How to unlock Xiaomi Mi A1 if you forget your password: from reset to ADB

Why Mi A1 is blocked and what to do

The forgotten password on the Xiaomi Mi A1 is a problem that even power users face. This model, released in 2017, ran on a pure Android One without the branded MIUI shell, which affects the available unlock methods. Unlike today's Xiaomi smartphones, there is no built-in Find My Device from Google - you have to rely on alternative solutions.

The main reasons for blocking are: multiple misentering of the password, system failure after updating or resetting settings without detachment of the account. It is important to understand that on the Mi A1 you can not unlock the screen through the Mi Cloud - this feature only works on devices with MIUI. But there are other working methods, which we will discuss below.

Before you start unlocking, check:

• 🔄 Do you have access to a Google account that was linked to your phone?
• 📱 Is the phone connected to charging (the battery must be charged at least 30 times%)?
• 💻 Is there a computer with drivers installed at hand? ADB?

Method 1: Unblocking through Google account (if sync is enabled)

This method only works if the Mi A1 has been activated sync with Google account and backup enabled. After 5 failed password attempts, the system will offer a recovery option via Google.

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times in a row.
2. The message will appear: “Forgot the pattern lock?” – click on it.
3. Enter the login and password from the Google account that was linked to the phone.
4. Create a new password or pattern lock.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone was on factory protection (FRP), After a Google reset, you'll need to re-enter your account data, which is a security measure that you can't legally circumvent.

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If you don't remember your Google password, restore it through the recovery page. Use the backup email or phone you provided when you signed up.

Method 2: Hard Reset with Recovery Mode (full reset)

Hard reset is the most reliable, but also the most radical method, and it will delete all data from your phone, including photos, contacts and apps, and only use it if other methods have not worked.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the Xiaomi Mi A1 with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. In the Recovery Mode menu, select Wipe Data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
4. Confirm the action by selecting Yes.
5. After reset, select Reboot System Now.

⚠️ Note: Some of the Mi's firmware A1 Hard Reset may require data entry from your previous Google account (FRP-If you don't remember them, the phone will become a brick».

Method 3: Unlocking through ADB (for advanced users)

If USB debugging is enabled on the phone, you can try removing the password file via ADB. This method requires a computer and minimal command line knowledge.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux/macOS
• 🔌 USB-cable (original or quality)
• 📦 Established ADB and Fastboot
• ⚙️ Included debugging by USB on the phone (before locking!)

Instructions:

1. Connect the Mi A1 to your computer via USB.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Linux/macOS).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
4. Delete the file with the password: adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key or PIN-code: adb shell rm /data/system/password.key
5. Reboot your phone: adb reboot

After the reset, the password should be reset, and if not, try repeating the command or using an alternative method.

Method 4: Bypassing FRP-blocking after Hard Reset

If a Recovery reset requires a data entry from an old Google account, it means Factory Reset Protection (FRP) has worked. There are a number of ways to get around it on the Mi A1, but they all require Internet access.

TalkBack (powered by Android 7-8):

1. On the welcome screen, select a language and connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the email input field, then call TalkBack by holding two fingers on the screen.
3. In the menu that appears, select Settings → Reset → Delete all data.
4. Confirm the reset - after the reboot, the FRP will be disabled.

⚠️ Note: On newer versions of Android, this method may not work, in which case you will need to firmware through Fastboot or contact the service center.

Method 5: Fastboot Firmware (extreme case)

If no other method has worked, it leaves the firmware on Fastboot, which will delete all the data and reinstall the system, and is only suitable for power users!

What you need:

• 📥 Official firmware for Mi A1 (You can download it on the Xiaomi website)
• 🖥️ Computer with Fastboot installed and drivers
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable
• 🔋 Charging the phone at least 70%

Instructions:

1. Turn off your phone and press the Power button + Volume down to log into Fastboot Mode.
2. Connect the phone to the computer.
3. Unpack the downloaded firmware in the folder from fastboot.
4. Open the command line in this folder and type in: fastboot flashall or (if the first option did not work): fastboot flash boot.img fastboot flash system.img fastboot flash recovery.img fastboot reboot

⚠️ Warning: The wrong firmware can turn your phone into a brick. If you're not sure what you're doing, go to the service center.

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Fastboot is the only way to bring your phone back to life if other methods don't work, but it requires strict adherence to instructions and a suitable firmware version.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods don’t work, you have two options:

1. Contact the service center Xiaomi – official centers can unlock the phone on the purchase documents (guarantee card or check).
2. Buy a box for unlocking (for example, Miracle Box or UFi Box) is a professional equipment that is used in workshops.

Before the service visit:

• 📄 Bring your phone number (if you still have it).
• 💳 Check the cost of the service by phone – in some centers the price depends on the model.
• ⚠️ Don’t settle for “left-leaning” unlocking methods – this can lead to a loss of warranty.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Mi A1