How to enable fast charging on Xiaomi Mi A3: all working methods

Introduction: Why doesn’t the Mi A3 use fast charging by default?

Xiaomi Mi A3 is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones with a clean Android One, but many users are faced with a paradox: the device supports Quick Charge 3.0 (18 watts), but by default charges in standard mode (5-10 watts).

In this article, we’ll break down all the ways you can activate fast charging on the Mi A3, from official settings to hidden engineering menus and third-party utilities. It’s important to understand that forced charging modes can affect battery life, so we’ll also give you tips on how to safely use Quick Charge. If you want to reduce charging time from 3-4 hours to 1-1.5, read on!

Before you start, check the configuration of your device: the original power supply Xiaomi Mi A3 has a power of only 10 watts (5V/2A). For a full fast charging, you will need to separately purchase an adapter with support for Quick Charge 3.0/4.0 (for example, from Xiaomi Mi 9 or POCO F1).

1. Compatibility check: Does your Mi A3 support fast charging?

Before you try to enable Quick Charge, make sure your device is technically capable of doing so. Xiaomi Mi A3 is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 controller that supports QC 3.0, but there are nuances:

• 🔋 Hardware Support: All versions of the Mi A3 (including global and Chinese) have the necessary chipset, but the firmware can block the function.
• ⚡ Power supply: Original adapter from the kit — 5V/2A (10W). For QC You need a parameter block. 9V/2A or 12V/1.5A.
• 📱 Cable: Use a branded USB-C Xiaomi cable or certified cable USB-IF (Cheap cables may not transmit high power).
• 🔄 Firmware: On the stock firmware Android One, fast charging is software disabled. Castom firmware (for example, LineageOS) can unlock it.

To check the current charging speed, connect your smartphone to the charger and open the Battery app in the settings. In the Status section, current (in mA) and voltage (in B) will be indicated. If values do not exceed 5V/2A, fast charging is disabled.

2.Official method: Enable via settings (Android 10/11)

Some versions of Android One firmware for the Mi A3 have a hidden option to activate fast charging, which is not displayed in the main menu, but can be enabled through the developer section:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the build number and tap it 7 times until the notification “You’ve become a developer!” appears.
3. Go back to the main settings menu and select a new section for developers.
4. Scroll down and find the option Charging Configuration (or Fast Charge in English firmware).
5. Select Enable or Quick Charge 3.0.

If you don't have an option, your firmware version doesn't support it, so you can go to alternative methods.

⚠️ Warning: After activating fast charging through the developer menu, the smartphone may start to warm up stronger than usual.°C, turn off the function and let the device cool down.

3. Alternative method: Engineering menu (MTK Engineer Mode)

If the standard settings don't work, you can try to turn on Quick Charge through the engineering menu, which requires caution, as incorrect changes can lead to failures.

Instructions:

1. Download the MTK Engineer Mode app from Google Play (suitable for Qualcomm processors, despite the name).
2. Open the application and go to the Hardware Testing → Charging section.
3. Find the Fast Charging option and set the Enable value.
4. Save the settings and restart the device.

After rebooting, connect your smartphone to the QC 3.0 power supply and check the charging current through the Ampere app (available from the Play Market).Optimum values for fast charging are 9V/1.8A or 12V/1.5A.

4.Use of ADB-Teams (for experienced users)

If the previous methods did not work, you can try to enable Quick Charge through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method doesn’t require root rights, but you’ll need a computer and a computer. USB-cable.

Step-by-step:

1. Download and install Platform Tools from the official Google website (link).
2. Turn on the smartphone debugging by USB (Settings → For developers).
3. Connect the Mi A3 to your PC and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
4. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices Make sure the device is identified.
5. Execute the command to enable fast charging: adb shell settings put global fast_charge 1
6. Reboot your smartphone.

Important: This command only works on Android 10 firmware and below. Android 11+ may require additional modification of system files, which requires root rights.

💡

If, after the execution, ADB-Fast charging is not activated, try to enter the command adb shell settings put global force_fast_charge 1. In some cases, this works even where the standard command is not working.

5. Installation of custom firmware (for advanced)

If none of these methods worked, the radical solution is to install custom firmware with Quick Charge. A3:

• 📱 LineageOS – stable firmware with open source.
• ⚡ Pixel Experience – firmware with clean Android and optimized charging.
• 🔧 Havoc-OS – customizable firmware with advanced battery settings.

Warnings:

• ⚠️ Installing custom firmware resets the warranty and can result in a brick (inoperability) device.
• ⚠️ Requires bootloader unlock and installation TWRP Recovery.
• ⚠️ Not all firmware works correctly with Quick Charge 3.0 – read the reviews on the forums (XDA Developers, 4PDA).

If you do, follow the instructions for your model on trusted resources, such as LineageOS.

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP Recovery via fastboot.
3. Download firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).
4. Fly through TWRP by doing wipes on data, cache, and system partitions.

💡

Castom firmware not only unlocks Quick Charge, but also improves overall performance of the Mi A3, especially on older versions of Android. However, the risks of device failure are increasing - assess the feasibility of such a step.

6. Charging optimization: how to extend the life of the battery using Quick Charge

Fast charging is convenient, but it speeds up battery wear. To minimize damage, follow these guidelines:

• 🔄 Don't keep your smartphone on charge all the time. Turn it off after reaching 80-90%, which reduces battery load.
• 🌡️ Watch the temperature if the body heats up above 40.°C, remove the case and let the device cool down.
• ⚡ Use original accessories. Cheap power supplies and cables can damage the charging controller.
• 📉 Calibrate the battery. Every 2-3 months, discharge the smartphone to 0% and charge to 100% without interruption.
• 🛠️ Update the firmware. New software versions often improve power management algorithms.

To monitor the status of the battery, use the applications:

• AccuBattery - shows the real capacity and wear of the battery.
• Ampere – displays current and voltage in real time.
• CPU-Z provides data on the temperature and voltage of the processor cores.

⚠️ Warning: If the Quick Charge activated, the smartphone started to turn off at a charge level of 20-30%, this is a sign of battery degradation.

FAQ: Frequent questions about fast charging on Xiaomi Mi A3