How to Root Mi A1 with 3 Easy Methods

The Xiaomi Mi A1, released in September 2017, is a standout budget smartphone known for its dual-camera setup, featuring 12-megapixel lenses for impressive photography. Running on Android One, it offers a clean and stock Android experience, ensuring timely updates. With a sleek metal design, 5.5-inch Full HD display, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor, the Mi A1 strikes a balance between style and performance, making it a popular choice for users seeking quality features at an affordable price.

What is Rooting?

Before going into the methods How to root Mi A1, firstly we define the rooting process.

Rooting is the process of gaining root access, which allows you to modify system files and install custom firmware. Users can modify system files, install custom firmware, and customize their devices beyond the normal limits. Rooting does not come without risk. There are security risks, warranty voiding, and even the possibility of the device becoming unusable. Users should weigh up the pros and cons before rooting their device, considering the possible consequences.

The Pros and Cons of Rooting Xiaomi Mi A1:

Pros:

Customization: Rooting allows you to customize your Xiaomi Mi A1, from its appearance to the system settings, which gives you a personalized experience.

Improved Performance: Root access allows you to optimize the performance of your device by removing unwanted software and running custom kernels, which can improve speed and responsiveness.

Advanced Apps: Rooting enables you to install applications that require root permissions. This unlocks a wide range of advanced functionalities and features not available on non-rooted devices.

Backup & Restore: Rooting allows you to perform advanced backups and restores, including the app data.

System updates: Rooting allows you to install custom ROMs and experience the latest Android version, even if updates are not provided.

Ad Blocking and Privacy Control: Rooting allows you to install privacy-focused apps and ad blockers, giving you better control over advertising and protecting your privacy.

Cons (Disadvantages) of Rooting Xiaomi Mi A1:

Void warranty: Rooting a Xiaomi Mi A1 will usually void the manufacturer’s warranty. You may not be eligible for any official support or repair.

Security risks: Rooting your device can expose it to security risks as apps are able to access the system files. Untrusted apps can compromise your device’s safety.

Bricking risk: You run the risk of bricking your device if you don’t do it correctly.

Updates and Issues: On rooted devices, official system updates can cause problems. Unroot the device, install an update, then Re-root. 

Instability: Making system-level modifications or installing custom ROMs may cause system instability and crashes, which can affect the overall reliability of Xiaomi Mi A1.

The loss of certain apps: Certain apps, such as those that are related to security or banking, may not function on rooted devices. This can limit your access to some services.

Essential Preparations

It’s important to back up your data before you begin the process of rooting. Although the process is safe in general, it’s important to have a backup so you can restore your phone to its original state if something unexpected happens.

Method 1: How to Root Mi A1 with Magisk

Magisk allows you to root your Xiaomi Mi A1 and unlock a world of possibilities. You can access system files, download powerful apps, and customize your phone to your liking. Magisk is popular for its systemless design, which ensures seamless compatibility with the software updates on your device.

Let’s now outline the steps in detail:

1. Unlocking Bootloader

Unlocking the Bootloader on your Xiaomi Mi A1 is the first step to rooting. Follow these steps.

• To unlock developer options, go to “Settings” and “About Phone,” and then tap on “MIUI Version” seven times.

• Enable “OEM unlocking” and “USB debugging” in “Developer Options”.

• Open the Mi Unlock tool and connect your Xiaomi Mi A1 to your computer to unlock the Bootloader.

2. Flashing TWRP Recovery

After unlocking the Bootloader, we install TWRP. This is a custom recovery that facilitates rooting.

• Download the TWRP Image for Xiaomi Mi A1.

• Boot your device into fast boot mode.

• Flash TWRP with the following command: Fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.

3. Installing Magisk

Once TWRP is installed, you can now flash Magisk to gain root access.

• Download the latest Magisk Zip file.

• Boot into TWRP Recovery Mode.

• Flash the Magisk Zip File

• Reboot your device.

Method 2: Root Xiaomi Mi A1 with SuperSU

SuperSU allows you to root your Xiaomi Mi A1 and gain administrative access to Android. This allows for more advanced customizations, better performance, and the installation of powerful apps that require root permissions. SuperSU is a widely-used method that simplifies and ensures stability.

1. Unlocking Bootloader:

To unlock developer options, navigate to “Settings”, “About Phone” and then tap on “MIUI Version” seven times.

• Enable “OEM unlocking”, “USB debugging” in “Developer Options”.

• Use the Mi Unlock tool to unlock the Bootloader by connecting your Xiaomi Mi A1 to your computer.

2. Flashing TWRP Recovery:

• Download the TWRP Image for your Xiaomi Mi A1 device.

• Boot your device into fast boot mode.

• Flash TWRP with the following command: Fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

3. Rooting SuperSU:

• Download the latest SuperSU Zip file.

• Boot into TWRP Recovery Mode.

• Flash the SuperSU Zip File

• Reboot your device.

Method 3 – Root Xiaomi Mi A1 without using PC

KingoRoot is a simple and convenient tool that allows you to root your Xiaomi Mi A1 device without a computer. This method is ideal for professionals who want a simple way to customize and enhance their mobile experience.

1. Download KingoRoot:

• Visit the KingoRoot official website in your Xiaomi Mi A1 browser.

• Download KingoRoot APK to your device.

2. Install and enable Unknown Sources:

• Download and install the KingoRoot APK.

• To install apps from sources other than the Google Play Store, enable “Unknown Sources” before opening the app.

3. Rooting using KingoRoot :

• Open the KingoRoot application.

• Wait for the process to finish.

• You’ll receive a message that confirms your device has been rooted.

• Verifying root access:

You can install and download a root checker from the Play Store to confirm that your Xiaomi Mi A1 has been successfully rooted. The app will check the root status on your device.