Why is MIUI 12 on the Mi A2 Lite a non-standard solution?
The Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite (codenamed daisy) originally came with Android One, a "clean" version of Android without a proprietary shell, meaning regular updates from Google, but deprived users of MIUI chips: themes, advanced gestures or built-in ad blocker. Installing MIUI 12 on this device is an informal process that requires unlocking the bootloader and manual firmware.
In 2026, the relevance of MIUI 12 for the Mi A2 Lite is due to several factors: it is the latest stable version of the shell, optimized for weak processors (like Snapdragon 625), it supports customization without lags, and also contains features that are absent from the stock Android 10/11. However, it is important to understand that the transition to MIUI will deprive you of official security updates from Google and can cause problems with the operation of some applications (for example, Google Pay due to lack of certification).
This instruction is suitable for those who:
- 🔄 Wants to return the branded interface Xiaomi after Android One
- 🎨 Needs Extended Themes and Widgets MIUI
- 🔧 Willing to sacrifice official support for customization
- ⚠️ Understands the risks of unofficial firmware (possible bugs, absence of a firmware) OTA-update)
Requirements and preparation of the device
Before starting the procedure, make sure your Mi A2 Lite meets the following criteria:
| Parameter | Minimum requirement | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Android version | Android 9 Pie | Android 10 (last official) |
| Battery charge | 50% | 80% (to avoid shutdown) |
| Free seat | 3GB | 5 GB (for backup) |
| Computer | Windows 7+ / Linux | Windows 10/11 with Antivirus disabled |
| USB cable | Correct. | Original (for stable connection) |
It is critical to back up all data: switching to MIUI will require a complete device reset. Use Settings → System → Backup or third-party utilities like Titanium Backup (requires root).
- 📱 Contact (export to) VCF)
- 📸 Photo/video (copy to PC or cloud)
- 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi (Settings) → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi → Save networks)
- 🎮 Save games (use Google Play accounts or built-in game clouds)
⚠️ Note: If your device was purchased in Europe, check the model in Settings → The phone. → Model, suffixed devices M1805D20G (Global version) supports all firmware MIUI, and models with M1805D20E (for the EU) may have restrictions on certain modifications.
Make a backup copy of the data|Check out the Android version (not below) 9.0)|Charge the phone before 80%+|Install drivers ADB/Fastboot PC-only|Download firmware MIUI 12 for daisy|Prepare original USB-cable-->
Unlocking the bootloader: step 1 to MIUI
The Mi A2 Lite bootloader is locked by default, and unlocking it is a prerequisite for installing any custom firmware. Xiaomi officially allows this procedure, but with reservations:
- The Mi Account must be tied to the device for at least 72 hours.
- Unlocking will reset the phone to factory settings.
- The procedure is only possible 1 time in 30 days for one account.
Instructions for unlocking:
- Activate USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone. 7 times click on Build Number to activate Developer Mode. Return to Settings → System → Developer. Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlock.
- Link your Mi Account: In Settings → Mi Account, log in to your profile (or create a new one). In Settings → Additional → Unlock the bootloader, link the device to your account.
- Use Mi Unlock Tool: Download the official utility from Xiaomi. Launch it on your PC, log in to the same Mi Account. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode (turn off the device, then press Power + Volume Down). Follow the instructions of the program. The process will take 5-10 minutes.
⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool is giving you a "Couldn't unlock" error, check: Mi Account is tied to the device for more than 72 hours. USB (Undamaged. Antiviruses are disabled on PC (they can block the utility) Mi Unlock Tool is current (older versions may not work).
💡
If unlocking fails, try connecting your phone to another. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0 on the back of your PC or use another computer. Some users solve the problem by temporarily disabling the signature of drivers in Windows (Test Mode).
Selection of firmware MIUI 12: official vs custom
There are two types of MIUI 12 firmware available for the Mi A2 Lite (daisy):
| Type of firmware | Advantages | Deficiencies | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official (port) | Stable work Support OTA-Updates Minimum bugs | No Google Services (Separate Installation Required) Limited Customization | Xiaomi.EU |
| Castomy (AOSP-based) | Advanced Settings Support Google Services Out of the Box Newer Android Versions | Possible camera/sensor bugs No OTA-update | XDA Developers |
For most users, the best choice will be the firmware from Xiaomi.EU - this is a modified official MIUI All languages (including Russian), Google services pre-installed and remote Chinese software can be downloaded from SourceForge (see file titled "Search Forge"). miui_DAISYEEAGlobal_...).
Critical detail: The firmware for the Mi A2 Lite is based on ported versions of MIUI for the Redmi 6 Pro (codenamed sakura), as these devices share the same hardware. Never install firmware for other models, this will lead to a "bricket" (inoperability) of the device.
How to check the compatibility of the firmware?
Install MIUI 12 via TWRP: a step-by-step process
To install the firmware, you will need a custom recovery - TWRP. Here is how to install and use it:
- Installation TWRP: Download the latest version TWRP for daisy from the official website. twrp.img And put it in a folder from fastboot to your PC. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode. twrp.img Reboot in recovery command: fastboot boot twrp.img
- Firmware Preparation: Download the archive with MIUI 12 (.zip) to your phone or flash drive. If the firmware is without Google services, download OpenGapps (nano version for ARM64, Android 10) separately.
- Installation: In TWRP, press Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark Dalvik, Cache, System, Data. Go back to the main menu, select Install and specify the path to the firmware. If you install Gapps, add them as a second zip (don't restart between installations!). Once complete, press Reboot System.
The first download can take 10-15 minutes — don't interrupt the process. If the device has been stuck on the logo for longer than 20 minutes, reset via TWRP (Wipe → Format Data, then re-install the firmware).
💡
Use TWRP version 3.5.2 or later. Older versions do not support encryption on Android 10+, which will lead to a Failed to mount /data error when installed.
Solving typical problems after installation
Even with the right MIUI 12 installation on the Mi A2 Lite, there may be problems.
- 📶 No network (IMEI missing: Install the patch IMEI_Fix_daisy.zip through TWRP (download 4PDA). Check what's in the Settings → The phone. → Status. SIM-map IMEI.
- 🔋 Fast battery discharge: Turn off Auto Brightness and set a fixed value. → Battery → Battery mode select Charge Saving. Uninstall unnecessary system applications via Settings → Annexes.
- 📷 Camera is not working: Install a modified camera app (e.g, ANX_Camera Check that the firmware has support. Camera2API (You can also check the Manual Camera Compatibility app).
- 🔊 No sound in the speaker: Check settings → Sound. → Sound quality. If there's a problem after you've run the firmware, reset it through TWRP (Wipe → Dalvik/Cache).
⚠️ Attention: If after installation MIUI 12 phone overheats or turns off when loaded, most likely, the firmware was installed for another model (for example, for sakura without patches for daisy). TWRP Install the correct version by pre-formatting the System partition.
Reverse to Android One: how to return stock firmware
If MIUI 12 didn’t meet expectations or there were critical errors, you can return the original Android One firmware.
- Download the stock firmware for the Mi A2 Lite from the Xiaomi Firmware Updater website (select the Daisy version marked Global).
- Unpack the archive and find the file. flash_all.bat (for Windows or flash_all.sh (Linux).
- Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and start the script. It takes 5-7 minutes.
- After rebooting, reset through Settings → System → Reset settings.
Important: Returning to Android One will block the bootloader again. If you plan to experiment with firmware again, do not block the bootloader after rollback (just swipe MIUI over the stock firmware via TWRP).
💡
Before rolling back on Android One, check the stock firmware version. If it is older than the current MIUI version (e.g. Android 9 vs Android 10), you may need to pre-downgrade the version via fastboot using the fastboot flash anti anti anti anti.rb command (anti.rb file usually comes with stock firmware).