How to Reset Your Password to Xiaomi Mi A1: From Google Account to Hard Reset

Xiaomi Mi A1 is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, released in 2017 based on pure Android One. Despite its age, the device is still actively used, and its owners periodically face the problem of a forgotten password. Unlike modern models with Mi Account, Mi A1 unlocks according to other algorithms - there is no binding to Xiaomi services, but there are nuances with Google FRP (Factory Reset Protection).

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to reset your password, from simple (via Google account) to radical (full reset via Recovery Mode). Particular attention will be paid to the unique feature of the Mi A1: after a hard reset, the device can require a username and password from the Google account that was tied before blocking. If you do not remember this data, unlocking will be complicated.

1 Unblocking through Google account (if the Internet is connected)

The safest way to do this is to use a linked Google account, which works if:

• 📶 The device is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile network.
• 🔑 You remember the login and password from Google that was synced on your smartphone.
• 🔄 On the lock screen there is a button "Forgot your password?" (appears after 5 failed attempts to enter).

Instructions:

1. On the lock screen, enter any password 5 times in a row until the message "Repeat try in 30 seconds" and the button "Forgot your password?" appears.
2. Click on the button and select “Restore with Google”.
3. Enter the email and password from the account that was linked to the phone. If two-factor authentication is enabled, confirm the login via SMS or Google Authenticator app.
4. Create a new one. PIN-code.

⚠️ Note: If Find My Device is enabled on your smartphone, location verification may be required after unlocking. In rare cases, Google requests additional verification via a backup email or phone number.

2. Reset password through Recovery Mode (hard reset)

If you don't remember your Google account or your smartphone is not connected, you have a complete reset, which deletes all your data, including photos, contacts and apps. On the Xiaomi Mi A1, the procedure has a peculiarity: after a reset, Google FRP (Factory Reset Protection) can work, and the phone will require you to enter a login / password from the last associated account.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press on the power button.
2. Press the Power button + Volume up simultaneously and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo and Recovery Mode menu appear.
3. In the Recovery menu, use the volume buttons for navigation and the power button for selection. Select Wipe data/factory reset.
4. Confirm the action by selecting Yes – Delete all user data.
5. Once the reset is complete, go back to the main menu and select Reboot system now.

⚠️ Note: If after the reboot the phone requests Google account data and you don't remember it, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the device. FRP (described below) or contacting a service center with proof of possession (check, box).

Turn it off. SIM-card and memory card (if any)

Charge your phone at least 50%

Prepare your Google account details (if you remember).

Backup important files (if you have access)-->

3. bypassing Google FRP after reset (if the account is forgotten)

If after a hard reset Mi A1 requires you to enter Google data that you do not remember, you can try to bypass FRP-This method does not work on all firmware and may require additional manipulation.Risk: incorrect actions will lead to a "brick" (complete failure of the device).

Method 1: Through Wi-Fi settings (for Android 7-8):

1. On the Google account entry screen, click "Add Wi-Fi network".
2. In the network name field, enter any text, highlight it and click Share (three-dot icon).
3. Select “Gmail” or “Messages” to open up some system applications.
4. Through the menu that opens, go to Settings → Restore and Reset and do another data reset.

Method 2: With the help of OTG-cable and file manager:

• 🔌 Connect. OTG-cable FRPBypass.apk (downloadable).
• 📁 On screen. FRP Select View Files (if you don’t have this option, use method 1).
• 📱 Install. APK-file and follow the application instructions to bypass lock.

⚠️ Attention: Bypassing techniques FRP They are often blocked by security updates. A1 The latest Android 9 Pie update, the chances of success are minimal, leaving only an official recovery through Xiaomi Service Center.

4. Unlock through ADB (for advanced users)

If you have USB debugging enabled on your smartphone (Developers section), you can reset your password via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that does not cause data loss, but requires pre-setting.

Instructions:

1. Connect Mi. A1 PC-only USB-cable.
2. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


su




rm /data/system/gesture.key




rm /data/system/password.key




reboot

After resetting, the password will be reset.

⚠️ Attention: If debugging is on USB It wasn't enabled in advance, it won't work, and some firmware also requires root rights that you can get on Mi. A1 block OTA-update.

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Before using ADB, check if the device in the system is determined by the adb device command. If the list is empty, install the Google USB Driver or Mi PC Suite drivers.

5. Alternative methods: SIM-map and emergency call

On older versions of Android (up to 8.0) sometimes the emergency call trick worked. SIM-On the Mi. A1 With Android 9 firmware, these methods rarely work, but it’s worth a try.

Method 1: Through an emergency call:

1. On the lock screen, click "Emergency Call".
2. Dial any number (e.g. 112) and delete it immediately.
3. Try inserting symbols (stars, bars) – sometimes this opens up access to contacts or settings.

Method 2: Through SIM-map:

• 📱 Put it in. SIM-map PIN-code.
• 🔢 On request. PIN-code SIM Enter incorrectly 3 times – a request will appear PUK-code.
• 🔧 On some firmware, this opens up access to phone settings.

⚠️ Warning: These methods only work on unupdated devices. A1 I have received the latest security update and it will likely be blocked.

6. When to contact the service center

If all of these methods did not work, you can contact the official Xiaomi service.

• 🔒 The phone is locked after being reset because of FRP, Google data is lost.
• 📱 The device does not turn on or hung on the Mi logo after a failed reset.
• 🛠️ Refrigeration is required through EDL-mode (emergency loading).

What to bring with you:

• 📄 Check or warranty card (proof of purchase).
• 📦 Phone box (it is indicated on it) IMEI).
• 🆔 Passport (for proof of identity).

The cost of unlocking the service varies from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles, depending on the complexity. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the motherboard (if the device is "bricked" with incorrect firmware).

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Official service is the only legal way to unlock the Mi A1 s FRP without risk of damage to the device: self-attempts to reflash the phone via Fastboot or EDL It can lead to complete loss of performance.

Comparison of Unlocking Methods

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking Xiaomi Mi A1