How to Reset Xiaomi Mi A2 Settings: 3 Ways With Instructions and Warnings

Xiaomi Mi A2 is one of the few smartphones of the brand that runs on “clean” Android One instead of the proprietary shell MIUI. This simplifies many processes, but also adds nuance when resetting. For example, the standard Recovery menu looks different here, and some features (like unlocking the bootloader) require a Google account, not Mi Account. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of resetting, including hidden options for power users.

Resetting can be required in many situations, from the banal sale of the phone to the elimination of critical errors after a failed update. However, on the Mi A2 reset via Fastboot without unlocking the bootloader will lead to a "brick" (complete inoperability) of the device - this is a key difference from models on MIUI. So we will discuss in detail the safe methods and warn about the risks.

When you need to reset settings on Xiaomi Mi A2

Before you start the procedure, assess whether it is really necessary.

• 📱 All installed applications and their data (including saved games)
• 🔑 Passwords from Wi-Fi, accounts in social networks and instant messengers
• 📁 Files in internal memory (photos, videos, documents – if not saved to the storage) SD-map)
• ⚙️ Individual settings of the system (wallpaper, sounds, gestures)

Typical cases where a dump is justified:

• 🐢 Smartphone severely slows down, despite cleaning the cache and removing applications.
• 🔄 After the Android update, there were glitches (spontaneous reboots, application errors).
• 📦 Selling or transferring your phone to another person.
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern lock or PIN-code (but remember the data from your Google account!).

⚠️ Attention: If Mi A2 It doesn't turn on at all (no reaction to the power button), it's impossible to reset via the menu or Recovery, in which case you'll need a special firmware via Fastboot, but only when the bootloader is unlocked!

If the problem is related to a specific application (e.g., the Camera does not start), try first:

1. Clear the cache and application data in Settings → Apps.
2. Remove the latest updates (if any).
3. Restart the phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → long tap on "Switch off" → "Safe Mode").

Preparation for resetting: what to save and how

Even if you're planning a reset because of a phone sale, save some important data -- it'll take 10 to 15 minutes, but it'll save you losses. There are several ways to back up the Mi A2:

1. Save through Google Account

Synchronized:

• 📇 Contacts (if saved to a Google account).
• 📅 Calendar and notes (from Google Keep apps, Calendar).
• 📎 Wi-Fi passwords (if backup is enabled in Google settings).
• 🎮 Progress in some games (if they support Google Play Games).

How to check the synchronization:

1. Open Settings → Accounts → Google → [your email].
2. Make sure all the items you need (Contacts, Calendar, etc.) are included.
3. Click "Sync Now."

2. Manual copying of files

For photos, videos and documents:

• 📂 Connect your phone to your PC through USB (Select the File Transfer Mode).
• 🖥️ Copy the folders. DCIM (Photo/video, Downloads, Documents on your computer.
• 💾 Alternative: Use cloud services (Google Drive, Yandex Disk) or apps like Send Anywhere.

⚠️ Note: The Android folder in the internal memory contains application data (for example, save games), which is also worth copying, but after resetting, you will not be able to restore data in all cases.

3. Export of SMS and call logs

Standard Android tools do not save SMS and call history. Use third-party apps:

• 📲 SMS Backup & Restore (Saves) SMS into XML or Google Drive).
• 📞 Call Logs Backup (exports call log to the Internet) CSV).

Synchronized contacts with Google|Copyed photos and videos on PC|Exported. SMS call-book|I remember the password from my Google account.|Out. SIM-card and memory card (if any)-->

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

This is a method that works if the phone turns on and you remember the unlock password, and it doesn't require any additional tools, and it's as simple as possible.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings (cog in the app menu).
2. Go to the System section → Additionally. → Resetting settings.
3. Select Delete all data (back to factory settings).
4. If required, enter PIN-code.
5. Confirm the action by clicking Reset phone or Delete everything (depending on the Android version).

It takes 5-10 minutes, and when it's done, the phone will restart and suggest that you set it up as new.

⚠️ Attention: On Mi A2 Android 10+ After the reset, you may need to enter data from the last used Google account (protection) FRP). If you forget your password, restore it in advance on Google!

If the menu reset option is not available (grey), the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔒 The phone is blocked by corporate policy (for example, if it was issued by the employer).
• 🛠️ Developer mode with limitations is enabled (check Settings) → System system → For developers).
• 🔄 System updates are underway (wait for completion).

💡

If the phone asks for an old password after reset, but you don't remember it, try connecting to the same Wi-Fi network the device previously connected to, sometimes bypassing FRP checks.

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

If the Mi A2 is stuck on the logo, reboots cyclically or doesn’t respond to touch, use Recovery mode. On this model, it differs from the standard MIUI-recovery, so instructions for other Xiaomi smartphones may not work.

How to log in to Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time.
3. Hold until the Android logo with an exclamation point appears.
4. Release the buttons, then briefly press Volume Up + Power button at the same time.

In the Recovery menu, the volume buttons (up/down) and the power button (select) are controlled.

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

If there is no Wipe data item in the Recovery menu or nothing happens after the selection:

• 🔄 Try to re-enter Recovery (sometimes it doesn’t work the first time).
• 🔧 It is possible that a custom recap is installed (for example, TWRP). In this case, the reset is performed through the Wipe point. → Format Data.
• 🛠️ If the phone is running an E:unknown command error, you will need to flash it through Fastboot.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method is used if:

• 🔧 You need to reflash your phone after a failed update.
• 🔒 Recovery damaged or missing.
• 📦 You need to install a custom firmware.

Important: On the Mi A2, the bootloader is locked by default. Any commands in the Fastboot without unlocking will result in a device blink (completely inoperable). Unlocking erases all data and requires a binding to your Mi Account (even on Android One!).

If you are confident in your actions, follow the instructions:

Step 1: Unlock the bootloader

1. Download Mi Unlock Tool (official utility from Xiaomi).
2. Put it on your phone: 🔗 Debugging by USB (Settings → System system → The phone. → Build Number – Tap 7 times, then return to For Developers). 🔓 Unlocking OEM (same menu for developers).

Mi Unlock Tool

Mi Account

Step 2: Reset via Fastboot

After unlocking:

1. Turn off your phone and log in to Fastboot (clip Power + Volume Down).
2. Connect to your PC and check for device detection by command: fastboot devices
3. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

If the goal is to speed up the phone, try first clearing the cache in Settings → Storage → Cache Data.