How to unlock Xiaomi Mi A1: all ways to unblock the lock

The Xiaomi Mi A1, despite its age, remains a popular device thanks to the pure Android One operating system. However, users often face situations where access to the system is limited, this can be a forgotten pattern lock, lock the screen after an update or problems with the Google account. Restoring access to the device requires a clear understanding of the processes occurring inside the operating system.

There are several layers of locking, and each has its own method of solving the problem. It is important to distinguish between the software limitations of the lock screen and deeper system protections, such as FRP (Factory Reset Protection). In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithms of actions for each scenario so that you can bring your gadget back to life without going to the service center.

Before we take action, we need to assess the importance of data stored on the phone. Most of the methods of complete reset described below will result in the complete removal of user information from the internal memory of the device.

Resetting settings via Recovery menu

The most common and effective way to reclaim access to the system if you forget your password or pattern lock is to run Hard Reset, a process that is run through a dedicated Recovery Mode service menu that is built into the firmware regardless of the state of the main system. The Mi A1 uses a combination of physical buttons to get around a broken touch screen.

The login procedure requires precision and a sequence of actions, first you have to turn off the smartphone completely, then you have to press the volume button and hold it, connect the device to the computer or charger through the computer. USB-The screen will show an image of an open-body repair robot and the words "No command".

To go directly to the choice of operations, you need to briefly press the on button and immediately, without releasing it, once press the volume button, and then the menu with a black background and text commands will open. Navigation is done with volume buttons, and the choice of point is done with the power button. data/factory reset and confirm the action.

The system will request confirmation, as this is an irreversible action. Select Yes or Factory data reset. The cleaning process takes a few minutes, after which you need to select Reboot system now.

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Hard Reset via Recovery is the only guaranteed way to access if your screen password is forgotten, but it requires a Google account to bypass FRP protection.

Bypassing Google Account Protection (FRP)

When you reset your settings on modern Android versions, you activate FRP (Factory Reset Protection), a security measure that requires you to enter data from a Google account that was previously synced to your device, and if you don't remember your email password, your phone becomes a brick with limited functionality.

For Android One models, such as the Xiaomi Mi A1, there are specific ways to get around it, and often exploiting a vulnerability in the voice assistant or browser during the initial setup phase, such as trying to call Google Assistant by triple pressing the home button (if enabled) or through the special features menu.

One of the common methods involves the use of TalkBack or browser settings Wi-Fi. Once in the browser, the user can download special APK-However, this process is technically complex and depends on the specific version of the Android security patch installed at the time of locking.

⚠️ Attention: Bypassing techniques FRP What worked on Android 8.0 may be closed on Android 9.0. Using third-party software to reset your account may carry security risks.

If standard methods do not help, there is still the option of using specialized PC software such as the SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek processors, but the Mi A1 runs on Snapdragon) or a utility for Qualcomm. For the Mi A1, the method of firmware stacking a stock image through fastboot is often used, which completely replaces the system partition and removes the binding.

Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader Unlock)

Many users want to unlock the Bootloader on the Xiaomi Mi A1 to install custom recavators (TWRP) or obtain Root superuser rights. Officially unlocking requires applying through the Mi Unlock site and waiting for a certain period of time, usually between 7 and 15 days (168-360 hours).

The process starts with the Mi Account being linked to the developer's settings. USB and permit OEM-After that, the device is transferred to Fastboot mode (clamping the volume button when connecting to a PC), and a request is sent through the official Mi Unlock Tool utility.

Once you're "Unlocked" in the app, you can unblock it, and it's important to understand that this process also triggers a complete data reset for security purposes, which means that all photos, contacts, and apps will be deleted.

There are also methods of instantaneous unlocking through server mode (EDL mode), but they are often paid and require deep technical knowledge. For the average user, a safest path is waiting for a timer in the official application. Violation of the integrity of the bootloader can lead to the failure of some banking applications due to the safety check SafetyNet.

Use of ADB and Fastboot commands

For advanced users who have USB debugging enabled before locking, there is the ability to control the device via a computer. Android Debug Bridge (ADB) toolkit allows you to send commands directly to the system. It is a powerful tool that requires caution.

If the phone is connected to a PC and authorized, you can try to delete files that store information about the pattern lock, and you can type specific commands into the command line (terminal), and you first need to make sure that the device is visible:

adb devices

If the device appears in the list, you can try to delete key files. The path to them in Android is usually in the directory /data/system/.

adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key


adb shell rm /data/system/password.key




adb shell rm /data/system/dlock.key

Once these commands are executed, you need to restart the device, in some cases, this allows you to log in without entering a password, after which the old key can be deleted in the security settings, but on newer versions of Android, this method often does not work due to data encryption.

Firmware of the device as an extreme measure

When the software methods of resetting the password do not help, or the system is damaged so much that the phone goes into an endless restart (bootloop), the only option is a complete firmware reflash. For the Xiaomi Mi A1 (codename tissot), there are many custom and stock firmware.

The firmware process requires you to switch to Fastboot mode. You will need to download the firmware image (usually in.zip format or unpacked.img files) and the firmware utility. Stock images can be found on official resources or trusted developer forums.

The command for firmware of all partitions looks like this (executed in a folder with unpacked firmware):

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash system system.img




fastboot flash recovery recovery.img




fastboot flash vendor vendor.img




fastboot flash userdata userdata.img

Or use a script-bag if it comes with firmware (for example, flash_all.bat This method is guaranteed to remove any locks, including FRP, Replaces the entire data section with a new, clean state.

Typical mistakes and safety tips

When unlocking the Xiaomi Mi A1, users often make mistakes that make things more difficult, one of the most common being interrupting the firmware or reset process. If you see a progress bar, never turn off the USB cable or press the buttons until the process is complete.

Another problem is the use of unverified files, and by downloading firmware or utilities to bypass FRP from questionable resources, you risk infecting your computer or phone with malware, always checking the hash amounts of files and reading other users' comments.

Also worth mentioning is the importance of remembering your account information: Once reset, your phone will request the last synchronized Google account, and if you type the wrong password multiple times, your account may be temporarily blocked by Google itself to protect against hacking.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to unlock the phone, which is listed in the database of stolen devices. In this case, even a complete flashing will not help, since the lock is carried out by a unique device. IMEI server-level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)