Xiaomi Mi A2 — It's a popular smartphone with a clean Android, but even it has problems unlocking. PIN-A code, a pattern lock, or a password can permanently disable a device if you don't know how to do it. MIUI, There is no default binding to Mi Account, which makes it difficult, but there are both official and alternative methods of resetting passwords, from recovering through a Google account to using fastboot and using a new one. ADB.
It is important to understand that some methods will lead to complete loss of data (photos, contacts, messages) if there was no backup. Others require prior preparation, such as enabled debugging over USB or a linked Google account. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for the Mi A2, including the nuances related to the version of Android (8.1 Oreo, 9 Pie, 10 Q) and the status of the bootloader.
1 Unblocking through Google account (the safest way)
If the Mi A2 had a Google account attached and the device was connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network), this method will work in 90% of cases. It does not require a factory reset and saves all the data.
Instructions:
- 🔹 Enter the wrong password/pattern lock 5 times in a row until the message “Forgot password” appears?".
- 🔹 Click on this inscription and the Google account login window will open.
- 🔹 Enter the login and password from the account that was synced with the phone.
- 🔹 After successful authorization, the system will offer to create a new PIN-code.
⚠️ Attention: If on Mi A2 If you were Android 9 Pie or later, Google could block this method after several failed attempts, in which case you would have to wait 72 hours or use alternative methods.
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If you don’t remember your Google account password, restore it to your computer via accounts.google.com before you try to unlock it, which will save you time and avoid further blocking.
2.Reset via Recovery Mode (complete data cleanup)
If you lose access to your Google account and other methods don't work, you'll have to reset hard through Recovery Mode, which will remove all your internal memory, including apps, settings and files, and only use it as a last resort!
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the Xiaomi Mi A2 with a long press on the power button.
- Press the Power button + Volume up at the same time and hold for 10-15 seconds until the Mi logo appears.
- In the Recovery menu, select Wipe data (use volume buttons for navigation, power button for confirmation).
- Confirm the action by selecting Yes.
- After reset, select Reboot system now.
⚠️ Note: Some of the Mi's firmware A2 The Wipe data item may be called Factory reset or Erase all data. If the menu is in Chinese, look for characters).
Keep the battery in charge (minimum 30%)
Make sure that SIM-card retrieved (if any) PIN-code)
Prepare an IMEI backup (in case of network problems after a reset)
Have the original USB cable on hand (for possible firmware)
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3. Unlock via ADB (USB debugging required)
The method is suitable if the Mi A2 The previous debugging was included USB (USB Debugging. This is rare, but if you set up a phone for development or connected to a computer through a computer ADB, The chance to unlock the device without losing data.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with Android installed SDK Platform-Tools.
- 🔌 Original. USB-cable (not all cables support data transmission).
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on Mi A2 (Even if the phone is locked).
Instructions:
- Connect the Mi A2 to your computer.
- Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with the platform-tools.
- Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device is displayed, go further.
- Delete the password file (for Android 8-9): adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key adb shell rm /data/system/password.key adb shell rm /data/system/locksettings.db
- Reboot your phone: adb reboot
⚠️ Attention: On Android 10+ This method may not work because of security changes, and then the phone may request a reboot. PIN-code SIM-Cards – Make sure you have them.
What if the ADB can’t see the device?
4.Use of Mi Unlock Tool (for unlocked bootloader)
If the Mi A2 has a bootloader unlocked, you can use the official Mi Unlock Tool, which is suitable for experienced users, as it requires fastboot work and can lead to the blocking of the Mi Account if you violate the unlock rules.
Step-by-step:
- 🔧 Download Mi Unlock Tool from the official website.
- 🔌 Connect Mi. A2 to the computer in fastboot mode (click Power) + Loudness down).
- 🖱️ Launch the Mi Unlock Tool and log in to the Mi Account that was tied to your phone.
- 🔓 Follow the instructions of the program to unlock.
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi can block an account for 72 hours if an attempt to unlock appears suspicious (for example, from a new account). IP-Also, after the procedure, you will need to flash the phone again through fastboot.
| Unlocking method | Conditions required | Is the data preserved? | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google account | Linked account, Internet | ✅ Yes. | ⭐ |
| Recovery Mode | No. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐ |
| ADB | USB debugging enabled | ✅ Yes, Android 8-9) | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Mi Unlock Tool | Unlocked bootloader, Mi Account | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Firmware through fastboot | Computer, cable, firmware. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Google account
Recovery Mode
ADB
Mi Unlock Tool
Another way.
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5. Firmware through fastboot (extreme case)
If all the previous methods didn't work, you're left with a complete fastboot flashing of the phone, which will delete all the data, but it will return the device to working condition, USB-cable and official firmware for Mi A2.
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with installed platform-tools (ADB fastboot).
- 📁 Official firmware for Mi A2 (Download from Xiaomi website).
- 🔌 Cable USB (preferably original).
Instructions:
- Unpack the firmware in the folder with platform-tools.
- Transform the Mi A2 to fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down).
- Connect the phone to the computer.
- Launch the file. flash_all.bat (For Windows, or execute manual commands: fastboot flash boot boot.img fastboot flash system system.img fastboot flash vendor vendor.img fastboot flash userdata userdata.img fastboot reboot
⚠️ Warning: Some firmware may contain anti-rollback. If you flash an older version of Android, the phone will turn into a brick. Always check the firmware version before installing it!
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Firmware via fastboot is the only way to bring the Mi A2 back to life if it doesn't turn on or gets stuck on the logo after a failed reset.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When unlocking the Xiaomi Mi A2, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
- 🔄 "Phone does not turn on after reset – check battery power (plug in to charge for 30 minutes) or run your phone through fastboot.
- 🔒 "Do not accept the password from your Google account — make sure you enter the data from the account that was linked to the phone.
- 📵 "ADB Can't see the device - install drivers, try another cable or port USB 2.0 (USB 3.0 is sometimes not working).
- ⚡ "Fastboot gives an error" - check the integrity of the firmware (download again) and administrator rights on the computer.
If the Mi A2 doesn't catch the network after the reset, the IMEI may have crashed, and you can restore it via the engineering menu (#4636##) or the modem module firmware.