Reflashing the phone. Why is official firmware needed? What to do before flashing your Android

Let's figure out how to flash Android through a computer/laptop if it doesn't want to turn on. IN in this case This means a phone and tablet running Android OS.

This article is suitable for all brands that produce phones on Android 9/8/7/6: Samsung, HTC, Lenovo, LG, Sony, ZTE, Huawei, Meizu, Fly, Alcatel, Xiaomi, Nokia and others. We are not responsible for your actions.

System malfunctions can be so serious that resetting the settings does not fix them. If you are faced with such a situation, then it will be useful to know how to reflash Android to return the phone to working condition.

Bootloader check

The first thing you need to do before flashing Android is to make sure that the problem is of a software nature. Click Power button: if the phone shows at least some signs of life (clicks, the logo lights up, the robot freezes, exclamation mark), then the bootloader is OK. This means you can flash your smartphone, and it will continue to work.

Even if nothing happens when you press the power button, it’s too early to panic. Connect the device to your computer via USB and press the power button or the combination of “Power” and volume down keys.

If the computer sees the connected phone, it means it can be flashed - the main thing is to know how to do it yourself. If your smartphone does not show any signs of life, take it to a service center. The device probably does not turn on due to hardware problems, the elimination of which requires the intervention of a competent specialist.

Android firmware via computer

If the system is so damaged that it won’t turn on, you will have to reinstall it - in other words, flash the phone through the computer. If the manufacturer has provided for this possibility and developed special software, then there will be no problems.

For example, owners of LG smartphones are lucky: the LG Mobile Support Tool program, which can be downloaded from the equipment manufacturer’s website, will do everything for them.

1. Install and launch LG Mobile Support Tool.
2. Install the phone drivers in the “Install” section USB driver».
3. Connect your smartphone via USB. Press the power button or the combination “Power + Vol-”. The device should appear in the program window.

Open the section " Additional features" and click "Recover from update error". The application will do the rest of the work on its own, eliminating problems that prevent Android from working. There is a similar program for Sony Xperia- PC Companion.

If official application There is no way to flash or restore the system; you can use software from third-party developers. Each brand has its own program:

• LG- KDZ Updater.
• Samsung - Odin.
• HTC- Android SDK Platform Tools.
• Lenovo-SP Flash Tool.

The listed programs work on the same principle. You connect your phone via USB, download the firmware file for specific model smartphone and install it through the application. After successful installation, Android starts again and works without errors.

Android firmware via Recovery Menu

If the phone had installed custom Recovery(for example, TWRP or Clockwork Mod), then you can flash the device without programs on your computer. However, you will need the computer itself to download the firmware and transfer it to the memory card.

1. Find the firmware for your phone model and download it to your computer.
2. Place the file on a memory card and install it in your smartphone. If your smartphone does not support microSD, this method will not work.
3. Run Recovery Menu. The combination “Power” + “Vol+” is usually used.
4. Clean your phone from damaged files by selecting " wipe data/factory reset».
5. Click "install zip" from sdcard».
6. Select the firmware file placed on the memory card and confirm the installation.

After installation is complete, click “Reboot system now” to complete the installation and apply the configuration. After reboot Android should start without problems.

Many of us a year after acquisition mobile device, and maybe even earlier, they think about what they want new model with great functionality. It becomes a shame: it seems like there is not a single scratch on your device yet, and not much time has passed, but today Android is not the last one in it, and cheaper devices already have a newer OS. But that's the pace technical progress, and keeping up with them is hardly possible, and even irrational.

You can take a reliable device with good configuration and simply update Android in it. Now many models have an auto-update function, the so-called “over the air”. True, many have noticed that it does not always work adequately. It happens that in the device settings they write that it costs the most latest version OS, and on websites they are discussing operating systems a couple of versions newer. Therefore, now I want to show several options on how to reflash Android yourself.

How to reflash Android: Video

OS update through the manufacturer

First you need to find out the firmware on Android. You can do this in the device through the settings: go to “About phone” (or “About tablet”, depending on what you have), then select “Software information”, where the Android version will be indicated.

So, brief instructions on Android firmware using a program from the manufacturer. This method is official, it does not void the warranty, only official Android firmware is installed, but in the future, if you suddenly apply for warranty, mention that you updated through a program from the manufacturer. I will say that each trademark its own utility, and it is impossible to give a description for everyone. The update for LG will be demonstrated here, since at the time of writing I have a device from this particular company in my hands. For everyone else, the principle of the firmware will be similar, the only difference is in the interface of the program itself, and from the user generally little is required.

In my case, LG Mobile Support Tool showed that I have the latest version of the software. This device runs Android 4.4.2, but I know that there is also 5.0 Lollipop. In such a situation, the second option will be useful to us: I’ll tell you how to flash Android without a computer by installing alternative versions of Android firmware.

Installing alternative firmware

In this option, the user will have to flash Android himself, and he will be required to actively participate in the process. To begin with, we install custom Recovery, perhaps someone already has it, but for the rest I will show how you can install this program (using the example of my device).

Obtaining Root rights

To begin with you will need Root rights. They can be put like this:

How to get ROOT rights: Video

Installation Recovery

Now install Recovery СWM:

1. In my case, I need to download FreeGee Free **ROOT Required**.
2. Launch and select backup EFS.
3. Tap on СWM-6.0.4.6 and agree, then select MAKO Unlock to download the hacked Bootloader, as well as Recovery.

   How to flash an Android tablet via a computer: Video

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. Problems with independent firmware No one should have a tablet. 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 in every possible way operating system. Here it is vitally necessary 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. Custom ones are usually much faster than their official counterparts. However, there is also pitfalls. In custom, access to management is open file system OS. 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 business, you should do backup copy 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, they are still the most stable official versions firmware 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, firmware for tablets 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 start the updated OS for a very long time. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes.

Samsung products

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

Having installed everything necessary drivers and having 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 Live program Suite. 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 an 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 the rules apply to them. 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. Difference from regular versions tablets is only that these devices are hardware locked to use only one SIM card of 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 stitched 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

Flashing 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 the design features of the 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.

Android system is an open source OS source code, available for modifications and extensions. Why do you need to flash your device?

Coming out official updates, in which errors are corrected and additions are made, but not for every device on this system it is possible to offer automatic updates, Although technical capabilities allow .

There are many unofficial firmwares available that allow you to change the design, remove pre-installed applications that add useful features.

Many people need to flash their device. There are several ways to do this:

• OTA updates. They are downloaded via wi-fi or Internet traffic and “arrive” automatically.
• Through a computer. Enough safe way, the firmware is installed when the device is connected to the PC.
• Through the Recovery menu on the device itself. To flash, you will need a 100% charge and a downloaded firmware zip file.

Preparing for flashing

To reflash Android, you need to prepare:

• Through the device settings, find out the firmware version that you already have. Path “Settings -> About phone -> Firmware version”.
• Charge your device to 100%. Turning off the device during the process can lead to unpleasant consequences for the system.
• Download from the Internet the firmware version for your device that you want to flash. If you install unofficial firmware, additionally read reviews about the work before sewing.
• Do Android device backup: if something doesn’t suit you in the new firmware, you can.

Firmware via PC

• Place the firmware version on drive C.
• Download the Odin3 program, place it on drive C.
• Connect your Android device to your computer via a USB cable.
• With the device turned off, enter the firmware mode.
• Run the program, find the firmware file, click “flash” (or start).

The firmware process will take approximately 7-10 minutes. During the process, you cannot disconnect the Android device from the computer. If you have a laptop, it is better to connect it to the network or make sure that the battery is fully charged, otherwise, instead of flashing the device, you can turn it into a brick and then suffer for a long time with recovery.

Firmware using a zip file via the device itself

• Get root rights. For each Android device, the options for obtaining rights may be different.
• Install a Recovery backup program, for example - ClockWorkMod.
• Copy the firmware to an SD card or the device itself.
• Install the SD card, go to Recovery mode. The combination of buttons is also different for each device.
• Reset your settings, then reboot your device.
• Choose the required firmware on the card and start the process.
• After the flashing process is completed, reboot the device again by selecting from the menu reboot system now.

Before flashing the device, you should transfer all existing data to another medium: after flashing there will be no user files, contacts in phone book etc. It is not difficult to reflash the device, but remember that you should install the verified firmware, and not the first one you come across.

Updating or installing firmware can eliminate many problems related to the operation of Android devices A. During long-term use system memory mobile gadgets gets clogged 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 begins to freeze and reboot on its own. And if factory reset() does not lead to a positive result, the user can only perform the software update himself. Let's look at how to reflash a phone running on Android OS.

Types of firmware and methods of installing them

Installing Android firmware at home differs in many ways from installing other software. This process is more labor-intensive and associated with many risks. If you select the wrong software version or violate the update process, there is a possibility that your phone or tablet will become useless. However, having learned how much reflashing costs from professionals, many still decide to change the version software on one's own.

For flashing Android doesn't exist single instructions, which would fit all models of mobile devices. It all depends on the manufacturer of the device and what software you plan to install.

All Android firmware is divided into two types:

1. Official. Supplied directly by smartphone manufacturers and usually only suitable for a specific brand. Such programs are considered the most reliable, so they should be used whenever possible.
2. Unofficial (custom). Under development Android users devices and small firms. They are used when reinstalling Android 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 begin to slow down even more. Therefore download executable file necessary only after reading its description in detail and reading user reviews.

There are several ways to change the firmware on Android:

Preparing for self-flashing

Before reinstalling the software on your Android device, you need to make a number of preparatory measures:

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

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

For a more detailed procedure for updating Android on your phone, see Samsung example and Lenovo though this instruction also suitable for many other brands.

Smartphone firmware from Samsung

Software updates on Samsung devices are carried out using Kies programs. This utility allows you not only to reflash your tablet or phone, but also to make a backup copy old system, synchronize personal data with your PC and much more.

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

After creating a backup copy, feel free to reflash your phone or tablet via your 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, do not under any circumstances disconnect it from the PC or perform other actions that could lead to a disconnection.

After flashing your Android phone through a computer, check the functionality of all its functions. If nothing fails, it means the software update was successful.

Replacing firmware on a Lenovo tablet via PC

Before flashing a Lenovo tablet, you need to understand that there is no software developed specifically for this brand. Therefore, we have to be content with universal developments. One such application is SP Flash Tool. Let's look at how to update software on Lenovo using this utility:

After you have succeeded in updating the firmware, check that all functions of the tablet are working.