How to install MIUI Xiaomi Mi A1: full-length guide

Xiaomi Mi A1 — A unique smartphone released in 2017 as part of the Android One program. Unlike most Xiaomi devices, it ran on “pure” Android without a branded shell. MIUI. However, many users still want to return the usual interface with advanced features. MIUI on Mi A1, What are the pitfalls waiting on this path and how to avoid them.

It is important to understand that the process requires unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom recovery and firmware through fastboot or TWRP. This is not a formal procedure, so the warranty on the device will be void, but with the right approach, the risks are minimized - the main thing is to follow the instructions and not miss critical steps.

We will look at two main methods: through Fastboot (recommended for beginners) and through the TWRP (We also know how to choose the right version. MIUI for Mi A1 (codename tissot) and avoid common errors such as device bricing due to incompatible firmware or improper unlocking of the bootloader.

1. Device Preparation: What to Do Before Firmware

Before starting installation MIUI, There are several mandatory steps that need to be taken, and neglecting them can lead to data loss, inability to download, or even device failure.

First, make sure that your Xiaomi Mi is on the same page. A1 debugging is included USB and unlocked OEM-- Unlocking:

1. Go to Settings. → About Phone and 7 times Click on Build Number to Activate Developer Mode.
2. Back to Settings → System system → For developers and include: 🔧 Debugging by USB (USB debugging) 🔓 Unlocking OEM (OEM unlocking)

Second, back up all the important data. MIUI You can reset your device completely. Use Google Drive, Mi Cloud or local storage to save it:

• 📱 Contacts (export to.vcf)
• 📸 Photos and videos (copy on PC)
• 📝 Messages (annexes such as: SMS Backup & Restore)
• 🎮 Save games (via Google Play Games or Helium)

⚠️ Note: If you are using the Mi A1 With Android 10 and higher, unlocking the bootloader can take up to 720 hours (30 days) due to Xiaomi's policy.Make sure your Mi Account is tied to the device at least 1 week before the procedure starts.

Make a data backup|Enable debugging on USB|Unlock. OEM|Charge the phone before 80%|Install drivers ADB/Fastboot PC-only-->

2 Unlock the bootloader: the official way from Xiaomi

bootloader on Xiaomi Mi A1 It's locked by default. MIUI, It must be unlocked through the official Mi Unlock Tool:

• 📱 Smartphone Mi A1 with a tied Mi Account
• 💻 Windows computer (7/10/11) and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot
• 🔗 Stable Internet connection (unblocking is done through Xiaomi servers)

Step-by-step:

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website and install it on PC.
2. Turn off Mi. A1 And press the Volume down. + Power to go to Fastboot mode.
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
4. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the same Mi Account as your phone.
5. Click Unlock and wait until the process is complete (can take anywhere from a few minutes to 30 days if the account is new).

⚠️ If you see a "Couldn't unlock" or "Device not connected" error when unlocking, check: 🔌 Cable USB (Use an original or certified) 🖥️ Drivers. ADB/Fastboot (Install it through the Mi Flash Tool or manually) 🔒 Antivirus (disable it while unlocking)

Once successfully unlocked, the phone will automatically reset to factory settings. MIUI.

Fastboot (official)|TWRP (squirrel)|I haven't decided yet.|Another method-->

3. Selection of firmware: which version MIUI set up A1

Xiaomi Mi A1 It has the code name tissot, and there are several types of firmware for it. MIUI:

For most users, the best choice is MIUI EU Avoid ported versions, which often contain critical bugs, such as:

• 🔋 Fast battery discharge
• 📶 Network problems (absence of access) 4G, bad-light)
• 🔊 Failing speakers or microphone
• 🤳 Camera failure (Can't connect to camera")

Before downloading, check the firmware version. A1 Builds marked tissot and Android version 9.0 Pie or 10 Q are relevant. Firmware on Android 11 and later can work unstable due to iron limitations.

💡

Check before installation MD5-This will help you avoid errors due to broken archives. 7-Zip or WinMD5Free.

Installation MIUI via Fastboot (recommended method)

This method is suitable for official firmware MIUI It's considered the most reliable. You'll need it:

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB and Fastboot
• 📱 Unlocked Mi A1 fastboot
• 📁 Firmware in.tgz or.zip format (unpacked)
• 🔗 Cable USB (original or high-quality)

Step-by-step:

1. Unpack the archive with firmware in a folder on the disk C:\ (for example, C:\MIUI_tissot).
2. Open the command line (Win) + R → cmd) and go to the firmware folder: cd C:\MIUI_tissot
3. Connect your phone in Fastboot mode and check for detection: fastboot devices should show a serial number of the device.
4. Run the firmware command: fastboot flash all Or for new versions: fastboot update name file.zip
5. Wait until the end (around) 5-10 The phone will automatically restart.

If the process ends with an error "FAILED (remote: 'invalid sparse file format at header', try:

• 🔄 Upload the firmware (possibly the archive is damaged)
• 📁 Use a different version MIUI (For example, instead of Stable, try Developer)
• 🖥️ Start the command line on behalf of the administrator

⚠️ Note: If after firmware the phone is stuck on the logo MIUI longer than 15 minutes, perform a hard reset (Loudness up) + Nutrition → Wipe Data. This will help avoid looping the download.

💡

Use official firmware from Xiaomi or proven builds from Xiaomi.eu. Custom ports often contain critical bugs that are difficult to fix.

5. Installation MIUI through TWRP (power-user)

If you want to install a custom firmware or MIUI EU, I'll need a custom recap TWRP. This method is flexible but more risky.

First, install TWRP:

1. Download the latest version TWRP fortissot from the official website.
2. Go to Fastboot mode and flash recovery: fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-tissot.img
3. Immediately after firmware, go to TWRP, holding Volume Up + Power.

Now install the firmware:

1. Copy the file. MIUI (zip format on a phone or flash drive.
2. V TWRP Choose the Wipe → Advanced Wipe and mark: 🧹 Dalvik / ART Cache 🗃️ System 📄 Data 🔄 Cache

Install

Wipe Cache

After installation MIUI There is no network or sensors are not working, try:

• 🔄 Swipe vendor and firmware separately (files usually come with firmware)
• 📡 Install a patch for the modem (see for a 4PDA or XDA)
• 🔙 Return to the official firmware via Fastboot

6.Tune in. MIUI After installation: first steps

After a successful firmware MIUI You're going to have to do the initial setup:

Activation of the device:

• 🌐 Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile internet.
• 🔑 Sign in to your Mi Account (required, otherwise Xiaomi services will not work).
• 📱 Go through the initial setup process (selecting language, region, etc.).

Checking the working capacity:

• 📞 Test calls and mobile internet (if you don’t have a network, run the vendor separately).
• 📷 Check the camera (if it doesn’t work, install the libpatch patch).
• 🔋 Watch the battery discharge in the first hours (if the discharge is too fast, perform calibration).

System optimization:

• 🚀 Enable Advanced Mode in Battery Settings for Better Performance.
• 🔒 Disable unnecessary permissions for applications in Settings → Permits.
• 📵 Set up the "Do Not Disturb" mode for convenience.

If you encounter bugs, check their solution on the forums:

💡

After installation MIUI Turn off automatic system updates in Settings → The phone. → Software Update: Some Updates Could Bring the Device Back to Android One!

7.Going Back to Android One: How to Reverse Back

If MIUI You are not satisfied or there were critical errors, you can return the original firmware Android One:

1. Download the official Android One firmware for Mi A1 from Google or XDA.

2. Sweat it through Fastboot:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash vendor vendor.img




fastboot flash recovery recovery.img




fastboot erase userdata




fastboot reboot

3. If the phone doesn't boot, do a full reset via Fastboot:

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache




fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: After returning to Android One, unlocking the bootloader is saved. To block it again, use the command: fastboot oem lock But remember: this will lead to a complete reset and possible loss of data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about installation MIUI on Mi A1