The Xiaomi Mi A2 (codename jasmine) stands as a landmark device in Google's Android One program. Released in 2018, it was celebrated for its clean, stock Android experience delivered directly from Google, combined with Xiaomi's excellent camera hardware and a capable Snapdragon 660 processor.
However, the device's legacy is also marked by two significant challenges. First, its final update to Android 10 was plagued with bugs, most notably persistent Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity issues. Second, the Mi A2 became infamous for a widespread eMMC hardware failure, which caused many units to suddenly die without warning. For the many users still holding onto this classic device in 2025, this guide provides a stable Android 9 Pie firmware to downgrade from a buggy Android 10 installation, and a special factory ROM for advanced unbricking attempts.
This is your complete repair and downgrade guide for the Mi A2:
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Mi A2
For the Mi A2, flashing is a key tool for stability and recovery.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: jasmine)
Required Tools & Downloads
Before you start, gather the firmware and the correct tools for an Android One device.
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Flashing the Official Android 9 ROM (Fastboot Script Method)
This is the standard, official method for flashing a stock Android One ROM on the Mi A2.
➡ Your phone will reboot automatically into a clean, stable Android 9 Pie system.
Method 2: About the Factory / Unbrick ROM
This is not a standard flashing file but a specialized tool for deep-level repair.
FAQs
Q1: My phone is completely dead. Will this guide fix it?
It might, but you must be aware of the Mi A2's infamous eMMC hardware failure. If the internal storage chip has died, no software can fix it. Using the advanced Factory ROM in EDL mode is the final software-based attempt you can make.
Q2: Why should I downgrade from Android 10 to Android 9?
The Android 10 update for the Mi A2 was known to cause widespread issues with Wi-Fi dropping, unstable Bluetooth, and poor battery life. The final Android 9 build provided in this guide is considered by the community to be much more stable and reliable.
Q3: Can I use the regular Mi Flash Tool with these files?
No. The Mi A2 is an Android One device and is not compatible with Mi Flash Tool. You must use the Fastboot script (flash_all.bat) method as described above.
Q4: I see a "Device is corrupt" message when I turn on my phone. Is it broken?
No, this is a normal security warning on Android One devices when the bootloader is unlocked. It is safe to ignore, and your phone will boot into the system after a few seconds.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
However, the device's legacy is also marked by two significant challenges. First, its final update to Android 10 was plagued with bugs, most notably persistent Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity issues. Second, the Mi A2 became infamous for a widespread eMMC hardware failure, which caused many units to suddenly die without warning. For the many users still holding onto this classic device in 2025, this guide provides a stable Android 9 Pie firmware to downgrade from a buggy Android 10 installation, and a special factory ROM for advanced unbricking attempts.
This is your complete repair and downgrade guide for the Mi A2:
- ✔ Download link for the stable, official Android 9 Pie Fastboot ROM
- ✔ A special Factory ROM for advanced unbricking and repair scenarios
- ✔ A clear guide on how to flash an Android One device (Note: Mi Flash Tool is not used)
- ✔ All the necessary drivers and tools for the job
- ✔ Troubleshooting for the infamous eMMC bug and Wi-Fi issues
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Mi A2
For the Mi A2, flashing is a key tool for stability and recovery.
- Downgrade from a Buggy Android 10 → This is the most common reason. Flashing back to the stable Android 9 Pie build is the best way to fix the Wi-Fi drops, Bluetooth issues, and battery drain introduced with the Android 10 update.
- Attempt to Unbrick a Dead Device → If your Mi A2 has suddenly died, it may be due to the known eMMC hardware flaw. A full firmware flash is the last-ditch software effort to revive it.
- Fix the "System Has Been Destroyed" Error → A common error on Android One devices after a failed Over-the-Air (OTA) update, which a clean flash will resolve.
- Return to a Pure Stock Android Experience → If you've experimented with custom ROMs, this guide will restore your device to its original, clean, Google-managed software state.
- Improve Overall Performance → A clean installation can significantly improve the speed and responsiveness of the aging hardware.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: jasmine)
- Model: Xiaomi Mi A2
- Release Year: 2018
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660
- Display: 5.99” FHD+ IPS LCD
- Key Feature: Android One (Official Stock Android from Google)
- OS at Launch: Android 8.1 Oreo
- Final Official OS: Android 10 (End of Life)
- Codename: jasmine
CRITICAL WARNING: The Mi A2 is an Android One phone and DOES NOT use the standard Mi Flash Tool. Flashing is done via a Fastboot script. Be aware of the widespread eMMC hardware failure on this model; if the internal storage chip has failed, a software flash cannot fix a dead device.
Required Tools & Downloads
Before you start, gather the firmware and the correct tools for an Android One device.
| Tool / File | Purpose | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| ADB & Fastboot Platform-Tools | The official Google toolset for Fastboot flashing. | Download from Google |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | Ensures your PC can communicate with the phone. | Driver Pack |
| Mi Unlock Tool | Required to unlock the bootloader before first flash. | Official Unlock Page |
| Official Fastboot ROM (Android 9) | Global Stable Stock Android 9 Pie | V10.0.13.0.PDIMIXM |
| Factory / Unbrick ROM | Advanced repair firmware (for EDL mode). | Download |
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Flashing the Official Android 9 ROM (Fastboot Script Method)
This is the standard, official method for flashing a stock Android One ROM on the Mi A2.
- Unlock Bootloader: If you haven't already, you must unlock your device's bootloader using the Mi Unlock Tool. This will wipe your data.
- Extract Firmware: On your PC, extract the downloaded Android 9 .tgz firmware file twice using a tool like 7-Zip until you have a folder.
- Prepare Tools: Download and extract the ADB & Fastboot Platform-Tools. For simplicity, copy all the files from the platform-tools folder (like fastboot.exe) and paste them directly into the extracted firmware folder from the step above.
- Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off your Mi A2 completely. Then, press and hold the Power + Volume Down buttons together until the Fastboot screen appears.
- Connect Your Phone: Connect the Mi A2 to your PC with a reliable USB cable.
- Run the Flashing Script: In the firmware folder, find the file named flash_all.bat (for Windows) and double-click it to run.
- A command prompt window will open and automatically execute all the necessary commands to flash the firmware. Do not close the window or unplug the phone until the process is finished and the window closes itself.
➡ Your phone will reboot automatically into a clean, stable Android 9 Pie system.
Method 2: About the Factory / Unbrick ROM
This is not a standard flashing file but a specialized tool for deep-level repair.
- Purpose: This firmware is designed to be flashed in Qualcomm's Emergency Download (EDL) Mode, which is a last resort for devices that are completely hard-bricked and cannot enter Fastboot mode.
- "KeepNV": The "KeepNV" in the filename means the flashing process is designed to preserve the NVRAM partition, which contains your phone's unique IMEI and network calibration data. This is crucial for repairs.
- How to Use: Flashing in EDL mode requires a specific tool like QFIL (Qualcomm Flash Image Loader) and involves shorting two test points on the phone's motherboard to force it into the correct mode.
This is a high-risk procedure for advanced users and repair technicians only. Attempting it without the proper knowledge can permanently damage your device.
FAQs
Q1: My phone is completely dead. Will this guide fix it?
It might, but you must be aware of the Mi A2's infamous eMMC hardware failure. If the internal storage chip has died, no software can fix it. Using the advanced Factory ROM in EDL mode is the final software-based attempt you can make.
Q2: Why should I downgrade from Android 10 to Android 9?
The Android 10 update for the Mi A2 was known to cause widespread issues with Wi-Fi dropping, unstable Bluetooth, and poor battery life. The final Android 9 build provided in this guide is considered by the community to be much more stable and reliable.
Q3: Can I use the regular Mi Flash Tool with these files?
No. The Mi A2 is an Android One device and is not compatible with Mi Flash Tool. You must use the Fastboot script (flash_all.bat) method as described above.
Q4: I see a "Device is corrupt" message when I turn on my phone. Is it broken?
No, this is a normal security warning on Android One devices when the bootloader is unlocked. It is safe to ignore, and your phone will boot into the system after a few seconds.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
- The flash_all.bat window opens and closes instantly: This almost always means your PC is not detecting the phone in Fastboot mode. Make sure the USB drivers are installed correctly and your USB cable is working.
- Stuck on the Android One logo after flashing: This can happen. First, try forcing a reboot by holding the Power button for 15 seconds. If it's still stuck, boot into the stock recovery (Power + Vol Up from a powered-off state) and perform a "Factory data reset".
- Wi-Fi still doesn't work after downgrading to Android 9: If a clean flash of this stable ROM does not fix your Wi-Fi issues, then the problem is very likely a hardware failure of the Wi-Fi chip on the motherboard.
- Fastboot script shows "partition flashing is not allowed" errors: This means your bootloader is not unlocked. You must successfully unlock it with the Mi Unlock Tool before you can flash any firmware.