This is where Files Go by Google comes in. The extraordinary file manager is an extremely dependable application that allows users to not only free up space on their phones, but also allows users to organize their files and even share files with other users offline.

Google’s Files Go is the Best File Manager for the Xiaomi Mi A1

It is no surprise that this powerful file manager is the perfect application for numerous smartphones, including the Xiaomi Mi A1 which is also powered by Google. This means that the functionality of Files Go fits perfectly with the rest of the phone’s usability. And though the Mi A1 offers an incredible 64GB of storage, Files Go helps open up the possibility of having increased storage for your phone.

Freeing Up Space

Files Go gives users alerts for applications that haven’t been used within the past month, helping users be more in control of freeing up “in-phone” space. This is especially a great tool for individuals that have many different applications downloaded, all inserted into different folders within one’s phone.

Depending on the number of applications that you use, it can become quite easy to lose track of certain applications, allowing them to needlessly take up space on your phone. However, thanks to Files Go programmed alert system and easy to navigate interface, you can find unused applications and quickly delete them from your phone.

Streamlines File Organization

The organizer comes with an intuitive interface, organizing different files based on categories — photos, applications, video, audio, and documents. This helps users find what they’re looking for quickly, while also giving users a general sense of what exactly is taking up a lot of storage on their phones. And for users with tons of in-phone storage and a lot of applications downloaded, the file organizer is a convenient way to streamline and get quicker access to applications.

File Sharing

Many have called Files Go as the android equivalent of Apple’s AirDrop, and rightfully so as Files Go allows users to send and receive files from other users. This can be done be creating a secure hotspot between two users, allowing almost instantaneous transfer of documents, photos, and music.

Final Thoughts

Files Go is definitely an application that many smartphone users have been waiting for. The ability to quickly send files to a friend or colleague, organizing important files on one’s phone, and helping users free up space is a convenience that many Android users will want.

Download from Google Plus | Files Go 1.0.178175053 apk

The post Google Files Go File Manager Overview appeared first on Xiaomi Firmware.

How to unbrick Mi A1 – Persist Partition Fix

1. Temporary boot your device in TWRP. Find tutorial here.
2. Download working “persist.img” file and move it to phone memory “/sdcard”.
3. Open Terminal in TWRP Custom Recovery (go to “Advanced” > “Terminal”).
4. Type the following command:

   dd if=/sdcard/persist.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p27

5. The /persist partition should be restored now and you can reboot your device now, everything should be working fine. If there are still some problems, then wipe your device and flash official fastboot ROM.

Download working persist.img partition file for Xiaomi Mi A1: persist.img

Did you stuck with bricked Mi A1? Did this solution worked for you or you’ve found another way on how to restore your device? Remember to share your solution in the comments below.

The post How to restore “persist” partition on Xiaomi Mi A1 appeared first on Xiaomi Firmware.

LineageOS 14.1 Unofficial Android 7 Custom ROM for Mi A1 (tissot)

Pay attention! This is a test version. We are not responsible for any possible issues with your phone!

Release date 08.12.2017

Official XDA Thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a1/development/rom-lineageos-14-1-tissot-t3716340

How to install LineageOS?

1. You must have unlocked bootloader.
2. Use TWRP Custom Recovery from this post. You can just temporary boot into TWRP to install LineageOS 14.1 on your device.
3. Download the LineageOS 14.1 ROM (Gapps are included in this one).
4. Optionally you can enable root. Download the SuperSU addon by the link below.

What’s working?

• Wi-Fi
• Calls, SMS, Mobile data
• Touch screen
• Micro
• Sensors
• MTP Transfer
• Charging
• Sound call

What’s not working?

• All sounds, except calls sound.
• Bluetooth
• Camera
• Fingerprint scanner
• IR port

Download links

Download from Android Filehost | Root

Did you already tried LineageOS on your phone? Please share your experience in the comments. By now we’re going to wait for more custom ROMs to be released.

The post Download LineageOS 14.1 for Xiaomi Mi A1 appeared first on Xiaomi Firmware.

How to flash TWRP Custom Recovery on Xiaomi Mi A1

First of all, pay attention to the following details:

• You can’t install TWRP if you’ve already root and installed SuperSU (CF-Auto-Root) on your device. Installing TWRP will result to bootloop. If you need root access with TWRP, use the Magisk tool.
• After installing TWRP, OTA updates will stop working.

Now let’s continue with the installation tutorial:

1. Download and install drivers for Mi A1. Also you can check out tutorial on how to install ADB drivers.
2. Next you’ll need to unlock bootloader on your Xiaomi Mi A1 smartphone.
3. Download TWRP Custom Recovery for Mi A1 (twrp-3.2.1-0-tissot.img) and copy downloaded file to the folder with ADB drivers.
4. Now to install TWRP, start with booting your device in bootloader mode. Turn off your device, then press “Power” and “Volume Down” buttons at the same time. Otherwise, enable USB-debugging and use the ADB command to start your phone in bootloader mode:

   adb reboot bootloader
   

5. Connect your device to PC via USB cable.
6. Open the “Tools” folder with previously installed drivers and recovery .img file, press and hold “Shift” key and press right mouse button in empty folder space, then select “Open command window here”.
7. Use the following fastboot command to boot your device in TWRP without flashing it:

   fastboot boot twrp-3.2.1-0-tissot.img
   

8. Wait until your phone boots into TWRP main menu.
9. Now we’ll install TWRP permanently. Download and install twrp-3.2.1-0-installer-tissot.zip and copy downloaded archive to phone internal memory.
10. In TWRP main menu select “Install”, locate the twrp-3.2.1-0-installer-tissot.zip file and confirm installation.
11. After flashing is completed, press “Back” to return to TWRP main menu.
12. Go to “Reboot” and look for “Curent Slot: ?”. Depending on the current slot, reboot your phone in different one by selecting “Slot A” or “Slot B”.
13. Back to “Reboot” menu and select “Bootloader” to reboot your device in bootloader mode.
14. Now repeat steps from 7 to 10 and select the second slot to also flash TWRP on it.
15. Optionally you can also install Magisk to enable root on your phone.

That’s pretty much it!

Download TWRP 3.2.1-0 for Mi A1 (tissot)

Download: twrp-3.2.1-0-tissot.img

Download: twrp-3.2.1-0-installer-tissot.zip

Download TWRP 3.1.1-1 for Mi A1 (tissot)

Download: twrp-3.1.1-1-tissot.img

Download: twrp-3.1.1-1-installer-tissot.zip

Source code: https://github.com/mohancm100/recovery_device_xiaomi_tissot

XDA Thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-a1/development/recovery-twrp-3-1-1-0-touch-recovery-t3688472

The post Download TWRP Custom Recovery for Xiaomi Mi A1 appeared first on Xiaomi Firmware.

How to enable automatic OTA updates on Xiaomi Mi A1

1. Turn off network access completely, including Wi-Fi and Mobile Data.
2. Turn off location.
3. Now look for “Google Services Framework” in system processes, then clean it’s data.
4. Enable internet access and check for updates.
5. You should immediately receive an update in case it is available.

If it’s still not working, try to repeat the same steps a few times.

What about you? I’m just curious, how many Mi A1 users stuck without being able to receive an latest OTA updates.

The post How to fix not working OTA updates on Xiaomi Mi A1 appeared first on Xiaomi Firmware.

How to make Xiaomi’s Mi A1 battery last longer

Turning off Google Synchronization on Mi A1

If you want to significantly increase battery performance, try to disable Gmail synchronization. Google Services and Google Account are those things that are constantly synchronizing and transferring network data. Most users don’t require to have their Gmail account synchronized every 15 minutes. To disable this option go to “Settings” > “Accounts” > “Google” > Tap on your account and disable all applications that you don’t need to receive notifications for. Also, if you aren’t using Gmail very often, you can easily turn off Gmail synchronization. If you’re using multiply accounts, don’t forget to disable sync on other accounts as well.

Useful Apps for Xiaomi Mi A1

First of all, you may try to use “Greenify” app. This tool helps you to save battery life by monitoring and disabling different applications, as well as turning on the sleep mode. This tool will also require you to have root access enabled. Let’s also cover some more applications.

BetterBatteryStats – For those who use smartphone at it’s maximum, battery life is very important. By using the BetterBatteryStats application you’ll be able to analyze which application consumes battery more, as well as check other important battery performance statistics.

Disable Service – Enable and disable different services on your Android smartphone to improve battery life.

Greenify – Take full control of background applications.

GSam Battery Monitor – Great tool for monitoring battery energy consumption.

The post How to optimize battery performance on Xiaomi Mi A1 appeared first on Xiaomi Firmware.

But, some users are facing issues with installations of the app. Problems include crashing or failure to open.

I’ve actually put this post together to answer some of the questions I got on a previous post – Install Google Camera HDR+ on Xiaomi Mi A1.

Here, I’ll explain possible fixes. I’ll also list links to working Gcam ports by BSG, Ivanich, and Arnova.

How to fix Google Camera HDR+ issues

Can’t Install Google Camera HDR+

• The port you are using isn’t compatible with your Mi A1’s Android version. Try another one.
• Remove any previous Google Camera HDR+ installations. It could be the reason the new Gcam isn’t installing.

Google Camera Crashes on Opening

• New Gcam apk releases may not work on your Mi A1’s Nougat. Try the earlier versions.
• If you’ve upgraded your Gcam, the previous settings may be incompatible with it. So, clear the app data. And then redo the whole installation.
• Some files that may be interfering with your Gcam (see below). Delete them and retry the process.(Needs root access and a file explorer like ES File Explorer.)

/System/framework/com.google.android.camera.experimental2016.jar
/System/etc/permission/com.google.android.camera.experimental2016.xml

• Activate Camera2 API. (Some ROMs don’t enable it, you know.) There are two ways to do this.
  • By editing the build.prop file to add the line:
    persist.camera.HAL3.enabled=1
  • By flashing a zip that enables the API. An example is the HAL3 Enabler. (You can undo the changes using the HAL1 Enabler zip.)
  • Restart your phone to save the changes.

Google Camera Crashes on Image Capture

Check your Google camera’s HDR+ settings. Remember to apply the suggestions that come with the Gcam apk download.

Crashes on Activating Slow Motion

Slow motion may not work depending on the ROM your Mi A1 uses.

The media_profiles.xml file is what contains these settings. So, you’ll have to update it. (Download and use this one that’s already done for you.)

• Save it in the /root/system/etc/ folder
• Assign the following permissions: rw-r–r– (0644)
• Restart your phone

Google Camera HDR+ Ports

There are ports by BSG, Ivanich, or Arnova. Here’s what you should expect from each of them.

• BSG – It works as expected (if you use the settings that I’ll share in a second).
• Ivanich – It’s very stable and doesn’t need lots of tweaking.
• Arnova – It’s a Gcam 5.1.x port. It doesn’t have the best RAW capabilities, however. Find suggested settings below.

BSG Settings

General:

Model: Nexus 6P
Support level override: Nexus_2015
SUPPORTED HW LEVEL BACK CAMERA: Limited
SUPPORTED HW LEVEL FRONT CAMERA: Level_3
Panorama resolution: High
Volume key action: Shutter

Photo:

Config camera: Nexus6 HDR+ Auto
Buffers size: 3 (Default)
Total imagereader image count: 14 (AllPixel+AllExp)
hdr+ burst frame count: 7 (N6P+AllPixel+AllExp)
Calculation hdr+ imagereader image count: Pixel, PixelXL

Arnova Settings

Model: Pixel 2XL
Config camera HDR+: Nexus6 HDR+ Auto Zsl
HDR+ parameters: Medium

Download Links

BSG:

1. BSG version 4.0: MGCB-7.0H-C2API (I recommend this)
2. BSG version 4.0 (v3): MGC-4.4.20-7.0H-C2API

Ivanich:

1. Ivanich version 1.4 (v3): MGCB-7.0H-C2API-Full-PXL2-v.1.4-60FPS-noburst (I recommend this)
2. Ivanich version 3.7: MGCB-7.0H-C2API-Mid (this is the latest port)

Arnova:

1. Arnova version 5.1.014 (v11.1): GCam5.1.014-Arnova8G2-v11.1 (I recommend this latest version)
2. Arnova version 5.1.0114 (v8.1): GCam5.1.014-Arnova8G2-v8.1

Over to You

Have you tried out these fixes? What worked (and what didn’t) for your Xiaomi Mi A1? Share in the comments section below.

The post Google Camera HDR+ Fixes for Xiaomi Mi A1 appeared first on Xiaomi Firmware.

The smart-phone is powered by 2GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor and it accompanies 4GB of RAM. It has a 64 GB of internal memory that can be extended up to 128 GB by means of a microSD card. In terms of camera, the Xiaomi Mi A1 packs a 12-megapixel camera on the back and a 5-megapixel front shooter for crystal clear pictures of yours.

Additionally, the phone has a lot of features that can be taken full advantage of by downloading some useful applications for the Xiaomi Mi A1. Let us look at the applications that you must have it in your Mi A1. They are as per the following.

List of the most useful applications for Xiaomi Mi A1

Arrow Launcher apk – One of the most elegant launchers

An exceptionally simple yet elegant application is the Arrow Launcher The stock android interface is somehow dull, though the ram management is good. There are numerous other 3D launchers with huge list of icon packs and other insane stuff which are keener on consuming battery. In comparison, the arrow launcher is something smooth, free without any advertisements and with no in application purchases. Much thanks to Microsoft for this elegant launcher.

Download from Google Play

Download Mi EXPLORER apk for Mi A1

Mi Explorer is a helpful tool for managing all your files. It underpins huge amounts of cool features: moving, deleting, quick search, sharing files, and in addition renaming and unzipping. Mi Explorer additionally perceives numerous file formats, including music, recordings, pictures, APKs, and compress documents. With Mi Explorer’s clean and clear UI, file management is much easier.

Download Mi Explorer V1-171107: globalFileexplorer_V1-171107.apk

Mi DROP for Xiaomi Mi A1

The application has a spotless interface with send and receive unmistakably visible on the home page alongside a received files option on left and settings symbol on right top. The application rattles off files in the Images, Videos, Music, Files classes.

Mi Drop is additionally equipped for transferring applications starting from one smart-phone to the next. Subsequent to choosing the applications option, it lists all the downloaded applications on your phone.

The phone begins hunting down accessible receivers when we press the send symbol post. A message pops up on recipients phone to acknowledge/dismiss the file from sender, exchanging of the document begins when clients taps on the accept button. Later on, a notification arrives on the sender’s phone and also to the receiver after the transfer is done. Receiver can backpedal to the home page and look at the documents received through Mi Drop application.

Download Mi DROP 1.5.9 apk

Download Gravity Screen apk

A few people call this application otherworldly and yes it does have some enchantment however just with the assistance of inbuilt sensors in your phone. In this way, If your Mi A1 is outfitted with 40 sensors then in any event make utilization of a few, the best element which is cool about this application is the pocket and table sensor. Though, there are no pocket and table sensors in a phone however these are a portion of the cool features of gravity screen.

Download from Google Play

Mi Remote App – Another cool application from Mi

Mi Remote exists inside Xiaomi’s variety of Mi Ecosystem, a grouping of smart home devices intended for buyers. Mi A1 incorporates an IR blaster, which, when matched with the Mi Remote application, can without much of a stretch control numerous Xiaomi items around the house. Mi Remote likewise supports many other home appliances, going about as a universal remote in your hand.

Simply open the application and point it at a TV or other appliance that uses an IR remote, and follow the directions on the application to combine. Once paired effectively, you can utilize Mi Remote to turn your TV on, change channels, and in case you’re utilizing a Mi TV, even control the on-screen menu.

Download Mi Remote 5.4.5 apk: miremote.apk

DRUPE App for Mi A1

Let’s be honest, the stock android diaper application is missing some of the main features in the form of in built call recorder and better contacts organization. In this way, this convenient application is the best option and perhaps extraordinary compared to other dialer application. Some of the useful features about this app are, automatic call recording, cross application dialing and contact based reminders.

Download from Google Play

The post Download Best Apps for Xiaomi Mi A1 appeared first on Xiaomi Firmware.

How to use Xiaomi Mi A1 at its full potential

The phone boasts features like:

• Android One
• Dual SIM
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 CPU, Adreno 506 GPU
• 1080 x 1920 p (Full HD), 401 ppi, 5.5” display
• 12 MP, F2.6 aperture rear dual camera, 5 MP front camera
• 3,080 mAh, non-removable battery
• 4 GB RAM, 64 GB internal memory

Strangely enough, it doesn’t offer RAW image capture and image stabilization out-of-the-box. And that’s despite having advanced camera capabilities as one of its main selling points.

Users have also realized, with much dismay, that the Mi A1 doesn’t have an FM radio app.

Remember too, the phone’s SoC (the Snapdragon 625) supports fast/quick charging. But guess what? When you unbox the Mi A1, you’ll find that Xiaomi has not included the charger for that.

So what are the reasons behind this phone’s blatant underuse of hardware? And are there solutions to these shortcomings? Allow me to explain:

FM Radio on Mi A1

The Xiaomi Mi A1 has an FM chip installed. The kit for radio is there all right. It’s only that the company decided against switching it on.

Xiaomi is not alone in this one. Other OEMs are also deactivating FM capability in their models. By hiding this feature, they hope that people will opt to stream internet broadcasts.

But who wants to spend data (especially when it’s broadband) when there’s free FM?

If, like the majority, you also want to get back your radio – here’s a short guide: (No root access required.)

1. Enter *#*#6484#*#* in your dialer app and press Call
2. Scroll down to the FM Radio option and select it
3. Use your earphones to tune to your preferred radio station

Please note – you’ll have to repeat these steps every time you wish to listen to FM

Enable Fast Charging on Mi A1

The Mi A1 packs a Snapdragon 625 chipset that supports Quick Charge 3.0. Ironically, Xiaomi didn’t pay the necessary licensing fees to the company behind the technology – Qualcomm. That’s why Mi A1 buyers don’t get a Qualcomm certified fast charger included.

Fortunately, your nearest phone accessory dealer can supply an aftermarket solution easily. It may not come cheap though. Depending on the brand, it may cost anything between $8 and $25.

RAW Image Capture

When you take RAW images, you get all the image data that you may need for advanced editing. This is what professional photographers use. They keep off the consumer-market formats like JPEG because they are overly compressed.

The Mi A1’s dual camera has what it takes to shoot photos in RAW format. Of course, such a capability would need some driver support to work as expected in a phone.

Since Xiaomi marketing approach was to keep the Mi A1’s price competitive, it overlooked this feature. Including the drivers means paying licensing fees to the owner of the technology, you know.

Not all is lost though. In this previous post, I’d explained how to install Google Camera with HDR+ in the Mi A1. In it, you’ll also find a way to activate RAW image support.

You’ll see that after doing a few things, you’ll have to edit the build.prop file to add the line:

persist.camera.HAL3.enabled=1

This is what finally turns on the RAW capability.

Enable Image Stabilization on Xiaomi Mi A1

The best thing about mobile cameras is that anyone can just point and shoot while on the move. Admittedly, the captured images are not always professional-grade. Device shakes, and unsteady hands usually lead to blurred and out-of-focus shots.

Mi A1’s excellent dual camera can solve this merely using some technological aid. That’s electronic image stabilization (EIS), to be specific. But as with the RAW support issue, Xiaomi did not include it to keep costs down.

The same guide that I’ve mentioned above also contains directions for activating EIS.

There’s this line in the build.prop file:

persist.camera.eis.enabled=1

It forces the Mi A1 to use image stabilization with its camera.

Do you think your Xiaomi Mi A1 makes full use of its hardware capabilities? What would you want to see the phone do differently? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section.

The post 4 Ways Xiaomi Mi A1 Underuses its Hardware appeared first on Xiaomi Firmware.

[Beta] Download Android One Port for Redmi Note 4 and Mi 5X

So if you don’t own the Xiaomi Mi A1, here are some of the things that you’ve been missing.

Source: Android Community

The Uncomplicated Interface of Android One

The best thing about pure Android interfaces is that they don’t try too hard. Unlike OEM ROMs, they stick to minimum customizations.

Granted, MIUI has its fair share of followers because of its iOS-like interface. But, isn’t it ironical that an Android-based ROM could try to ape it biggest competitor?

See, iOS design flaws (yep, they do exist) are a pet peeve of most users. For instance, whereas stock Android provides an app drawer, iOS doesn’t.

Bundling all your apps on your home-screen(s) may seem fun at first. It even works flawlessly with only a few installed apps. For example, I had 28 apps on my Redmi Note 4, and their organization wasn’t an issue.

It’s after adding lots more that I started questioning MIUI’s approach. I actually wished for a dedicated area that would sort my apps in a specific order.

Thanks to Android One, the Mi A1 allows you to decide what apps you want on the home-screen. The rest sit in the drawer. Here, the UI sorts them alphabetically or by usage rate.

The Absence of Bloatware

Unless you own the Redmi Note 4 International Version, you know what bloatware means. It’s annoying to have pre-installed apps on your phone that you can’t get rid of.

The thing is, the Chinese versions of the Note 4 enjoy more regular updates than the International ones. And yet, they are notorious for including apps that are of no use if you live outside China.

You’d thus be lucky if your Chinese version leaves you sufficient memory for your preferred apps.

“Hey, aren’t some Gapps bloatware too?” I hear you ask.

In fact, Mi A1 owners get stuff like Play Books and Play Games out-of-the-box. The difference is that these Google apps are disable-able. And they are quite undemanding when it comes to usage of memory.

How to Flash Android One on Your Redmi Note 4

• Grab the Android One port from here or here;
• Save it to memory;
• Using TWRP: wipe the cache, data, and system. (You can find an excellent guide here for installing TWRP on your Note 4 if you don’t have it yet.)
• Install the downloaded ROM;
• Reboot your phone.

What to Expect

The Android One port will turn your Note 4 into a Xiaomi Mi A1. Of course, that refers to the firmware alone.

The same installation works beautifully on the Xiaomi Mi 5X. Every single feature of the Mi 5X continues to function as it did with the MIUI. That’s because the Mi 5X shares exact hardware with the Mi A1.

Unfortunately, when it comes to specs/hardware – the Note 4 isn’t an identical twin of the Mi A1. Thus, expect some broken features.

One, infrared and the fingerprint sensor will not work – at all.

Two, your Note 4’s camera will miss some features.

Other than that, the Android One ROM will run smoothly on the Note 4. And you’ll get Gapps as default installs, too.

What do you think of the stock Android experience on your Redmi Note 4? Were the broken features a deal breaker for you? Share all these and more in the comments section

The post How to Install Mi A1’s Android One on Redmi Note 4 appeared first on Xiaomi Firmware.