How to flash Xiaomi Mi A3 on the official firmware MIUI: from Android One to a full shell

Xiaomi Mi A3 — One of the few smartphones of the brand released under the program Android One. MIUI, But many users eventually wanted to bring back the interface. MIUI solves this problem, but the process requires care: from unlocking the bootloader to installing via Fastboot.

In this article you will find a step-by-step instruction taking into account all the nuances of Mi. A3 (codename laurel_sprout), And that includes unlocking the bootloader, choosing the right firmware version, and solving common bugs. MIUI Android One is different from Android One and what risks are there when you switch.

Important: the procedure is only suitable for Xiaomi Mi A3 (model M1906F9SH).For other devices (for example, Mi A2 or Mi A1), the algorithm will be different due to differences in hardware platform and manufacturer support.

Why are users using Mi A3 on MIUI?

The Xiaomi Mi A3 was originally shipped with Android One, Google’s program that guarantees a clean Android with quick updates.

• 🔄 No corporate functions: no themes, "Second Space" mode, extended gestures MIUI.
• 📱 Limited Customization: Android One cannot change icons, fonts or system animations.
• 🔋 Deteriorated battery optimization: MIUI Better manages background processes on the Snapdragon 665 processor.
• 🛡️ Fewer security tools: in MIUI There is a built-in antivirus, call blocker and a blacklist".

In addition, after the end of support for Android One (December 2021), security updates for the Mi A3 stopped coming out, while MIUI continues to receive patches.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware on MIUI It will drop all the data on your phone, including photos in the internal memory, and we recommend you transfer the files to your PC or the cloud in advance. laurel_sprout version MIUI — Some assemblies (for example, for Mi) CC9e) may not fit.

Preparation for firmware: what to do before the start

Before installing MIUI on the Xiaomi Mi A3, several critical steps must be taken, and skipping any of them can lead to a device “brick”.

1. Verification of the model and firmware version

Make sure your smartphone is the Mi. A3 codenamed laurel_sprout. For that:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the Model line (must be M1906F9SH) and the Android version.
3. Write down the current version of Android One (e.g. 11.0.0).

For MIUI Only the labeled firmware is suitable laurel_sprout_global or laurel_sprout_eea (You only need to download files from official sources:

• 🌐 Official website MIUI (Choose the Mi section A3).
• 🔗 Xiaomi Firmware Updater (alternative archive with verified builds).

2 Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader)

Xiaomi blocks the bootloader on all devices, so you need to unlock it before you run the firmware.

1. Link your Mi Account to your phone in Settings → Xiaomi Account.
2. Apply for unlocking through the official tool (up to 72 hours may be required).
3. Use the Mi Unlock Tool in Fastboot mode.

⚠️ Warning: Once the bootloader is unlocked, the smartphone will perform a hard reset, all data, including photos and apps, will be deleted, and unlocking the warranty will void (if it is still valid).

Make a backup copy of the data|Check the phone model (laurel_sprout)|Download the official MIUI for Mi A3|Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock|Charge your phone at least to 60%|Prepare. USB-cable (original)-->

Selection of MIUI version for Mi A3: what firmware to download

There are several types of MIUI firmware available for the Xiaomi Mi A3, differing in region, Android version and feature set. It is important to choose the right option to avoid network or performance issues.

For most users, the best choice is Global Stable or EEA Stable based on Android 11. These versions have been tested and are free of critical bugs. firmware on Android 12 (for example, MIUI 13) can work unstable due to the limitations of the Mi A3 iron (in particular, the Snapdragon 665 processor and 4 GB of RAM).

Importantly, the firmware for the Mi CC9e (Chinese equivalent of the Mi A3) is not compatible with the global version of the device, and its installation will lead to a broken camera or NFC module.

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If you want to save app data (e.g., game progress), use the backup function in Settings → Google → Backup. This won’t save photos, but it will save some settings.

Step-by-step: how to flash Mi A3 on MIUI via Fastboot

The most reliable way to install MIUI on the Xiaomi Mi A3 is to use Fastboot mode, which is suitable even if the phone is not turning on or stuck on the logo.

• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11 (or Linux/macOS adb and fastboot).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable (poor cables may interrupt the connection).
• 📁 Firmware MIUI in.tgz or.zip format (unpacked).
• 🛠️ Mi Flash Tool (for Windows) or fastboot in the terminal.

Step 1: Installation of drivers and tools

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Tool (for Windows).

2. Install Xiaomi drivers:

For Windows:


Download drivers from the Xiaomi website or use the universal package from Google (Android SDK Platform-Tools).




In Device Manager, update the driver for your phone in Fastboot mode (should be displayed as “Android Bootloader Interface”).

Step 2: Transfer your phone to Fastboot mode

1. Turn off the Mi A3.

2. Press the buttons Loudness down + Power for 10 seconds until the image of a rabbit in a hat (Fastboot Mode) appears.

Step 3: Firmware with Mi Flash Tool

1. Connect the phone to the PC.

2.In Mi Flash Tool, click Select and specify the path to the unpacked firmware (the folder with.img files).

3. Select Clean all (full cleaning) or Clean all and lock (clean + lock bootloader).

4.Tap Flash and wait until it is completed (usually 5-10 minutes).

If the process is 99 percent frozen or there is an anti-rollback error, you are trying to install an older version of MIUI than the one before, in which case you need to download a newer firmware.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Xiaomi Mi A3 firmware on MIUI can be accompanied by errors, we have collected the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If the phone doesn't turn on after the firmware is installed (black screen, no button response), there may be a "hard brick" that only helps with the firmware through EDL Mode using boxing (for example, UFi Box or Easy JTAG), and it's hard to do this yourself, so you should go to the service center.

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If the phone overheats or discharges quickly after firmware, reset to factory settings (Wipe Data) in Recovery mode. This will eliminate conflicts between old and new system files.

What to do after firmware: setup and optimization

After successful MIUI installation on Xiaomi Mi A3, it is recommended to follow several steps for stable operation:

1.Initial setting

• 🌍 Choose a language and region (e.g. Russia or Europe).
• 🔑 Connect to Mi Account (this will unlock access to cloud features).
• 🔄 Update all apps through Google Play.

2. Optimization of productivity

MIUI can run slower than Android One on the Mi A3 due to limited resources.

• ⚡ Enable Performance Mode in Settings → Special facilities → Performance mode.
• 🗑️ Turn off animations: go to Settings → About the phone, tap 7 times on the version MIUI, Then in the Developer Settings, install Windows Animation = 0.5x.
• 🚫 Remove unnecessary system applications (e.g. Mi Video, Mi Music) through Settings → Annexes.

3. Checking of performance

Make sure all modules are working correctly:

• 📶 Network: Check the mobile Internet and Wi-Fi.
• 📸 Camera: Take test pictures (on the screen) MIUI processing may differ HDR).
• 🔋 Battery: First 2-3 charge cycles may show inaccurate percentage.
• 🔊 Sound: Test the speakers and microphone.

⚠️ Note: If the fingerprint sensor stopped working after firmware, update the firmware to the latest version MIUI Or reset your settings. In rare cases, the problem is solved only by replacing the software module in the service center.

Android One and MIUI Comparison on Xiaomi Mi A3: Which is Better?

Many users are hesitant to switch from Android One to MIUI, and we have compared the key aspects of both firmware for the Xiaomi Mi A3:

The choice depends on your priorities:

• If you want stability and minimalism, stay on Android One (although there will be no more updates).
• If you need additional features and current patches, go to MIUI.

MIUI is also better suited to integrate with Xiaomi’s ecosystem (smart watches, lamps, robot vacuum cleaners).For example, the Mi Home app works more stable on proprietary firmware.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions