How to reflash Xiaomi Mi A3: a complete guide to unlocking the bootloader

Xiaomi Mi A3, with its pure Android One and modest specs, is still popular among users who value stability and long-term support for updates. However, even this device eventually has problems: brakes, bugs or an outdated version of Android. Flashing can bring the device back to life, but the process requires caution - a mistake at the stage of unlocking the bootloader or choosing the wrong firmware can turn the phone into a "brick".

In this guide, we will analyze all the current ways to flash Mi A3 (codename laurel_sprout): from official updates through OTA to manually install custom firmware through TWRP Or Fastboot. We'll focus on unlocking the bootloader, which is a key step that most methods simply won't work without, and you'll find a firmware table, solutions to common bugs, and tips for backing up data.

Before you start, consider that flashing resets all settings and deletes user data. If you're a beginner, start with official firmware from Xiaomi - they are as safe as possible. Experimenting with custom ROMs (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) will require additional knowledge and tools.

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

The first step is to back up all the important data, and even if you plan to upgrade without a reset (OTA), there's always a risk of failure.

• 📱 Mi Cloud or Google Account for synchronizing contacts, photos and notes.
• 💾 Local copy on PC via MTP (Just plug your phone in like a flash drive).
• 🔄 Titanium Backup (requires root) to save applications and their data.

Next, check the current firmware version and the device model. This is critical, as the firmware for Mi is critical. A3 (laurel_sprout) Not good for Mi. A2 Or other models. Go to the settings. → About the phone and write it down:

• 📋 Android version (such as Android 11).
• 📋 Assembly number (MIUI Stock Android).
• 📋 Device code name (should be) laurel_sprout).

It is equally important to charge the battery to at least 60%, interruption of the process due to battery discharge can lead to the inability to turn on the phone without service intervention.

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (for Fastboot and ADB).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Used by Mi Flash Tool, ADB/Fastboot, Xiaomi drivers.

Battery charge ≥60%|Data backup created|Installed drivers Xiaomi on PC|The required firmware (official / castom) is downloaded)|Antivirus is disabled (can be blocked) ADB)-->

2 Unlocking the Bootloader: Without it, nowhere to go

Xiaomi locks the bootloader on all devices, including the Mi A3.This means that any unofficial firmware (or even official through Fastboot) will require unlocking, a process that takes up to 72 hours due to Xiaomi's security policy.

Instructions for unlocking:

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account.
2. Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on the Build Number 7 times.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and activate: 🔓 Unlocking OEM (It may not be available on some versions of Android). 🔌 Debugging by USB.

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Account

Mi A3

Fastboot

Loudness down + Nutrition

Unlock

Important: Once unlocked, the phone will perform a full reset. All data will be deleted! Also note that some banking applications (such as Sberbank Online) may stop working on unlocked devices due to the SafetyNet trigger.

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If the unlocking is hanging on 99%, Don't turn off the cable. 10-15 Minutes – sometimes the process is delayed.

3. Methods of flashing: which one to choose?

There are several methods of installing firmware on the Mi A3. The choice depends on your goals:

For most users, Fastboot is the best option, which is for recovering your phone from a crash or installing official firmware from scratch. If you want to try custom ROMs, you’ll need to install TWRP first.

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For beginners, the safest way is the official OTA-All other methods require unlocking the bootloader and carry the risk of "bricking" the device.

4. Firmware via Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)

This method is suitable for installing official firmware from Xiaomi. It is useful if the phone:

• 🔄 Hangs on the Mi or Android logo.
• 🐌 Unstable after a failed update.
• 🔧 Requires a return to the stock version.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the official firmware for Mi A3 (laurel_sprout) From Xiaomi Firmware. Choose a version marked Fastboot (.tgz or.zip file).
2. Unpack the archive in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiA3_Fastboot).
3. Install ADB and Fastboot (or use the Mi Flash Tool).
4. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode (clamp Volume down + Power).
5. Connect the Mi A3 to your PC and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices should show a serial phone number.
6. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh. The device must be determined.
7. Select firmware mode: 🔄 Clean all – complete cleaning (recommended). 🔄 Clean all and lock - cleaning + Bootloader locking (only for official firmware!). 🔄 Save user data – data retention is not always stable).

Flash

Once the firmware is in place, the phone will automatically restart. The first turn on can take up to 15 minutes - don't interrupt the process!

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If the Mi Flash Tool is an "anti-rollback" error, you're trying to install an older version of the firmware than the one already in use, which requires you to flash the intermediate version or use special patches.

5. Install custom firmware through TWRP

If you want to try LineageOS, Pixel Experience or other custom firmware, you first need to install TWRP Recovery.The official version for the Mi A3 is available on the TWRP website.

Instructions:

1. Download. TWRP for laurel_sprout (img).
2. Transfer the phone to Fastboot mode and connect to the PC.
3. Install. TWRP Team: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-laurel_sprout.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-laurel_sprout.img (Replace the file name with the current one).
4. In TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data (required!), then reboot to recovery again.
5. Download custom firmware (e.g., from XDA Developers) and transfer it to your phone via MTP (in TWRP: Mount → Enable MTP).
6. In TWRP, select Install, specify the firmware file and confirm the installation.
7. After you complete the process, go through Gapps (if not included in the firmware) and Magisk (for root).
8. Reboot to the system.

Warning: Custom firmware may contain bugs, especially on the Mi A3 due to its specific iron (e.g., camera or fingerprint sensor issues).

6. Solving typical firmware errors

Even with strict adherence to the instructions, there can be problems.

If your phone has turned into a brick (it doesn’t turn on, doesn’t respond to buttons), try:

1. Press Volume down + Power for 20-30 seconds for forced reboot.
2. Connect to charging for 1-2 hours - sometimes helps with the discharge of the battery.
3. Swipe the official firmware through Fastboot (even if the phone isn’t identified, try it a few times).
4. Contact the service center if nothing helps (possible iron problem).

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90% of the bricks on the Mi A3 are due to an interrupted firmware or incompatible version of the software. Always check the device model and firmware version before installing!

7. Post-firmware optimization

After successful firmware is recommended:

• 🔄 Perform a factory reset (if you didn’t clean all) to avoid conflicts.
• 🔒 Turn it on. OEM Unlock and USB Debugging again (if you plan to manipulate it further).
• 📱 Update all apps through Google Play.
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: fully discharge and charge the phone 2-3 once.

If you have installed custom firmware, check:

• 📷 The operation of the camera (on some ROM There are bugs with 48 MP module).
• 👆 Fingerprint sensor (may not work on the device) AOSP-firmware).
• 📶 Communication modules (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile network).

To improve productivity:

• 🚀 Turn off animation in Settings → For developers (set the scale of animation) 0.5x).
• 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Warehouse.
• 🔋 Activate Battery Mode in Settings to Save Charge.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Mi A3 firmware