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How to intall global rom with locked bootloader ?

Hi everyone,i have purchased xiaomi mi5 from AliExpress and i told the seller to not open the box,and thats what he did,he didnt open the box,so the phone came with stock Chinese stable miui 7.something,and when i updated,it updated directly to miui 8.1,no updated in between, straight to miui 8.1,but i want to install the global stable rom,the bootloader is locked,i have requested to unlock it but so far no news,i tried to boot in edl mode by holding the vol up,vol down and power and cable in at the same time and it boots in some mode but idk if its edl,as far as i know edl mode is with black screen with "Qualcomm HS-USB QDloader 9008" on the pc com ports,but in my case there is no such thing,and there is black and white phone with usb connect on the phone screen,but nothing on the pc,do i have problems with drivers or i dont enter edl at all ? and do any of you guys now any other method to install the global rom except the other one with the engineering cable ?, I really need your help guys please help me if you can,thank you in advance and have a great day

I've successfully updated my mi5 to global stable using the updater app even my bootloader is locked..however, when I got my mi5 2weeks it's on miui 8 global beta(dev rom) not chinese. Not sure if it will work on your device. Here's what I did:
1. Download global stable from xiaomi's official page
2. Reset the phone. (Settings > Additional settings > Back up & reset)
3. Transfer the zip file to phone (doesn't matter which directory)
4. Connect to a strong internet connection (this is important to verify the update package)
5. Open updater app, tap menu (upper right corner) then tap choose update package
6. Locate zip file and it will proceed with decryption process
Note: You need to be connected to a strong internet connection all through out the process or the verification and decryption will fail and get "can't verify update" error
Hope this helps. ?

Before and after, locked bootloader

viking_kong16 said:
Before and after, locked bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try first what you tell me,if that doesn't work than i will try installing global beta if that works than global stable,thank you very much

No i didnt work with both beta and stable,now i will try to flash Chinese beta and after that i will try to install global beta or stable,i hope that works because i am out of ideas.
Screenshots:

Nope,nothing it didnt work unable to install global rom stable or beta,looks like i will wait for the bootloader unlock if any message comes at all i just hope they will let me unlock it,they definitely need to change the way bootloader is unlocked.

Coz you'r phone still has miui 7 (don't know in miui 8 coz never try it)..so i think you can try go into edl mode by adb command while in home screen.. "adb reboot edl" (don't forget to activate usb debugging in developer option first)

JJeamy said:
Coz you'r phone still has miui 7 (don't know in miui 8 coz never try it)..so i think you can try go into edl mode by adb command while in home screen.. "adb reboot edl" (don't forget to activate usb debugging in developer option first)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thx but it didnt work,the phone just rebooted,but now i have another problem,i installed the chines beta rom and now i am unable to get back to chines stable, i have tried from mi pc suit,the updater app,restoring the phone and trying to change it,nothing work have no idea what to do now,its the latest chines beta rom on android 7.0,i have no idea why it dont want to go to stable,pls help anyone if you know how PLEASE.

vlatko98 said:
Thx but it didnt work,the phone just rebooted,but now i have another problem,i installed the chines beta rom and now i am unable to get back to chines stable, i have tried from mi pc suit,the updater app,restoring the phone and trying to change it,nothing work have no idea what to do now,its the latest chines beta rom on android 7.0,i have no idea why it dont want to go to stable,pls help anyone if you know how PLEASE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now with my mi5 with xiaomi.eu 8.1.9.0 rom that's based 7.0..i've try it to go into edl mode through fastboot mode by command "fastboot oem edl", and it's work..you can try it..if your pc success detecting you mi5 as qualcom HS-USB then try flashing miui rom that you want with miflash tool.
Firstly "adb reboot bootloader" to go into fastboot mode..then type "fastboot oem edl"
Hope it's help.

JJeamy said:
Right now with my mi5 with xiaomi.eu 8.1.9.0 rom that's based 7.0..i've try it to go into edl mode through fastboot mode by command "fastboot oem edl", and it's work..you can try it..if your pc success detecting you mi5 as qualcom HS-USB then try flashing miui rom that you want with miflash tool.
Firstly "adb reboot bootloader" to go into fastboot mode..then type "fastboot oem edl"
Hope it's help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you for trying to help me but that didnt work as well this is what it says:
"FAILED (remote: Need to unlock the device to use this command)
finished. total time: 0.014s"

is there any method like this one:https://youtu.be/hmdrj4uX7gY for usb type c cable,will this method work with usb type c,should i start cutting my cable ?

vlatko98 said:
is there any method like this one:https://youtu.be/hmdrj4uX7gY for usb type c cable,will this method work with usb type c,should i start cutting my cable ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't need cutting you original cable..you can buy it like this one in aliexpress here , this already has converter too for usb type C
Sorry..i don't realize that fastboot oem edl just for unlocked bootloader..coz mine already unlocked, but i have some another way before you using deep flash cable to go into edl mode..but i can't testing it..coz mine already unlocked.
- I've read your first post about using hardware key to go into edl mode by pressing and hold vol up + vol down +(you said you're pressing power too, i think in this step you're wrong) then connect the usb cable..what i know..the right instruction is , pressing and hold vol up and down at the same time (without pressing power button)..then connect it via usb cable to your pc..then you can see in your device manager that success detecting as qualcom or not.
- In xiaomi redmi note 3 device you can go into edl mode through fastboot mode with command "fastboot reboot-edl", but this command only can apply with minimal adb that are already modified, you can download it from here

Are you sure @vlatko98 that your request to open bootloader is not granted? I made the request, waited for SMS for two weeks but nothing... So i navigated again to en.miui.com/unlock, logged in and I was able to download the mi unlock app. And the unlocking process was successfull.
If you havent, check if you can download unlock app and try to unlock your device with it.
How long ago have you made your request for unlock?

JJeamy said:
You don't need cutting you original cable..you can buy it like this one in aliexpress here , this already has converter too for usb type C
Sorry..i don't realize that fastboot oem edl just for unlocked bootloader..coz mine already unlocked, but i have some another way before you using deep flash cable to go into edl mode..but i can't testing it..coz mine already unlocked.
- I've read your first post about using hardware key to go into edl mode by pressing and hold vol up + vol down +(you said you're pressing power too, i think in this step you're wrong) then connect the usb cable..what i know..the right instruction is , pressing and hold vol up and down at the same time (without pressing power button)..then connect it via usb cable to your pc..then you can see in your device manager that success detecting as qualcom or not.
- In xiaomi redmi note 3 device you can go into edl mode through fastboot mode with command "fastboot reboot-edl", but this command only can apply with minimal adb that are already modified, you can download it from here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry i didnt mention that i have tried with the vol buttons only as well,it didnt work,the phone boot up to recovery,same as holding the power button,soon i am trying with costume deep flash cable,there is no need to cut anything just to shourt ground and data from the usb connector that connects to the pc,i just dont understand why xiaomi if it plans to make global rom why not make it simple to change it,why users have to figure things out,we buy a phone to use it not to experiment with it,you hear me xiaomi ?
btw thx for helping me out.

Nbkdnssr said:
Are you sure @vlatko98 that your request to open bootloader is not granted? I made the request, waited for SMS for two weeks but nothing... So i navigated again to en.miui.com/unlock, logged in and I was able to download the mi unlock app. And the unlocking process was successfull.
If you havent, check if you can download unlock app and try to unlock your device with it.
How long ago have you made your request for unlock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well thats where i am super unlucky,i recived an sms saying that my request to unlock is granted,and when i head over to unlock page there was nothing to download,just to apply for unlock again like the first time i applyed,but i downloaded mi unlock tool from other place,logged in and it says YOUR DEVICE IS NOT SUPPORT so i reapplyed at mi unlock last night, so i will see what will happen,yes i double check the sms it say approved,yes i login with the same account at mi unlock and account noomber from the sms matched with the account nomber from my account.

vlatko98 said:
well thats where i am super unlucky,i recived an sms saying that my request to unlock is granted,and when i head over to unlock page there was nothing to download,just to apply for unlock again like the first time i applyed,but i downloaded mi unlock tool from other place,logged in and it says YOUR DEVICE IS NOT SUPPORT so i reapplyed at mi unlock last night, so i will see what will happen,yes i double check the sms it say approved,yes i login with the same account at mi unlock and account noomber from the sms matched with the account nomber from my account.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you already received sms that unlock already granted from xiaomi..there's another problem that sometimes your account not already correctly sync with xiaomi server..even already sync correctly still can't unlock flawlessly..
You can try following step and trying to unlock again and again..but just this time..just trying every day..if this day doesn't success too you can try it again tomorrow.
To make sure and minimize that everything is correctly:
- Make sure you're already at the latest china developer / beta rom..
- Enabling find device status at mi cloud in your phone..also just try login at i.mi.com (just this time try login with your acct number id) and activate find device too to make sure everything is sync correctly.
- Activate usb debugging and unlock in developer option in your phone..
- Trying unlock again with mi unlock..just this time try login with your acct number id too.
Hope it's help..and your phone can soon unlocked..

JJeamy said:
If you already received sms that unlock already granted from xiaomi..there's another problem that sometimes your account not already correctly sync with xiaomi server..even already sync correctly still can't unlock flawlessly..
You can try following step and trying to unlock again and again..but just this time..just trying every day..if this day doesn't success too you can try it again tomorrow.
To make sure and minimize that everything is correctly:
- Make sure you're already at the latest china developer / beta rom..
- Enabling find device status at mi cloud in your phone..also just try login at i.mi.com (just this time try login with your acct number id) and activate find device too to make sure everything is sync correctly.
- Activate usb debugging and unlock in developer option in your phone..
- Trying unlock again with mi unlock..just this time try login with your acct number id too.
Hope it's help..and your phone can soon unlocked..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i tried all you tell me,mi unlock still says “your device is not supported by mi unlock” but i dont understand why i was able to make another request at mi unlock website,like the first time i did that,i requested again 2 days ago,i will see what will happen now.

I received another SMS and unlocked the bootloader successfully and I installed global stable ROM, thanks for helping guys )))

Stuck at bootloop, locked bootloader, no USB debugging

EDIT
After 8 hours of bootloop, I simply turned the phone off, attached it the charger, and when it reached 100% battery I tried to turn it on. And it did it. It simply booted in less than 20 seconds. My brain exploded.Thank you anyway
Hi everybody,
I received a Xiaomi Mi5 from GearBest and found out it had been flashed with a custom ROM.
I read on MIUI forums that sometimes MiPCSuite can update the ROM properly, and decided to give it a try. As soon as I connected the phone to my laptop, MiPCSuite found an update (last China stable), downloaded and installed it.
Now I'm on bootloop, and don't really know how to fix it.
Since MiPCSuite did a reset, USB debug is OFF.
English MiPCSuite doesn't recognise phone anymore.
Chinise MiPCSuite recognises it, but I tried flashing some OTA China dev ROMs and the latest full China stable without success.
I have access to fastboot and recovery mode, but bootloader is locked.
I'm waiting for the unlock code, but I read that to unlock it I should login with my Mi Account into the phone and activate USB debug: I can't do either, of course, since I cannot boot.
Can anyone confirm that I won't be able to unlock the bootloader?
Since MiPCSuite has flashed the latest China stable, EDL mode should be disabled.
Should I try to boot in EDL mode? What happens if anything goes wrong?
Official Mi Flash Tool doesn't even let me try anything since I'm still waiting for the unlock confirmation SMS.
MiFlash is unusable since I can't flash fastboot ROMs without unlocking the bootloader.
Should I try the deep flash cable? What happens if anything goes wrong?
I hope someone can help me take a decision... it's not the first time I brick a phone, but it's first time I have so much problems restoring it.
Thank you anyway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Please help me revive my dead K20 pro! :(

Hey guys, I’ve purchased a k20 pro 6/128 variant here in Trinidad and Tobago from Let’s Talk phone company which imports phones and sell it here in Trinidad and Tobago. No one else sells the device here in my country.
When I opened my phone and started using it, I saw that it was the fake global rom which was installed on it. So I came onto here to try to flash the china firmware on it, which I did. After flashing the firmware on it, i installed twrp and wiped everything, data + cache + Dalvik Cache + System, then I flashed the EU firmware on it. After successfully flashing it I flashed magisk and some modules on it, and the phone worked GREAT! Then one day while using it the phone just shut down just like that and never booted back up. It stayed on the boot screen and did nothing!
So I tried reflashing the Chinese firmware with miflash, but this time I Accidentally RELOCKED bootloader, but when I first purchased the phone, the bootloader was already UNLOCKED. Miflash successfully flashed the chinese firmware v10.3.8.0 and the phone booted. I was RELIEVED! But after using it for a while, the phone started freezing! And their was a problem with the front camera! Somehow my front camera won't open properly, it kept saying "Can't open front camera, please calibrate".
And when I press Calibrate, popup cam goes up and down 3 times in a row and says "Can't calibrate".
So I went and request to unlock the bootloader and waited 168 hours, and in that 168 hours I left the phone untouched because it kept crashing and never boot back up unless if I go into recovery and wipe data. So I left the phone untouched for a whole week! Yesterday the waiting period came to an end and FINALLY I unlocked the bootloader! When I opened back up miflash I ACCIDENTALLY LOCKED BOOTLOADER AGAIN!!!! :’( Now Mi unlock is saying that I need to wait 30 DAYS TO UNLOCK BOOTLOADER BEFORE I CAN TRY TO FIX MY PHONE AGAIN! Please help me. Is there any way to flash the firmware on a locked bootloader? i dont care which firmware it is, once my phone is working again.
Any assistance would be very much appreciated!

Only solution is to enter to edl mode by test point but its too risky or to get a mi account with edl authorization, wait till the end of 30 days and dont make the same error for 3 time.

bouyhy01 said:
Only solution is to enter to edl mode by test point but its too risky or to get a mi account with edl authorization, wait till the end of 30 days and dont make the same error for 3 time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I forgot to mention, after using miflash the last time, i flashed the indian global firmware on it using Miflash. The phone wont boot up past the recovery mode. It says "This MIUI version can't be installed on this device" in red. Tried wiping data but same results.

You have to unlock the bootloader and it will work again

ashok9949 said:
You have to unlock the bootloader and it will work again
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
guess i'll have to wait a whole month then before i can use the phone. Thanks anyway

1.Go to fastboot. try flash latest chineese fastbootrom.
doesnt work?
Then you only have choice for EDL mode flash.
But edl mode requires authentification anyway which in most case you do not own..
we need something solid edl flash method.. this is common&biggest xiaomi problem

carpediemz said:
1.Go to fastboot. try flash latest chineese fastbootrom.
doesnt work?
Then you only have choice for EDL mode flash.
But edl mode requires authentification anyway which in most case you do not own..
we need something solid edl flash method.. this is common&biggest xiaomi problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here are the list of things i've tried thus far:
1- Tried flashing china fastboot rom 10.3.8.0 with Miflash. No luck.
2- Tried unlocking bootloader with Mi unlock. Have to wait the 30 day period.
3- Tried unlocking bootloader with fastboot commands. Didn't work.
4- Tried flashing LR twrp and unofficial twrp, No luck as well.
I've sent an Email to [email protected] couple hours ago. Waiting to hear from them.
As for edl mode, i've no idea what it is or how to even start. If someone can guide me as to what to do, i'll try it. Appreciate all the feedback and help from y'all

abdulmaalik1tt said:
I forgot to mention, after using miflash the last time, i flashed the indian global firmware on it using Miflash. The phone wont boot up past the recovery mode. It says "This MIUI version can't be installed on this device" in red. Tried wiping data but same results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont know how you can flash indian rom with locked bootloader.
Now there is only one method for you, open the back cover of the fone, do test point method, flash china fastboot firmware and unlock again.

demonntl said:
I dont know how you can flash indian rom with locked bootloader.
Now there is only one method for you, open the back cover of the fone, do test point method, flash china fastboot firmware and unlock again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That might be an option for me; however, i dont know where is the test point after i open the back of the phone. Any idea?

abdulmaalik1tt said:
I forgot to mention, after using miflash the last time, i flashed the indian global firmware on it using Miflash. The phone wont boot up past the recovery mode. It says "This MIUI version can't be installed on this device" in red. Tried wiping data but same results.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDL mode will not work untill you have a EDL Authorized account
I had already tried and it was a bad idea to open the back cover just stick with unlocking bootloader
EDL test point will not work because xaiomi made because no body should buy Chinese Varient phone and flash global rom ,and I don't understand exactly why xaiomi did this with EDL and bootloader

Opened up the back of my phone, found the edl mode test point, miflash recognizes the device and begins flashing then i get this error "cannot receive hello packet"

ashok9949 said:
EDL mode will not work untill you have a EDL Authorized account
I had already tried and it was a bad idea to open the back cover just stick with unlocking bootloader
EDL test point will not work because xaiomi made because no body should buy Chinese Varient phone and flash global rom ,and I don't understand exactly why xaiomi did this with EDL and bootloader
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow. All this for nothing :crying:

abdulmaalik1tt said:
Opened up the back of my phone, found the edl mode test point, miflash recognizes the device and begins flashing then i get this error "cannot receive hello packet"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, when I flash my mi5, it is the same. You only need to reboot the device into edl and try to flash again.

IXTUS said:
Ok, when I flash my mi5, it is the same. You only need to reboot the device into edl and try to flash again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now it's saying my account is not authorized. The stress is real :crying:

hi i have some similar for mistake i relock bootloader and just boot in fastboot and dont boot up recovery and i wait too 30 days but i search google and just download older mi flash and whooalaaa bootloader unlocked again not waiting time just try that work for me

abdulmaalik1tt said:
Now it's saying my account is not authorized. The stress is real :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i said to you,i had faced the same issue,only unlocking the bootloader will help you
or you can try chinese mi pc suite,with english translator but you have to flash chinese recovery rom,
but im not sure it will work ,in my case it didnt work because it had base rom of indian varient
actually chinese and indian k20 pro are not the same
for example indian k20 pro dont have NFC
but chinese varient have nfc

abdulmaalik1tt said:
Now it's saying my account is not authorized. The stress is real :crying:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you complete the flash ？and start the phone into miui? If there have some picture, it is best.
---------- Post added at 10:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:42 AM ----------
I have some ideas but I have not verified them. You can try to replace the recovery.img in china firmware for twrp and then fastboot flash on edl mode。if it can be done， dnot star it just into twrp and formatted data.
I will test this method on my old mi5 a little later.

To fix the front camera problem you'll have to flash the persist.img file of the 10.3.8 into the persist partition. It worked for me several times.
I accidentaly lock my bootloader, too, but I was able to unlock it right away

Don't worry mate, I had the same issue.
See this thread:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/k20-pro/help/destroyed-error-fastboot-locked-t3946012
I got mine fixed, you just need someone with an authorised account to help you out.
You got this far! You are almost there! trust me.

Thanks guys. I messaged the guy. Let's see if this works

Mi 9 bricked - Locked bootloader & MiUI version can't be installed on this device

Hi all,
I have searched for a solution to this but haven't come across anyone witht the same issue.
I bought a Mi 9 from China which came with the Global rom loaded. I found out that I couldn't use Google Pay unless I rooted with Magisk.
So I went through the process of trying to flash Magisk through fast boot (didn't work - boot loop to recovery) then with TWRP (didn't work - boot to TWRP and freeze).
I then used Miflash to flash the latest global stable version. Unfortunately I didn't notice it was defaulted to "clean all and lock" when I flashed. When the device restarted, it loaded into recovery and was no longer unlocked. The message is "This MIUI version can't be installed on this device". But I can't flash again, because its locked.
I downloaded the MiUnlock app and after running it get the message "Current account is not bound to this device" with instructions to change settings in developer options. But I can't access the developer options because the MIUI isn't loading.
So, yeah. I think I'm in trouble. Any suggestions?

If your device was global version i would say flash fastboot ROM with Mi flash tool or using script flash_all.bat. Then bound your account to your device, then try to unlock recovery. But i red that in some cases Chines version is not so simple, so search, how to flash fastboot ROM on Chines device and if there is some problems with this.
You will need adb and fastboot installed on your pc.
Upd. Man it's all over the internet, just search "This miui version can't be installed on this device". There is a fix with opening the device and so on... but if i was you i would try to contact the seller of the device and ask him to use his account to unlock recovery. My be using teamviewer or similar software.

you bought in china with global rom and it was unlocked already ? because if you tried twrp then the device must be unlocked (bootloader)
then it was a China Version with unlocked bootloader and global rom. you used then the miflash and locked the bootloader again and flashed the global rom...
so you bricked your device....
if found this in an other forum:
"Dear customers, our service provides services in a remote format, if you are from another country .
If you need Mi Authorized EDL Account or you need my services for the restoration of the brick phones and the account is deleted, mi, if you forgot , contact me on my contacts : WhatsApp +7967 777 15 98"

g_seva said:
If your device was global version i would say flash fastboot ROM with Mi flash tool or using script flash_all.bat. Then bound your account to your device, then try to unlock recovery. But i red that in some cases Chines version is not so simple, so search, how to flash fastboot ROM on Chines device and if there is some problems with this.
You will need adb and fastboot installed on your pc.
Upd. Man it's all over the internet, just search "This miui version can't be installed on this device". There is a fix with opening the device and so on... but if i was you i would try to contact the seller of the device and ask him to use his account to unlock recovery. My be using teamviewer or similar software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I searched as suggested and am trying a fix from the MIUI forum "[FIX] unbrick your BL LOCKED phone without xiaomi id authorization!!!". If that doesn' work I'll go with the team viewer option. Cheers!

minnnism said:
Hi all,
I have searched for a solution to this but haven't come across anyone witht the same issue.
I bought a Mi 9 from China which came with the Global rom loaded. I found out that I couldn't use Google Pay unless I rooted with Magisk.
So I went through the process of trying to flash Magisk through fast boot (didn't work - boot loop to recovery) then with TWRP (didn't work - boot to TWRP and freeze).
I then used Miflash to flash the latest global stable version. Unfortunately I didn't notice it was defaulted to "clean all and lock" when I flashed. When the device restarted, it loaded into recovery and was no longer unlocked. The message is "This MIUI version can't be installed on this device". But I can't flash again, because its locked.
I downloaded the MiUnlock app and after running it get the message "Current account is not bound to this device" with instructions to change settings in developer options. But I can't access the developer options because the MIUI isn't loading.
So, yeah. I think I'm in trouble. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/Mi-9/help/soldthis-miui-version-installed-device-t3975421
Read carefully and report
1. Try to hold down the buttons vol down and power, see if : fastboot devices sees it. If so XiaoMi Tool will restore it. If not do the same try recovery vol up + power. Do adb devices and see if anything shows up. Worst case you'll have to open the phone up and connect the EDL pins together and it will flash anything. I use minimal ADB and Fastboot phone plugged via USB cable into the computer and run those commands.
2. Fully bricks their device here is the unbrick factory method
https://c.mi.com/thread-1479882-1-0.html
that's connecting EDL pins with the phone case removed for a phone that doesn't boot at all
3. https://youtu.be/8mW0JzKow7E
here's the exact EDL test point required on Mi9
if you can't boot or recognize the device at all via fastboot or ADB. If this doesn't work nothing will...
But it will work, that's what the factory does. Obviously the last resort.

any success?

Bought a used Mi A2, how do I proceed?

Just bought a used Mi A2 from a guy. He dosent know what Android version it is and its probably locked. Ive been out of the Android game for many years now, but managed to install ADB and Fastboot on my Mac.
The problem is that the device is boot looping on the Android One logo. Managed to get into Fastboot, and the device shows up in ./fastboot devices. Tried to run this quickie, but only get a "Device is already locked!" message.
So please, point me in the right direction as both the Internet and forums here are loaded with information.
In the end I would like to have a custom ROM, LinageOS or something maybe.
Thanks in advance.

joachimvadseth said:
Just bought a used Mi A2 from a guy. He dosent know what Android version it is and its probably locked. Ive been out of the Android game for many years now, but managed to install ADB and Fastboot on my Mac.
The problem is that the device is boot looping on the Android One logo. Managed to get into Fastboot, and the device shows up in ./fastboot devices. Tried to run this quickie, but only get a "Device is already locked!" message.
So please, point me in the right direction as both the Internet and forums here are loaded with information.
In the end I would like to have a custom ROM, LinageOS or something maybe.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a2/how-to/guide-how-to-flash-custom-roms-stuff-t3876375

1st try to reboot numerously with external power On (if there is a valid Android One ROM in one of two slots, sooner or later bootloader is to boot into this valid ROM).
In case phone does not have a valid Android One ROM, then next step would be MiFlash'ing via EDL (search for TestPoint Guide in "Guides, ....")

Aerobatic said:
1st try to reboot numerously with external power On (if there is a valid Android One ROM in one of two slots, sooner or later bootloader is to boot into this valid ROM).
In case phone does not have a valid Android One ROM, then next step would be MiFlash'ing via EDL (search for TestPoint Guide in "Guides, ....")
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like just boot loop it or hold the power to reboot?
I think the EDL pinout opiton is the way to go after some searching, but Im in a desperate need of a torx driver..

joachimvadseth said:
Like just boot loop it or hold the power to reboot?
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Click to collapse
Some people reported that phone rebooted just itself while bootlooping with external power, others recommended to enter fastboot mode and reboot, others recommended to enter stock recovery mode (note that there is a gotcha of "no command" -> press "Power" and then "Vol-") and then "try again: ....

Aerobatic said:
Some people reported that phone rebooted just itself while bootlooping with external power, others recommended to enter fastboot mode and reboot, others recommended to enter stock recovery mode (note that there is a gotcha of "no command" -> press "Power" and then "Vol-") and then "try again: ....
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Click to collapse
In Fastboot the device only displays "fastboot", no options what so ever. Tried powering on the device without power cable 20 times and no go, boot looped on external power for about 10 minutes, no go.

joachimvadseth said:
In Fastboot the device only displays "fastboot", no options what so ever. Tried powering on the device without power cable 20 times and no go, boot looped on external power for about 10 minutes, no go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure there is no options in fastboot mode, "enter fastboot mode and reboot" means just that -> enter fastboot mode and then reboot (either long-pressing power on phone or with "fastboot reboot" command from PC.
I gave you clues, please don't tease me to dictate step-by-step, I do not own your phone.

Aerobatic said:
Sure there is no options in fastboot mode, "enter fastboot mode and reboot" means just that -> enter fastboot mode and then reboot (either long-pressing power on phone or with "fastboot reboot" command from PC.
I gave you clues, please don't tease me to dictate step-by-step, I do not own your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ye sure, thats fine mate
did 'fastboot reboot' about 10 times now and still no go.
Found a Xiaomitool for macOS that has an option for "unbrick my device", but need the previous owners Mi account probably, so Ive asked if he did have a Mi account.

joachimvadseth said:
Found a Xiaomitool for macOS that has an option for "unbrick my device", but need the previous owners Mi account probably, so Ive asked if he did have a Mi account.
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Click to collapse
Most probably that's a false path, as MiFlash, Mi Account, Mi Unlock and other such stuff are for owners of "native" Xiaomi MIUI phones, while Mi A2 boarding Android One is regarded as stepchild. Better search for Android One solutions (in these forums of in developer.android.com)

Aerobatic said:
Most probably that's a false path, as MiFlash, Mi Account, Mi Unlock and other such stuff are for owners of "native" Xiaomi MIUI phones, while Mi A2 boarding Android One is regarded as stepchild. Better search for Android One solutions (in these forums of in developer.android.com)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe. I think the phone is stock, just bricked after some update.
Just need to get the bloody torx driver!
EDIT: when I do manage to find a tiny tiny torx driver and open up the phone, disconnect the battery a bit, connect it back up, and its time to connect the two EDL pins, how long do I hold? USB cable plugged in?

Yes I have same issue, I dont understand, why Xiaomi dont do anything with this ridiculous problem, I dont login with mi account because no paid attention to that, and when I install this update the phone get in bootloop

joachimvadseth said:
..., and its time to connect the two EDL pins, how long do I hold? USB cable plugged in?
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Click to collapse
Disclamer: Have not done it myself, but according to numerous sources the needed Steps (here with Windows PC) are:
1. Open (partially disassemble) Phone to reach 2 contact Test Point spots
2. Connect stock USB cable to USB2.x port on MB of PC, but not to phone, start Device Manager (to see that no USB-phone-related devices are connected and later to see that phone will be connected in EDL)
3. Download desired stock fastboot ROM https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a2/how-to/fastboot-xiaomi-mi-a2-fastboot-images-t3824849 and MiFlash, start MiFlash selecting ROM
4. Span the two contacts with something metal and in this state connect USB cable to phone; Device Manager must show newly connected device detected, then contacts may be open
5. Press "Refresh" in MiFlash, same new device must be displayed
6. MiFlash -> clean all, MiFlash -> flash
7. Assemble phone back and reboot
MHO Notes:
a. when EDL/TestPoint method was forced due to soft-bricking, after unbricking it is better to: (1) fully unlock phone and (2) clean-reflash stock ROM via fasboot
(Reason: this particular specimen is subject to OTA soft -bricking)
b. if EDL/TestPoint method fails with Pie (10.0.17.0 or 10.0.2.0), retry using Oreo 9.6.17.0 or 9.6.9.0.
---------- Post added at 01:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:52 PM ----------
Onilink90 said:
..., and when I install this update the phone get in bootloop
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xiaomi is just repacking Google's Android One updates, and, obviously, does not spend much money for testing OTAs (as AndroidOne phones are not their main market items). From the other hand, Google's Android One A/B Slots feature was developed for so called friction-less ( muhaha ) reverting to previously working ROM when updated ROM fails to boot. So, an Android One phone bootlooping after OTA MUST reboot to previous version of ROM sooner or later (supposed to be 7 retries), sure if phone is not compromised / tampered by previous user actions.

Aerobatic said:
Disclamer: Have not done it myself, but according to numerous sources the needed Steps (here with Windows PC) are:
1. Open (partially disassemble) Phone to reach 2 contact Test Point spots
2. Connect stock USB cable to USB2.x port on MB of PC, but not to phone, start Device Manager (to see that no USB-phone-related devices are connected and later to see that phone will be connected in EDL)
3. Download desired stock fastboot ROM https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a2/how-to/fastboot-xiaomi-mi-a2-fastboot-images-t3824849 and MiFlash, start MiFlash selecting ROM
4. Span the two contacts with something metal and in this state connect USB cable to phone; Device Manager must show newly connected device detected, then contacts may be open
5. Press "Refresh" in MiFlash, same new device must be displayed
6. MiFlash -> clean all, MiFlash -> flash
7. Assemble phone back and reboot
MHO Notes:
a. when EDL/TestPoint method was forced due to soft-bricking, after unbricking it is better to: (1) fully unlock phone and (2) clean-reflash stock ROM via fasboot
(Reason: this particular specimen is subject to OTA soft -bricking)
b. if EDL/TestPoint method fails with Pie (10.0.17.0 or 10.0.2.0), retry using Oreo 9.6.17.0 or 9.6.9.0.
---------- Post added at 01:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:52 PM ----------
Xiaomi is just repacking Google's Android One updates, and, obviously, does not spend much money for testing OTAs (as AndroidOne phones are not their main market items). From the other hand, Google's Android One A/B Slots feature was developed for so called friction-less ( muhaha ) reverting to previously working ROM when updated ROM fails to boot. So, an Android One phone bootlooping after OTA MUST reboot to previous version of ROM sooner or later (supposed to be 7 retries), sure if phone is not compromised / tampered by previous user actions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Managed to get hold of a torx set - phone is now open, battery disconncted. USB-C cable ready (dont have USB-A-C, only USB-C-C). Installed MiFlashTool on my PC and tried to get hold of the drivers. MIFlash is giving me a hard time whineing about drivers. Giving me a erorr message, something about JIT-debugging. Only got it in norwegian.
Edit: managed to flash the stock ROM I think. Fuzzed around a bit with the qualcom driver. Now I have a white screen with a rainbow passing over it..
Edit 2: and we're there! MIUI is in - now time to get rid of it!
Edit 3: think I managed to flash TWRP now - do I need root? Can I just flash a Pixelexperience ROM now or do I need to do something else? Used the Android 9 fastboot image earlier, if that has anyting to do with anything.