How to Install Official TWRP Recovery on LG V20 and Root it (All Variant)

The LG V20 launched in September 2016 on Android 7.0 Nougat, and it has official TWRP recovery support across its variants. This guide covers installing TWRP and rooting the V20. You need to unlock the bootloader first, since the phone ships locked and cannot flash third-party files until it is unlocked.

What is TWRP recovery?

TWRP (TeamWin Recovery Project) is an open-source custom recovery with a touch interface that replaces the stock recovery. It lets you install custom ROMs and other flashable ZIP files, root the phone, and take full Nandroid backups, which the stock recovery cannot do.

What TWRP lets you do

• Flash custom ROMs on the LG V20.
• Flash modding ZIP files to customize the phone.
• Root and unroot easily by flashing Magisk.
• Create and restore full Nandroid backups.
• Flash image files such as custom kernels.
• Remove bloatware.
• Wipe cache, data, and system when needed.

How to install official TWRP recovery on the LG V20

Go through the requirements below first.

Prerequisites

• This guide is for the LG V20 only. Use the TWRP build for your exact variant.
• The bootloader must be unlocked (see the note above).
• A PC or laptop and a USB cable.
• Take a full backup of your data.
• Charge the phone to at least 60%.
• Download the files you need:
  • The TWRP image for your variant (see the table below).
  • The latest Magisk ZIP, for rooting after TWRP is installed. SuperSU is discontinued, so use Magisk.
  • LG USB drivers and ADB and Fastboot, installed on your PC.

TWRP Recovery Details

Steps to install TWRP over fastboot

1. Enable Developer options: go to Settings > About phone > Software info and tap Build number seven times.
2. In Developer options, turn on USB debugging and OEM unlocking.
3. Rename the TWRP image for your variant to twrp.img and put it in your ADB and Fastboot folder, then open a command window there.
4. Connect the phone and run adb reboot bootloader to enter Fastboot mode.
5. Confirm the connection with fastboot devices.
6. Flash TWRP with fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.
7. Reboot straight into recovery so stock recovery does not restore itself. You can also boot it once with fastboot boot twrp.img.

How to root the LG V20 with Magisk

Rooting gives you administrator (superuser) access to the system, so you can remove bloatware, run root-only apps, and tweak the system. It can void the warranty and stop official OTA updates, so proceed carefully. With TWRP installed, copy the Magisk ZIP to the phone, boot into TWRP, and flash it. Reboot, then open the Magisk app to confirm root. SuperSU is discontinued, so Magisk is the current way to root.

Download Magisk and Root Guide

FAQ

Can every LG V20 be bootloader-unlocked?

No. The US996 and H918 are officially unlockable through LG’s developer site. The Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T models are not officially unlockable, so TWRP may not be possible on them.

Do I need an unlocked bootloader?

Yes. TWRP cannot be flashed on a locked bootloader.

Does installing TWRP root the phone?

No. TWRP is the recovery. To root, flash Magisk from TWRP afterwards.

Why Magisk and not SuperSU?

SuperSU is discontinued and no longer updated. Magisk is the current root solution and can also hide root from apps.

That is how you install TWRP and root the LG V20. If you have any questions, leave a comment below.