It has occupied a significant niche in the world market. First of all, this happened due to the rich functionality and the ability to customize it individually for each user. But sooner or later the version of the system will become outdated. And users are faced with the question: how to change the firmware on Android? It can also occur in cases where the current version no longer suits, since the updated version has much more features, and they are much more stable.

Small educational program

First, let's figure out what the firmware is? This is such a smartphone operating system. A certain analogue of "Windows" for computers. And the very concept of "firmware" for tablets (Android) means reinstallation or replacement of this very system. What is it for? There are users who don't care what operating system they have on their phone. Others appreciate the beauty of the interface. Someone is reflashing in order to enjoy fresh games. There can be a great variety of options. If we take into account the ideal layout, then when a new version of Android is released, the performance of the device should increase. But, unfortunately, this is not always the case. Sometimes she falls.

Software Update

How do I change the firmware on my Android device? The simplest way is to update, which is done as follows:

• Enable Internet access via Wi-Fi.
• Go to the settings of the mobile device.
• Select options and the item "About device".
• There should be another item here - "Software update".
• After selecting it, it remains only to wait until the firmware update occurs.

Although the settings may differ on different smartphone models, the main principle is always the same.

Replacing the current firmware

The update does not always happen. Sometimes it becomes necessary to replace the current firmware for Android tablets or smartphones with another. Then, first of all, you need to find the firmware for this phone model. This will not be difficult for people who know how to use search. The main thing is not to download malicious software. Most likely, a ZIP archive will be found, the size of which can vary from 100 to 500 megabytes. In most cases, an instruction describing the entire process must be attached to the firmware itself. But if you did not find the annotations, then there is a method with which the program for Android firmware - Rom Manager will help. It has both a free version and a paid one. The second will be able to independently find the necessary files. But this feature costs more than fifty dollars. It's better to search for yourself and for free.

Replacement steps

So, how do you change the firmware on Android by replacing it? At the first stage, when the required firmware is found and downloaded, and the Rom Manager is installed on the device, it is important to connect the charger to it. This is done even if the user believes that his smartphone has an insanely powerful battery and stores a charge for a very long time. It is still better to play it safe and connect to the power supply network. Just in case.

The second stage is as follows: on the device you need to open the Rom Manager, find the item "Install ROM from a memory card" in it and specify the archive that was previously downloaded from the network. As a reminder, this is most often a ZIP file. After that, a menu will appear in which you need to check the boxes depending on the wishes of the user. You can simply mark all three. And it will not be superfluous. After that, you can click on "OK" - the process of installing the firmware will go, at the end of which you will get an updated device with new functions.

Recovery

It happens that at the previous stage some problems arise. For example, the smartphone stopped giving vital signs, the screen became somehow suspicious. Any process that causes confusion requires quick action. In this case, the switched off device must be put into recovery mode. To do this, you must turn it off, and then restart it using the held down power and Home buttons. This combination may differ on different models of devices. The main thing is that two mechanical keys of the device are used.

After entering the recovery menu, you need to find the item "Install archive from memory card" and open the menu. In it, select the line - Toggle signature verification. Here it is very necessary to make sure that the display shows the inscription "Selecting an archive from a memory card". Then wait until the download is complete and use your smartphone or tablet.

It happens like this: the firmware of the phone is finished. Android then refuses to work. These problems are software and physical. If, after all the operations performed, the device shows at least some signs of life, then this is a software problem. The third step above will help here. With a physical breakdown, everything is more complicated. If the device is still under warranty, then you should immediately take it to the master, who probably knows how to change the firmware on an Android device.

Not many users have an idea of ​​what a phone firmware is until they encounter problems such as decreased performance, bugs, frequent freezes, and unauthorized shutdown of the device for no apparent reason. The firmware provides a unique opportunity to eliminate factory defects on a newly purchased smartphone. It also helps to modify and modify the software filling of the gadget, according to the tastes and needs of a particular user.

As a result, the flashing literally gives new life to the Android gadget, allowing you to eliminate many common problems associated with its long-term operation. Thanks to this procedure, the cell phone shows high performance for several more years.

Android system update and new life

Phone firmware: what is it?

In a nutshell, for the uninitiated user, firmware is a complete update of the non-volatile memory of a digital device, that is, something like a replacement for firmware.

The operating system that runs the phone is the holy of holies of any digital model of the device. Full performance and the expansion of all available functionality depend on the optimal system settings.

By firmware we mean a complete set of all software settings, this is the process of uploading a new software shell to the device, and a file image that includes all the "flash" memory of the phone.

Firmware adds security to digital device

You can customize your smartphone, that is, update the operating system, expand the functionality and add all modern devices yourself using a computer. The firmware carried out at home according to all the rules does not cause further failures in the operation of mobile devices.

Important! Within one line, you can improve some of the options in the phone, for example, improve the brightness of the image, add battery resources,. But do not naively expect that an old device will be transformed into a new generation phone.

Why flash a digital phone?

Partial or complete software updates are usually carried out for three reasons:

1. The need for russification of digital devices. These are models imported from abroad that have an interface in a foreign language and are completely devoid of support for the Russian language.
2. In case of replacing outdated software with a newer version. Digital devices are being stitched in order to "enrich" the phone with improved ultra-fashionable functions that were not originally provided by manufacturers.
3. Due to serious damage to the software shell of the smartphone. This can be either a partial inoperability of individual built-in functions, or a complete failure to start the system.

What do you need to flash your phone yourself?

A user who does not have initial skills and knowledge about the principles of software operation, and does not know much about computer programs, should not risk it, but rather entrust a digital gadget to a specialist.

Flashing is only a small fraction of what is loaded into the memory of a digital device. If you decide to do the firmware yourself, then the first step is to familiarize yourself with the constituent parts of this process, and familiarize yourself with the terminology.

The main parts of the firmware consist of two elements:

• Fullflash (full flash) is a complex of all software utilities built into the device, that is, a complete memory image.
• Monsterpack (monsterpack) is a software "fill" from the manufacturer. It is a complete set of all programs and consists of three parts: device software image (firmware), FlexMemory (flex) and EEPROM.

These aforementioned constituent parts are subject to replacement, both individually and collectively. However, for an uninitiated user, the question will be: where to get the manufacturer's source codes for a complete update of these parts?

It is practically impossible for an ordinary Internet user to find original codes, and self-made ones will easily turn a smartphone into a “brick”. Based on this, it is recommended that you limit yourself to replacing only the firmware, or entrust the digital device to specialists.

Tools to update Android on your gadget

What tools will be needed:

1. Directly the smartphone itself.
2. Computer or laptop.
3. Dedicated USB cable.
4. Required drivers.
5. Suitable firmware version.

Saving the installed firmware version

Before installing the firmware of a mobile phone, try to save all data (settings and programs) using a special backup application to a memory card or computer. A backup copy of the existing version may be needed, if, of course, not a fact, but something goes wrong or the new firmware will worsen the device's performance.

• Launch ClockworkMod Recovery and go to the "Save Current ROM" tab.
• Click "ok", thereby starting the creation of data backup.

Backup button for backing up files

• Restoring the saved version is started by opening the same CWM Recovery option, then launching the "Restore" function.

Preparing the smartphone for the firmware procedure

Flashing a different lineup of smartphones will require “uploading” the appropriate software. Therefore, it is recommended to study all the intricacies of the firmware for your phone model. There are many special resources on the Internet, for example, w3bsit3-dns.com, where you can find suitable software, a program for installing firmware, drivers, as well as instructions for the process itself.

Important! Before starting the firmware, it is worth turning off the antivirus program on the digital device, otherwise it will not allow the launch of new software.

The preparatory process takes about half an hour, perform the following steps:

• Download and install the MobileuncleMTC Tools application using Google Play.

Step-by-step steps to install the application

• Install the program with administrator rights.
• Download the "CWM - recovery" file suitable for the firmware of a particular smartphone model.

A submenu of built-in options in ClockworkMod Recovery

• On the CD-card of the smartphone, drop the ZIP folder with the downloaded files (firmware, recovery).
• Open the main menu of the installed Mobileuncle utility, find the Recovery.
• Start the update by simply clicking "ok".

The main window of the program, and the option "replacement recovery via updating from sdcard

The procedure for self-flashing an android via a computer

After carrying out the preparatory actions, the android device is completely ready for the most important procedure. The recommendations below will familiarize users with how to properly flash an android on their own through a computer, and avoid mistakes. Recommended procedure:

• Check your phone's charging, it should be at least 50% charged. Flashing smartphones from different manufacturers differs in the amount of time spent. So the procedure for flashing the Chinese model will take much less time, in contrast to European counterparts.
• Connect the smartphone to the computer via the USB port, wait until it is detected.
• Open ClockworkMod Recovery.
• In the menu, select and click on "Wipe". This option will reset all data from the device.
• Then select "Wipe cache partition", press.

Recovery main menu and "wipe cash partition" option, responsible for erasing all temporary accumulated files

• After consent and confirmation, click on the "Install form scard" item, after which the "Choose Zip from internals sdcard" option will open. Click on the pre-loaded flashing file image.
• Wait until the installation process is fully loaded and restart the device. Throughout the entire process, it is strongly not recommended to disconnect the connecting USB cable.

Alternatively, after reinstalling the software, your smartphone will not want to turn on the first time. Don't worry, try restarting it one more time. If the changes do not appear, it is recommended to reflash or restore the old saved version.

For those who are better off seeing once than hearing a hundred times, it is recommended to watch a video with detailed instructions on Android firmware:

Smartphone firmware provides users with features that cannot be overestimated. This is an effective increase in the performance of almost all the functionality of your favorite gadget. However, having decided to do this procedure on your own, it should be borne in mind that the process is quite risky.

Android firmware is to update the software of the device. After a successful flashing, the device should start working faster and without interruptions. If unsuccessful, the phone or tablet may stop turning on altogether. Data, contacts, any information stored on the device may be lost. Self-flashing an android requires some experience, a clear understanding of the sequence of actions, the presence of high-quality software and a good communication channel between the computer and the device. If you doubt your abilities, it is better to ask for an update in the service.

Important: The complexity of the procedure lies in the absence of a single common standard for software updates.

Despite all the difficulties, it is advisable to update the android approximately every 2-3 years. This procedure allows you to get rid of unnecessary service and temporary files saved by the system. The update increases the free space of the system memory and provides access to new additional functions. The software for working with the camera is being improved, new drivers can improve the operation of the built-in gyroscope.

After a firmware update, all applications usually run faster.

• When changing the operating system of the phone. For example, when flashing Windows Phone to Android.
• When changing versions of the Android OS to a more recent one.
• To install an Android version in another language. You can put a language pack, you can completely replace the system with a different version.
• In case the system is littered with traces of inept handling: messy downloads, unnecessary applications, ad modules, etc.
• On suspicion of hacking the system and installing potentially dangerous applications.
• In some cases, a branded phone or tablet downloads the firmware on its own and urgently requires it. In this case, you will need to follow the instructions on the screen. Make sure the battery is fully charged before performing such an operation.
• If you are flashing the operating system to access new applications, be sure to check if the old applications will work with the new version of the OS. This is relevant when using older versions of applications without backward compatibility.

When you shouldn't change the OS version

If the authors of the firmware promise you new functions that are not in your phone. An incredible increase in performance, improved screen resolution, the ability to take pictures directly from the screen without a camera and other nonsense. Don't believe it. Reread the manufacturer's instructions. Damage to the phone or tablet as a result of improper flashing is not a warranty case. Nokia 3310 will not be the last Samsung.

Tip: Do not download firmware from unknown sites. Do not install incomprehensible updates that supposedly expand the capabilities of the system. Check downloaded files with antivirus. Don't just do this out of curiosity - see how it all works.

Android update and firmware options

• Straight from your phone or tablet. The update is simply downloaded and executed. Works great on proprietary systems when installing software from the manufacturer's website. In all other cases, flashing without backups is an increased risk. There is no need to install additional programs and utilities, everything is done in automatic mode. However, you will not always be happy with the result of the update. It will take some time to get used to new buttons or a different workspace structure.
• From a flash card. Everything needed for the firmware is downloaded to a flash card and launched from it. The most troublesome option with the maximum amount of unnecessary manipulations and a high probability of failure at various stages.
• From a computer. System updates are managed through a shell program. The firmware is carried out using the visual interface described in the technical manual (in the case of using a proprietary utility). When using common shell programs, control is performed directly through the command line of the computer.

For the convenience of updating the OS version, special utilities are used that contain the necessary driver packages and allow you to control the firmware process.

The most popular programs for flashing Android using a PC:

1. Fastboot is an excellent program that supports a huge number of drivers, including various Asian models.
2. The Flash Tool is ideal for updating Lenovo models. Works similar to Fastboot, but has special drivers.

Step-by-step instructions for updating the android version

Before starting the procedure, make sure that this undertaking is necessary. Perhaps you already have the latest version of the system.

To find out, go to the settings of your phone or tablet, scroll through the system properties to the very bottom. One of the bottom lines will be information with the version number of the system.

Where and how to look for an update

For the safety of the process, it is better to look for updates on the manufacturer's website. Enter the exact name of your device on it and download the software package and instructions. If instructions from other sources conflict with the manufacturer's instructions, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
If there are no proprietary programs for updating on the manufacturer's website, you can install the latest version of the Fastboot or Odin program (read about how to flash the tablet using this program in ours). It includes a package of necessary drivers and utilities.

Important: Fastboot versions exist for all operating systems. Even under MacOs.

The advantages of using a computer as a base for updating are as follows:

• In case of failures, you can start over.
• The probability of data loss is minimal.
• You can save a backup of the system and, if the update is unsuccessful, simply roll the system back.
• Firmware is possible even in the absence of Internet access - all programs and utilities are saved to the computer in advance.

When updating a device, it is always more convenient when the process is controlled from another device. The presence of external control significantly reduces the possibility of system failures when changing the android firmware. For an example of replacing the software version on a Samsung phone using a PC and a third-party program, read the separate

Tip: It is better to spend time on a perfect firmware version than on fixing errors as a result of its incorrect installation.

Consider the option that you downloaded a branded update from the manufacturer's website. It contains all the software you need.

• Connect android to computer via usb.
• When connected, the device will be recognized and automatically configured.

If your task does not include breaking the android - trust the proprietary programs. Install the recommended utilities and do whatever the utility tells you to - create a backup, restore, reinstall, etc. All actions, including searching for updates and android firmware, can be performed from this proprietary shell. It is for this reason that the owners of modern gadgets are perplexed about the problems of updating the android. It seems to them that everything is simple and performed automatically, without the slightest problem.

Below is an example of such a proprietary shell for working with a Huawei device.

Important: After updating the firmware, you need to reboot the system.

How to protect yourself from crashes when flashing an android

• Be sure to back up your data. To do this, you can connect your phone or tablet to your computer and perform synchronization (You can read more about how to do this).
• Be sure to use a good quality USB cable when flashing.
• Be patient. Software updates are not instantaneous. Do not press all buttons in a row, do not try to interrupt the operation of the device. Any failure during the execution of the android firmware can become fatal and everything will have to be done again.
• Make sure the battery is fully charged, even when plugged into a wall outlet.
• Do not hurry. It is quite difficult to eliminate the negative consequences of an unsuccessful procedure.

In this article, we will tell you how to reflash Android. Why do I need to flash an android and is it so difficult to flash Android? Phones, smartphones and tablet computers are flashed to get more functionality of the operating system. But many who encounter this operation for the first time do not know how to flash an android tablet or how to do the same on another gadget.

For example starting with Android 4 the OS includes by default voice recognition from Google... In general, it is worth reflashing Android for general or if there is a serious problem in the operation of a tablet or smartphone. Let's figure out how to flash Android correctly and what is needed for this.

How to flash Android

Most device models and manufacturers such as ASUS, Acer, Samsung, Ritmix, Alcatel, Explay, Digma, Fly, Htc, Huawei, Lg, Motorola and SonyEricsson can be stitched. Android firmware is a responsible thing, so first you need to prepare. If you decide to reflash your android tablet or smartphone, then first do the following:

• Make sure your device is charged and won't power off while flashing. Better to let it be 100% charge. This is an important point, because if the tablet or smartphone turns off when it is flashed, it will lead to loss of system and data.
• Check the OS version of your gadget and what firmware is currently installed on it. This can be viewed in Settings> About Phone. The Android version, kernel version, and build number will tell you which operating system is currently installed.
• After that, you need to find a new firmware for your smartphone or tablet model and download it.

So, from our publication you will learn:

• How to install custom ROM files.
• How to create a backup of the current system and the state of the phone until the moment of flashing.
• How to rollback firmware on Android.

A little about custom firmware

Android flashing starts with choosing firmware. We will not consider any specific creations of the developers, but simply give an explanation of what it is. The network is full of custom firmwares, which, according to their authors and users, are somewhat better than the official versions.

First of all, if your device supports a completely outdated version of the official firmware, then you can find a custom, newer version of Android. Also, there is a relatively widespread opinion that custom versions extend the device's performance. In fact, once at a time is not necessary. They can be extended, or they can be reduced, depending on the gadget. In any case, flashing a custom version doesn't save much battery power.

Often, a plus of custom firmwares is that they fix the shortcomings of the official versions and have some additional settings and functions. Many custom firmwares are small in size, the largest number of settings (or the smallest, depending on the directionality), work faster. Of course, if you decide to choose such a firmware, then you need to do it carefully. Viruses and bookmarks have not been canceled.

There are different firmwares, they are in ZIP archives, or they consist of several files. Depending on this, you need to choose how to reflash Android. Let's return to the topic of the article and finally find out how to install the firmware on an android. Updating Android firmware is not difficult.

Android firmware from ZIP archive

The first thing you need to reflash Android is. Unfortunately, not on all devices it is possible to do this, and when you get to the root of access, you will lose the warranty, as well as with the firmware. Next, we do backup. We already wrote,. That is, for the firmware you need:

• Install a system recovery application on Android, for example ClockWorkMod... This is a program for flashing android. You can read about recovery applications. With the help of them, you can roll everything back if something goes wrong.
• Download the official or custom ROM version that has been developed and ported for your device.
• MicroSDHC memory card for temporary storage of firmware files.

System backup using ClockWorkMod is done like this:

1. Launch ClockWorkMod Recovery.
2. We select "Backup & restore".
3. Further "backup".
4. We confirm "YES".
5. Reboot by clicking "Reboot system now".

After these actions, a backup copy should appear on the memory card in the "clockworkmod / backup" folder. The name of the backup consists of the date and time of creation. So, the backup was made, the root was opened, the card was inserted - you can start flashing:

1. After loading the ROM file, write it to the memory card. The firmware name can contain Latin letters and numbers. The file itself must be in a ZIP archive.
2. Disconnect the gadget from the computer and charging.
3. Turn off the device and (exactly how to start it depends on the specific device). If you do not know how to download the recovery menu of the menu of your Android device, then you need to look for a way to start or ask here in the comments.
4. Further in the menu you need to find the item "Wipe", which erases the current information about the system.
5. After erasing, we return to the root of the menu and select the "Flash Zip from SD Card" or "Install zip from sdcard" rule. The text may differ depending on the application, but the essence is the same - the firmware from the ZIP archive.
6. Find the ROM firmware that is in the Zip file.
7. Confirm the firmware by following the instructions on the screen.
8. If there are no errors during the firmware procedure, then everything has been flashed and you can reboot the device by selecting the "Reboot system now" item in the root of the menu.

How to flash Android with three-file firmware

You can flash three-file firmware using the application Mobile odin pro... This is another program for flashing Android. When flashing in this way, you can not open ROOT access. So, you can reflash Android with three-file firmware like this:

1. We write files to a smartphone or tablet (three files with words in the names CSC, CODE, Modem). It is better to put all three files in one folder.
2. In the window that appears, you need to find and select the file with the word "CODE".
3. After selection, click "OK".
4. Next, you need to select the "Modem" section.
5. In the window that appears, you need to find and select the file with the word "Modem".
6. After selection, click "OK".

How to flash Android from TAR archive

There are also firmwares that are packed into the .TAR archive. In principle, everything is the same as in the previous instructions. With such firmware, the phone can be reflashed like this (you will need it again Mobile odin pro):

1. In Mobile Odin Pro, select "Open file".
2. In the window that appears, we find and select our firmware, that is, a .tar or .tar.md5 file that was previously written to the created folder "Firmware".
3. After selection, click "OK".
4. Next, you need to check that there is data in all sections.
5. After checking, click on "Flash Firmware".
6. We are waiting for the flashing to finish, the operation can last ten minutes or more.
7. If during the firmware there was a request to restart the device, then you need to press the central button.

A few words should be said about how to flash a Chinese android. Chinese gadgets are also flashed, but the difficulty here is that finding the right firmware is not easy. To do this, you need to find out exactly what firmware is on your device. That's all, we hope our instructions on how to flash an android phone or tablet came in handy. All operations for flashing Android you do at your own peril and risk.

The reasons why the owners of mobile communication devices are beginning to study the question of "how to flash phones" can be very different. Some people learn to change the software part of mobile phones out of curiosity, wanting to get additional functions in the end; others try to make money from it, subsequently offering their repair services; but still others want to restore the phone with their own hands.

The topic of mobile communication devices is now very popular, so it is quite easy to find information, for example, how to flash a dead phone. Let's take a closer look at what the flashing is performed for and what is required for this.

Update

It is known that the more complex a device is, the more it is prone to failures. The same is true for mobile phones. It is not for nothing that the developers periodically release update programs that eliminate errors and flaws in their products. However, it often happens that such support stops, and all forces are rushed to the development of new solutions (which allows to stimulate demand). In this case, the owner can either use the faulty device, or learn how to flash phones and perform this operation on his own. Here are just a few examples that require a software update: freezes when unlocking the screen, camera not working, Wi-Fi module failure, etc. In addition, having studied how to flash phones and "fill" the required firmware, you can get additional functions or increase performance.

Preparing the device

Most modern phones do not require a computer to perform a firmware update. The user only needs to download the desired firmware file from the Internet, designed specifically for this device, and transfer it to the memory card. All contacts should be saved (imported to the drive). The same applies to installed applications (data will be lost). Further steps depend on the model, so there can be no universal instructions. As an example, we will consider how to flash an Android phone, since this is the most popular operating system.

Updating programs

The easiest way to flash the firmware is to use the built-in over-the-air update function. You need to enable Wi-Fi Internet access in your phone, then go to "Settings - About phone - Software update". If the developer has released a new firmware, then all that remains is to agree with its installation.

However, as we have already pointed out, sometimes support is not provided properly. Therefore, you can download the so-called custom firmware (with changes) for this model and place this file on a memory card. In many sources, where it is explained, it is always indicated that it is necessary to obtain root-rights. The most convenient way to do this is using specialized programs, for example, Framaroot. This allows the user not only to install by custom, but also to change the entire software part. After receiving root rights, you need to enter recovery mode. To do this, turn off the phone, then press the power buttons and the volume rocker. Keep pressed until the menu appears.

Procedure

For a correct update, you need to select Wipe Data / Reset, but the first time you can skip this step (if the firmware is not installed, then the data will not be lost in vain). Then the menu item Update from zip is indicated (the name may differ. Meaning - the source and path to the file are selected). After the operation is completed, it remains to select the reboot item and wait for the operating system to load (sometimes you have to wait for several minutes). In some cases, pre-installation of prepared recovery is required. It's that simple. However, we recommend installing by custom only with a full understanding of what is being done and why, since full compatibility with the device is possible only in official firmware.

Instructions