The Xiaomi Mi A1 (codename tissot), launched in 2017, is a landmark smartphone that marked the beginning of a historic partnership between Xiaomi and Google. As the first device in the Android One program, it offered the best of both worlds: Xiaomi’s renowned hardware quality and a pure, secure, and up-to-date stock Android experience. The device was praised for its premium metal body, a capable dual-camera setup with 2x optical zoom, and the ultra-reliable Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chipset. For owners of this iconic phone, this page provides the official Global Android One Fastboot ROM for a factory restore and the official TWRP custom recovery for those looking to explore the vast world of custom ROMs.
Important: You must verify your device is a Mi A1 (tissot). It is the hardware twin of the Mi 5X (tiffany), which runs MIUI. Their software partition layouts are different. Cross-flashing between the two is an advanced, risky procedure not covered here.
Quick Device Specs
- Device: Xiaomi Mi A1 (tissot)
- Release year: 2017
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 625
- Display: 5.5″ LTPS IPS LCD
- Battery: 3080 mAh
- Original OS: Android 7.1.2 (Nougat) – Android One
Required Downloads
| File / Tool | Download Link |
|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Flash Tool | Download Latest Version |
| Xiaomi USB Drivers | Included with Mi Flash Tool |
| Bootloader Unlock Tool | Official Mi Unlock Page |
Official ROM & Custom Recovery
| Region | Build | Android | Type | Download | Codename |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global (Android One) | V10.0.9.0.PDHMIXM | 9.0 | Official Fastboot ROM | Download | tissot |
| TWRP (Official) | 3.7.0_9-0 | — | Custom Recovery | Download | tissot |
How to Flash Official Android One ROM
Use this method to unbrick your phone or restore the official stock Android firmware.
- Boot into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down).
- Extract the official firmware (.tgz file) and select the main folder containing the
/imagesdirectory in Mi Flash Tool. - Select clean all for a safe installation (you can use clean all and lock to return to a fully stock, locked state).
How to Install TWRP & Its Purpose
Use this method if you want to install custom ROMs (like Pixel Experience, LineageOS), root your phone, or create full backups.
What is TWRP? TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a powerful custom recovery that replaces your phone’s basic stock recovery. For a developer-friendly phone like the Mi A1, TWRP is the gateway to the huge custom ROM community, allowing you to move beyond the official software. It also allows you to make full system backups (Nandroids) and gain root access.
Disclaimer: This is an advanced process. Proceed at your own risk.
- Unlock the Bootloader: This is a mandatory first step. Use the official Mi Unlock Tool.
- Flash TWRP:
- Boot your phone into Fastboot mode (Power + Volume Down) and connect it to your PC.
- Using ADB & Fastboot tools on your PC, flash the downloaded twrp-3.7.0_9-0-tissot.img file with the command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-tissot.img
- Boot into TWRP: After flashing, immediately boot into recovery by holding Power + Volume Up to prevent the stock ROM from overwriting it.
- From here, you can perform advanced tasks like flashing custom ROM .zip files found on community forums like XDA-Developers.
FAQs
Q1. What is the difference between the Mi A1 (tissot) and the Mi 5X (tiffany)?
They are hardware twins, meaning they have the exact same internal components. The crucial difference is the software: the Mi A1 (tissot) was released globally and runs pure, stock Android One. The Mi 5X (tiffany) was released in China and runs Xiaomi’s custom MIUI skin.
Q2. What is Android One and how is it different from MIUI?
Android One is a program by Google where partner devices run a pure, unmodified version of Android. They get fast security and version updates directly from Google. MIUI is Xiaomi’s own heavily customized version of Android, with a different visual style and many extra features.
Q3. What was the final official update for the Mi A1?
The Mi A1 launched with Android 7.1.2 Nougat and, as part of its Android One promise, received two major OS upgrades. Its final official software version was Android 9 Pie, which is the version provided on this page.
Q4. Can I flash MIUI on my Mi A1?
While it is technically possible through advanced, unofficial methods (cross-flashing), it is extremely risky and can easily lead to a hard brick. The partition layouts are different, and it’s not a recommended procedure for most users.
Troubleshooting
- Pre-flashing Checklist:
- Have you backed up all important data from your phone?
- Is your phone’s battery charged to at least 50%?
- Have you installed the correct ADB & Fastboot drivers on your PC?
- Are you sure your device is a Mi A1 (tissot)?
- Common Flashing Errors:
- “error: not catch checkpoint” or “Flash system error” → This almost always means you have selected the wrong folder in Mi Flash Tool. Make sure you have selected the main folder that contains the images sub-folder, not the sub-folder itself.
- Device not detected in Fastboot → Ensure drivers are correctly installed. Try a different USB port and a high-quality data cable. Run Mi Flash Tool as an administrator.
- A/B Partition Device: The Mi A1 uses an A/B partition scheme for seamless updates. This can sometimes complicate custom ROM flashing. Always follow the specific instructions provided by the custom ROM developer for tissot.
