How to reset Xiaomi Mi A2 to factory settings: 3 working ways

Why the Mi A2 reset is different than other Xiaomi smartphones

Xiaomi Mi A2 is a unique model in the Xiaomi lineup, released under the program Android One. Unlike classic devices with a shell MIUI, this smartphone runs on “pure” Android with minimal improvements from Google. This feature affects the reset process: there are no proprietary tools like Mi Account or Find Device, but there are nuances with unlocking the bootloader and working Recovery.

You can need a factory reset in a variety of situations, from the banal brakes of the system to preparing the phone for sale. But before you press the cherished button, you need to consider a few key points. A2 It does not have a memory card slot, so all data is stored in internal memory - their loss when reset is irreversible if you do not make a backup. Secondly, due to Google's policy after reset, you may need to enter a login and password from the last account (FRP-blocking, even if you removed it before the procedure.

In this article, we will discuss three official ways to reset: through the settings menu, using Recovery Mode and forced reset when the screen is locked, and how to prepare the phone to avoid typical errors, and what to do if the Mi A2 stopped turning on or requires a password from an old account after reset.

Preparing for resetting: what to do before the start

The first rule of a successful reset is to save important data. On the Mi A2, this is especially critical: the model does not support OTG for connecting a USB drive without root rights, and cloud backups via Google Drive may not save SMS, call log and some application settings.

• 📱 Copy photos and videos to your computer or to the cloud (Google Photos, Yandex Drive). DCIM, Pictures and Downloads – often forgotten files.
• 📞 Export contacts to.vcf file via Contacts app (menu) → Exports: Alternatively sync with Google account.
• 💬 Save it. SMS and a log of calls using third-party applications like SMS Backup & Restore (requires permission to access messages).
• 🔑 Write down application logins and passwords, especially if you use two-factor authentication (for example, in banking services).
• 🎮 Move save games if you play cloud-saving projects (e.g., through Google Play Games).

The second is to check the battery power. The reset process can take up to 10 to 15 minutes, and if the phone runs out during the operation, it can damage system files. The optimal charge level is at least 50%. Also make sure you have access to Wi-Fi or mobile network: after the reset, you will need to download updates and restore your Google account.

⚠️ Note: If you have used root rights or installed custom firmware, a reset via a standard menu can result in a device being "bricked" (inoperable).

Backup photos and videos |Export contacts to file or sync with Google |Save SMS and call log (if necessary) |Record logins/passwords from key applications | Charge your phone to at least 50% |Confirm a stable Internet connection-->

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest method)

This method is suitable if the phone is turned on, you remember the pattern lock or PIN-The code, and the system works without critical failures, and the advantage of this method is that it has minimal risk of errors and the ability to cancel the operation at the initial stage.

Step instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down and select the System section.
3. Slip on Reset (or Reset settings in some versions of Android).
4. Select Delete all data (reset to factory settings).
5. The system will be asked to PIN-code, pattern lock or password (if installed).
6. After confirmation, a warning will appear to delete all data: Click Reset phone or Delete everything (the wording depends on the version of Android).
7. Wait for the process to be completed (the phone will restart 1-2 times).

The whole process takes about 5-10 minutes, and after you reboot, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like after you bought it. FRP-lock: if a Google account was linked to a phone, the system will require you to enter a login and password from it after reset, this is a measure of protection against theft, and it is impossible to circumvent it without account data (legal methods).

💡

If after resetting, the Mi A2 asks for a password from an old Google account but you don't remember it - try to restore access via [Google Restore page] (https://accounts.google.com).

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone is not turned on)

If the Mi A2 is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is blocked due to a forgotten password, resetting via Recovery Mode will help.This mode is loaded separately from the main system and allows you to perform service operations.

Note: The Mi A2 uses Google’s stock Recovery, not MIUI Recovery, as other Xiaomi smartphones do, which means the interface will be in English, with volume and power buttons controlling.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the Power button + Volume Up at the same time and hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
3. Release the buttons when you see the Recovery Mode menu.
4. With volume buttons, select Wipe data/factory reset and confirm the choice with the power button.
5. In the next menu, select Yes – Delete all user data and confirm again.
6. After the reset is complete, select Reboot system now to reboot.

If the phone doesn't turn on or reboots cyclically after this, the firmware may be damaged, in which case you'll need to reflash the device via Fastboot (instructions in the next section).

⚠️ Note: On some versions of the Mi A2 When you reset through Recovery, you may have a "No command" error with the Android lying down. + Turn up the volume again to return to the Recovery menu and reset again.

Method 3: Forced Fastboot reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer and minimal knowledge of working with ADB/Fastboot.

• 🔄 The phone is loaded (bootloop) and does not go to Recovery.
• 🔧 You installed custom firmware and you need to return the stock.
• 🔒 Slope. FRP-blocking (for example, after buying a used phone with a linked account).

The work will require:

• Computer with Windows/Linux/Mac.
• USB-cable (preferably original).
• ADB and Fastboot ([download from Google official website](https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools))
• Firmware file for Mi A2 (can be downloaded from [XenonHD](https://forum.xda-developers.com/) or [LineageOS](https://wiki.lineageos.org/)).

Instructions:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot on your computer and add them to the environment variables (or use the portable version).
2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume Down to enter Fastboot Mode (a hare in a hat-out-of-the-box will appear).
3. Connect the phone to your computer and open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
4. Check the connection command: fastboot devices If the device is determined (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install drivers for Mi A2.
5. Run the reset command: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache
6. If you need to reflash your phone, use the command: fastboot flash system.img (replace system.img with the current firmware file).
7. Reboot the device: fastboot reboot

On the Mi A2 with the unlocked bootloader after reset via Fastboot, you may need to re-unblock the OEM (in the developer settings).If you haven't done this before, the phone may not boot - you will need official firmware through the Mi Flash Tool.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery of data

After the successful reset of the Mi A2, the initial setup is to be completed, and there are a few important points:

1. Wi-Fi Connection: Without internet, you won’t be able to log in to your Google account and download updates.
2. Sign in to Google: If your phone asks for your old account (FRP), enter it. If your account is deleted, re-access it via [Google page](https://accounts.google.com).
3. Data recovery: If you backed up through Google, the system will offer to restore contacts, apps, and settings. For photos and files, use previously saved copies.
4. Software Update: After reset, check for updates in Settings → System → System Update. This will fix any bugs and improve stability.

If you have problems connecting to the mobile network after the reset, check:

• 📶 Correct installation SIM-cards (on Mi) A2 a tray for two nano-SIMs or one SIM + microSD, but there is no memory card slot in this model!).
• 🔄 Settings APN: Go to Settings. → Network and Internet → Mobile network → Access points (APN) and select automatic settings or enter your operator’s settings manually.
• 🔄 Network mode: Try switching between 4G/3G/2G mobile network settings.

If the phone is slower after reset, it may be due to background optimization of Android, give the system 1-2 days to adapt, and also:

• 🚀 Turn off animation: Turn on Developer Mode (7 taps by build number in Settings) → About the phone, then in Settings → System system → For developers, install Windows animation, transition animation and Animator Duration on 0.5x.
• 🔋 Limit background activity: In battery settings, turn off optimization for key applications.

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After resetting the Mi A2, it can feel like it's slowing down the first day, which is normal. Android adapts to your usage habits (Adaptive Battery feature).

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

One of the most frustrating things is when the Mi A2 doesn't turn on after it's dropped, and there are many reasons:

• 🔋 Battery discharge during the process (always check the charge!).
• 🛠️ Firmware damage (especially if you interrupt reset via Recovery).
• 🔌 Problems with iron (for example, battery plume dump).

If your phone doesn’t respond to buttons and doesn’t charge, try:

1. Connect to charging for 30-60 minutes (sometimes the battery discharges to a level at which the phone does not give signs of life).
2. Press Power + Volume + Volume reduction for 20-30 seconds (forced reboot).
3. If it does not help – contact the service center (possibly a problem with the hardware).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions