Reset Xiaomi Mi A1 to factory settings: 3 working methods + what to do if the phone freezes

Xiaomi Mi A1 is a legendary smartphone on the Android One platform, which is still used by many users due to the clean Android and stable operation. However, over time, even this device can start to slow down, emit errors or require a complete reinstallation of the system. Resetting to factory settings is a radical but effective way to return the device to its former performance.

In this article, you will find three proven reset methods (through settings, Recovery and Fastboot), learn how to save important data before the procedure, and what to do if the Mi A1 does not respond to commands. We will also examine the unique feature of this model – the lack of MIUI, which affects the reset process, and give recommendations for recovery after the hard reset.

Important: instructions are relevant for Xiaomi Mi A1 on all versions of Android (from 7.1 to 9.0 Pie), including custom firmware. If your device is running on a newer OS, check the version in the settings (Settings → About Phone → Android Version).

1.Reset preparation: what to do before the procedure begins

Resetting to factory settings removes all data from the phone’s internal memory: photos, contacts, messages, installed apps, and even files in the Download folder.

Here's what needs to be done:

• 📱 Sync Google Accounts: Go to Settings → Accounts. → Google and make sure that you have your contacts, calendar and email synced, so you can restore them after you reset them.
• 🖼️ Copy media files to a computer or cloud. Use Explorer (plug your phone over the phone) USB File Transfer mode or services like Google Photos.
• 🔐 Remember the Wi-Fi passwords and the apps, and you'll have to re-enter them after you reset them. → Wi-Fi.
• 📋 Save it. SMS and a call log using apps like SMS Backup & Restore (Available on Play Market).

⚠️ Note: If the phone has enabled data encryption (Settings) → Security → Encryption, resetting can take up to an hour. Don't interrupt the process, even if the screen doesn't react for a long time, which is normal for encrypted devices.

Also check the battery charge: it must be at least 50%.If the phone runs out during reset, it can lead to a blink (inoperable state) of the device.

2. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the easiest way)

This is a good way to turn on the phone and react to touch, it doesn't require any additional tools and it takes a minimum of time.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).
2. Scroll down and select System.
3. Slip on Reset (or Additional → Reset in some versions of Android).
4. Select Delete all data (reset to factory settings).
5. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock, if requested.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Reset the phone or Delete everything.

The phone will reboot and start cleaning up, which can take 5 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of data, and when you're done, you'll see the screen of the initial setup, just like when you first turn on.

⚠️ Note: If the phone requires you to enter the old Google password after resetting (FRP-protection, and you do not remember it - use the instructions for bypassing FRP for Mi A1 end-of-article.

3. Method 2: Recovery Mode reset (if the phone is not turned on)

If the Mi A1 is stuck on the logo, doesn't respond to buttons, or reboots cyclically, you'll need to use Recovery, which will also help if you forget your pattern lock.

Instructions for Xiaomi Mi A1:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Press the power button + volume button at the same time.
3. Hold them for 10-15 seconds until the Android logo with an exclamation point appears.
4. Release the buttons. In a few seconds, the Recovery menu will open.
5. Use volume buttons for navigation and power button for selection.
6. Select Wipe data/factory reset → Yes.
7. Once completed, select Reboot system now.

If the Recovery menu is in English and you want the Russian version, this smartphone doesn't support it (due to Android One), all menu items are standard for all devices running pure Android.

💡

If the volume buttons don’t work in Recovery, connect your phone to charge – sometimes it helps to wake up the machine.

4. Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires a computer with ADB/Fastboot drivers installed and is suitable in cases where:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is not available (damaged)
• 📱 The phone doesn't respond to the buttons.
• 🔄 You need to reflash the device after a failed update

Warning: The wrong commands in Fastboot can permanently shut your phone down. Use this method only if you are confident in your actions.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Google’s Platform Tools on your PC (includes ADB and Fastboot).
2. Turn off the Mi A1 and press the Power + Volume Down button to enter the Fastboot Mode.
3. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable.
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with the platform-tools.
5. Enter the command to check the connection: fastboot devices If the phone is recognized, you will see its serial number.
6. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

Once you restart, the phone will be completely cleaned. If you want to reflash the device, use the command:

fastboot flash system name file.img

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi A1 Unlocked bootloader: A reset via Fastboot can result in a loss of IMEI. Before the procedure, save it using the application MTK Engineering Mode (available on Play Market).

Possible problems after discharge and their solution

Even after a successful reset, the Xiaomi Mi A1 may not behave properly, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

🔄 The phone is cyclically rebooted

Reason: damaged firmware or conflict with custom Recovery (e.g. TWRP)

• 🔌 Try charging your phone to 100% and repeat the reset.
• 📥 Reflash the device through Fastboot official firmware (you can download on the XDA Developers).

🔒 Google Password Requested (FRP Lock)

If you do not remember the data from the account that was linked to the phone before the reset, use one of the methods:

• 📧 Restore your email through Google Account Recovery.
• 🛠️ Use the bypass instructions FRP for Mi A1 (see below).

📶 No net after reset

Reason: IMEI settings or modified software are lost.

• 📡 Go to Settings. → Mobile network → Network operators and select the operator manually.
• 🔧 Restore. IMEI assisted MTK Engineering Mode (root rights required).

💡

If the phone doesn't turn on at all after the reset (black screen, no button response) - this may indicate a hardware malfunction.

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) bypasses the Xiaomi Mi A1

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is a Google protection that requires you to enter your account data associated with your phone before reset. Mi A1 with Android 7.1-9.0 can be bypassed in several ways.

Method 1: Settings (if you have access to Wi-Fi)

1. On the Google account entry screen, connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Go back and tap the text input field to make the keyboard appear.
3. Press and hold the settings icon (cog) on the keyboard → select Google Keyboard Settings.
4. Go to Three Points → Help → Find any text and highlight it.
5. In the context menu, select Web search – the browser will open.
6. Download FRP Bypass APK (e.g., from here) and install it.
7. Follow the application’s instructions for removing FRP.

Method 2: Through OTG-wire-drive

If Wi-Fi is not working, you can use it. OTG-cable FRP_Bypass.apk:

1. Download FRP Bypass APK to the flash drive.
2. Connect the flash drive to the phone through OTG-cable.
3. On the lock screen, select Emergency Call.
4. Type ##4636## → Go to Usage statistics → Settings.
5. Turn on Unknown Sources and install APK from the flash drive.

⚠️ Attention: Bypass FRP We don't recommend this method for other people's devices, just to restore access to your phone.

7.Recovery of data after reset: what can be returned

If you haven't backed up, the chances of getting your data back are minimal, but there are. Here's what you can try:

You can use Dr.Fone (paid) or PhotoRec (free but hard to set up) to recover files from internal memory, but the likelihood of success depends on whether the data was overwritten after the reset. If you started using the phone right away, the odds are close to zero.

💡

If you only need to restore photos, try Google Photos: sometimes it automatically backs up even if you didn’t manually enable it.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)