The Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite (codename daisy), released in 2018, holds a special place in Xiaomi's history as a popular Android One device. Praised for its clean, stock Android experience, compact 5.84-inch display, and reliable Snapdragon 625 processor, it offered a bloat-free alternative to MIUI. Its Chinese counterpart, the Redmi 6 Pro, was the same hardware but ran Xiaomi's feature-rich MIUI skin instead.
This unique hardware parity creates an interesting opportunity: users of the Mi A2 Lite can convert their device from stock Android to MIUI, and Redmi 6 Pro users can flash a clean Global ROM. Whether you're seeking more customization, facing software issues on the aging Android One platform, or need to unbrick your device, flashing the official MIUI firmware is your definitive solution.
This guide provides a complete toolkit for the Mi A2 Lite (daisy):
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Mi A2 Lite
Flashing new firmware isn't just for developers. For the Mi A2 Lite, it solves very specific problems:
Quick Device Overview (Codename: Daisy)
Required Tools & Downloads
Before you begin, gather all the necessary files and tools from the table below.
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Flashing MIUI Fastboot ROM (Recommended for Conversion/Unbrick)
This method performs a full, clean installation, replacing the Android One system with MIUI. It is the best way to fix bricked devices.
➡ Your device will automatically reboot into the brand new MIUI 11 setup screen.
Method 2: Installing MIUI Recovery ROM (For Existing MIUI Users)
Use this method if you are already on an older version of MIUI and want to update using a custom recovery.
➡ Your device will boot into the updated MIUI system.
FAQs
Q1: Can I switch back to Android One after installing MIUI?
Yes, you can. You would need to download the official Android One Fastboot ROM for 'daisy' and flash it using the same Mi Flash Tool method, which will restore the stock Android experience.
Q2: Will I lose my data during this process?
Yes. Both unlocking the bootloader and flashing a Fastboot ROM with the "clean all" option will completely erase all data on your phone. Back up everything important beforehand.
Q3: Is the Mi A2 Lite the same as the Redmi 6 Pro?
They share identical hardware. The only difference is the software they were sold with (Mi A2 Lite = Android One, Redmi 6 Pro = MIUI). This guide allows you to install MIUI on either device.
Q4: Will I receive official OTA (Over-The-Air) updates after this?
Yes. Because you are flashing an official Global Stable MIUI ROM, your device should be able to receive future OTA updates from Xiaomi, if any are released.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
This unique hardware parity creates an interesting opportunity: users of the Mi A2 Lite can convert their device from stock Android to MIUI, and Redmi 6 Pro users can flash a clean Global ROM. Whether you're seeking more customization, facing software issues on the aging Android One platform, or need to unbrick your device, flashing the official MIUI firmware is your definitive solution.
This guide provides a complete toolkit for the Mi A2 Lite (daisy):
- ✔ Official MIUI 11 Global Stable download links (Recovery and Fastboot)
- ✔ A clear explanation of why you'd switch from Android One to MIUI
- ✔ All necessary drivers and flashing tools
- ✔ Step-by-step instructions for both Mi Flash Tool and Recovery methods
- ✔ Solutions for common errors and frequently asked questions
Why You Might Need to Flash Your Mi A2 Lite
Flashing new firmware isn't just for developers. For the Mi A2 Lite, it solves very specific problems:
- Convert from Android One to MIUI → If you miss MIUI's features like theming, call recording, and dual apps, you can permanently switch your phone's operating system.
- Unbrick / Fix a Bootloop → If your device is stuck on the Mi or Android One logo after a failed update, a clean flash is the most reliable fix.
- Install a Clean Global ROM → Ideal for Redmi 6 Pro users who want to remove Chinese bloatware and get Google Play Services integrated out of the box.
- Resolve Software Glitches → Fix issues like random reboots, app crashes, or poor battery performance that may have developed over time.
- Standardize Software → A fresh start to ensure the phone is running its most stable, official software build before selling it.
Quick Device Overview (Codename: Daisy)
- Model: Mi A2 Lite / Redmi 6 Pro
- Release Year: 2018
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 625
- Display: 5.84” FHD+ IPS (1080×2280)
- Battery: 4000 mAh
- Original OS: Android 8.1 Oreo (Android One Program)
- Final Official OS: Android 10 (Android One Program)
- Firmware in this Guide: MIUI 11 Global Stable (based on Android 10)
- Codename: daisy (applies to both Mi A2 Lite and Redmi 6 Pro)
Verifying your device codename is daisy is critical. This guide is specifically for installing MIUI. Flashing incorrect firmware can damage the device.
Required Tools & Downloads
Before you begin, gather all the necessary files and tools from the table below.
| Tool / File | Purpose | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Flash Tool | Official tool for flashing Fastboot ROMs (.tgz) | Download Latest Version |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | Ensures proper device detection on your PC | Driver Pack |
| Mi Unlock Tool | Required to unlock the device's bootloader | Official Unlock Page |
| Custom Recovery (TWRP for Daisy) | Optional recovery for flashing .zip ROMs | Official TWRP for Daisy |
| Official Fastboot ROM (MIUI 11) | Full firmware package for unbricking and conversion | V11.0.21.0.QDLMIXM |
| Official Recovery ROM (MIUI 11) | Update package for flashing via recovery | V11.0.21.0.QDLMIXM |
Flashing Methods
Method 1: Flashing MIUI Fastboot ROM (Recommended for Conversion/Unbrick)
This method performs a full, clean installation, replacing the Android One system with MIUI. It is the best way to fix bricked devices.
- Unlock Bootloader: Your bootloader must be unlocked. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool. This will wipe your data.
- Boot into Fastboot Mode: Power off your phone. Then, press and hold the Power + Volume Down buttons simultaneously until the Fastboot logo appears.
- Extract Firmware: Unzip the downloaded Fastboot ROM (.tgz file) on your PC until you have a folder with multiple flashing scripts and an images subfolder.
- Open Mi Flash Tool: Launch the application and click "select". Navigate to and select the extracted firmware folder.
- Connect Device: Connect your Mi A2 Lite to the PC. Click "refresh" in Mi Flash Tool, and your device should appear with a COM port ID.
- Select Flashing Option: At the bottom right of the tool, choose the "clean all" option. This is mandatory for a clean conversion.
- Start Flashing: Click "flash" and wait patiently. The process can take 5-10 minutes. The tool will show a "success" message when finished.
➡ Your device will automatically reboot into the brand new MIUI 11 setup screen.
Method 2: Installing MIUI Recovery ROM (For Existing MIUI Users)
Use this method if you are already on an older version of MIUI and want to update using a custom recovery.
- Unlock Bootloader & Install TWRP: An unlocked bootloader and a working TWRP custom recovery are required.
- Flash TWRP: Boot into Fastboot and use the command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img - Boot into TWRP: Hold Power + Volume Up to enter TWRP recovery.
- Wipe Data: Go to "Wipe" → "Advanced Wipe" and select Dalvik/ART Cache, Cache, and Data. Swipe to confirm.
- Transfer ROM File: Connect the phone to your PC and copy the downloaded Recovery ROM (.zip file) to its internal storage.
- Install ROM: In TWRP, tap "Install," locate the ROM .zip file, and swipe the bar to begin flashing.
- Reboot: Once flashing is complete, reboot the system. The first boot may take a few minutes.
➡ Your device will boot into the updated MIUI system.
FAQs
Q1: Can I switch back to Android One after installing MIUI?
Yes, you can. You would need to download the official Android One Fastboot ROM for 'daisy' and flash it using the same Mi Flash Tool method, which will restore the stock Android experience.
Q2: Will I lose my data during this process?
Yes. Both unlocking the bootloader and flashing a Fastboot ROM with the "clean all" option will completely erase all data on your phone. Back up everything important beforehand.
Q3: Is the Mi A2 Lite the same as the Redmi 6 Pro?
They share identical hardware. The only difference is the software they were sold with (Mi A2 Lite = Android One, Redmi 6 Pro = MIUI). This guide allows you to install MIUI on either device.
Q4: Will I receive official OTA (Over-The-Air) updates after this?
Yes. Because you are flashing an official Global Stable MIUI ROM, your device should be able to receive future OTA updates from Xiaomi, if any are released.
Troubleshooting & Common Errors
- Device stuck on Mi logo (bootloop): This usually means the flash was incomplete or data wasn't wiped. Re-enter Fastboot mode and flash again using the "clean all" option in Mi Flash Tool.
- Mi Flash Tool shows "error" or stops: Ensure you have installed the correct Xiaomi USB drivers. Try running Mi Flash Tool as an administrator and use the original USB cable.
- Phone not detected in Fastboot: Check if "Android Bootloader Interface" is visible in your PC's Device Manager. If not, reinstall the drivers.
- Unlock tool requires a wait time: This is normal. Xiaomi's policy requires you to wait for a specific period (from hours to weeks) after binding your Mi account before you can unlock.
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