Installing Android 11 on Xiaomi Mi A1: a complete guide with unlock and firmware

Why Mi A1 owners want Android 11 and what they’ll have to face

Xiaomi Mi A1, released in 2017 as part of the Android One program, initially received official updates to Android 9 Pie. However, even after the end of support, the device remains relevant thanks to an active community of custom firmware developers. Installing Android 11 on the Mi A1 allows you to get modern features: improved permissions, built-in screen recording, bubble notifications and optimization for foldable displays (although the device itself does not support them).

But there are nuances: First, Android 11 firmware on the Mi A1 requires unlocking the bootloader, which resets the device to factory settings and voids the warranty (if it was still valid). Second, not all custom builds are equally stable: some can “glut” with the camera or fingerprint sensor. Finally, the installation process requires basic knowledge of working with ADB, Fastboot and recovery menus – without this, the risk of “bricking” the phone increases.

This guide is for those who are willing to sacrifice official firmware for new features. If you want a stable phone out of the box, you better stop at the stock Android 9. If you are ready for experiments, read on.

Requirements and preparation before firmware

Before you start the installation, make sure that all the prerequisites are met.

Make a backup copy of all data (photos, contacts, SMS)

Charge your phone at least 70%

Install ADB/Fastboot drivers on PC

Download Android 11 firmware for Mi A1 (tissot model only)

Connect the original USB-cable (do not use cheap analogues)

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Pay special attention to backup. Once you unlock the bootloader and firmware, all data will be erased. Use Google Photos for media files, SMS Backup & Restore for messages, and sync your contacts with your Google account. Also check the phone model in Settings → About Phone → Model – it must match tissot (codenamed Mi A1).

You need drivers to work with Fastboot and ADB on Windows, and you can install them through Mi Unlock Tool (the official utility from Xiaomi) or manually through Device Manager. You don't need drivers on macOS/Linux, but you need to configure the scripting rights.

Windows 10/11

macOS

Linux

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Unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi A1

Unlocking the bootloader is a must before installing custom firmware. Xiaomi officially allows this, but the process requires binding your Mi Account and waiting 72-168 hours (depending on company policy).

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on the Build Number 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → More → For developers and enable: – Debugging by USB – Unlocking OEM (an important item!)
3. Download Mi Unlock Tool from Xiaomi’s official website and log in to your Mi Account.
4. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Power + Volume Down).
5. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool, wait for the device recognition and press Unlock.

⚠️ Note: If the tool gives a "Couldn't unlock" error with code 86006 or 86012, it means that it has not been 7 days since the account was linked to the device.

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings, and you can now start installing custom recovery and firmware.

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Unlocking the bootloader is an irreversible process, and after that, you will not be able to return the official firmware without re-unlocking (and waiting 7 days).

Choosing Android 11 firmware for Mi A1

On the Xiaomi Mi A1 you can install several types of firmware based on Android 11:

• 📱 LineageOS 18.1 is the most stable and optimized build with minimal bugs. Supports GApps (Google services) and is regularly updated.
• 🔧 Pixel Experience 11 — firmware with the Google Pixel's signature interface, including live wallpaper and animations. Can brake on the weak hardware Mi A1.
• ⚡ ArrowOS – Balance between performance and customization, supports themes and gestures navigation.
• 🛠️ Havoc-OS is for those who like fine-tuning (color schemes, animations, sounds) and is less stable than LineageOS.

We recommend LineageOS 18.1 as the most balanced option. You can download the firmware on the official website of LineageOS (choose the build for tissot).

• 🔗 Open GApps (Nano or Pico package to save space)
• 🔧 OrangeFox Recovery or TWRP (version 3.6.0 and higher)
• 🔒 Magisk (optional, for root rights)

Before downloading, check the hash amounts of files (usually listed on the download page) to help avoid firmware errors due to broken archives.

Installation of custom recovery (TWRP/OrangeFox)

Stock recovery on the Mi A1 doesn't allow custom firmware, so you'll need to flash an alternative recovery first. We'll use OrangeFox, which is better optimized for AOSP-based firmware.

Download the latest OrangeFox Recovery image for tissot from the official website. Then execute the following commands in the terminal (the phone must be in Fastboot mode):

fastboot flash recovery orangefox.img


fastboot reboot recovery

If you start your phone back in stock recovery after you restart, you have overwrite protection on.

fastboot flashing unlock_critical

⚠️ Attention: Team unlock_critical It turns off the extra layers of security for the bootloader, and once it's done, the warranty is canceled without any retrieval, even if you return the official firmware.

Once the recovery is successfully installed, the phone will boot up to the OrangeFox menu, where you can back up your current firmware (recommended!) or start installing Android 11 right away.

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If the phone is stuck on the logo after the recovery firmware, press the Power + Volume Up for 10 seconds to force the reboot.

Step-by-step installation of Android 11

Now, to the most important part, installing the firmware, follow the instructions carefully to avoid errors:

1. Copy the firmware (.zip), GApps and (optional) Magisk files to your phone’s internal memory or SD-map.
2. Download to OrangeFox Recovery (turn off your phone, then press Power + Volume Up).
3. Complete reset: – Go to Wipe → Advanced Wipe – Mark Dalvik, Cache, Data, System – Confirm the action with the swipe.
4. Install the firmware: - Install → Choose. ZIP-firmware → Swipe to confirm
5. Install GApps (similarly via Install).
6. Optionally: Sweat Magisk for root rights.
7. Reboot your phone: Reboot → System.

The first run can take 10-15 minutes. Don't interrupt the process, even if the screen stays black for a long time! If after 20 minutes the phone does not boot, repeat the steps with cleaning Dalvik/Cache.

Solving common problems after firmware

Even if installed correctly, bugs can occur, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

• 📵 No network (IMEI Lost) Cause: modem firmware is incorrect. Solution: run the file. persist.img Fastboot: Fastboot Flash Persistent persist.img
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge Reason: background processes of custom firmware. Solution: disable unnecessary services in Settings → Battery or install core with energy optimization.
• 📷 Camera is not working Cause: no proprietary drivers Solution: install the Mi patch A1 Camera Fix (see the forum) XDA Developers).
• 🔊 No sound in the speaker Reason: reset the sound settings Solution: check the volume in Settings → Sound or patch. audio_policy.conf.

If the problem is not solved, refer to thematic forums:

— XDA Developers (Mi A1)

Telegram chat of Mi A1 owners

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Before installing patches, always back up the current firmware in recovery! This will allow you to roll back if something goes wrong.

FAQ: Frequent questions on Android 11 on the Mi A1