How to flash Xiaomi Mi A3: official and custom firmware

Xiaomi Mi A3 is one of the few smartphones of the brand that runs on pure Android One instead of the proprietary shell MIUI. This simplifies updates, but at the same time requires a special approach to firmware. Unlike other Xiaomi models, there are no built-in tools for manual updating through Updater, and unlocking the bootloader has its nuances.

Sweep Mi. A3 It can be done in several ways: OTA-Updates (if available), manually through Recovery or Fastboot, and custom firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience, but each method requires preparation, from backing up data to unlocking the bootloader. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including solving typical errors like Error 7 or hanging on the logo.

Important: Mi A3 It has a unique feature - its firmware is divided into two parts: slot_a and slot_b (A/B-This means that if the firmware fails, the device can automatically roll back to the previous version. However, this mechanism does not always work, so keep an eye on the process.

Preparation for firmware: backup and unlock the bootloader

Before any firmware manipulation, be sure to save all the data. The process of firmware through Fastboot or installing custom Recovery will lead to a complete reset (wipe).

• 📱 Local Copying: Transfer photos, videos and documents to a PC or external drive.
• ☁️ Cloud services: Google Photos, Mi Cloud (if you have a Xiaomi account attached) or Yandex.Disk.
• 🔧 Backup applications: use Swift Backup (requires root) or Titanium Backup.
• 📋 Exports SMS And calls: apps like SMS Backup & Restore.

Next, unlock the bootloader. On the Mi A3, it's a must-have step for Fastboot firmware or custom Recovery, a process that's different from the standard MIUI device:

1. Activate Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on the Build Number 7 times.
2. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking in the Developer Menu.
3. Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line and execute: adb reboot bootloader
4. Download the Mi Unlock Tool (the official Xiaomi tool) and follow the instructions. On the Mi A3, unlocking takes 72 hours to wait, even if you've previously unlocked other Xiaomi devices.

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the smartphone will perform a full reset. Make sure all data is saved. Also, some banking applications (such as Sberbank Online) may stop working due to the SafetyNet trigger.

Xiaomi Mi A3 firmware methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your goal:

For most users, the best option is through Recovery - it does not require unlocking the bootloader and is suitable for installing official updates. Fastboot is needed in extreme cases (for example, if the phone does not turn on), and custom firmware - for enthusiasts ready for possible bugs.

Firmware through Recovery: step-by-step instructions

This method is suitable for manually installing official updates if OTA does not come.

• 📱 Smartphone Xiaomi Mi A3 battery-charged >50%.
• 💻 Computer (Windows, Linux or Mac) with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔗 Official firmware for Mi A3.zip (you can download it from Google or Xiaomi Firmware Updater).

Steps:

1. Download the firmware and rename the file to update.zip (no spaces!). Move it to the root folder of the phone's internal memory.
2. Turn off the phone. Press Power + Volume up to enter Recovery.
3. In the recovery menu, select Apply update from ADB (if firmware is through ADB) or Apply update from SD card (if file is on your phone).
4. Select the update.zip file and confirm the installation. The process will take 5-10 minutes.
5. Once completed, select Reboot system now.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone is stuck on the logo for longer than 15 minutes after firmware, force it to restart (press Power for 10 seconds). If the problem recurs, try flashing it through Fastboot.

Downloaded the correct firmware version for Mi A3|Battery charge >50%|File. update.zip memory-root|Drivers. ADB PC-mounted|Backup copy of data created-->

Fastboot (Mi Flash Tool)

This method is used to completely flash the device, for example, if the Mi A3 does not turn on or you need to roll back to a previous version of Android.

• 🖥️ Mi Flash Tool Program (Windows only).
• 📦 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (download from Xiaomi Firmware Updater, choose the Fastboot version).
• 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder without Cyrillic characters (for example, C:\MiA3_Fastboot).
2. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
3. Connect your phone to your PC. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, press Select, and specify the firmware folder.
4. Choose clean all (clean all) or clean all and lock (clean up) + Do not choose to save user data, this can lead to errors!
5. Press Flash and wait for the end (5-7 minutes).

If the Mi Flash Tool is an anti-rollback error, you are trying to install an older version of Android than the current one.

• Download the same or newer version.
• Or use patched firmware from the community (at your own risk).

Installation of custom firmware (TWRP + LineageOS/Pixel Experience)

Custom firmware allows you to upgrade the Mi A3 to new versions of Android (for example, to Android 13, if official support is over), and add features like Google Camera or Always-on Display.

Steps:

1. Install. TWRP Recovery: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-laurel_sprout.img Fastboot Reboot Recovery (Download the Update Version) TWRP for Mi A3 (codename laurel_sprout) official website.)
2. In TWRP, make a full backup (click Backup and select all partitions).
3. Sweep through custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS): adb sideload lineage-20.0-20231010-nightly-laurel_sprout-signed.zip
4. Install GApps (if you need Google services) and Magisk (for root).
5. Run Wipe → Format Data (required!), then reboot.

Popular firmware for the Mi A3:

• 📱 LineageOS – pure Android with regular updates.
• 📱 Pixel Experience – The interface is like Google Pixel + Features like Now Playing.
• 📱 ArrowOS – Balance between Stability and Customization.
• 📱 crDroid – Optimized performance.

⚠️ Note: Castom firmware may not support VoLTE (calls on the phone) 4G) Widevine L1 (HD Check the reviews before installing XDA Developers.

💡

Before installing custom firmware, check compatibility with your model! codename Mi A3 — laurel_sprout. Firmware for Mi A2 (jasmine_sprout) won't fit!

Solving Firmware Errors

Even when following instructions, there may be errors.

If the IMEI is missing or the mobile network is not working:

1. Check if the modem partition is erased (often when clean all in Mi Flash).
2. Restore your IMEI with tools like Maui META (requires root) or contact a service center.

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on after the firmware, don't panic: in 90% of cases it can be restored via Fastboot.

Recoil on the official firmware after the custom

If custom firmware is unstable or you need official updates, go back to stock MIUI for Android One.

1. Download the official firmware for the Mi A3 (choose Fastboot).
2. Unpack the archive and launch the Mi Flash Tool.
3. Select the clean all and lock mode – this will lock the bootloader and return the phone to the factory state.
4. After firmware, the phone will automatically reset and restart.

If Google’s services are not working after the rollback:

• Go to Settings → Apps → Google Play Services and clear the cache.
• Install the latest updates for Google Play Services through the App Store.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the firmware Xiaomi Mi A3