Xiaomi Mi A2 β One of the brandβs most popular smartphones, released in 2018 under the Android One program.Despite its age, the device is still in active use, but owners often face the problem of unlocking: a forgotten pattern lock, PIN-code or link to your Mi Account after a reset. Unlike other Xiaomi models, Mi A2 It has unique features due to pure Android without shell MIUI, What affects the available unlocking methods.
In this article, we will discuss all current ways of unlocking (including official and informal), their pros and cons, as well as give recommendations for data recovery after a reset. A2 β The problem users face after a hardware reset via Recovery.
1 Unblocking through Google Account (if Android Device Manager is enabled)
The easiest way to do this is to use Google Find My Device (formerly Android Device Manager), but it only works if you meet three conditions:
- π± Smartphone connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
- π Synchronization with Google Account is enabled.
- π Find My Device is activated in the settings.
If the conditions are met, follow the instructions:
- Go to Google Find My Device from the second device.
- Sign in with the same Google account that is linked to the Mi A2.
- Select your Xiaomi Mi A2 from the list of devices.
- Click Lock the device and set a new temporary password.
- Enter this password on the locked smartphone, then change it in the settings.
β οΈ Attention: If on Mi A2 If you turn off Find My Device or you don't have the Internet, it won't work.
2. Recovery Mode reset (data loss)
Hardware resetting via Recovery is a universal method, but it deletes all data on the phone, including photos, contacts and apps. On the Mi A2, this method is complicated by the fact that after the reset, you may need to enter data from the previous Mi Account (if the device was tied).
Resetting instructions:
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press the Power + Volume buttons for 10-15 seconds at the same time until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
- Confirm the action by selecting Yes.
- After reset, select Reboot System Now.
If after rebooting the phone requires data input from Mi Account, go to the section about bypassing the binding.
Turn off your Google Account (if you remember your password)
Backup important data (via PC)
Charge your phone at least 50%
Prepare. SIM-post-reset activation card-->
Bypassing Mi Account Reference on Mi A2 (FRP bypass)
On the Xiaomi Mi A2, bypassing the binding to the Mi Account is possible only through exploit in Android firmware 9/10. This method works if the device has not been updated to the latest versions of the software.
- π₯οΈ Computer with drivers installed ADB and Fastboot.
- π USB-cable (preferably original).
- π Files for bypassing (can be downloaded from XDA Developers).
Step-by-step:
- Download the archive with tools to bypass (for example, Mi_A2_FRP_Bypass.zip).
- Unpack it on your computer and launch the file. FRP_Bypass.bat.
- Connect the Mi A2 to your PC in Fastboot mode (press Power + Volume Down when your phone is off).
- Follow the instructions in the command line (it is usually required to enter the command fastboot oem unlock, but the Mi A2 uses a different exploit).
- After successful execution, the phone will restart and the link to the account will be removed.
β οΈ Attention: Bypass FRP This can cause the bootloader to be blocked on new firmware versions. If the phone doesn't turn on after the procedure, you'll need to run the firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.
What to do if the exploit does not work?
4 Unlocking via Fastboot and Mi Unlock Tool (official way)
If you remember the data from Mi Account, but the phone is locked, you can use the official Mi Unlock Tool, which unlocks the bootloader, which allows you to flash custom software or reset settings.
Important: Xiaomi has introduced a limit on unlocking the bootloader for the Mi A2 β now requires a wait of 72-168 hours after linking the account to the device.
Instructions:
- Download the Mi Unlock Tool and install it on PC.
- Sign in to the tool under the same Mi Account as on your phone.
- Turn the Mi A2 into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Reduction).
- Connect your phone to your PC and press Unlock in the program.
- Wait until the process is complete (it can take up to 7 days due to Xiaomi restrictions).
| Method of unlocking | PC required | Loss of data | Difficulty | It's powered by the Mi A2. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Find My Device | β No. | β No. | β | β Yes (on the switch). ADM) |
| Reset via Recovery | β No. | β Yes. | ββ | β Yes, but you may require a Mi Account) |
| FRP bypass (exploit) | β Yes. | β No. | ββββ | β Yes, on Android only. 9/10) |
| Mi Unlock Tool | β Yes. | β Yes (with firmware) | βββ | β Yes (with a wait of 3-7 days) |
| Firmware through EDL | β Yes. | β Yes. | βββββ | β Yes (requires authorization) |
5. Firmware through EDL-The mode (for experienced users)
If all previous methods have not worked, the firmware remains through the EDL-The mode is called Emergency Download Mode:
- π§ Authorized Xiaomi developer account (or paid access to the EDL-service).
- π» Mi Flash Tool and original firmware for Mi A2.
- π Cable USB Type-C with support EDL (Not all cables fit).
Instructions:
- Download the firmware for Mi A2 (for example, tissot_global_images_...) from the official Xiaomi website.
- Install the Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008 driver (can be found on XDA).
- Transfer the phone to EDL-mode: adb reboot edl or closing contacts on the board (requires disassembly).
- Swipe the device through the Mi Flash Tool in Clean All mode.
β οΈ Note: Incorrect Firmware Through EDL damage IMEI module NFC. If you are not sure about your actions, contact the service center.
π‘
Before you run through EDL, check the bootloader version with fastboot getvar anti. If the value is anti: 4, you will need authorization from Xiaomi.
6. Contact the Xiaomi Service Center
If the self-unlocking failed, you need to contact the official service center Xiaomi.
- π Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
- π Passport of the owner (to confirm ownership).
- π± The smartphone itself in any state (even if it does not turn on).
The cost of unlocking the service varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles, depending on the complexity. The average period is 1-3 days. Xiaomi official centers can be found on the website mi.com.
Advantages of the service center:
- β Conservation IMEI and serial number.
π‘
If the Mi A2 was bought by hand, the service center can refuse to unlock without a check, in which case only the firmware through EDL with authorization will help.
7. Data recovery after unlocking
If you managed to unlock the Xiaomi Mi A2, but the data was erased, try to restore it:
- π Photos and videos: Use programs like DiskDigger or Recuva (root access required).
- π Contacts: If Google syncs were enabled, they will automatically recover after logging in to your account.
- π± Messages: Dr.Fone-type programs can be restored SMS, But success depends on the depth of memory rewriting.
To improve the chances of recovery:
- Do not write new data to your phone after resetting.
- Use a memory card (if the data was on it).
- Connect your phone to your PC in MTP mode and scan the internal memory with specialized software.
Important: The chances of recovery depend on the type of reset. After a Fastboot firmware, data recovery is almost impossible, whereas after a Recovery reset, the probability remains (~30-50%).