How to unlock the bootloader on Xiaomi Mi A1: safe instructions with error analysis

Why is unlocking the bootloader on the Mi A1 a special case?

Xiaomi Mi A1 is a unique smartphone in the company’s lineup, released in 2017 as part of the Android One program. Unlike Xiaomi’s classic MIUI devices, this model ran on “pure” Android with minimal improvements, which has caused many myths around unlocking its bootloader.

The main problem: many instructions on the network are written for MIUI-The devices do not take into account the features of the Mi A1. For example, the standard way through the Mi Unlock Tool works differently here – it requires binding Xiaomi account even on Android One. In addition, after unlocking on this device, all data is automatically reset (unlike most other Xiaomi smartphones).

In this guide, we will take a look at the 2026 unlock method, taking into account all the nuances of the Mi A1, including bypassing typical errors like Couldn't unlock or Device not connected.

Preparing for Unlocking: What to Do Before Starting

Before you start unlocking, make sure all the preconditions are met, and ignoring them is the main reason for the device's "bricks" (complete failure).

• 📱 Check the device model: unlocking is only suitable for Xiaomi Mi A1 (codename tissot. Go to Settings to check → The phone. → Model.
• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 60%. Unlocking can take up to 30 minutes, and interruption due to discharge will lead to serious problems.
• 🔑 Xiaomi Account: Must be created in advance (minimum for the first time) 72 hour) and confirmed by email/Use the official website.
• 💻 Windows PC: Mi Unlock Tool does not work macOS/Linux. Windows required 7/10/11 (x64).
• 🔌 Original. USB-cable: cheap cables often don’t transmit data correctly, leading to connection errors.

Pay special attention to data backup. On the Mi A1, unlocking the bootloader automatically formats internal memory, deleting all files, including photos, contacts and apps. Use Google Photos for media files and Titanium Backup for applications - but note that once you unlock the root access will disappear.

Step 1: Checking the status of the bootloader and linking the account

Before unlocking, you need to make sure that the bootloader is indeed locked, and link the Xiaomi account to the device. This is a mandatory step, without which the Mi Unlock Tool will not start the process.

To verify status:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Press the Power button + Volume Down at the same time to log into Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect the device to the PC and type in the command line (on behalf of the administrator): fastboot oem device-info

In the answer, look for the lines:

• Device unlocked: false – the bootloader is locked (you can unlock).
• Device unlocked: true – the bootloader is already unlocked.

If the status is false, link the account:

1. Turn on your smartphone and go to Settings → Additional → For developers (if there is no item, activate the developer mode by clicking 7 times on the Build Number in About Phone).
2. Activate OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging options.
3. Go back to Settings → Accounts → Xiaomi and log in.
4. Connect your smartphone to your PC, confirm the debugging permission and type in the command line: adb shell then: echo --bind_account && echo {your login} {your password} (replace the data with real data).

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If you see Mi Account: null after linking your account to fastboot oem device-info, repeat the steps. 3-4 or use another USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

Step 2: Install drivers and Mi Unlock Tool

To work with Mi A1 in Fastboot mode requires special drivers and official utility from Xiaomi. download them only from trusted sources to avoid viruses.

List of requirements:

• 🔧 ADB Fastboot: download Google’s Platform Tools (at least 33.0.3).
• 🖥️ Xiaomi drivers: official drivers for Mi A1 You can find it on the Xiaomi website (Drivers section").
• 🔓 Mi Unlock Tool: Up-to-date (2026) - link. Older versions may not recognize Mi A1.

Installation procedure:

1. Unpack Platform Tools in the root of the C:\ drive (e.g., C:\platform-tools).
2. Install Xiaomi drivers by following the installation wizard’s instructions.
3. Connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode (as in Step 1) and wait for the drivers to be installed in Device Manager.
4. Launch the Mi Unlock Tool on behalf of the administrator and log in under the same account as you do on your smartphone.

⚠️ Note: If the Mi Unlock Tool gives an error "This Mi Account is not bound to this device" despite the binding, try: Disable two-factor authentication in your Xiaomi account. Use another browser for authorization (Chrome is recommended). Wait 24 hours – sometimes Xiaomi blocks frequent anchoring attempts.

Step 3: Unlocking process and typical errors

Now, to unlock itself, the whole process takes 5-10 minutes, but requires strict follow-up.

Step-by-step action:

After pressing Unlock in Mi Unlock Tool, the countdown (usually 3-5 minutes) will begin. On the smartphone screen, a warning will appear - confirm unlocking with the Volume Up button.

If the process is 99% or 50% frozen, don't turn off the device! this is normal behavior for the Mi A1. Wait for the automatic reboot (can take up to 15 minutes).

Step 4: Actions after Unblocking

Once successfully unlocked, the Mi A1 will automatically restart and begin the initial setup process, just like after the reset.

1. Go through the initial Android setup (language selection, Wi-Fi connection).
2. Log in to your Google account to recover data (if you have backup).
3. Install Magisk (if root is needed) or Custom Recovery (TWRP) for further manipulation.

Important: Unlocked bootloader allows you to install unofficial firmware, but cancels the warranty (if it is still valid) and increases the risk of installing malware. On the Mi A1, it is recommended to use proven firmware:

• 📱 LineageOS is a stable alternative with support for updates.
• 🔄 Pixel Experience – firmware with interface from Google Pixel.
• 🛡️ Stock ROM — Original firmware from Xiaomi (you can return the warranty by blocking the bootloader back).

⚠️ Note: Installation of custom firmware on Mi A1 Requires an unlocked bootloader, but can cause problems with Widevine L1 (Downgrading streaming quality at Netflix, Disney+ To avoid this, make a backup of the partition before firmware. DRM through TWRP.

How to lock the boot loader back (if necessary)

If you need to return the device to warranty or sell it, the bootloader can be locked again, a process that is easier to unlock, but also requires caution.

Instructions:

1. Install the official firmware via the Mi Flash Tool (select the clean all and lock option).
2. Download the latest firmware version for Mi A1 (tissot) from the official website.
3. Launch the Mi Flash Tool, connect your smartphone in Fastboot mode and select the downloaded firmware file.
4. Press Flash and wait until it is completed (the device will restart automatically).

After the lockdown:

• All data will be deleted.
• The status of the bootloader in fastboot oem device-info will change to Device unlocked: false.
• The ability to install custom firmware will be blocked until re-unblocked.

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Locking the bootloader erases all data and returns the device to factory status, a process that is irreversible without re-unlocking, so back up important files first.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking the Mi A1