Get Ready! This is the Fail-Proof Method to Install TWRP on Samsung A20s

The Samsung Galaxy A20s (model variants SM-A207F, SM-A207M, and SM-A2070) is a popular budget smartphone that offers decent performance for everyday use. However, like many Android devices, its true potential remains locked behind the stock recovery and restricted system. Installing a custom recovery like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) opens up a world of possibilities – from creating full system backups and flashing custom ROMs to rooting your device with Magisk and installing various modifications.

If you've been looking to take your Galaxy A20s experience to the next level, installing TWRP is the crucial first step. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every stage of the process, from preparing your device and unlocking the bootloader to flashing the recovery image and verifying that everything works correctly.

While the process may seem intimidating for beginners, following each step carefully will help you successfully install TWRP without issues. Remember that this guide is written based on technical documentation and community-verified methods specifically for the SM-A207 variants.

Important Warnings and Prerequisites

Before we dive into the installation process, it's critical that you understand the implications and prepare everything properly:

⚠️ Critical Warnings

Data Loss: Unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP will perform a factory reset on your device, erasing all your personal data, including photos, videos, apps, and settings. There is no way around this – Samsung's security architecture requires a full wipe when the bootloader state changes.
Warranty Void: Installing a custom recovery and modifying your device will likely void your official warranty. Samsung's Knox security counter will be permanently tripped from 0x0 to 0x1, marking your device as modified.
Risk of Bricking: While the methods in this guide are well-tested, any mistake during the flashing process could potentially brick your device (render it unbootable). Proceed at your own risk and follow instructions precisely.
Model Compatibility: This guide is specifically for the Samsung Galaxy A20s with model numbers SM-A207F, SM-A207M, and SM-A2070. Do NOT attempt this on other Samsung models, as it will likely cause serious issues.

📋 What You'll Need

Item	Description
Samsung Galaxy A20s	Must be model SM-A207F, SM-A207M, or SM-A2070
Windows Computer	For running Odin flashing tool
USB Type-C Cable	Original or high-quality data cable for reliable connection
Samsung USB Drivers	Installed on your computer for proper device recognition
Odin Tool	Latest version (v3.14.4 or newer recommended)
TWRP Recovery Image	Official TWRP for Galaxy A20s in `.img.tar` format
Disabled VBMeta File	`vbmeta_disabled.tar` to bypass verification
Battery Level	At least 70% charged to prevent unexpected shutdowns
Internet Connection	Required on the phone during bootloader unlock process
Backup	Complete backup of all your important data

📥 Downloads

Prepare these files on your computer before starting:

Samsung USB Drivers: Download from the official Samsung developer website or install via Samsung Smart Switch
Odin Tool: Download the latest version from reputable sources like XDA Developers forums
Official TWRP for Galaxy A20s: Visit twrp.me/samsung/samsunggalaxya20s.html and download the latest .img.tar file
Disabled VBMeta: Search for "vbmeta_disabled_R.tar" for Samsung A20s from trusted community sources
Python (Optional): Some advanced methods require patching the bootable image header using a Python script

Step 0: Enable Developer Options and OEM Unlocking

Before we can unlock the bootloader or flash anything, we need to enable the hidden Developer Options menu and turn on OEM unlocking:

Open the Settings app on your Galaxy A20s
Scroll down and tap About phone
Tap Software information
Find the Build number entry at the bottom
Tap on Build number repeatedly (7 times in quick succession)
You'll see a countdown message: "You are X steps away from being a developer"
After the 7th tap, you'll see the message: "You are now a developer!"
If you have a screen lock set, you may be prompted to enter your PIN, pattern, or password
Go back to the main Settings menu – Developer options should now be listed near the bottom
Tap on Developer options to open the menu
Scroll down to find the OEM unlocking option and toggle the switch to ON
Read the warning message carefully and tap Enable to confirm
While you're here, also enable USB debugging – this will be useful for future modifications

Important Note: If the "OEM unlocking" option is greyed out and cannot be toggled, ensure your device is connected to the internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data). On some Samsung devices, you may need to wait up to 7 days after initial device setup for this option to become available. Some carrier-locked variants do not support bootloader unlocking at all.

Step 1: Unlock the Bootloader

The bootloader is the first piece of software that runs when your device powers on. By default, Samsung bootloaders are locked to only boot signed, official firmware. Unlocking it allows us to boot modified software like TWRP.

⚠️ WARNING: This step will erase ALL data on your device. Back up everything before proceeding.

Power off your Galaxy A20s completely – wait until the screen goes black and the device stops vibrating
Press and hold BOTH the Volume Up button AND the Volume Down button simultaneously
While holding both volume buttons, connect your phone to your computer using the USB cable
Keep holding the volume buttons until you see the Download Mode warning screen (blue screen with a warning triangle)
On the warning screen, press and hold the Volume Up button for a few seconds to enter Device Unlock Mode
A new screen titled "Unlock Bootloader" will appear with a detailed warning about the consequences
Read the warning carefully – it explains that this action cannot be undone and will erase all data
Press the Volume Up button ONCE to confirm that you want to unlock the bootloader
The device will immediately begin the bootloader unlocking process and perform an automatic factory reset
Your phone will reboot itself several times during this process – do NOT disconnect the USB cable or attempt to turn off the device
The entire process typically takes 2-5 minutes to complete

Related Articles: Unlock Bootloader Samsung A20s SM-A207: Easy 2026 Guide That Actually Works

After Bootloader Unlock

Once the process finishes:

Your Galaxy A20s will boot up as if it's brand new
You'll see the initial setup screen (select language, connect to Wi-Fi, etc.)
Important: Connect to Wi-Fi during setup and go through the initial setup process
After setup is complete, go back to Developer options to verify that OEM unlocking is now greyed out and toggled ON, with text indicating "Bootloader is already unlocked"

Step 2: Prepare for TWRP Installation

Now that your bootloader is unlocked, we're ready to flash TWRP. But first, we need to prepare the computer and files:

Install Samsung USB Drivers on your Windows computer if you haven't already. Restart your computer after installation to ensure the drivers are properly loaded.
Extract the Odin Tool ZIP file to a folder on your computer that's easy to find (like your Desktop).
Place the TWRP .img.tar file and the vbmeta_disabled.tar file in the same folder as Odin for easy access.
Verify your TWRP file – make sure it's specifically for the Galaxy A20s (codename: a20s) and ends with .img.tar extension.

Step 3: Flash Disabled VBMeta First

Before flashing TWRP itself, we need to disable the Android Verified Boot (VBMeta) protection. This prevents the device from refusing to boot because of the modified recovery partition:

Power off your Galaxy A20s completely
Boot into Download Mode again: Press and hold Volume Up + Volume Down, then connect the USB cable to your computer
On the Download Mode warning screen, press Volume Up once to continue into Download Mode proper
Launch Odin Tool on your computer by running the Odin3_v3.14.4.exe file (or whichever version you downloaded)
Check the connection: In Odin, you should see one of the ID:COM ports turn blue or yellow, and the message "Added!!" should appear in the Log box. This confirms your phone is properly detected.
Load the VBMeta file: Click the USERDATA button in Odin (or AP button if USERDATA doesn't exist in your Odin version)
Navigate to where you saved the vbmeta_disabled.tar file, select it, and click Open
Important: Under the Options tab, make sure only "Auto Reboot" and "F. Reset Time" are checked. DO NOT check "Re-Partition" or any other options.
Click the Start button in Odin to begin flashing
Wait for the process to complete – you'll see a green "PASS!" message in Odin when successful
The device will automatically reboot. Once it boots up, power it off again and boot back into Download Mode for the next step.

Step 4: Flash TWRP Recovery Using Odin

Now we're ready to flash the TWRP recovery image itself:

With your phone in Download Mode and connected to your computer, open Odin again if you closed it
Verify that Odin still shows your device as connected (blue/yellow ID: COM port)
Click the AP button in Odin
Navigate to where you saved the TWRP .img.tar file (e.g., twrp-3.5.2_10-0-a20s.img.tar), select it, and click Open
Check Options: Again, ensure only "Auto Reboot" and "F. Reset Time" are checked under the Options tab
Click the Start button to begin flashing TWRP
The flashing process should only take a few seconds. When complete, you'll see the green "PASS!" message in Odin
IMMEDIATELY after the device reboots and the screen goes black, press and hold Volume Up + Power button to boot directly into TWRP recovery before the system boots normally

Why the rush? On some Samsung devices, the stock recovery may automatically restore itself if you let the system boot normally after flashing TWRP. Booting directly into TWRP prevents this.

Step 5: Boot into TWRP for the First Time

If everything went well, you should now see the TWRP recovery interface:

The TWRP main screen will ask if you want to "Allow modifications to system partition"
Swipe the slider at the bottom to allow modifications. This is necessary for flashing ZIP files and making system changes.
Important: You may see a prompt asking for your decryption password. If your data was encrypted (which it is by default on modern Samsung devices), TWRP may not be able to decrypt your internal storage automatically. This is normal – we'll fix this in the next step.

Booting into TWRP Manually (For Future Reference)

To boot into TWRP recovery manually:

Power off your device completely
Press and hold BOTH the Volume Up button AND the Power button simultaneously
When the Samsung Galaxy A20s logo appears, release ONLY the Power button while continuing to hold the Volume Up button
Keep holding Volume Up until you see the TWRP recovery screen

Step 6: Format Data in TWRP

Due to Samsung's encryption, we need to format the data partition to make it accessible in TWRP:

From the TWRP main menu, tap on Wipe
Tap on Format Data (not "Advanced Wipe" – this is different)
You'll be prompted to type "yes" to confirm the format data action
Type "yes" using the on-screen keyboard and tap the checkmark or "Enter" button
Wait for the formatting process to complete – this will remove encryption and erase all data on the internal storage
Once complete, tap the Back button and return to the main menu
Tap Reboot > Recovery to reboot TWRP with the now-decrypted storage
After TWRP reboots, go to Mount and check if you can now access the internal storage properly

Step 7: Verify TWRP Installation

To confirm that TWRP is properly installed and working:

From the TWRP main menu, tap Reboot > System to boot back into Android
Go through the initial setup process again (since we formatted data)
Once in the system, power off your device
Try booting into TWRP manually using the key combination: Volume Up + Power (release Power when the Samsung logo appears, keep holding Volume Up)
If TWRP loads successfully and you can navigate through its menus, congratulations – you've successfully installed TWRP recovery on your Samsung Galaxy A20s!

What's Special About TWRP on Galaxy A20s?

The Samsung Galaxy A20s has a unique partition configuration that's important to understand:

System-as-root, A-only configuration: This device uses the modern system-as-root partition layout in an A-only (not A/B) configuration
Recovery as boot: Unlike many older devices, on the Galaxy A20s, Magisk is installed to the recovery partition, not the usual boot partition. Both TWRP and Magisk-rooted Android boot using the recovery kernel, with the device's hardware keys used to choose between TWRP recovery and normal system boot.
This means:
- To boot into TWRP: Hold Volume Up + Power when turning on the device
- To boot into rooted system: Simply turn on the device normally without holding any keys

What Can You Do with TWRP?

Now that you have TWRP installed, a world of customization opens up:

1. Create Full System Backups (NANDroid Backup)

TWRP can create a complete snapshot of your entire system, including the boot partition, system, data, and recovery. This is invaluable before making any major changes – if something goes wrong, you can always restore to a working state.

2. Flash Custom ROMs

Install custom Android versions like LineageOS, Pixel Experience, or other General System Images (GSIs) that offer features and performance improvements beyond the stock Samsung firmware.

3. Root Your Device with Magisk

Flash the Magisk ZIP file through TWRP to gain root access. This allows you to use root-only apps, modify system settings, install modules, and more.

4. Flash Modifications and Tweaks

Install various ZIP files that modify system behavior, improve performance, extend battery life, or add new features.

5. Wipe Partitions Selectively

Instead of doing a full factory reset from the stock recovery, TWRP allows you to wipe specific partitions selectively – useful when switching ROMs or troubleshooting issues.

6. Use Advanced File Management

TWRP includes a built-in file manager that lets you access, copy, move, or delete files on your device's partitions even when the main Android system won't boot.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue 1: Odin Shows "FAIL!" Message

Solution: Check that you're using the correct TWRP file for your exact model (SM-A207). Try a different USB port, USB cable, or reinstall Samsung USB drivers. Ensure you're not checking "Re-Partition" in Odin options.

Issue 2: Stuck on Samsung Logo After Flashing

Solution: This usually means you didn't format data or there's an issue with the flashed files. Boot back into TWRP (Volume Up + Power), go to Wipe > Format Data, type "yes", and reboot. If the issue persists, you may need to reflash the stock firmware using Odin.

Issue 3: TWRP Doesn't Stick / Stock Recovery Returns

Solution: After flashing TWRP in Odin, you must boot directly into TWRP by holding Volume Up + Power immediately after the flash completes. If you let the system boot normally first, Samsung's stock recovery may restore itself.

Issue 4: Cannot Access Internal Storage in TWRP

Solution: This is normal before formatting data. Go to Wipe > Format Data, type "yes", and reboot TWRP. Your internal storage should now be accessible.

Issue 5: "OEM Unlocking" Option is Greyed Out

Solution: Ensure your device has an active internet connection. On some devices, you may need to wait up to 7 days after initial setup. Some carrier-locked variants do not support bootloader unlocking at all.

Important Notes About Galaxy A20s Specifics

When working with the Galaxy A20s (SM-A207), keep these device-specific details in mind:

Processor: This guide applies to units with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 processor (most SM-A207 variants). Ensure your device matches this configuration.
Android Version: The TWRP installation method may vary slightly depending on whether you're running Android 10, 11, or newer. Always use the TWRP version built for your specific Android version.
Fixing Bootable Image Headers: For some advanced operations like flashing certain GSIs (Generic System Images), you may need to patch the TWRP image header using a Python script (fix_bootable_image.py) before flashing. This resolves boot issues caused by Samsung's specific image format requirements.
MTP Issues in TWRP: Some users report MTP (file transfer) issues in TWRP on the Galaxy A20s. There are Magisk modules available on community forums that can fix this if you encounter it after rooting.

Conclusion

Installing TWRP custom recovery on your Samsung Galaxy A20s (SM-A207) is a significant milestone in unlocking your device's full potential. While the process involves several steps – from enabling developer options and unlocking the bootloader to flashing vbmeta and the TWRP image itself using Odin – following each instruction carefully will lead to a successful installation.

By now, you should have a fully functional TWRP recovery installed on your Galaxy A20s, ready to create backups, flash custom ROMs, root with Magisk, and explore the vast world of Android customization. Remember that with great power comes great responsibility – always make backups before making system changes, and only flash files that are specifically designed for your device model.

The Samsung Galaxy A20s may be a budget device, but with TWRP installed, it can offer experiences that rival much more expensive flagship phones – whether that's running the latest Android version via custom ROMs, enjoying root-only features, or simply having the peace of mind that comes with full system backups.

Happy modding, and enjoy your newly liberated Samsung Galaxy A20s!

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