The Xiaomi Mi A1, launched as part of the Android One program, was once considered the benchmark for pure Android in the budget segment. Despite the fact that official support from Google and the manufacturer has long since ceased, many users still actively use this device.
In this article, we will detail how to update the Xiaomi Mi A1 to the latest available version of the operating system. Since the official server has stopped providing current patches, you will have to use alternative methods of installing firmware. We will look at both the standard paths through the settings menu and more advanced options using Recovery Mode for manually installing archives.
It is important to understand that any manipulation of system software carries certain risks. Xiaomi Mi A1 is a reliable device, but interruption of the data recording process can lead to the inoperability of the smartphone. Therefore, before starting any actions, you must carefully prepare and study all the nuances of the procedure, so as not to turn the phone into a “brick”.
⚠️ Note: All actions to flash or update the system you make at your own risk.The author of the article is not responsible for possible failures in the operation of your device.
Features of the update Xiaomi Mi A1 in 2026
The software situation for the Xiaomi Mi A1 is unique, as this smartphone was part of the Android One program. This meant that updates came directly from Google, not through the MIUI shell. Officially, the device received an update to Android 9 (Pie), but enthusiasts and some regional versions allow you to climb to Android 10. The relevance of firmware now depends solely on the community and stored archives on the servers.
The main difficulty is that automatic updates through Settings menu → System → System Update no longer find new versions. Status check servers are either disabled or offer the latest official version, which may not be the newest available, so manual installation becomes the only working option for those who want to get fresh security patches or bug fixes.
It is also worth considering the state of the battery. To successfully complete the process, the battery charge must be at least 60-70%. If the device turns off at a critical time of recording system files, there is a high probability of damage to the bootloader or system partition.
In addition, before starting the procedure, it is strongly recommended to make a full backup of data. Even if you plan to simply update without losing data (dirty flash), failures in the process can lead to the need to completely reset.
Preparation of the smartphone and the necessary tools
Before you go directly into the upgrade process, make sure your Xiaomi Mi A1 and computer (if needed) are fully ready to go.Preparation doesn't take long, but ignoring this stage often leads to 99% errors or an endless reboot.
First of all, free up space in memory. To download and unpack the installation package requires at least 2-3 GB of free space. If the memory is full, the system may not start the installation process or end it with an error. Delete unnecessary applications, messenger cache or transfer media files to the memory card.
☑️ Checklist for preparation for update
You'll also need a stable Internet connection. Although the firmware file itself can be downloaded from your computer and transferred to your phone, checking digital signatures and downloading additional components often requires access to the network. Use a reliable Wi-Fi network to avoid connection breaks when you load large amounts of data.
If you plan to use a computer to transfer files, make sure the USB cable is working and supports data transfer, not just charging. Cheap cables from powerbanks often prevent the computer from seeing the device, making it impossible to copy the update file to internal memory or to a microSD card.
Method 1: Verify Updates through Settings (OTA)
The easiest and most secure method to try is standard interface verification, which, despite the end of active support, in some cases, servers can still give back the accumulated update if it has not been installed before, ideal for those who do not want to interfere with the structure of smartphone files.
To start, go to Settings → System → System → System Update. Press the "Check Updates" button. If the system finds an available version, it will prompt you to download and install it, in which case the automatic installation will be in the background, and after the restart, you will receive the current version of the software.
However, if you see a message saying "System Updated" but you know that a newer version is available (e.g. Android 10 instead of 9.0), this method will not help you. OTA-Don't try to fool the system by changing the region or date, this can lead to errors in syncing services Google.
💡
If OTA-Update downloaded but stuck in the installation phase, try clearing the cache of the Google Play Services app before trying again.
It is important to note that when updating via OTA, user data is usually saved. However, if you go through several versions of Android (for example, from 8.0 immediately to 10.0), the system may strongly recommend or automatically reset settings. Always keep a login and password from your Google account at hand, as after the update, you will need to re-authorize the services for operation.
Method 2: Manual installation via Recovery Mode
If the automatic search didn’t work, you’ll have to use the manual installation method. A1 This is the most reliable way to get the desired version of Android. You will need to download the full firmware image (ZIP-archive) and place it in the root of internal memory or on a microSD card.
The process starts with turning your smartphone into Recovery mode. To do this, turn off the device completely. Then press the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time. Hold them until the Mi logo appears, then release the power button, but keep the volume up until the Recovery menu appears. In this menu, the navigation is done with volume buttons, and the choice is with the power button.
What if your computer can’t see your phone in Recovery?
From the Recovery menu, select Apply update. You will then be asked to choose the source: Apply update from phone storage (if the file is on your phone) or Apply update from sdcard (if on the memory card). ZIP-The system will verify the digital signature; if the file is damaged or not suitable for your model, the installation will not begin.
Once you have completed the file copying process, select Wipe data/factory reset if the specific firmware instruction requires a clean install. If you are upgrading within the same Android version or the firmware is marked as a lossless update, this step can be skipped, but it is recommended for stable operation.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| File type | ZIP-firmware-box | Original files only |
| Location. | Root of memory | Not in the folders, a name with no spaces. |
| Battery charge | At least 60% | Better to keep on charging. |
| Data resetting | Wipe Data | Recommended when changing the Android version |
Solution: Errors and problems in installation
Even with a clear follow-up to the instructions, there may be unexpected situations. One of the most common problems is Signature Verification Failed, which means that the firmware file is corrupted when downloaded or not intended for your region/model, in which case, do not try to force the installation, but find another source of the file.
Another common problem is bootloop, or endless reboot, if your phone is stuck on the Mi or Android logo after an upgrade, try logging into Recovery Mode and doing a full Wipe data/factory reset, which often helps the system start up because it removes conflicting old settings.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone goes into an endless reboot cycle and reset doesn’t help, you may need to flash through Fastboot using your computer and the Mi Flash Tool utility.
Also, users may find that Google Pay or banking apps have stopped working after the update, due to system integrity checks. If you have been updated by the official method, re-associating the card in the bank application usually solves the problem, and if modified files were used, you may need to return to stock firmware.
💡
Most of the errors when updating Xiaomi Mi A1 are solved by a complete data cleanup (Wipe Data) after installing the new software.
Optimizing the system after updating
After a successful update and first inclusion of Xiaomi Mi A1 It can be slower than normal. It's normal behavior, because it takes time to optimize applications and re-cache to the new version of Android. 15-20 quietly.
Check your power settings. Newer versions of Android often change the algorithms for working with background processes. Go to Settings → Battery and make sure that the apps that are important to you are not limited in background activity if you want to receive notifications from them on time.
Also, you have to reconfigure biometric security, and after you update your fingerprint scanner and your face, you often need to re-register to ensure security, and remove the old prints and add them back to improve the speed and accuracy of unlocking.