How to reflash Xiaomi A2: all ways to unlock the bootloader

Xiaomi A2 (codename jasmine_sprout) — It's a popular smartphone with a pure Android One, but even it requires updating or restoring through firmware over time, and it seems complicated only at first glance: you just need to understand the types of firmware, prepare tools, and follow a clear algorithm. In this article, the current ways of putting 2026 year, including formal and custom solutions, as well as instructions for unlocking the bootloader, without which most methods simply will not work.

It's important to understand that flashing is not only a way to update the system, but also a tool to solve problems, from the "eternal" Mi logo when booted to errors after a failed update. We'll look at three main methods: through MIUI Updater (for official updates), Fastboot (for universal way) and TWRP (for custom firmware), each of which has its own nuances, risks and preparation requirements. If you're a beginner, start with official methods, experienced users will find advanced techniques here.

Before you start, check: your Xiaomi A2 should be charged at least 60%, and your computer (if you need one) should have ADB and Fastboot drivers installed. Without this, further steps are simply impossible. Also prepare a backup of data - the firmware erases everything, including photos and contacts.

1. Firmware preparation: unlocking the bootloader

Without unlocking the bootloader, you can't install custom firmware or even official firmware through Fastboot. Xiaomi blocks it by default, but the unlocking process is legal — the company provides an official tool. Here's what you need to do:

• 🔗 Link your Mi Account: Go to Settings → Mi Account → Tie the device up. Without this step, unlocking is impossible.
• 📱 Put the debugging on. USB: In Settings → About the phone tap 7 times on the Assembly Number, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate debugging by USB and Unlock. OEM.
• 🖥️ Install Mi Unlock Tool: download the utility from the official website (version should be up to date!).
• ⏳ Wait 72-168 hours: Xiaomi accounts require time to be checked.

When the waiting period expires, connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Volume Down + Power When the device is off) and start the Mi Unlock Tool. Follow the instructions of the program - usually the process takes 5-10 minutes. If the utility gives an error "Couldn't unlock" - check that the phone is on mobile Internet (Wi-Fi is not suitable) and the Mi Account is not tied to another device.

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings! make a backup in advance via Settings → Additionally. → Backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).

2. Method 1: Firmware via MIUI Updater (official method)

The easiest and safest way to upgrade is through the built-in MIUI Updater app, which is suitable for installing official stable or beta versions of MIUI, but does not allow you to downgrade the firmware or install custom.

1. Open the MIUI Updater app on your phone.
2. Click on the three-dot icon in the top right corner and select Select Service Pack.
3. Specify the path to the downloaded firmware file (.zip format, the name should contain) jasmine_sprout).
4. Confirm the installation and wait for the restart (it will take 10-15 minutes).

Where to get firmware? Download official versions from the sites:

• 🌍 Global MIUI — international versions.
• 🇨🇳 China MIUI — Chinese firmware (requires a russifier).
• 🔄 Xiaomi Firmware Updater – Archive of All Versions.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone has been stuck on the Mi logo for more than 20 minutes after the update, don't panic. Turn it off with a long press on the power button (15-20 seconds), then turn it on again. If the problem recurs, try flashing it through Fastboot.

3. Method 2: Firmware via Fastboot (universal method)

Fastboot is suitable for installing official firmware (including downgrading the version), recovering from a “brick” (when the phone is not turned on), and even unlocking some features. You will need a computer with ADB and Fastboot installed, as well as firmware in.tgz or.zip format (for Xiaomi A2, look for files marked fastboot).

Step-by-step:

Download firmware for jasmine_sprout official website

Unpack the archive into a folder C:\fastboot_rom

Install ADB/Fastboot drivers (e.g., via Mi Flash Tool)

Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (clamp Volume down + Power)

Disable the antivirus (it can block firmware scripts)

-->

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware in the folder (for example, C:\fastboot_rom). There's gotta be a file inside. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/Mac).
2. Connect the phone to the PC in Fastboot mode (screen with a hare in a hat-eared).
3. Launch it. flash_all.bat I'll be working on the administrator's behalf. 5–10 minute.
4. When completed, the phone will automatically restart. The first turn on can last up to 15 minutes.

If the script gives you an error: error: Command failed, check:

• 🔌 Is the cable connected correctly (try another port) USB).
• 📂 The path to the firmware folder does not contain Cyrillic or spaces.
• 🔄 Fastboot Version (Update via Fastboot) SDK Platform Tools).

Method 3: Install custom firmware via TWRP

If you want to install LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware, you need TWRP, custom recovery, which requires an unlocked bootloader and deeper knowledge, but opens up access to alternative firmware, root rights and modifications.

Steps to install TWRP and custom firmware:

1. Download. TWRP for jasmine_sprout from the official website (the version should support your Android).
2. Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in the folder with ADB.
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and execute the command: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
4. In TWRP, make a full backup, then wipe Dalvik, Cache, System, Data.
5. Install the firmware (.zip format) through Install.

Popular custom firmware for Xiaomi A2:

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android without unnecessary applications.
• 🎨 Pixel Experience – The interface is like Google Pixel.
• ⚡ crDroid – Optimized performance.

💡

Before installing custom firmware, check if it supports Project Treble (for Xiaomi) A2 If the firmware is not compatible, the phone may stop turning on. XDA Developers or 4PDA.

⚠️ Warning: Castom firmware may disrupt Widevine L1 (lower it L3), Why Netflix, Disney?+ Other services will only show videos in 480p. To return L1, Sometimes it helps to firmware the original vendor through Fastboot.

5. Solving common errors after firmware

Even if the firmware is successful, there may be problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

• 🔋 Phone does not turn on after firmware: try to pin the Volume up + Power for 10 to 15 seconds to force reboot. If it doesn't work, run it over the Fastboot again.
• 📶 No network (IMEI Missing: This usually means that the modem partition has been damaged. NON-HLOS.bin (file NON-HLOS.bin It comes from official firmware).
• 🔊 The speakers or the microphone are not working: check if the firmware of the audio drivers has crashed.
• 🔒 Password requests after reset: If you forget your Mi Account password, restore it through the official website.

If after firmware the phone overheats or discharges quickly, check:

• 🔄 Compatibility of the firmware with your model (jasmine_sprout Xiaomi A2).
• 📊 Processor settings in Settings → Battery → Performance mode.
• 🛠️ Availability of background processes through Settings → Annexes → Auto-start.

💡

If the phone doesn’t see it after the phone SIM-Check if the baseband has crashed, and you can only restore it through the full firmware in Fastboot with the Clean all and lock tick (but this will block the bootloader!).

6.How to return the official firmware after custom

If you don't like the custom firmware experiments, you can bring back the official MIUI.

1. Download the full Fastboot firmware (.tgz format) from the official website.
2. Unpack it and launch it. flash_all_lock.bat (This will block the bootloader and remove TWRP).
3. If you need to save the unlocked bootloader, use flash_all_except_storage.bat (data will not be erased, but glitches are possible).

After returning to MIUI, you may need to:

• 🔄 Reconnect your Mi Account (sometimes it is reset).
• 📱 Update to the latest version through MIUI Updater.
• 🔒 Restore Widevine L1 (If it's gone, through the vendor firmware.

If you go back to your official firmware, you slow down your phone, reset it through Settings → Settings → Reset. This will delete all the data, but it will bring back factory performance.

7. Data backup and recovery

The firmware erases all the data from the phone, so backup is a must. Here's what you can save:

• 📱 Contacts and Messages: sync with Google Account or export via Mi Cloud.
• 📷 Photos and videos: copy to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Yandex Drive).
• 🎮 Applications and their data: use Titanium Backup (requires root) or adb backup (team: adb backup) -apk -obb -shared -all -f backup.ab).
• 📞 Call log: export through apps like Call Logs Backup & Restore.

For recovery after firmware:

• 🔄 Contacts and calendars will automatically be restored when you log in to Google Account.
• 📂 Photos and videos back to your phone via MTP (plug-in).
• 📦 Applications can be restored via Google Play (Library section).

💡

If you use TWRP, Make a full backup before the firmware (Boot, System, Data, Vendor) that will save you if the new firmware is unstable. SD-PC or card – don’t just keep it on your phone!

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)