The Xiaomi Mi A3 is one of the few smartphones released under the Android One program, which means that the device runs on “pure” Android without a MIUI shell, but still retains all the advantages of Xiaomi’s hardware. However, even such a device can have problems: slowdowns, bugs after updates or the desire to install custom firmware for advanced features.
Phone firmware is a process that requires attention to detail. Unlike regular customization upgrades, full flashing can both bring a device back to life and turn it into a brick if you break the sequence. In this article, we will look at all the current ways of firmware Mi A3, from official methods to install custom builds like LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
Important: The Mi A3 has a unique feature – its bootloader is locked by default, and it requires official unlocking to run through the Fastboot, and we will describe this process in detail, as well as how to do without it when using ADB Sideload or TWRP Recovery.
Preparation for firmware: what you need to know before you start
Before you start firmware, make sure you understand the risks and consequences. Mistakes can lead to:
- 🔴 Loss of warranty (if the device is still in warranty service).
- 🔴 "Brick (complete inoperability of the phone) when the process is interrupted.
- 🔴 Data loss (photos, contacts, messages) – be sure to make a backup copy.
- 🔴 Problems with the operation of banking applications (due to an unlocked bootloader).
Also note that the Mi A3 has two firmware versions: Stock ROM (official from Xiaomi/Google) and custom (from the developer community).
Before you start, check the current firmware version: Settings → System → System Update → Android version.
If your Android version is 11 or newer, some custom firmware may not be supported, check compatibility on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums.
⚠️ Attention: On Mi A3 Android version 12+ The method of unlocking the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool may not work. This will require a rollback on Android 11 or the use of alternative tools like fastboot oem unlock-go.
Method 1: Fastboot Firmware (official method)
This is the most reliable way to install Xiaomi's stock firmware, and it's suitable for recovering your phone from crashes, removing custom firmware, or returning to factory status.
- 💻 Windows computer (or Linux/macOS driverless ADB/Fastboot).
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original to avoid breakages of the connection).
- 📱 Charged phone (at least 50% battery).
- 🔓 Unlocked boot loader (instruction below).
Steps:
- Download the official firmware for Mi A3 (codename laurel_sprout) From the Xiaomi Firmware Updater, select the version of Fastboot (file with the extension.tgz or.zip).
- Unpack the archive in a folder on your computer. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (for Linux/macOS).
- Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode: Turn off your phone. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
- Start the firmware: On Windows: double-click on flash_all.bat. Nana Linux/macOS: Open the terminal in the firmware folder and execute: chmod +x flash_all.sh./flash_all.sh
☑️ Preparation for firmware through Fastboot
It takes 5-10 minutes. When it's done, the phone automatically restarts. The first run can take up to 15 minutes -- don't interrupt it!
⚠️ Attention: If the script flash_all.bat Gives an error waiting for device, check drivers or try another one USB-On some PCs, disabling driver signatures in Windows helps.
Method 2: Unlock the bootloader (a mandatory step for Fastboot)
Without unlocking the bootloader, you can't flash the Mi A3 through Fastboot. Xiaomi requires a Mi Account confirmation for this operation. Here's how to do it:
- Link your Mi Account to your phone: Go to Settings → Accounts → Add an account → Mi Account. Sign in to an existing account or create a new one (remember your login and password!).
- Activate USB debugging: Enable Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → Build Number (tap 7 times). Go back to Settings → System → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.
- Connect the phone to the PC and confirm access to debugging on the phone screen.
- Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and install it on PC.
- Open Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same Mi Account. Follow the program instructions. The phone will reboot to Fastboot automatically. Wait for Unlocked successfully (usually takes 3-5 minutes).
Once unlocked, the bootloader will remain in Unlocked state, which may affect the operation of some applications (for example, Google Pay or banking services).To return Locked status, you will need to re-firm the official ROM through Fastboot with the command fastboot oem lock.
What if the Mi Unlock Tool can’t see the device?
Method 3: Firmware through Recovery (without unlocking the bootloader)
If you don’t want to unlock the bootloader or need a local update (like Android 10 to Android 11), you can use Recovery Mode.
Instructions:
- Download the firmware in.zip format (for example, with Xiaomi Firmware Updater). laurel_sprout.
- Rename the file to update.zip and place it at the root of the phone’s internal memory.
- Go to Recovery Mode: Turn off your phone. Press Volume Up + Power before the Recovery logo appears.
Apply update from SD card
Apply update from ADB
ADB Sideload
Confirm installation
This method does not require unlocking the bootloader, but only works with official firmware. Custom ROMs require TWRP Recovery (instruction below).
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If E: footer is wrong appears in Recovery, it means that the firmware file is corrupted. Download it again and check the checksum (MD5).
Method 4: Install custom firmware (TWRP + LineageOS/Pixel Experience)
Custom firmware opens up new possibilities: current versions of Android, no bloatware, advanced settings. Mi A3 popular:
- 📱 LineageOS – pure Android with minimal improvements.
- 📱 Pixel Experience – firmware with the interface and features of Google Pixel.
- 📱 ArrowOS – Balance between Stability and Customization.
- 📱 Havoc-OS – for lovers of fine tuning.
The installation will require:
- Install TWRP Recovery: Fastboot Flash Recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-laurel_sprout.img fastboot boot twrp-3.7.0_9-0-laurel_sprout.img (Download the current version on twrp.me.)
- Backup to TWRP (Backup → Select Partitions → Swipe for Confirmation).
- Swipe custom firmware: Download a firmware.zip file (e.g., XDA). Transfer it to your phone or flash drive. In TWRP, select Install → Select file → Swipe for confirmation.
- Switch Gapps (if not included in firmware): Download the appropriate Open Gapps package (e.g. arm64 → Android 11 → pico). Install it via TWRP immediately after the firmware (no reboot!).
The Mi A3 with custom firmware may not work with the NFC module due to the kernel features. Check the reviews on the XDA forum before installing.
| Firmware | Android version | Stability | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| LineageOS 20 | Android 13 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Pure Android, no Google services (you need to put Gapps separately). |
| Pixel Experience | Android 13 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | The interface is like Google Pixel, preinstalled by Gapps. |
| ArrowOS | Android 12/13 | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | There are many customization settings, but there are possible camera bugs. |
| Havoc-OS | Android 11 | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Maximum customization, but less stable. |
Solving common errors in firmware
Even if you follow the instructions, you can have problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
- 🔴 Error This package is for laurel_sprout devices; this is a: So you didn't download the firmware for Mi A3. Check the code name of the device (laurel_sprout) and download the correct file.
If the phone has turned into a hard brick, try the emergency firmware through the EDL-Mode (requires an authorized Xiaomi account and a special cable) This method is more complicated and risky - it is better to contact the service center.
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If the phone boots to bootloop after firmware, try resetting via Recovery (Wipe → Factory Reset).