Xiaomi Mi A1 is a unique smartphone in the company’s lineup, released as part of the Android One program. It meant pure Android without the branded MIUI shell, which some users liked and disappointed others. If you are in the second category and want to return the familiar interface with advanced features, this article is for you.
The move to MIUI opens up access to Xiaomi’s signature chips: themes, dual applications, improved battery optimization, and exclusive system utilities. However, the process requires caution: wrong actions can lead to loss of warranty, device brik or unstable system operation. We will examine all the steps from preparation to final configuration, taking into account current versions of firmware and tools for 2026.
Why didn't the Mi A1 come out of the box with the MIUI?
The Android One project was an initiative by Google aimed at providing users with a clean Android with quick updates and a minimum number of pre-installed apps. Xiaomi Mi A1 (codenamed tissot) was the company's first device in the program, released in 2017.
The main reasons for the absence of MIUI:
- 📱 Xiaomi pledges to release devices without their shell in exchange for support and priority updates.
- 🌍 Android One was targeted at countries where users preferred stock Android (India, Europe).
- 🔄 Google has guaranteed 2 years of major updates and 3 years of security patches – less often than the previous year MIUI, but more stable.
After the end of official support (in 2020), many owners decided to return MIUI to continue to get new features, but it is important to understand that informal firmware is not always perfectly optimized for hardware Mi A1, especially in the part of the camera and NFC module.
Preparation of the device: unlocking the loader
The first and most critical step is unlocking the bootloader, which is not something you can install custom recovery or firmware, and the Mi A1 has a nuanced process because of its participation in the Android One program.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the device, including photos, contacts and apps, and it will also void the warranty (if it is still valid). → System system → Backup or third-party tools like Titanium Backup.
Instructions for unlocking:
- Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone → Build Number and tap 7 times to turn on Developer Mode. Go back to Settings → System → Developer → and enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
- Link your Mi Account: Register or sign in to Mi Account on your device (Settings → Accounts → Mi Account). Connect your phone to your PC, install the Mi Unlock Tool, and follow the program instructions.
Wait 72-168 hours
- Xiaomi blocks unlocking immediately after the account is linked, and you need to wait 3-7 days, periodically syncing the account.
Download official Mi Unlock Tool software|Mi Account is linked and confirmed|Debugging is on. USB and unlock OEM|Data reserved for external storage|Battery charge > 60%-->
If the Mi Unlock Tool is running a "Couldn't unlock" error, try it.
- 🔌 Use the other USB-cable (original from Xiaomi).
- 🖥️ Run the program on behalf of the administrator on a Windows PC 10/11.
- 📱 Reboot the phone to Fastboot mode manually (clamp Volume down) + Nutrition).
Selection of firmware: official vs custom MIUI
There are two types of MIUI firmware on the Mi A1:
| Type of firmware | Advantages | Deficiencies | Where to download |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official (port) | Stability, support OTA-Updates, minimal bugs | Outdated version of Android (maximum 9.0 Pie), no new MIUI 14/15 features | Xiaomi Firmware Updater |
| Castomy (AOSP-based) | New Android versions (up to 12), fresh MIUI features, community optimization | Possible bugs with camera, NFC, autonomy; no OTA | XDA Developers |
| MIUI EU (unofficial port) | No Ads, Weekly Updates, Advanced Settings | Requires manual installation, possible problems with iron | MIUI EU |
For most users, MIUI 12.5 or 13 is Android 10 (the latest stable build for tissot), and newer versions (MIUI 14+) may not work properly due to the lack of drivers for the old hardware.
⚠️ Note: Firmware from sites like needrom.com or random file sharing sites often contain viruses or modified downloaders (XDA, Official repositories. Check the hash file before installing it (MD5) via HashMyFiles utility.
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If you want maximum stability, choose firmware marked "Stable" in the title. Nightly builds often contain uncaught bugs.
Installation of TWRP Recovery: the key to the firmware
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery required to install MIUI. The Mi A1 uses a special version with support for treble (separation of system components).
Step-by-step installation:
- Download the current one. TWRP: The latest version for thetissot: twrp-3.7.0_9-0-tissot.img. Check compatibility with your version of Android (for example, Android) 10 need TWRP 3.5+).
Install ADB and Fastboot
- Download the Google Platform Tools.
- Unpack the archive into the root of the disk C:\platform-tools\.
- Please. TWRP Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-tissot.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-tissot.img After the second command, the phone automatically restarts to TWRP.
If after the reboot, TWRP is replaced by stock recovery, do:
- 🔧 V TWRP Go to Mount. → System and tick it.
- 📁 Copy the file. twrp-installer-3.7.0_9-0-tissot.zip on your phone and install it via Install.
What to do if TWRP does not start?
MIUI firmware: a step-by-step process
Now that the TWRP is installed, you can start the firmware.
- 📄 Firmware file MIUI (zip-format).
- 🔋 Battery charge of at least 80%.
- 🛠️ Disabled Mi Account (if tied).
Instructions:
- Reset data: In TWRP, select Wipe → Advanced Wipe. Tag Dalvik, Cache, System, Data, and swipe for confirmation.
- Install firmware: Press Install, select a firmware file, and swipe. Wait for completion (5-10 minutes).
- Squeeze Magisk (optional): If you need root, download Magisk and install it after you have installed MIUI.
Reboot.
- Select Reboot → System.
- The first run will take 10-15 minutes – don’t interrupt the process!
⚠️ Note: If after firmware the phone is stuck on the logo MIUI After 20 minutes, there's been a mistake. TWRP (Hold the volume up + Power, repeat the data reset and re-sweep the firmware. A common cause is version incompatibility. MIUI loader.
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Never install firmware for other Xiaomi models (such as the Mi 5X or Redmi Note 5). Even if they share the same hardware (codenamed tissot), the drivers and configurations are different, which will lead to a “brick”.
Configure MIUI after installation
After successful firmware, several steps must be taken to ensure the system works correctly:
Initial setting:
- 🌐 Choose a language and region (India or Europe is the best option for Russia to avoid restrictions).
- 🔑 Skip Mi Account binding if you don’t plan to use Xiaomi cloud services.
- 📱 In the Settings section → About the phone, check the version. MIUI And Android. If they don't match the stitched version, re-install.
2. Optimization of productivity:
- 🔧 Turn off animations: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 5 times, then for developers → Scale of animation (off.).
- 🔋 Activate Battery Mode: Settings → Battery → Performance mode → Balanced.
- 📸 To improve the quality of photos, install Google Camera with settings for tissot (look at the XDA).
Solving typical problems:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| NFC's not working | Lack of drivers in custom firmware | Install the NFC Fix patch via TWRP |
| Poor autonomy | Background activity of system processes | Turn off Settings → Battery → Optimize the battery for unnecessary applications |
| Not stable Wi-Fi/Bluetooth | Incompatibility of the core with firmware | Sweep through an alternative core (e.g., FrancoKernel) |
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even when following the instructions, users often face problems.
1. "Error 7" error in TWRP
Reason: The firmware is designed for a different model or is incompatible with the current version of the bootloader.
Decision:
- Check that you have downloaded the firmware for tissot (Mi A1).
- If you are running on top of stock Android, install a transition firmware (such as MIUI 10) first, then upgrade to new versions.
2. the phone is not turned on after firmware ("brick")
Cause: damage to the boot or system partition.
Decision:
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
- Swipe the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean All option.
- Repeat the MIUI firmware process from the start.
3. Constant reboots (bootloop)
The reason: conflict of Magisk or Xposed modules with MIUI.
Decision:
- Download to TWRP and delete files from /data/adb/modules/.
- Reflash the firmware without installing Magisk, then add modules one at a time.
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If the IMEI is missing or the network is not catching after the firmware, restore it through the engineering menu: dial ##4636##, select Phone Information and click Restore IMEI (backup required).