Reset Xiaomi Mi A1: all ways from A to Z

The Xiaomi Mi A1 was the company’s first Android One smartphone to combine pure Android, powerful hardware and an affordable price tag. However, even such a reliable device can eventually start to slow down, produce errors or require a complete system reinstallation, in which case a factory reset comes to the rescue, a procedure that returns the phone to its original state.

But how to properly reset on the Mi A1 so as not to lose important data and turn the gadget into a “brick”? In this article, we will examine all possible methods, from a standard reset via the menu to forced flashing through Fastboot. You will also learn what pitfalls await users, how to get around typical errors and what to do if the smartphone does not respond to commands.

The Mi A1 is a hybrid device, with a pure Android device, and it retains some of Xiaomi's signature chips, which also affects the reset process, like the Mi Recovery, but it does not have access to the standard Android Recovery Mode.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Resetting is not just a matter of pressing a button. Incorrect preparation can lead to loss of photos, contacts, messages, and even accounts.

• 📱 Back up. Use the settings. → System system → Backup or third-party applications like Titanium Backup (requires root) Pay special attention to: Contacts (export to.vcf) Photos and videos (copy to PC or cloud) Messages (applications) SMS Backup & Restore – Local Notes and Files
• 🔋 Charge the battery to at least 50%. Interrupting the discharge process due to discharge may make it impossible to continue loading the system.
• 🔑 Make sure you remember your Google account information. After the reset, you will need proof of ownership of the device (FRP-defence).
• 📡 Disable all accounts (Settings) → Accounts, especially if you are planning to sell your phone.

If you’re resetting the Mi A1 due to software glitches (like constant reboots or app errors), try the gentler methods first:

• 🔄 Cleaning the cache through Settings → Memory. → Kesh.
• 🛠️ Remove problematic applications (especially if errors started after installation).
• 📲 Update to the latest version (if available).

⚠️ Attention: If your Mi is yours A1 If you bought it from hand and were tied to someone else's Mi Account, a reset via the standard menu will not help you bypass the lock, in which case you will need to unlock through Fastboot or contact the service center.

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

This is the basic method recommended for most users, and it works if:

• 📱 The smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch.
• 🔓 You remember the pattern lock or PIN-code.
• 🛠️ No critical system failures.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon in the app menu).
2. Go to the System section → Additionally. → Resetting settings.
3. Select Delete all data (reset to factory settings).
4. If necessary, enter PIN-code.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone.

The process will take 5 to 15 minutes, and when it is completed, the device will automatically restart and prompt you to configure the system as new.

Battery charge > 50% | Backup created | Password from Wi-Fi recorded | Google account untied (if necessary) | All important files copied-->

⚠️ Note: Some of the Mi's firmware A1 The path to reset may be different. If you don't find the option, try Settings. → Recovery and discharge.

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

If the Mi A1 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to the screen, resetting through recovery mode will help.This method is also suitable if you forget the pattern lock.

Instructions for entering Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Press and hold the Power button + Volume up.
3. When the Android logo with an exclamation point appears, release the buttons.
4. In 5-10 seconds, the Recovery menu will open.

Control in Recovery is carried out by volume buttons (up/down for navigation, power for selection).

1. Select Wipe data/factory reset.
2. Confirm the action by selecting Yes – Delete all user data.
3. Once completed, select Reboot system now.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a connection to a computer and is used in extreme cases:

• 🔧 The phone does not respond to buttons and is not included in Recovery.
• 📦 You need to flash the stock firmware after a failed update.
• 🔒 Need to get around FRP-Protection if you have forgotten your Google account).

The work will require:

• 💻 Computer with drivers installed ADB/Fastboot (You can download from Xiaomi or Mi Flash Tool).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, undamaged).
• 📄 Firmware for Mi A1 (For example, official stock firmware).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and put it in Fastboot mode: Press the power button + volume down for 10 seconds
2. Connect the Mi A1 to your PC and open the command line (Win + R → cmd).
3. Check the connection command: fastboot devices should appear serial number of the device.
4. For a full reset, run fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot.

If you need to flash stock firmware, use the Mi Flash Tool:

1. Unpack the downloaded firmware (.tgz format).
2. In the Mi Flash Tool, select the firmware folder and press Refresh.
3. Select Clean All mode and press Flash.

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If the Mi Flash Tool is 0x80070002, try running the program on behalf of the administrator or disabling the antivirus. Also check that the path to the firmware does not contain Cyrillic characters.

⚠️ Note: Fastboot removes all data without recovery, including files in internal memory. If your phone had important documents, try retrieving them first. ADB (If the device is determined by Fastboot mode).

Method 4: Reset via ADB (alternative to unlocked bootloader)

If your Mi A1 has a bootloader unlocked and USB debugging enabled, you can reset via ADB without losing some data (such as files on internal memory).

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to your PC and allow debugging over USB (the first connection will be a request).
2. Open the command line and check the connection: Adb devices
3. Reset: Adb shell recovery --wipe_data Or for full cleaning: adb shell recovery --wipe_all

This method is useful if:

• 📱 You only need to reset the settings, but save the files in folders DCIM, Downloads, etc.
• 🔧 You need to bypass the screen lock without losing data (does not work on all firmware).

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Resetting via ADB is the only way to save files in internal memory when reset, but it requires pre-configuring the debugging over USB and unlocked bootloader.

What to do after resetting: setup and recovery

After a successful reset, the Mi A1 will launch as a new one.

1. 🌍 Choose a language and region.
2. 📶 Connect to the Wi-Fi network.
3. 🔑 Sign in to Google account (required, otherwise you will not be able to use Play Market).
4. 📱 Restore data from backup (if created).

Tips for optimal setting:

• 🔄 Turn off automatic app updates in the Play Market → Settings to avoid hanging out.
• 📵 Set up Do Not Disturb mode to save charge (Settings) → Sound).
• 🔋 Calibrate the battery: after resetting completely discharge and charge the phone 2-3 times.

If there are problems after the discharge:

• 📵 No network: check the settings APN (Settings → Mobile network → Access points) or reinstall SIM-map.
• 🔊 No sound: reset the sound settings to Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting the sound settings.
• 📱 Phone warms up: remove unnecessary apps and turn off background activity in Settings → Battery.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the correct reset, Mi A1 users may face problems.

If none of the methods worked, there may be a problem in the hardware (for example, damaged memory or motherboard), in which case it is recommended to contact the service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi Mi A1