Android firmware using the FastBoot utility. Custom Android: we make our own firmware from stock without digging into the sources Firmware from the phone via zip file

In this article, we will tell you how to reflash Android. Why do I need an android flashing and is it so difficult to flash Android? Phones, smartphones and tablet computers are reflashed to get more functionality 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 from Android 4 by default, the OS includes voice recognition of speech from Google. In general, it’s worth flashing Android for general purposes 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 you need 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 Sony Ericsson can be flashed. Android firmware is a responsible thing, so you first need to prepare. If you decide to reflash an android tablet or smartphone, then first do the following:

• Make sure the device is charged and will not turn off during flashing. It is better to let it be 100% charged. This is an important point, because if the tablet or smartphone turns off when it is being flashed, this will lead to the loss of the system and data.
• Specify 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 model or tablet computer and download it.

So, from our publication you will learn:

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

A little about custom firmware

Flashing an android begins with the choice of 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 firmware, which, according to their authors and users, is somewhat better than the official versions.

First of all, if your device supports absolutely outdated version official firmware, then you can find a custom one, more new version Android. Also, there is a relatively common belief that custom versions prolong the operation of the device. In fact, it doesn't have to be once in a while. They can extend, or they can reduce, depending on the gadget. In any case, the firmware on the custom version does not save much battery power.

Often the advantage of custom firmware is that they fix the shortcomings of official versions and have some additional settings and functions. Many custom firmware are small in size, the largest number settings (or the smallest, depending on directionality), work faster. Of course, if you decide to choose such a firmware, then you need to do it carefully. Nobody canceled viruses and bookmarks.

Firmwares are different, they are in ZIP archives, or consisting 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 firmware on android. Updating the Android firmware is not difficult.

Android firmware from ZIP archive

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

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

Backup system using ClockWorkMod is done like this:

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

After these steps, 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 it was created. So, we made a backup, opened the root, inserted the card - you can start flashing:

1. After downloading 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 charge.
3. Turn off the device and (how exactly to start it depends on specific device). If you don't know how to download the menu recovery menu of your Android devices well, then you need to look for a way to launch or ask here in the comments.
4. Next, in the menu, you need to find the “Wipe” item, 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” option. The text may differ, depending on the application, but the essence is the same - firmware from a ZIP archive.
6. Find ROM firmware, which 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 is flashed and you can reboot the device by selecting the “Reboot system now” item in the root 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 flash Android with a 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 a 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 firmware that are packed in a .TAR archive. In principle, everything is the same as in the previous instructions. With such firmware, the phone can be reflashed like this (again you will need 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 file of the .tar or .tar.md5 format, which was previously written to the created “Firmware” folder.
3. After selection, click "OK".
4. Next, you need to check that all sections have data.
5. After checking, click "Flash Firmware".
6. We are waiting for the flashing to end, the operation can last ten or more minutes.
7. If during the firmware there was a request to reboot the device, then you need to press the center button.

A few words should be said about how to flash 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.

Greetings to our regular readers and new visitors to the Fans Android site! Today I will try with you to figure out all these firmware, updates, which ones to install and whether they need to be installed at all.

The Android operating system is a beautiful operating system, dynamic, but sometimes not entirely understood. For example, if you give a beginner some android smartphone and the attached files for the firmware, then with 100% probability it will simply be confused. Google (which created the Android mobile OS) did its best to distribute its OS, but did not take care of standardizing smartphone firmware. Each manufacturer has many types and methods of firmware, for example, using files with extensions KDZ, TAR, MD5, ZIP, IMG, ETX4, RFS. Somehow flash through the air, from a computer, go into some kind of menu, rename and install updates. Now let's deal with everything in order!

Updates for "stabilization" (to make the device less buggy)

By way of updating or firmware

By air (FOTA)

Using a computer

With Update.zip

Are updates needed at all?

In very distant times, when Nokia's Symbian OS reigned, the release of a new OS for your smartphone sounded like something fantastic, firmware was released to “stabilize” the smartphone, it was not buggy, there was no question of any increase in functionality, no global change in the characteristics of the OS. With the advent of Android and IOS smartphones on the market, everything has changed dramatically. For each of your smartphones, it is guaranteed (if it is new) to receive at least one upgrade of the mobile OS version. These updates add all possible interface optimizations, optimize the operation of the operating system, add any new features, and fix security vulnerabilities. Therefore, the question is whether it is necessary to update? The answer is YES! Your smartphone will only get better from updates.

Requirements

Never upgrade your device with a dead battery! Always back up your data!

Types and methods

By air

Almost all manufacturers that produce smartphones or tablets on the Android operating system have updates over the air (FOTA - updates). Such updates are best downloaded via WI-FI, since their weight can be from 1 mb to 500 mb, so you can download them with confidence and not spend money on your account. Basically, such updates come to stabilize the firmware and less often to change the OS.

Using a computer

Each manufacturer has its own firmware program, and here there are just a lot of options and types of different files with various extensions. Now let's try to figure it out and not get confused, start drinking and tearing your hair out!

Basically, all firmware consists of an image (for example, as an ISO) in which all the necessary files for the firmware are located. This image has the extension IMG, or EXT4 (which is basically the same thing). Manufacturers simply put their shell on this image. Samsung has TAR, MD5, LG has KDZ, HTC has IMG. To find out how to flash Android, it's best to find out on the manufacturer's website (or ours). Such firmware exists both to stabilize the device and to upgrade the version of the operating system.

Update.zip

The latest type of updates and firmware on the Android operating system. Manufacturers also often use this species firmware. In order to install it, you need to download from the manufacturer's website ZIP Firmware or Update ( maybe!) will need to be renamed to Update.zip (if it has a different name), by no means unzip file. The Update.zip file is installed from a special mode called Bootloader or Recovery. Whether this type of firmware installation or updates is possible can also be found on the manufacturer's website. Such updates can be of a stabilization nature, as well as a complete renewal and increase in the operating Android systems! Also, such files are used by craftsmen for Getting Root rights or what to modify in the Android device.

That's all! I hope that you, Dear, after reading, are not completely confused, for what and what firmware where to put them! Good luck with your firmware!

Thank you for visiting the Fans Android site! Leave the site bookmarked, add to our official page

Need to flash Android using FastBoot, but don't know how? This article gives detailed instruction on using the FastBoot utility and how to use it to flash an Android device.

This manual will fully tell you how to use FastBoot! If you do not know how to install archived updates, then you need an article - Clockwordmod - what it is. Instructions for CWM recovery with pictures

Download and install FastBoot

Before flashing Android using FastBoot, you need to download it and install it on the required computer.

1. You can download the FastBoot utility from official program Android SDK (heavy weight)

why adb run is better

(rutube)35ab1de9e0bba7da32b643d19a14c9f0(/rutube)

launch

If you downloaded Separately Fastboot

After you have downloaded and installed FastBoot, open the program " Command line »

and vve Give commands to go to the folder with the Fastboot utility (if you have installed separately FastBoot)

If you downloaded ADB RUN

If your choice fell on the ADB RUN program, then run it and select Manual -> ADB from the menu

Command instructions on how to flash Android using FastBoot

It is very important to write commands and firmware files as they are indicated!

If you have a command

then you need to write exactly like that, but not in any other way. In other words, the case of letters is important otherwise you will get an error cannot load 'image' - there is no such file.

Commands to reboot into firmware mode (bootloader)

The command "sees" your Android PC

Get in the habit of checking before doing anything in Fastboot if the connection between your computer and Android is:

Checking if the PC "sees" your Android

Run this command when the device is already in firmware mode (bootloader)

Commands for unlocking and locking the Nexus bootloader

Unlock bootloader for Nexus

Lock bootloader for Nexus

Command to find out the bootloader version

Shows installed on android number bootloader versions

Partition formatting commands

Before you flash any partition in Android, you must first format it so that there are no problems in operation.

fastboot erase Imya_razdela - erase partition: boot, radio, recovery, system, userdata and others

Erases the Cache partition

Erases the Data section

Erases the System partition

Erases the Recovery partition

Commands for flashing a partition

After you have formatted the partition or partitions, you can proceed to the firmware

fastboot flash Imya_razdela imya_file.img - firmware of the selected partition: boot, radio, recovery, system, userdata and others

Flash the system partition (System)

Flash partition cache (Cache)

Flash the date section (Data)

Flash the Recovery Partition

Setting the power-on animation (firmware partition with animation)

Flash all partitions (boot, recovery and system)

Instead of imya.img- you need to write the name of the file that you are going to flash

Command to install update.zip

Flashes an update archive on Android in update.zip format or ZIP archive with IMG images of various sections

For Sony devices

Checking the connection of a Sony device, if the answer is 0.3 device, then it is connected

Unlock bootloader

More detailed information on unlock bootloader Sony - How to unlock Bootloader Sony

Error Waiting for Device

If you have an inscription in the command window for a long time waiting for device- means:

• The driver is not installed or installed incorrectly - reinstall or install
• Android device not in Bootloader mode - translate
• Incorrect connection to USB port- use rear USB ports 2.0 computer, do not use USB hubs

Video example of working with the Fastboot utility

(rutube)681e46fc831b35f60bc992ed023e85cc(/rutube)

For those who don't understand!

For those who do not understand anything, use the ADB RUN application, this program contains almost all the commands that are needed for FASTBOOT!

Below is an example of how ADB RUN works - how to quickly flash a Recovery file with using ADB RUN in less than 5 seconds (don't forget to switch to bootloader mode first)! Click on the image to view.

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

Firmware Features

Now we will list a few important items that are necessary for flashing your cell phone.

1. First, make sure that the battery is charged at 50 percent or more (the best option is a full charge), as the flashing process can be quite lengthy.
2. If you are afraid of losing important data on your cell phone, then back up your files and the information you need.
3. For flashing, you will need a standard USB cable that comes with the phone.
4. The 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 restart your smartphone.
5. Your device must have a clean ESN, that is, not be in the database of stolen or lost.
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. Today there are 3 types of firmware: from a ZIP archive, a TAR archive, or a three-file one. Below we will go into more detail about each of them.

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

Firmware: "Android" from the ZIP archive

This is one of the best methods used by many users. So, how to reflash a phone ("Android") from a ZIP archive? First, you need to install root rights. It is worth noting that not all devices have this feature. Plus, having achieved root rights, you will immediately lose the warranty on the device. Secondly, you need to make a backup, that is, a backup copy important files. What is needed for this? You can, for example, set special program to restore the system, an excellent example of which is ClockWorkMod. It is designed to flash 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 must take the following steps:

1. Launch ClockWorkModRecovery.
2. Select "Backup & restore".
3. Further "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. At the end of all the above operations, you can proceed directly to the flashing. So, how to reflash a phone ("Android") from a ZIP archive?

1. After downloading the ROM file, write it to the memory card. The firmware name can contain Latin letters and numbers, and the file itself must be in a ZIP archive.
2. Disconnect your phone from PC and charger.
3. Next, turn off the mobile phone and start the recovery mode.
4. In the menu we find the item “Wipe”, which erases the current information of the system.
5. After that, you need to return to the root of the menu and select the item "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 flash Android with three-file firmware

For this method, we need the Mobile Odin Pro app, which is another Android flashing program. If you decide to flash it in this way, then you can not get root rights. How to flash a phone with 3-file firmware? Let's move on to the algorithm of actions:

1. First you need to write files to a smartphone or tablet (3 files that have the words CSC, CODE, Modem in their names). It is desirable to throw all 3 files in one folder.
2. In the Mobile Odin Pro app, select "Open file".
3. Next, a window should appear where you need to select a file that has the word "CODE" in its name. Click "OK".
4. Then select the "Modem" item and press the "OK" button.
5. We check that all sections have data.
6. At the end of the check, click "Flash Firmware".
7. We are waiting for the firmware process to end, 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 flash a phone from a tar archive?

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

I would like to say a few words about the firmware Chinese phones. Such devices are updated in exactly the same way, but there are a number of nuances. Firstly, it is very difficult to find high-quality firmware, and for some gadgets it is completely impossible. Secondly, various fakes (like the 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 flash a Samsung phone

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

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

Nokia Firmware

New models support the over-the-air flashing function, 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" => "Manage your phone" => "Device update" section. You will be presented with all important information about phone model and firmware version. Select "Functions" => "Check for Updates". If newer versions of the software are found, you will be notified and prompted to update old firmware. Everything is done automatically.

If you wish to update the system via a computer by connecting 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 flash an HTC phone

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

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

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

Sony Xperia Firmware

For the firmware we need Flash tool and USB cable. Let's start the process. So how to reflash sony phone Xperia?

1. First, we download the firmware we need, which will have the .ftf format.
2. We drop this file into the / flashtool / firmwares folder.
3. After you need to run 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 be given a message 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 are waiting for the end of the firmware until the inscription "Flashing finished" appears. We reboot the device and enjoy the updated software.

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

Fly Firmware

So how to reflash mobile phone? Follow the algorithm:

1. We connect the phone (turned off) to the PC via a USB cable.
2. Download, install and run the same FlashTool.
3. Go to the "Download" section, where we indicate the COM port and speed (we do not recommend setting it above 460800).
4. Specify the bootloader ("Download Agent").
5. We load the memory allocation 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's memory to be cleared. Be careful as it is possible to inadvertently delete the calibration data.
7. Click "OK", then press the power button of the device.
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 on the Android OS sooner or later ask themselves about changing the firmware, as the original one becomes obsolete, which affects overall performance phone. Along with this, very often there are interruptions in the system, which is especially true for Chinese phones. However, for various reasons, not everyone wants to go to service center, preferring to reflash your smartphone yourself. In this article, we have given many illustrative examples of this process. We think you were interested.

Updating or installing firmware can eliminate many problems associated with the functioning of an Android device. Long-term operation system memory mobile gadgets are clogged with residual files () (“casts” of previously downloaded programs), malicious code() and other unnecessary data. All this leads to a decrease in the performance and speed of the processor and RAM. As a result, the smartphone (tablet) often freezes and reboots on its own. And if factory reset() didn't result in positive result, the user only needs to update the software himself. Consider how to reflash a phone running on the Android OS.

Types of firmware and how to install them

Android firmware at home is in many ways different from installing the rest of the software. This process is more labor intensive and is associated with many risks. If you choose the wrong version of the software or violate the update process, there is a chance that your phone or tablet will turn into a useless "". However, having learned how much a flashing from professionals costs, many still decide to change the version software on one's own.

There is no single instruction for flashing Android that would fit all models. mobile devices. It all depends on the manufacturer of the device and what software is planned to be installed.

All Android firmware are divided into two types:

1. Official. They are supplied directly by smartphone manufacturers and are usually only suitable for a certain brand. Such programs are considered the most reliable, so they should be used whenever possible.
2. Unofficial (custom). Are being developed Android users devices and small firms. They are applied when Android is reinstalled on Chinese devices (for example, Lenovo, Meizu, Xiaomi, etc.).

When using custom software, there is a possibility of installing a low-quality update, as a result of which the gadget will start to slow down even more. So download executable file it is necessary only after a detailed reading of its description and familiarization with user reviews.

There are several ways to change the firmware on Android:

Preparing for self-flashing

Before reinstalling the software on an Android device, a number of preparatory measures must be taken:

• download a software update program on your PC (Odin, Kies or SP Flash Tool and find a quality usb cable(if the reinstallation will take place using a computer);
• (if you plan to reinstall Android to an unofficial version);
• charge the battery of the gadget by 100%;

Functionality established security largely depends on its version and assembly. To new firmware after some time did not start to conflict with the hardware, you need to find out serial number mobile device:

We will consider a more detailed procedure for updating Android on a phone using the example of Samsung and Lenovo, although this instruction also suitable for many other brands.

Smartphone firmware from Samsung

Software updates on Samsung devices are performed using the Kies program. This utility allows not only to reflash a tablet or phone, but also to make a backup copy old system, sync personal data with PC and much more.

Before upgrading the firmware to the latest software, you need to properly configure Kies. This is done as follows:

After creating a backup, feel free to reflash your phone or tablet through a computer. To do this, open the "Tools" section in Kies and activate the item marked in the figure, thereby starting the update process.

While the device is being flashed, in no case disconnect it from the PC and do not perform other actions that may lead to a disconnection.

After flashing the Android phone through a computer, check the performance of all its functions. If nothing fails, then the software update was successful.

Replacing the firmware on a Lenovo tablet via a PC

Before flashing a Lenovo tablet, you need to understand that there is no software developed specifically for this brand. Therefore, one has to be content with universal developments. One such application is SP Flash Tool. Consider how to update the software on Lenovo using this utility:

After you managed to update the firmware, check the performance of all tablet functions.