Reset Xiaomi Mi A1 to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting the Xiaomi Mi A1 to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing system failures or preparing for a new firmware.This smartphone, released in 2017 on the basis of Android One, has features in the reset mechanism that distinguish it from classic Xiaomi devices on MIUI. Unlike models with a proprietary shell, the Mi A1 uses “clean” Android, which affects the location of menu items and available recovery options.

In this article, you will find current reset methods (including forced reset via Recovery), detailed screenshots of the stages, as well as solutions to typical problems - from the hanging process to the "No command" error. Particular attention is paid to saving data before reset and the nuances of working with the unlocked bootloader. If your Mi A1 stopped booting or began to slow down after the update, here you will find working solutions without contacting the service center.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you return the Xiaomi Mi A1 to factory settings, it is critical to save personal data. Unlike modern smartphones with backup to the cloud, the Mi A1 on Android 9 and below requires a manual backup.

• 📱 Contacts (if not synced with Google)
• 📷 Photos and videos in internal memory (SD-card unaffected)
• 📱 Installed applications and their data (save games, settings messengers)
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth device data
• 📝 SMS/MMS call-book

For backup, use:

• 🔄 Google Account: sync contacts, calendar and some settings through Settings → Accounts. → Google.
• 💾 Local Backup: Apps like Swift Backup (requires root) or Titanium Backup will be saved APK application data.
• 🖥️ Computer: Connect your smartphone to USB file transfer (MTP) and copy the folders. DCIM, Downloads, Pictures.

⚠️ Attention: If on Mi A1 bootloader unlocked, after reset, the device may require reauthorization of the Mi Account. Check the associated email and password in advance in Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Mi Unlock status.

Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (recommended)

The safest method is to use the built-in Android menu, which is suitable if the smartphone is turned on and reacts to touch. The instructions are relevant for the Mi A1 on Android firmware 8.1-9.0:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon in the application menu).
2. Go to the System section → Additionally. → Reset parameters.
3. Select Delete All Data (Reset).
4. Flick the warning down and click Reset the phone.
5. When you request, enter PIN-code.
6. Confirm the action with the button to erase everything.

It takes 3-7 minutes to complete, and when it is finished, the device will automatically restart and prompt you to configure it as new, and if the screen has been stuck on the Xiaomi logo for longer than 10 minutes, go to Recovery.

Charge the battery at least 50% |Sync contacts with Google |Suppress photos/video on PC |Remember the data of the Mi Account (if the bootloader is unlocked)|Deactivate protection with a pattern lock (optional)

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Method 2: Hard Resetting with Recovery Mode

If the Mi A1 doesn't turn on, freezes on the screensaver or doesn't respond to touch, use Recovery Mode. This device has Google's Stock Recovery installed, not MIUI Recovery, so the interface and commands are different.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the smartphone with a long press of Power + Volume Up (10 seconds).
2. Hold Power + Volume Up until the Android logo with an exclamation point appears.
3. Release the buttons. The No command menu will appear on the screen.
4. Press and hold Power, then press Volume Up once, which will open a hidden menu.
5. Select Wipe data/factory reset and confirm Power.
6. Select Yes – Delete all user data and confirm.
7. Once completed, select Reboot system now.

If the device resets cyclically after reset, the firmware may be damaged, in which case you will need firmware through Fastboot.

Method 3: Fastboot Reset (for power users)

This method requires an unlocked bootloader and is suitable for cases where:

• 🔧 Recovery Mode is not available;
• 📱 The device loads into Fastboot Mode, but not into the system;
• 🔄 You need to re-flash the userdata section separately.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB & Fastboot Tools on PC.
2. Connect the Mi A1 to your computer in Fastboot mode (hold Power + Volume Down when you turn on).
3. Open the command line in the folder with fastboot and execute: fastboot devices (should display the serial number of the device).
4. Run reset: fastboot erase userdata fastboot erase cache fastboot reboot

⚠️ Note: fastboot erase commands completely erase specified partitions. If you make a mistake with the partition (for example, fastboot erase system), the device will become inoperable without firmware!

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot reboot

You can download the original images on Xiaomi Firmware Updater (choose the version for Mi). A1 tissot).-->

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, Xiaomi Mi A1 users face typical problems.

1. "Can't load Android system" error after reset

Cause: partition /system damage or incompatible firmware.

• 🔧 Swipe the stock firmware through the Mi Flash Tool (choose the Clean all option).
• 📥 Download the correct version for your model (tissot_global_images global version).

2. Hanging on the Xiaomi logo

It's because:

• 🔋 Battery discharge (charge to at least 30%);
• 🔄 Conflict of core modules (if custom recovery was installed);
• 📦 The damaged boot section.

Solution: Download to Fastboot and do:

fastboot flash boot boot.img


fastboot flash dtbo dtbo.img

(The files are taken from the stock firmware).

3.Requires a Mi Account after a reset

On the Xiaomi Mi A1 with unlocked bootloader, after a reset, a request to authorize the Mi Account may appear, even if the device is on Android One. This is due to Xiaomi's policy for devices with unlocked bootloader.

• 📧 Enter the email and password from the last Mi Account tied.
• 🔓 If you don’t remember the data, use the access restoration.
• 🛠️ In extreme cases, run the device through the Mi Flash Tool with the Clean all and lock option (lock the bootloader again).

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If the Mi A1 is required by a Google account (FRP) after a reset and you don’t remember it, the only legal way to unlock it is to enter the correct data. Bypassing FRP through exploits can result in the device being locked!

Reset vs. Firming: Which to Choose?

Many users confuse resetting and flashing. Let's break down the key differences for the Xiaomi Mi A1:

Choose a reset if:

• 📱 The device is slowing down due to a large number of applications;
• 🔄 You must delete personal data before selling;
• 📵 Uncritical failures (e.g. application errors).

Please use the flashing service if:

• 🚨 The smartphone does not turn on or cyclically reboots;
• 📥 You need to update the Android version (for example, from 8.1 to 9.0);
• 🔧 Requires to restore stock firmware after unsuccessful modifications.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions