How to install MIUI on Xiaomi Mi A3: a full guide with unlock and firmware

Why is the Mi A3 with MIUI a different level?

The Xiaomi Mi A3 originally came with a pure Android One, a Google project that ensures quick updates and no redundant software. But many users eventually realize that the standard interface is inferior to the branded MIUI shell in functionality. In MIUI, you get advanced camera settings (including night mode for the frontal, built-in battery optimization tools, design themes and even Game Turbo for gamers.

But moving from Android One to MIUI is not a trivial task; it’s not just an upgrade through Settings → System, but a full-fledged flashing of the device with unlocking the bootloader and potential risks. In this article, we’ll discuss the only officially supported way to install MIUI on the Mi A3 via Fastboot, as well as an alternative method using the custom TWRP recap for power users.

Before you start, consider that the procedure will reset all data on the phone, and the wrong actions can lead to a "brick" (inoperable state) of the device.

Preparation for installation: what to do before the firmware

The first and most important step is to back up your phone, and even if you're planning on flashing a clean phone, save:

• 📱 Contacts (export to.vcf via Google Contacts app)
• 📷 Photos and videos (copy to PC or Google Cloud Photos)
• 🔑 Wi-Fi Passwords (use applications like WiFi Password Viewer)
• 🎮 Save games (synchronize via Google Play Games or Mi Account)

Check the bootloader version of your Mi A3.

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press Volume Down + Power before the Fastboot logo appears.
3. Connect the device to the PC and type in the command line: fastboot getvar anti

If you see anti: 4 in the answer, the bootloader is already unlocked. If anti: 3, it needs to be unlocked (more on this in the next section).

Also prepare:

• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged)
• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 Linux (MacOS will require additional drivers)
• 🔋 Battery charge of at least 60% (to avoid shutdown during firmware)
• 📥 Firmware MIUI for Mi A3 (Download only from official sources, links below)

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If you have Mi. A3 region-wise EEA (Europe), look for firmware marked laurel_sprout_eea. For the global version — laurel_sprout_global. Installing an inappropriate version will cause network problems!

Unlocking the bootloader: a step without which you can not do

Unlocking the bootloader is a must for installing MIUI on the Mi A3. Without it, the phone simply won't allow the firmware to be replaced. The process takes 72 hours (by Xiaomi's rules), so start ahead.

Instructions:

1. Connect Mi Account to your phone: Go to Settings → Accounts → Add Account → Mi. Log in under your login (if you don’t have an account, register on the official website).
2. Activate. OEM-Unlocking: Go to Settings → System system → About the phone. 7 times click on the build number to activate Developer Mode. Go back to Settings. → System system → For developers. OEM-unlocking and debugging USB.

Mi Unlock Tool

page

Mi Account

Follow the instructions of the program. After sending a request, wait for the confirmation SMS (may come in 1-3 days).

Attention! Once the bootloader is unlocked, the phone will perform a full reset (wipe), all data will be deleted, including photos in internal memory, and some banking applications (such as Sberbank Online or Tinkoff) may stop working due to the SafetyNet trigger. This is not critical, but take risks into account.

Selecting a firmware: which version of MIUI to install?

For Xiaomi Mi. A3 (laurel_sprout) several types of firmware available MIUI:

For most users, the best choice is a stable global firmware (laurel_sprout_global). She passed the compatibility test with Mi. A3 It contains all the drivers you need, and weekly builds are for enthusiasts who are willing to put up with bugs for new features.

Critical! Don't download firmware from questionable sources. Files with the.tgz or.zip extension should weigh 1.8-2.2 GB. If the size is much smaller, it's incomplete firmware that will lead to installation errors.

The downloaded file is sized 1.8–2.2 GB|The file name contains the model code laurel_sprout|Hash sum (MD5) coincides with the official|The file is unpacked without errors-->

Install MIUI via Fastboot: the official method

This is the most reliable method recommended by Xiaomi, and it is suitable even for beginners, if you strictly follow the instructions.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (You can download it on Android. SDK)
• 📦 Unpacked firmware MIUI (It should contain files with the.img extension)
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original)

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and put it in Fastboot mode (clip Volume Down + Power).
2. Connect the Mi A3 to the PC.
3. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and check the connection: fastboot devices must display the serial number of the device.
4. Go to the folder with the unpacked firmware and start the script: fastboot flashall On Windows use flash_all.bat, on Linux/Mac —./flash_all.sh.
5. Wait for the process to be completed (about 5-10 minutes) and the phone will reboot automatically.

The first time you turn on after you've been firmware, it can take up to 15 minutes -- don't interrupt the process! If after 20 minutes, the MIUI logo is still on the screen, then something has gone wrong.

1. Repeat the firmware from the beginning.
2. Try a different version of MIUI (for example, take eea instead of global).
3. If the error is repeated, use the TWRP method (described below).

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The official method through Fastboot guarantees the performance of all functions (camera, sensors, mobile network), but requires an unlocked bootloader and a complete data reset.

Installation via TWRP: for experienced users

If the Fastboot method didn’t work, or if you want to install custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU), you’ll need a TWRP, a custom recavery, which is more flexible, but also more risky.

What needs to be done:

1. Download. TWRP for Mi A3 from the official website (file) twrp-3.7.0_9-0-laurel_sprout.img or newer).
2. Install it via Fastboot: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img fastboot boot twrp.img
3. In TWRP, run Wipe → Format Data (enter yes for confirmation).
4. Copy the MIUI firmware (in.zip format) to your phone via MTP (plug your phone to your PC, select Mount → Enable MTP in TWRP).
5. Install the firmware via Install → Select the file → Swipe to confirm.
6. After installing the firmware, be sure to install Magisk (if root is needed) or Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt (to avoid looping loading).

Attention, when used TWRP There is a risk of losing data in the section /data, Even if you didn't format it manually, always backup it through the recaveri itself. → Select sections → Also, some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) require the vendor and firmware to be installed from the official firmware.

What to do after installing MIUI?

After a successful firmware, your Mi A3 will boot with a new shell, but the work doesn't end there.

1. Setting up Mi Account: Sign in to your account via Settings → Accounts → Mi. Enable synchronization of contacts, notes and cloud storage.

If you notice problems after firmware (such as overheating, fast battery discharge, or artifacts on the screen), try:

• Reset the settings to factory (Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset).
• Reflash the device with another version of MIUI.
• Reverse to Android One (if the problems are critical).

Some users find that Google Pay stops working after switching to MIUI, and this is due to the SafetyNet trigger.

1. Install Magisk and Universal SafetyNet Fix.
2. Hide the root in the Magisk (Magisk Hide) settings.
3. Reboot the phone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions