Firmware for Samsung Galaxy and other Android smartphones - why is it needed and how is it done? How to install new firmware on your Android phone

Nowadays, you can update or change the firmware of your device without contacting specialized centers. In essence, you are just wasting your money and time. How to reflash a phone yourself? We will give specific answers to this question in our article.

Features when flashing

Now we will list several important elements that are necessary to flash your cell phone.

1. First, make sure the battery is charged at 50 percent or higher ( best option- this is a full recharge), since the flashing process can be quite lengthy.
2. If you are afraid of losing important data contained on your cell phone, then make backup copies of the files and information you need.
3. To flash the firmware, you will need a standard USB cable that comes with your phone.
4. Your PC must have the appropriate software to flash your phone. You can find all drivers on the official websites of manufacturers or in numerous alternative sources. There are pirated and licensed versions of the software, which differ significantly in their functionality. It should be noted that official ones are not always better than pirated ones. After successful installation, you need to reboot your smartphone.
5. Your device must have a clean ESN, that is, not be in the stolen or lost database.
6. Next, you need to find out (for some models) MEID and ESN, where the first consists of 18 (starting with 2) or 15 digits, and the last - of 8.
7. Nowadays there are 3 types of firmware: from a ZIP archive, a TAR archive, or a three-file one. Below we will talk in more detail about each of them.

Are you still wondering how to reflash your phone? Believe me, it's not difficult at all. A little later you will see for yourself.

Firmware: “Android” from ZIP archive

This is one of the best methods used by many users. So, how to reflash an Android phone from a ZIP archive? First, you need to install root rights. It is worth noting that not all devices have this feature. Plus, once you achieve root rights, you will immediately lose the warranty on the device. Secondly, you need to make a backup, that is, a backup copy of important files. What is needed for this? You can, for example, install a special program for system recovery, an excellent example of which is ClockWorkMod. It is designed for flashing phones on the Android OS, and in case of any failures, it allows you to return to the source code. To make a backup using the above program, you need to take the following steps:

1. Launch ClockWorkMod Recovery.
2. Select "Backup & restore".
3. Next is “backup”.
4. Confirm by pressing the “YES” button.
5. Reboot your device by clicking “Reboot system now”.

After completing these steps, a backup should appear on your MicroSD in the “clockworkmod/backup” folder. After completing all the above operations, you can proceed directly to flashing. So, how to reflash an Android phone from a ZIP archive?

1. Once the ROM file has downloaded, write it to the memory card. The firmware name may contain letters and numbers, and the file itself must be in a ZIP archive.
2. Disconnect your phone from your PC and charger.
3. Next, turn off the mobile phone and start recovery mode.
4. In the menu we find the “Wipe” item, which erases the current system information.
5. Then you need to return to the root menu and select “Flash Zip from SD-Card” or “Install zip from sdcard”.
6. We find the ROM firmware located in the ZIP archive.
7. We confirm the firmware and follow the instructions on the screen.
8. If everything went well and without errors, reboot the phone by selecting “Reboot system now”.

We are done with the first method. Now let's move on to the 3-file firmware.

How to reflash Android with three-file firmware

For this method, we will need the Mobile Odin Pro application, which is another program for Android firmware. If you decide to flash the firmware using this method, you don’t have to obtain root rights. How to reflash a phone with 3-file firmware? Let's move on to the algorithm of actions:

1. First, you need to write files to your smartphone or tablet (3 files with the words CSC, CODE, Modem in their names). It is advisable to put all 3 files in one folder.
2. In the Mobile Odin Pro application, select “Open file”.
3. Next, a window should appear where you need to select a file with the word “CODE” in the name. Click "OK".
4. Then select “Modem” and press the “OK” button.
5. We check that all sections contain data.
6. After the check is completed, click “Flash Firmware”.
7. We are waiting for the firmware process to finish, which can last over 15 minutes.

Finally, we move on to the last firmware method.

How to flash Android from a TAR archive

Not the most popular method, since there are very few firmwares that are packaged in a .TAR archive. Generally speaking, most of the process is the same as the previous method. How to reflash a phone from a TAR archive?

1. In Mobile Odin Pro, select "Open file".
2. In the window, find and select the downloaded firmware in .tar or .tar.md5 format, which was previously recorded in the “Firmware” folder. Click "OK".
3. Then we check that all sections have the necessary data.
4. Next, click “Flash Firmware”.
5. We wait for the installation to complete and reboot the device.

I would like to say a few words about the firmware of Chinese phones. Such devices are updated in exactly the same way, but there are a number of nuances. Firstly, finding high-quality firmware is very difficult, and for some gadgets it is completely impossible. Secondly, various fakes (like iPhone, Galaxy S4 and others) are unreliable, which is why custom firmware can cause irreparable harm to the device. That's all, we hope that our instructions answered your question on how to reflash a Chinese phone and original devices in order to update an already boring system. However, remember that flashing Android is an operation at your own peril and risk, which may not have very rosy consequences.

How to reflash a Samsung phone

In this section we will describe flashing using the MultiLoader application. After downloading it, you need to launch it and select “BRCM2133”. Then follow these instructions:

1. Go to the “Download” mode by holding down the power (lock) and volume keys. If the message “Download” appears on the screen, it means that everything was successful.
2. We connect the phone to the PC using a USB cable. After detecting the device, click the “Download” button and wait a couple of minutes.
3. Disconnect USB and reboot the smartphone. If the mobile phone starts in English, then we do a simple “Pre-configuration” by typing “*#6984125*#” → “Pre-configuration”, after which we enter the password “*#73561*#”. Select your country of residence and reboot. Next, enter “*2767*3855#” in the window, which will help reset the settings.
4. All is ready. The system has been updated. We think you understand how to reflash a Samsung phone.

Nokia firmware

New models support the firmware function “over the air”, that is, without connecting to a PC. All you need is high-speed Internet. So, how to reflash a Nokia phone? First of all, go to the “Settings” => “Phone” => “Phone Management” => “Device Update” section. You will be presented with all the important information about the phone model and firmware version. Select “Functions” => “Check for updates”. If newer versions of the software are detected, you will be notified about this and will be offered to update the old firmware. Everything is done automatically.

If you want to update the system via your computer using a USB cable, simply download the Nokia Software Updater application and run it. Then follow the instructions that will appear on the screen of your smartphone.

How to reflash an HTC phone

First you need to download the firmware itself. In addition, it is important to obtain root rights and make a backup using the method we described earlier. You can also create a backup using the Titanium Backup application. Let's get started with the process:

1. First we do a full “wipe”. We have already told you how to do this.
2. Next, select “install zip from sd-card” in recovery.
3. Then you need to enable or disable signature verification “toggle verification mode”.
4. We find our firmware and launch it. We wait for the update to complete and reboot. At the end, “Installation completed” should be displayed.

As you can see, the firmware for phones of this model largely coincides with the method of flashing firmware from a ZIP archive that we described earlier.

Firmware Sony Xperia

To flash the firmware we will need the Flashtool program and a USB cable. Let's start the process. So, how to reflash a Sony Xperia phone?

1. First, we download the required firmware, which will be in .ftf format.
2. Place this file in the /flashtool/firmwares folder.
3. Then you need to launch the FlashTool utility, turn off the phone and wait 30-60 seconds. Next, click on the button in the application where the lightning is drawn and select “Flashmode”.
4. A little later you will receive a message stating that the firmware is ready for installation and you need to connect the device.
5. We hold down the key responsible for lowering the volume, after which the Flashtool program identifies your device.
6. We wait for the end of the firmware until the message “Flashing finished” appears. Reboot the device and enjoy the updated software.

Let's move on to the last phone, for which we will tell you the firmware process.

Fly firmware

So, how to reflash a Fly phone? Follow the algorithm:

1. We connect the phone (turned off) to the PC using a USB cable.
2. Download, install and launch the same FlashTool.
3. Go to the “Download” section, where we indicate the COM port and speed (we do not recommend setting it higher than 460800).
4. Specify the downloader (“Download Agent”).
5. We load the memory distribution scheme of your smartphone (“Scatter-loading”) and then check the lines with the areas of the device’s flash memory that are subject to programming.
6. Click “Format FAT”, where we select “Manual Fat Format”. In “Begin address” and “Format Length” in hexadecimal format you must specify the starting address (0x0), as well as the size of the smartphone memory that needs to be cleared. Be careful as calibration data may be deleted inadvertently.
7. Click “Ok”, then press the device’s power button.
8. To start the firmware process, you must click the “Download” button.
9. After the update is completed, disconnect the phone from the USB cable and reboot it (several times if necessary).

As you can see, everything is quite simple.

Finally

Many users of phones running Android OS sooner or later wonder about changing the firmware, since the original one becomes outdated, which affects the overall performance of the phone. At the same time, system interruptions very often occur, which is especially important for Chinese phones. However, according to various reasons not everyone wants to go to a service center, preferring to reflash their smartphone themselves. In this article we have given many clear examples of this process. We think you found it interesting.

Why flash Android? Because of the desire to expand the functionality, to see what your gadget might look like in a new “wrapper”, to restore the phone when there is no way to rollback, etc. But regardless of the reason, this is done this way.

How to install firmware on Android from a computer?

First you need to download it. It is best to download the official one from the website of the mobile device manufacturer. It is worth noting that the software is selected directly for a specific phone model, otherwise it may not work, which may cause additional problems.

Need to know

Before flashing your mobile device, you need to remember and follow several rules:

1. It is necessary that the phone battery charge is at least 80%, and preferably 100%.
2. Install drivers on your computer for your device.
3. It is very undesirable if the Android firmware via the PC breaks due to a power outage. Therefore, it is best to use a laptop or an uninterruptible power supply in this matter.
4. To protect your device from a low-quality OS, you need to make a backup copy of your current software and data.
5. It is highly undesirable to use USB port 3.0 when flashing (USB 3.0 port of blue color, 2.0 - white).
6. Once again, before downloading the firmware, you need to carefully read it. You should also avoid suspicious sites.
7. It is best to use the original USB cable that came with the device.
8. Usually, after flashing the device, you need to hold the power button for 15-20 seconds, so don’t panic if it takes a long time to turn on. Then it will turn on as before.

Fastboot

Using Fastboot, you can flash the firmware of an Android tablet via a computer. Download the Fastboot utility and unpack it to the root of the system drive (most often this is drive C). The result is a folder with the path to it C:\Android. There are 2 more folders there: Tools and Drivers. The first contains necessary programs, in the second - drivers. Open the Drivers folder and install the necessary drivers. Next, transfer the downloaded firmware in a zip archive to the Tools folder. Now we connect the gadget to the computer via USB.

Opening command line(or cmd) and enter the command without quotes “cd C:\Android\Tools”. Having moved to the directory of this folder, enter fastboot devices.

The device code should appear. If the code does not appear, then you need to unlock the bootloader.

Bootloader provides information to the OS about the state of the memory card, random access memory, kernel and is responsible for loading the OS. And if you don’t unlock it, then flashing will fail. It is worth noting that if the bootloader is unlocked, the device loses its warranty. However, it is quite easy to block it back if the need arises. You need to pay attention to the fact that unlocking will erase all the contents of the device and memory card, so it would be best to first make data on the internal memory and SD card.

Unlock bootloader

To unlock the bootloader (and to make flashing the Android tablet firmware via a computer possible), you need to perform the following steps:

• Turn off the mobile device.
• We connect it to the PC and simultaneously press the power button and both volumes.
• On your computer, open the command line (or cmd), where you enter “cd C:\Android\Tools” without quotes.
• Enter the command fastboot oem unlock.
• We check again with the fastboot devices command.
• If the message “waiting for device” appears instead of the gadget code, you should check for drivers and change the USB cable.

If the device has been identified, enter the command: fastboot update file_name.zip. After flashing, reboot.

Flashtool

Before installing the firmware on Android from a computer using the Flashtool utility, you need to download the operating system in ftf format. Then download and install the program. Place the downloaded file for flashing in the Firmwares folder, which is located in the program directory. Let's launch the utility.

Click on the button with the lightning icon in the upper left corner, leaving a dot on Flashmode.

Now you need the operating system file from the list for the gadget; on the right there should be a checkmark for Wipe User Data and Wipe Cache. We wait a little, after which a window will appear with instructions for connecting the phone. We connect it to the computer and simultaneously press the power button and volume down (camera, menu - the key combination may be different for different phones, so you need to check specifically for a specific model). As soon as the program gains access, the automatic “Android” will be installed quite quickly, within a few minutes.

After the process is completed, turn on the gadget and go through the initial setup.

This method of installing software is one of the best, since you can install the firmware on Android from a computer using Flashtool while the phone is turned off, which does not have Recovery mode.

Using specialized programs

Many mobile device developers have developed special service utilities. One of these utilities is updating the software of Fly smartphones. With its help, it became possible to update the current OS and Android firmware via the Fly smartphone’s computer.

Download it and install it. Once installed, the utility will offer to connect the device to the PC. It is worth noting that it must be turned on. If it is disabled, the utility itself will help you do this. After that, click “Install driver”.

We connect the smartphone and launch the utility. Click “Check for update” and select a model from the list (if you haven’t decided yet). Next, a window will appear with information about the software, where we click “Start download” and follow the simple instructions.

This program is far from the only one, since you can install firmware on Android from a computer using a similar utility from the developer on almost every smartphone.

Recovery Mode

In "recovery" mode, that is, in recovery mode, you can also reflash your device. As in any other case, you need to download the OS and move it to the SD card. It is worth noting that this Android firmware is produced without a computer.

In order to install a new operating system on your phone, you need to go to engineering menu or Recovery mode. To do this, you need to turn it off, and then simultaneously press the power button and the volume down, up, or the “menu” button (each phone manufacturer may have its own combination, so you need to find out additionally).

Depending on the version of "recovery" our actions are as follows:

• in the standard version, click apply update from external storage;

• in the TWRP version - install ZIP;

• in the CWM version - apply update from sdcard.

After the Android firmware from HTC or any other manufacturer is successful, you need to reboot your smartphone and go through the initial setup.

You should pay attention to the fact that if all possible combinations have been tried, and the gadget still does not enter the “recovery” mode, it means that this function in this device is disabled or absent altogether.

A couple of words

Let's remember a couple again important points who can save several thousand nerve cells from certain death:

1. Before installing the firmware on Android from a computer, you must make a backup copy of your data. This can be done using special utilities from both the official and unofficial developers. This will help if the flashing fails.
2. After flashing, you need to hold the power button for 15-20 seconds. If it doesn't turn on, you can try removing and inserting the battery and try turning it on again.
3. Rather, the flash card will have to be formatted. Even if there is a lot of information there, a new Android can create new sections on top of the old ones, completely ignoring the latter. Therefore, before connecting a flash drive, it is best to reset all its contents to the computer.

Android is an operating system. This program is used for tablets and phones. Android firmware makes it possible to install the system on the device so that the gadget functions normally. However, like any other program, it may experience glitches or become outdated. To restore system functions or install a new version, a flashing is performed. Even a beginner can carry out this manipulation. How to reflash Android?

What is firmware?

Android firmware – installation of the program on the device microchip. This manipulation is performed at the manufacturing plant. Based on this, it’s easy to guess that flashing is a program update. The manipulation is performed in the following situations:

• if the operating system version is outdated and you need to install a new version;
• if there are any malfunctions in the operation of the program;
• if it is necessary to change the system language to Russian;
• if you need to hack the program's security when the gadget is locked.

How to reflash Android?

If we talk about how to reflash an Android phone yourself, then the success of the event largely depends on proper preparation. The first thing we recommend doing is charging the device. Next, through the menu you should find out the exact name of the device and software.

Before performing the manipulation, you need to understand what software will be installed - official or third-party.

Before you start, you need to do the following:

• find a file on the Internet with firmware suitable for a specific type of device;
• download the program to your computer in order to update the software and prepare a USB cable if the manipulation is performed via a personal computer;
• if the firmware is installed through third-party software, then you should download the Recovery program to the gadget;
• perform a backup copy of the software installed on the device.

Only after this is the firmware of the smartphone or any other gadget re-flashed.

Flashing your phone using CWM Recovery

If we talk about how to flash Android using CWM Recovery, then you first need to install the appropriate utility on the device. The following manipulation is performed:

1. Entering R To perform this manipulation, the device is turned off. Next, press some keys to enter the program. The combination depends on the gadget manufacturer. Which set is suitable for a particular device can be determined experimentally. To do this, you should perform one combination, and if this does not give a result, then try another option. You can press the following keys:

• increase volume and turn off;
• volume down and mute;
• increase or decrease volume and mute, as well as “home”;
• both volume and mute keys.

If everything is done correctly, the system will display the program menu. To control it, use the Volume Up and Down keys to move up and down, and the Mute key to select an action.

1. All settings are reset to those that were originally set at the factory. In the menu, select the “wipe data/factory reset” item and confirm the completed action. Usually the system displays a line in which one of the options is yes or ok;
2. Next, the following menu items are selected sequentially: “Install zip” is the first action and “Choose zip from /sdcard” is the second action. After this, you should select the file in which the original firmware was saved. Next, the action is confirmed.
3. The previous action starts the process of flashing the system. Upon completion, Install from sdcard complete will appear on the screen.
4. You are logged into the CWM R program. After this, it is recommended to reboot the gadget. However, this can be done not using the power button, but by selecting the “reboot system now” item in the menu.

When all actions are completed, the gadget reboots and reflashes. This usually takes 10 minutes, but may take longer or less depending on the brand of device.

How to flash an Android phone using TWRP Recovery?

Re-flashing the phone using this program is carried out as follows:

• The file in which the gadget’s firmware data is saved is moved to the phone’s memory so that it can later be retrieved and the update started;
• you enter the program in the same way as in the case of CWM, that is, use various key combinations for this: decrease and/or increase volume + mute, increase or decrease volume and mute, as well as “home”, both volume keys and mute ;
• The programs are reset to their original settings, and upon completion of the action, the user goes to the main menu of TWRP Recovery;
• select the “Install” item and launch the file with the original firmware, which was initially saved in the device’s memory.

After this, the gadget is flashed. When the process is completed, it is recommended to restart your phone or tablet.

Installing updates using ROM Manager

ROM Manager makes it possible to update the system and save all installed applications, downloaded files and other system data. After the operation is completed, you can quickly restore all gadget data.

To flash this method, the device must have access to root rights. Thanks to this, the system gains access to the internal files of the device.

You need to download the file with the device firmware. After this, the following manipulations are performed:

• The firmware archive is transferred to the gadget’s memory using a ZIP extension;
• log in to utilities;
• select the action install ROM from SD card;
• find the firmware archive and select this file;
• select the item to install in the menu new program and automatic reboot of the gadget.

After confirming the action, the process of flashing the device starts.

How to flash Android via computer?

Firmware for an Android phone using a personal computer is done through a utility called Fastboot. It is suitable for most devices with rare exceptions.

Before performing the manipulation, you must gain access to the system kernel. In most cases, developers specifically block this access so that users cannot flash the device themselves. To remove the lock, you can use the Bootloader operating system loader. Such manipulation requires careful study of the instructions for working in the program.

Before you start flashing, you need to connect the gadget to your computer using a USB cable and enable device debugging. Important to use high quality cable. If there is damage to the wire, the connection may be interrupted at any time and the procedure will have to be started again.

Brief instructions for installing ZIP firmware using Fastboot

• The ZIP archive with the initial firmware file is copied at the factory, and it is moved to the folder with ADB;
• The Fastboot utility is activated and the following values ​​are entered in the corresponding line: fastbooflash zip file_name.zip.

After this, flashing of the device starts. After completing the process, it is recommended to restart the gadget.

Reflashing the system is an opportunity to upgrade the program to an improved version, as well as get rid of some problems in the system. You can perform the manipulation yourself if you follow some flashing rules. If the procedure is carried out incorrectly, the gadget can completely block access to any programs and applications. As a result, the user receives a useless piece of hardware. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended that you carefully study all the recommendations for flashing the device yourself. If we're talking about about the Chinese device, then any such manipulations are unacceptable. In this case, it is recommended to contact a service center.

If your " mobile friend"started to glitch and slow down, and quite noticeably, then it’s time to change its firmware to a more recent one. Most tablet owners contact service centers to replace the firmware. But you can easily do this yourself. Why, one might ask, overpay? All you need is a tablet, a cable to connect to a computer and unlimited Internet.

Let's say right away that the firmware process mobile devices same type Only minor details of the process depend on the model and manufacturer. Otherwise, everything follows the same scenario. No one should have any problems flashing their tablet independently. After all, this is not a Newtonian binomial.

Why do this?

There are many reasons to change the firmware. For example, the tablet does not turn on, or slows down, or somehow begins to work inadequately. There are cases when flashing tablet firmware can restore a completely “dead” device. And many manufacturers patch holes and vulnerabilities in new firmware, optimize work with hardware and improve the operating system in every possible way. At this point it is vitally important to re-flash your device.

There is also another reason. The fact is that some users cannot stand official firmware. They only need “custom” (firmware modified by users). There is a grain of truth in this. Customs are usually much faster than their official counterparts. However, there are also pitfalls. In custom, access to managing the OS file system is available. And this is not good, because through ignorance you can turn your tablet into a brick.

What needs to be done before the firmware process?

Before you take on this risky task, you should make a backup of the OS (if your tablet works). If something goes wrong, you can always restore a working system. Next, we need to decide on the type of firmware and find it. Although custom ones are faster, the most stable ones are still the official firmware versions. We will install them.

Let's assume that we found and downloaded the firmware. Now is the time to install on your computer the drivers necessary to connect the device. Without this, flashing tablet firmware will be impossible. After installing the drivers, you can connect the tablet to the computer and begin the process. There are several ways to flash your device with the official OS. In principle, it all depends on the tablet itself.

Firmware using SD card

The simplest and effective way. All you need to do is download the firmware file and unzip the DLOAD folder to the root of the SD card. Next you need to “drive” the tablet into update mode. U different types devices can use completely different key combinations for this. But in the standard version, these are combinations like “turn on - volume up” or “turn on and 2 volume buttons”.

If everything is done correctly, a green robot will appear on the screen and the firmware of the tablet will begin. Once the process is complete, you need to reboot the device. In some cases, you will have to press the power button for a very long time to do this. After a reboot, the device will try to launch the updated OS for a very long time. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes.

Samsung products

The firmware is slightly different from the standard method. This happened due to hardware and system features products of this company. Nothing will work here without software intervention. To carry out the firmware process, you will need to download the Odin program. It is specifically designed for flashing Samsung tablets.

Having installed all the necessary drivers and downloaded the firmware itself, you can begin the installation process. Launch the Odin program and press the PDA button in it. Then we “drive” the tablet itself into bootloader mode. To do this, press the “volume up and power” key combination. Depending on the model, the combination of buttons may vary. Connect the tablet to the PC. Odin will automatically detect the device. After this, all you have to do is press the “Start” button. The tablet firmware will begin. The program will notify you of the end of the process with a sound signal.

After installing the firmware, it is recommended to go into recovery (volume down and power button) and reset the settings to standard (wipe data). Otherwise, the firmware may become unstable. Then you can begin to configure the installed system.

Chinese tablets

With the "Chinese" everything is not so simple. For them you need to select the firmware, focusing on the exact name of the model. Because if you use the wrong firmware, you can get a “brick”. Programs for flashing Chinese firmware vary depending on the type of processor. If your device uses processors from MTK, then your choice is SP. If the device is based on Allwinner, then Live Suite is suitable for its firmware.

Sewn strictly using a computer. There is no way to flash them from an SD card. Although customs are installed on them via Clockwork Mod. Let's look at an example of Chinese firmware. You should be extremely careful during the flashing process. The Chinese are extremely capricious. One awkward move and you have a brick. Of course, brick can also be revived. But why do we need extra problems? This is what it is like - firmware for tablets originally from China.

Firmware Samsung N8000 (China)

Samsung Galaxy Note N8000 - Chinese tablet, its firmware, accordingly, depends on the type of processor. This device has Allwinner A13. Accordingly, you need to download the Live Suite program. Also, don't forget about drivers. It is difficult to find firmware for it, but it is there. As a last resort, you can try other firmware from the same devices.

So, unpack the archive with the firmware into some folder with English name. Launch Live Suite. Turn off the tablet, hold down the “volume up” button and connect to USB. Click the button with the image of a gear in the program and select the folder with the unpacked firmware. After this, the process itself will begin. At the end of the installation process, the program will display an English message like Update Success. We turn off the tablet and try to turn it on.

The N8000 64Gb tablet firmware may differ slightly in functionality, but in any case, they all work stably on devices of this type.

Tablets from MegaFon and other operators

At their core, tablets from operators are the same devices from ZTE or Huawei. This means that they are subject to the rules of standard firmware. They can be flashed using an SD card. The method with firmware update and the DLOAD folder is suitable. There are no problems observed during the firmware installation process.

The custom OS firmware for the MegaFon tablet follows a standard firmware update scenario using Clockwork Mod. In general, these tablets are among the most flexible in terms of firmware. There are never any problems with them. The only difference from regular versions of tablets is that these devices are hardware-locked to use only one SIM card from a specific operator. Otherwise, these are ordinary devices.

DNS Tablets

These devices can safely be called “purebred Chinese”, even though according to their passport they are produced in Russia. The build quality is poor, strange Allwinner and MTK processors. In general, all the attributes of a miracle of Chinese engineering. Accordingly, they are flashed in the same way as their Chinese counterparts. You need to accurately select the firmware and program to update. Otherwise it will turn out to be a brick.

The DNS tablet firmware is no different from the Chinese firmware. Therefore, all actions performed when flashing Chinese crafts are also relevant here. These tablets have only one plus - they are more responsive than the “Chinese” ones in this regard. And usually the firmware is installed on them without any problems.

Conclusion

Firmware for tablets is not such a difficult task. The main thing is that firmware for tablets 4.1, 4.2 or 4.4 be present. The rest is a matter of technique. The process of updating or replacing a tablet has a clear sequence of actions. It is unacceptable to arbitrarily change the order of actions. Perhaps this is the main rule that is worth remembering when flashing the firmware of a particular device.

Of course, the process of flashing a particular device may vary somewhat due to design features device But the very essence of this process does not change. There are several ways to flash the firmware. Choose which one you like best and go ahead.

Today we will talk about how to reflash an Android smartphone or tablet via a computer, laptop or directly from a flash drive using system Recovery. Let us immediately note that this is not too simple task. So, if you are not “friendly” with your computer at least at a basic level, we do not recommend getting into the jungle of firmware.

Firmware is a replacement for existing software, which includes the Android operating system itself and software for it. Moreover, the firmware may be different. For example, we can update the OS through the so-called OTA (Firmware Over The Air or " Software by air"). In this case, the official version of the software is downloaded and automatically installed.

It is also possible to install other firmware using a PC or recovery. This option provides a much wider selection of systems for installation. For example, it could be CyanogenMod or Google Pixel. But such software will no longer be official, which will lead to loss of warranty and a violation of the security of the device.

One way or another, you are free to do whatever you want with your phone. Moreover, the firmware process provides a lot of useful functions and innovations. Today you will see this with your own eyes. We will show you how to flash an Android phone using the example of our “test” Xiaomi Redmi Note 4x, a computer running Windows 10 and TWRP Recovery.

Firmware rules

Before moving on to preparation and the firmware itself, you should consider several important points:

• be sure to look step by step instructions for dummies on flashing your phone. The fact is that each smartphone running Android OS is flashed differently. We will only show a manual for Chinese Xiaomi;
• Never download drivers, flashers or firmware themselves from suspicious sites. Take new ROMs (images) only with official sources or the time-tested 4PDA forum;
• Charge your phone to 100%. If the battery runs out of capacity during the firmware process, the device will turn off and the OS will be damaged. As a result, it will be much more difficult to restore it (in some cases, impossible);
• Use only the original USB cable that you bought with your phone. Also avoid connecting the cable to the front panel of the PC.

Important! Read the instructions carefully. You perform all actions at your own peril and risk. If something goes wrong, instead of new firmware and a lot of useful functions, you will get a “brick” in a beautiful case.

Data backup

Let's move on to one of the most important stages of preparing for the firmware. We need to save all the data which includes photos, music, videos, phone numbers, calendar entries, etc. After all, after updating Android, in most cases, all this will be deleted.

So, in order to reserve contacts, SMS, calendar events, etc., you need to set up synchronization with Google. We will show how this is done using the example of Xiaomi. You act by analogy.

1. Let's go to the smartphone settings (to do this, lower the notification shade or go to the application menu).

1. Select the synchronization item.

1. Tap on the Google tile.

1. As you can see, some data is currently not synchronized, including contacts. Let's update the records. To do this, in our case, you need to click the “More” button.

1. Next, click on the menu item indicated below.

As a result, all records were uploaded to Google servers and now we won’t lose them when we flash Android.

There are also special programs for creating backups, for example, Titanium Backup.

As for photos, music and videos, everything is simpler here. Copy important data to a memory card or computer via a cord. Also make sure you remember the passwords for various programs, e.g. social networks. Once all files are saved, move on to the next step.

Flashing an Android smartphone

Now it's time for the firmware itself. For those who do not read the entire article, let us remind you: each Android phone is flashed differently - if you load the device with software or OS that is not suitable for it, you risk damaging the gadget, sometimes beyond the possibility of recovery. We show you how to flash Xiaomi phone Redmi Note 4x (the “x” symbol means that the device runs on a Qualcomm processor, not MTK).

The system bootloader is a small area of ​​memory that is responsible for starting the OS itself (analogous to the MBR in Windows). This bootloader is the key to the security of your Android. It is after unlocking it that attackers can easily gain access to any data if the device is stolen or lost. This is the main disadvantage of unofficial firmware. Although after installing third-party OSes, the bootloader can be blocked again.

So, in order for us to flash the phone, we also need to unlock the bootloader. In some phones this is very easy to do (Samsung is directly flashed with the Odin program), in others it is much more difficult. For example, in the case of Xiaomi, you must make a request on the official website under the pretext that you are a designer (working on new themes for Xiaomi) or a developer (testing software). If access is approved, you will receive a message about this and will be able to open the phone's bootloader.

Firmware

You can flash Android in different ways. There are 3 main options:

• software update over the air (OTA). Automatic download and installation of new versions of programs and the operating system itself as part of developer support;
• firmware using a PC or laptop. In this way, you can install both official ROMs and any custom firmware;
• using Recovery. Using a special PreOS mode, you can install any ROM stored in the phone's memory or on a memory card.

Let's consider each of the options in order.

Standard update

Let's start with the simplest thing - updating Android to the latest version. It is important to understand that depending on the phone model and OS version, the location of menu items and their names may differ.

1. Go to the device settings by tapping on the gear.

1. Next, go to the “System Update” section.

1. Select the menu item “About phone”.

1. Here you should click the button to check for new versions, unless, of course, the process starts automatically.

In our case it is installed latest version Android. If you find materials for updating, simply confirm their installation. The phone will download the data and, after rebooting, install it.

Via computer

This method can already be considered a “real” firmware, and first we need to unlock that same bootloader. We wrote about how to get permission in the case of Xiaomi. You can find instructions for your gadgets on the 4PDA website.

So, let's start by unlocking the system bootloader (permission received from Xiaomi):

1. Download and install the Mi Flash Unlock program on your computer/laptop from a well-known forum. Turn off the phone and simultaneously hold down the Volume and Power buttons. And we wait until the gadget is switched to FASTBOOT mode.

1. Install the smartphone driver, launch Mi Flash Unlock and connect the phone to the computer via a cord. At the first stage, we accept the program license by clicking the button marked in the screenshot.

1. Enter the data from your Mi account and click the authorization button.

1. To start unlocking, we need to press the “Unlock” button.

1. A small window will appear, warning us that if we open access to the bootloader, our device will become vulnerable to viruses that can damage it. We are waiting for the countdown to end.

1. If you are reading these lines, it means you have not changed your mind. Click the button that says “Unlock anyway”.

1. The unlocking process will begin, which consists of verification and, in fact, opening the bootloader.

1. As a result, you will see a success message. Click the marked button.

After turning on the device, when the OS starts, the inscription “Unlocked” will be visible.

After our bootloader is unlocked, we can move on to the firmware itself. Let's look at how it goes:

1. We will use the MiFlashPro utility. Download it, for example, from w3bsit3-dns.com and install it on your computer. We also need the firmware itself. The advantage of this utility is that it itself downloads the latest firmware versions from the official website. So, again we put the smartphone into FASTBOOT mode and connect it to USB. Go to the “ROM Packages” tab and start writing the model name in the search box, then select the desired item from the list that appears.

1. Click the button marked in the screenshot to update the list of available firmware.

1. Select the desired version, mark it with a checkbox and click “Download”.

1. Go to the “Downloading” tab and wait for the firmware download to finish.

1. When the required software is downloaded, it will appear in the appropriate section.

1. To start flashing the firmware, go to the “Mi Flash” section.

1. We remind you: at this moment your phone must be connected in FASTBOOT mode. Click the marked button so that the program can find it.

1. Select the firmware image that we downloaded, as well as the firmware mode, and click “Flash”.

Description of firmware modes:

• cclean all. Full firmware with data deletion. The bootloader remains unlocked;
• save user data. The firmware only affects the system memory section, and your data remains untouched. The bootloader remains open;
• clean all and lock. Full firmware with removal of all user files. The bootloader is blocked.

1. The Android firmware process began and was completed. This takes approximately 5–10 minutes. The phone will reboot automatically.

Ready! You have a fully customized smartphone in your hands.

Via Recovery

There is another way to flash firmware for an Android phone. It consists of using special regime, which works without loading the main operating system. The Recovery function is called and can be either standard or custom.

Let's look at an example of installing TWRP and flashing firmware using it new version Android 8 Oreo, taken from Google Pixel:

1. Initially, you should unlock the device's bootloader. We described above how this is done. Next, we will have to download and unzip the folder with the files needed to install the recovery onto our computer. Then run the flash_and_boot.bat file.

1. The process of writing Recovery to the system partition will occur. When it ends, press any button. The phone will reboot into recovery on its own.

1. Now you need to download the firmware ROM in zip format and put it into the phone’s memory. After this we move on to pre-cleaning. Tap on the marked icon.

1. Go to the “Selective Cleaning” tile.

1. We check all the items except the user’s internal memory, then move the slider.

1. We are waiting for the Android cleaning process to complete.

Attention: this action will completely remove the existing operating system. Before you begin, make sure you have a working ROM of another firmware.

1. Go to the main Recovery menu and click on the installation tile.

1. Select the pre-loaded firmware ROM.

1. To start the firmware, move the slider to the right.

1. The firmware process has started. We are waiting for its completion.

1. If your firmware does not have Google services by default, you need to flash them separately. To do this, download gaps from a special website, place them in the phone's memory and install them in the same way as the OS itself.

Attention! Choose Google Apps according to your processor bit, architecture, and Android version.

1. Select the file by tapping on the name and install it.

1. Finally, we move on to the reboot point to start the new system.

As a result, our Chinese Xiaomi Redmi Note 4x has firmware from Google Pixel installed.

There are also all the necessary Google Services, including the Play Market.

And, of course, this is the latest version of Android 8.1 Oreo.

TWRP is not the only custom recovery. There are other options, for example, CWM Recovery.

As a result, you know how to flash your Android smartphone using custom Recovery. Let's talk about what to do if the device does not boot.

If the phone does not start

Sometimes it happens that the phone simply does not turn on after flashing. It may not respond to buttons at all or get stuck at the startup logo. If this happens, try flashing the official ROM through your computer. Naturally, this option is possible if Android at least switches to FASTBOOT.

Again, this applies specifically to Xiaomi. In cases with other gadgets, for example, Lenovo, Prestigio, HTC, Samsung, ZTE or Fly, everything may be completely different. In any case, in order to eliminate or at least minimize the possibility of your phone breaking, you need to carefully follow the instructions specifically for your model and download firmware with programs only from trusted sources.

Conclusion

At this point, we consider the question of how to independently change the firmware on Android at home. If you need any additional information, we invite you to write about it in the comments. Just don’t say that something from our instructions doesn’t work. We took screenshots from a real device and everything went well.

Video instruction