What you need to flash your phone's firmware. We create Android firmware from scrap materials. Flashing using the ODIN MULTI DOWNLOADER program

In this article we will tell you how to reflash Android. Why do you need to flash an Android and is it so difficult to flash Android? Phones, smartphones and tablet computers are being 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 The OS includes voice recognition by default from Google. In general, it is worth flashing Android for general purposes or if there is a serious problem with the operation of your 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 first you need to prepare. If you decide to reflash your Android tablet or smartphone, then first do the following:

• Make sure that the device is charged and will not turn off during flashing. It’s better to let it be 100% charged. This is an important point, because if the tablet or smartphone turns off while it is being flashed, this will lead to the loss of the system and data.
• Check the OS version of your gadget and what firmware is currently installed on it. This can be found in Settings > About phone. The Android version, kernel version and build number will tell you which operating system is currently installed.
• Then you need to find it 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 copy the current system and the state of the phone before flashing.
• How to roll back firmware on Android.

A little about custom firmware

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

First of all, if your device supports a completely outdated version of the official firmware, then you can find a custom, more new version Android. Also, there is a relatively common belief that custom versions extend the life of the device. In fact, it’s not necessary once at a time. They can extend it, or they can shorten it, depending on the gadget. In any case, updating the custom version of the firmware does not save much battery power.

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

There are different firmwares, they can be 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 once you get to the root access, you will lose the warranty, as well as with firmware. Next we make a backup. We have already written, . That is, for firmware you need:

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

Backing up the system using ClockWorkMod is done like this:

1. Launch ClockWorkMod Recovery.
2. Select “Backup & restore”.
3. Next is “backup”.
4. 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 - we can start flashing:

1. After downloading the ROM file, write it to the memory card. The firmware name may contain letters and numbers. The file itself must be in a ZIP archive.
2. Disconnect the gadget from the computer and charging.
3. Turn off the device and (how exactly to start depends on specific device). If you don't know how to load the recovery menu of your Android devices, then you need to look for a way to launch it or ask here in the comments.
4. Next in the menu you need to find the “Wipe” item, which erases current information about the system.
5. After erasing, return to the root 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 a Zip file.
7. Confirm the firmware by following the on-screen instructions.
8. If there are no errors during the firmware procedure, then everything is flashed and you can reboot the device by selecting “Reboot system now” in the root menu.

How to reflash 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 installing firmware using this method, you don’t have to open ROOT access. So, you can reflash Android with three-file firmware like this:

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

How to flash Android from a TAR archive

There are also firmwares that are packaged in a .TAR archive. In principle, everything is the same as in the previous instructions. With such firmware, you can reflash the phone like this (you will need it again Mobile Odin Pro):

1. In Mobile Odin Pro, select “Open file”.
2. In the window that appears, we find and select our firmware, that is, a file in 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 contain data.
5. After checking, click “Flash Firmware”.
6. We wait for the flashing to finish; the operation can last ten or more minutes.
7. If during the firmware installation a request appears to reboot the device, then you need to press the center button.

A few words should be said about how to flash a Chinese Android. Chinese gadgets are also flashed, but the difficulty here is what to find the required firmware 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 were useful. You do all operations to flash Android at your own peril and risk.

With the advent of the Apple touch device, the era push-button phones ended. Many users recognized the convenience of “sensors” and switched to the “shovels and bricks” camp. But touchscreen phones also have disadvantages, as a result of which some users preferred regular push-button phones to them.

And the “push-button” market has not yet completely died out. Nokia, Alcatel, Explay do not stop producing budget phones, aimed at fans of classic phones. As long as such devices exist, the question of how to reflash the phone will also be relevant.

Methods for flashing mobile phone firmware

There are a couple of firmware methods mobile phone: manual and automatic. Any user can handle the second method. So, for Sony phones there is an official software for firmware - SEUS, and for models from Nokia - NSU. Install the program, connect your phone and activate automatic update. The utility itself will find the firmware, download it and upload it to your mobile phone.

For “manual” flashing, you will need certain knowledge, as well as patience and ability to work with a PC. ABOUT this method We will talk about mobile phone firmware in the article.

Firmware rules

Before installing the firmware, you should understand a few rules that must be followed so as not to turn your phone into a “dead brick”.

1. The device must be charged 100%. The firmware process can take a long time, and if the mobile phone battery runs out at the wrong time, you can literally throw it in the trash.
2. This also applies to the laptop that will participate in the firmware process. If you have a choice between a PC and a laptop, then it is better not to risk it and choose a laptop, since in case of a power outage the laptop has a battery.
3. Before flashing the firmware, be sure to backup your data: contacts, SMS, multimedia files. After flashing the phone, all this will be erased, and you will not be able to restore the files with any programs.

What do you need to flash your phone?

So, to flash the phone firmware you will need the following:

• A mobile phone with a 100% charged battery.
• A laptop or computer, preferably with a UPS.
• Data cable: Usually phones are flashed using a USB cable that can be used to connect the phone to a PC. But there are some models that require a special data cable for flashing.
• Drivers for cable or mobile phone, which can be found on the manufacturer's website.
• Mobile phone firmware. Firmware is often posted on the official websites of the phone manufacturer, but it is better to look for them on fan sites of the phone brand. You can find out the firmware version as follows: dial *#06# on the keyboard (for Nokia models - *#0000#). But if only IMEI is displayed, then we find the corresponding item in the menu and look at the current firmware version.
• Special software for flashing phone firmware. You can't just upload firmware to your phone. A so-called stitcher is required.

Procedure for flashing mobile phone firmware

If you are still tormented by the question of how to flash a phone yourself, then here is the answer.

1. We connect the mobile phone to a laptop or PC.
2. We install drivers for a mobile phone or cable.
3. Download the firmware and program for flashing.
4. We make backups of contacts and files.
5. We reboot the mobile phone into a special boot mode.
6. We launch the flasher and begin the firmware process.
7. We reboot the cell phone and enjoy the new firmware.

Undoubtedly, the process of flashing one mobile phone may differ from another. And in one article it is simply impossible to describe the firmware process for each model. The above instructions are just standard procedure. Firmware for Nokia and instructions for their “use” can be found on the website http://allnokia.ru. For other models, the 4pda.ru forum is recommended: http://4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showforum=268. The most complete catalog of firmware is collected there. But in order to download anything from the forum, registration is required.

The service center will charge a good amount for flashing, which can be equal to half the cost of the phone. But it’s easier to do it differently and flash the phone yourself. Mobile phones are not updated only because of breakdowns. Some people want to update the firmware, while others just want to play around with menus, icons, and so on. As for mobile phones from the Middle Kingdom, flash chinese phone It will be doubly difficult, since finding firmware and drivers for them is very difficult.

A common problem for users of the Android operating system is the fact that they do not know and do not know how to install firmware on their devices themselves. It is for this reason that today we will talk about how to install firmware on Android from an SD card.

Many users of the Android operating system encountered a problem when the firmware had to be installed on devices using a memory card. Doing this the first time is not always easy. And, in addition, additional programs are needed that will help in correct settings. So, ClockworkMod Recovery can help you - a very powerful pirated version of the application of the same name (the official factory version is only capable of creating backup copies and installing official updates). The essence of the utility is that it is capable of:

• restore system data;
• create backup copies of any documents and files;
• install firmware;
• load and organize the work of additional device cores.

You can download ClockworkMod Recovery for free and from virtually any third-party site dedicated to content for the Android operating system. Interestingly, ClockworkMod Recovery is installed in a special subsection of the internal memory of a smartphone or tablet. It can help its owner out in some very difficult situations.

Below is a complete list of the most important capabilities of this software.

1. Installation of custom unofficial firmware and additional cores.
2. Organization of factory updates for any system of any device
3. Ability to install add-ons and bug fixes.
4. Debugging the connection of a smartphone or tablet to personal computer in removable storage mode using a USB cable.
5. Setting up a connection between a smartphone or tablet and a personal computer to make it easier to work with ADB program at using USB cable.
6. Creating full backup copies of existing firmware or individual parts thereof (the system itself, individual settings or some applications).
7. Restoring a device using a previously created backup.
8. Possibility of organizing a device reset to factory settings, clearing the cache, Dalvik cache and battery statistics.
9. Creating certain sections in the memory of the card itself and directly working with them.

Interestingly, the technology for installing firmware from a memory card using this application It looks quite simple and takes just a couple of minutes. It looks like this. Next, we will talk about how to flash Android or give instructions on how to flash a phone using an SD card.

Wait for the installation to complete and remember that the phone or tablet will turn on on its own after it is completed.

In case of unsuccessful firmware

As a rule, it is possible to identify several reasons why the firmware installation could fail. First of all, the update crashes. It occurs in situations where the smartphone was disconnected from the computer too early, the memory card with firmware data was removed, or the device’s battery was discharged. The second reason is an incorrect update version. Among other things, the errors the users themselves make while working can have a big impact on the installation process.

If operational errors that are not typical for Android occur after downloading the update via ClockworkMod Recovery, then you can fix them if you simply repeat the update.

1. To do this, launch the Recovery menu again (don't forget about the volume and power buttons).
2. Next in the settings you will need to find the “Backup and restore” item. It will allow you to simply restore your smartphone or tablet and return it to its previously saved state. If you have never made system backups before, then a backup will not help you. Here you should use the “Wipe data/factory reset” item. He will launch full reset all settings to the factory state. In this section, use the “cache” item by simply selecting the “wipe cache partition” function.
3. Next, you need to install the operating system again using the “install zip from sdcard” item. After that, simply select the desired firmware from the card’s memory and wait for the installation to complete.

Remember to repeat this step-by-step installation Firmware can also be installed via a USB flash drive with the correct settings for this card. If everything is installed correctly, the system will not refuse to work correctly with this flashing.

Video “How to install firmware from a card”

From the following video you will learn a lot of interesting things.

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 process of flashing mobile devices is the same. 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 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 can't 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 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 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, 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 launch 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 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 is a 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 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. 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.

Firmware tablet DNS 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.

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 mobile device, you need to remember and follow a few 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 with uninterrupted source nutrition.
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 is blue, 2.0 is 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 Fastboot utility, 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 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 fastboot command 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 from 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 clarify specifically for 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 with using Flashtool possible when 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, but the gadget still does not enter the “recovery” mode, it means this function in this device is disabled or absent altogether.

A couple of words

Let's remember a couple again important points, which 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 both from the official developer and from the unofficial one. 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.