one you wish to flash.

OTG are displayed

3B: Transfer Files via TWRP MTP

Due to the lack of OTG devices, users are likely to use MTP to transfer and install files via TWRP. The following are the steps you should follow:

  • You will need to use a USB cable to connect your device to your PC.

  • You can then enable MTP in TWRP by going to Mount, checking Data, and tapping on Enable MTP.

  • As soon as you connect your PC to your device, you will be able to see it. Simply transfer the desired files there.

enable MTP in TWRP

3C: Transfer Files via TWRP & ADB Push

TWRP’s ADB push command is the next best option for transferring or installing files. Although it is a slightly longer method than MTP, it is still quite efficient at doing its job. On the plus side, it’s considerably faster than MTP. Here’s how to put this method to the test right away.

  • Begin by connecting your device to your PC with a USB cable.

  • The files to be transferred will then be placed in the platform tools folder.

  • Click the platform-tools folder address bar, type CMD in the address bar, and hit Enter.

  • Using this command will launch the Command Prompt. [Replace filename. extension with the appropriate extension] Type in the below command in it.

adb push filename.extension /sdcard
  • In the above command, the transfer location is set as sd card, which is the internal storage on your device. It is usually recommended to use this destination and shouldn’t be changed unless it is specifically requested.

  • For instance, if you want to transfer test.zip to your device’s Internal Storage, the above command would be:

adb push test.zip /sdcard

3D: Transfer Files via TWRP & ADB Sideload

In our opinion, this is the most risky method out of the four. ADB Sideload flashes a file right after it has finished transferring it. This is due to the fact that it tends to flash the file immediately after it has finished transferring it. With TWRP, it is highly recommended that you use the Intall feature instead of the Sideload [unless the developer specifies otherwise].

ADB Sideload is only recommended for custom recoveries that do not have an Install option, such as those that came with the custom ROM [Lineage Recovery, Pixel Experience Recovery, and so on]. If you have exhausted all your resources, and you have no other option, then here’s how you can transfer files via TWRP and ADB Sideload.

  • The first step is to connect your device via USB to your PC.
  • The files to be transferred will then be placed in the platform tools folder.
  • TWRP allows you to sideload devices by going to Advanced > ADB Sideload, then swiping right to begin.

Transfer Files via TWRP & ADB Sideload

  • Now head over to the platform-tools folder address bar, type in CMD in the address bar, and hit Enter.
  • This will launch the Command Prompt. Type in the below command in it [replace filename.extension accordingly]
adb sideload filename.extension
  • Say, if you want to transfer and install the rom.zip file to your device, then the above command will transform to:
adb sideload rom.zip

It’s all done. There are four different methods through which you can transfer and install files via TWRP Recovery. If you have any questions regarding the aforementioned steps, please let us know in the comments. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible with a solution.

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