How to reflash Xiaomi Mi A2 from Android One to MIUI: the full guide

Xiaomi Mi A2

Android One

MIUI

Xiaomi

MIUI

"briku"

In this guide, we will analyze all the stages of flashing - from preparing and unlocking the bootloader to installing it. MIUI squirt TWRP. We will focus on the risks (loss of warranty, possible bugs) and the nuances of firmware selection. If you are a beginner, do not miss warnings and checklists!

⚠️ Important: Procedure voids Xiaomi warranty and could result in data loss.On some versions MIUI for Mi A2 Google Pay and SafetyNet are not working. Think about whether you're ready for it.

Since 2026, official support for the Mi A2 It is discontinued, but enthusiasts continue to release unofficial builds MIUI. We will use stable versions from the Xiaomi.eu community, which are optimized for the European market and are devoid of Chinese software.

1. Preparation for flashing: what to do before the start

Before you start changing your firmware, make sure that all the preliminary steps are followed, and skipping at least one item can lead to errors or loss of data.

First, back up all your important data. Flashing erases your device's internal memory! Use Google Photos for photos, Titanium Backup for apps, or just copy files to your PC. Cloud services like Mi Cloud won't work, and once you change the firmware, access to those data can be restricted.

Second, check the version of your Mi bootloader. A2. Devices with Android 10 and later have a locked bootloader that you need to unlock through the official Mi Unlock tool. This will require a device-linked Mi Account (not to be confused with Google Account!).

Also prepare:

• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original or qualitative analogue)
• 💻 Computer on Windows 7/10/11 (for Mi Unlock and ADB)
• 📱 Battery charge of at least 60% (to avoid shutdown during firmware)
• 🔓 Disabled antiviruses and firewalls (they can block) ADB)

Make a data backup|Check the Android version (Settings) → The phone)|Make sure you have a Mi Account|Download firmware MIUI for Mi A2 (jasmine)|Prepare cable and PC-->

⚠️ Attention: If your Mi is yours A2 It was purchased in China (Jasmine version with suffix _CN), It may not be suitable for European firmware. → The phone. → Model: The global version is denoted as M1804D2SG or M1804D2SI.

2 Unlock the bootloader: the official way from Xiaomi

bootloader on Mi A2 It's locked by default. MIUI, The process takes up to 720 hours (30 days) of waiting due to Xiaomi's anti-reseller policy.

Step 1: Linking your Mi Account to your device

1. Go to Settings. → About Phone and Tap 7 times on Build Number to Activate Developer Mode.
2. Return to Settings → More → For developers and enable: Debugging by USB Unlock OEM (an important item!)

ADB

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Account

⚠️ Note: If the account is not linked, check:

• 📱 Mobile Internet is on (Wi-Fi may not work).
• 🔗 Mi Account is not linked to another device (limited to 1 account for 30 days).
• 🕒 Less than 30 days have passed since the last attempt to unlock.

Step 2: Unlocking through Mi Unlock

After successfully linking the account:

1. Turn off the phone and press Volume Down + Power to log into the Fastboot.
2. Connect the device to your PC and start the Mi Unlock Tool.
3. Press Unlock and wait until it is completed (usually 10-15 seconds).

If the program gives a "Couldn't unlock" error, it means that it has not been 30 days since the account was attached. Wait or use informal methods (risky!).

Up to 3 days.|1 week|2 weeks|30 days (official deadline)|Already unlocked.-->

3. TWRP installation: custom recavers for firmware

For installation MIUI I'll need a custom recap — TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project, which allows you to flash unofficial images and backup the system.

Step 1: Download TWRP for Mi A2

Official website TWRP It may not have a current version for jasmine (codename Mi). A2). We recommend using the build from the developer mauronofrio:

• 🔗 Download. twrp-3.7.0_9-0-jasmine.img forum XDA Developers.
• 📂 Place the file in a folder with ADB (usually C:\platform-tools).

Step 2: Install TWRP via Fastboot

1. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
2. Open the command line in the folder with ADB Next Post:Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-jasmine.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-jasmine.img
3. After successful firmware, the phone will automatically reboot to TWRP.

⚠️ Note: If after rebooting TWRP It doesn't start, and the phone loads into a standard recaveri, so it's replaced with a stock recaveri. A2 — Just repeat the fastboot boot command whenever you need to log in. TWRP.

💡

To avoid automatic replacement TWRP stock recap, immediately after installation, file disable_force_encrypt.zip (available XDA). This will disable forced data encryption that interferes with the work of custom recovery.

4. Selection of firmware MIUI: custom

On Mi. A2 You can install two types of firmware MIUI:

1. The official global (from Xiaomi) is stable, but with Chinese apps and restrictions.
2. Custom (from Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS) - without bloatware, with European localization.

We recommend Xiaomi.eu, which is optimized, updated weekly and free of unnecessary services. NFC Contactless payments due to Google certification issues.

Where do I download the firmware?

• 🌍 Official global: https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index (Choose the Mi model A2)
• 🇪🇺 Xiaomi.eu: https://xiaomi.eu/community/ (section MIUI Weekly ROM Releases)

Version comparison MIUI for Mi A2

⚠️ Attention: Firmware MIUI 13/14 They can't support Mi. A2 Because of the limitations of iron, the best choice — MIUI 12.5 (The latest stable version for this device).

5. Firmware MIUI through TWRP: step-by-step

Now that the boot loader is unlocked, TWRP You can start the firmware, you can follow the instructions carefully, and you can make a mistake at this point and you can get a "brick".

Step 1: Preparing files

• 📁 Download the firmware. MIUI (zip format and place it on the outside SD-card or internal memory (if) TWRP sees).
• 🔗 Download. disable_force_encrypt.zip (It shuts down encryption, otherwise. TWRP I don't see the data).
• 🔋 Make sure the battery is charged at 80%+.

Step 2: Installation of firmware

1. Boot to TWRP (via fastboot boot twrp.img or button combination).
2. Click on Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik / ART Cache System Data Cache

Wipe the sections to the right.

Install

disable_force_encrypt.zip

Swipe for confirmation and wait for completion (5-10 minute).

Step 3: First launch

After installation:

1. Press Reboot System.
2. The first download can take up to 15 minutes – do not interrupt the process!
3. When the logo appears MIUI Release the power button.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone stayed on the logo for more than 20 minutes after the firmware was installed, then there was an error. MIUI.

💡

Always check the hash amount (MD5) Fake files may contain malicious code. Compare the hash with the official one on the developer's website.

6.Tune in. MIUI After the Firmware: What to Do Next

After successful installation MIUI You're going to have to set up the system first:

Step 1: Activate your Mi Account

• When you first start up, the system will prompt you to log in to Mi Account. Use the same account you used to unlock the bootloader.
• If there is an error "This device is locked", then the bootloader has not been fully unlocked. Repeat the procedure using the Mi Unlock Tool.

Step 2: Checking the performance

Make sure that the following work:

• 📶 Mobile network (set up) APN manually, if there is no internet).
• 🔊 Sound and microphone (check by call).
• 📷 Cameras (sometimes you need to flash a separate GCam mod).
• 🔋 Charging (some firmware has bugs with displaying battery level).

Step 3: Resolving Typical Problems

If you're dealing with bugs:

• Google Pay does not work: Install Magisk and Universal SafetyNet Fix.
• No Russian language: Download the language pack with XDA or re-follow MIUI from Xiaomi.eu.
• Overheating: Turn off Auto Brightness and Animations MIUI customized.

7 Risks and Possible Problems: What Could Go Wrong

Reflashing Mi A2 on MIUI — It's not without risks. Here are the most common problems and the ways to solve them:

Problem 1: The phone doesn’t turn on after the firmware (brick)

Reasons:

• Incorrectly selected firmware (for example, for Mi). A2 Lite instead of Mi A2).
• The installation process has been interrupted (the cable or battery has been turned off).
• The bootloader is not unlocked.

Decision:

1. Try to boot up in Fastboot (Loudness Down). + Power) and repeat the firmware.
2. If it doesn’t help, go to the Fastboot. ROM via Mi Flash Tool.

Problem 2: Touchscreen does not work after installation MIUI

This is a well-known bug of some builds. MIUI for Mi A2. Solved by kernel firmware from LineageOS or returning to Android One.

Problem 3: Constant reboots (bootloop)

It's caused by a module conflict or a wrong Wipe.

1. Boot in. TWRP Repeat Advanced Wipe (System, Data, Cache).
2. Reboot the installation without the reboot after installation.
3. After installation manually restart to the system.

⚠️ Note: If after the firmware MIUI sensors (gyroscope, compass, proximity sensor) have stopped working, so the firmware is incompatible with your Mi version A2. Try a build from another developer (e.g. Xiaomi.eu instead of the official global build).

8. Alternatives MIUI: other firmware for Mi A2

If MIUI You are not suitable, consider other custom firmware options for Mi A2:

1. LineageOS

Pros:

• 🔄 Regular security updates.
• 🚀 Clean Android without Bloatware.
• 🔧 MicroG support (alternative to Google Services).

Cons:

• ❌ No Xiaomi branded chips (them, gestures).
• ⚠️ Camera bugs are possible (GCam required).

2. Pixel Experience

A firmware that mimics the Google Pixel with pure Android and features like Now Playing is suitable for those who want maximum performance without a shell.

3. Havoc-OS

Custom firmware with a wealth of customization and support for Substratum (design theme) is ideal for enthusiasts who love fine-tuning.

Comparison of alternative firmware

⚠️ Note: Installing alternative firmware requires the same steps as for MIUI: unlocked, TWRP Some builds (such as the Pixel Experience) may not support VoLTE on the Mi. A2.

FAQ: Frequent questions about reflashing Mi A2