How to flash Android yourself step by step instructions. Flashing phone firmware via computer

Flashing Android firmware via a computer is not the easiest thing. But learning this is not at all difficult. Moreover, this process will help eliminate problems in the performance of any smartphone or tablet, which most often arise after using applications from unknown sources or after visiting websites that are not trusted. Anything can happen - from unauthorized installation third party applications before the system is infected with viruses and its integrity is compromised.

As a result of such actions, the device begins to “slow down” and freeze, and this is very unpleasant for perception. In addition, “holes” may appear in file system, which will disable the device, and the device will freeze forever on the loading screen. The only way out to solve this problem is to flash the device. This article will describe how to restore and update software using a computer.

First step

Before flashing Android from a computer, the first thing you should do is make sure you have a suitable USB cable. In most cases, modern devices have a micro-USB connector, but in new products you can find a standard - USB type C. Most often, the required cable can be found in the standard configuration of the device, but if it is missing, you will have to purchase it. It is advisable to buy high-quality and expensive USB cables, which will give you confidence that the firmware process will not be interrupted at an unnecessary moment. Once the required “lace” is found, the first step is completed.

Device Drivers

Another important point before flashing Android from a computer is installing the necessary drivers on the PC. This article is about computers running Windows OS, therefore, you need to look for drivers specifically for this operating system.

Most often, the necessary programs for connection can be found on the device manufacturer’s website. If you have experience using websites like 4pda and the like, then all the necessary software can be found there.

Android firmware: where to download

Attention: this item is relevant only for those who are going to flash the device via Odin. If the firmware will be installed using the original utility, you should skip this step.

If you have it in your hands samsung device, then you can flash it “manually”. All you need to do is find the necessary firmware. The firmware file can most often be found on third-party Internet resources, since manufacturers try not to post such information for confidentiality reasons. The iconic platforms for searching for firmware are “xda” (foreign segment of developers of various software and firmware) and “4pda” (Russian segment, most of them taken from xda). The easiest way to find the required firmware is by searching on the website by entering the model of the device to be flashed. It is not recommended to use third-party ones (or so-called ones that are assembled manually by those who like to experiment. The fact is that no one is responsible for problems caused by such versions of the OS, and if they occur, everything will have to be corrected through a service center and not for free.

Firmware using Odin

This item is suitable for manually flashing Samsung devices. All you need to do is enter the device into Downloading mode. To do this, with the device turned off, you need to hold down the “Volume -” and “Home” buttons, and then press the power button. If physical button“Home” is missing, then the process occurs without pressing it. After a confirmation request appears on the display, press the “Volume +” button. Downloading mode is activated.

After these manipulations, flashing an Android phone via a computer is as easy as shelling pears. You should open the pre-downloaded Odin program on your PC (you can find it on the developer’s website or on 4pda), connect the device in Downloading mode via a USB cable to the PC and select the required firmware file in the PDA line in the program itself. After this, make sure that the “F.Reset Time” and “Auto Reboot” checkboxes are checked, and click on the “Start” button. The program will perform the necessary actions, and the device will reboot and turn on as out of the box.

How to flash Android from a computer using the manufacturer's software

Any self-respecting manufacturer of mobile devices produces specialized programs with which it is possible to flash the device in automatic mode. Be it LG, Samsung, HTC or Sony, they are all capable of flashing through the manufacturer's program.

To flash firmware using this method, you need to visit the device manufacturer’s website, then go to the support page and select directly the device that you want to flash. The software selection system will automatically offer to download the firmware program. After downloading the utility, you need to run it; sometimes it requires you to enter registration data. after that it’s a mere trifle. In the program menu you can select what action you want to perform. If you need to flash the device’s firmware, you can select the “Restore” option. The program itself will help you do it backup copy, download the firmware and complete the process. More details are described in the instructions on the manufacturers' websites.

I would like to note that this method is quite resource-intensive. It requires a lot of time, since, in addition to downloading the firmware file, the program evaluates the performance of the device, switches the device to the required modes and sends data about the firmware via a USB cable. That is why you should be patient and not be surprised by the length of the process.

Firmware for tablets

In order to flash an Android tablet via a computer, you do not need to reinvent the wheel. If the tablet required for firmware is Samsung, then you can use the firmware manually via Odin. If the tablet is made by any other manufacturer, then you should refer to the instructions for automatic firmware through the manufacturer’s software. In both cases, all actions will be identical to those performed with smartphones.

This article describes how to flash Android from a computer, and these are just general instructions. To get more detailed answers, you should refer to full guides on flashing the firmware of certain devices in the method of interest. I would also like to note that you can flash the device without the help of a PC.

When an Android phone slows down, nothing works, and the usual clearing of the cache, freeing up memory and other actions do not help, then you have to resort to such an action as flashing the phone. How to reflash an Android phone via a computer if you have never done this? In fact, there is nothing complicated in this process and you can reflash the phone yourself at home.

Firmware is a software package that includes:

• Android operating system
• drivers that ensure normal operation of the hardware (your phone)

To flash means to install a software package. Installing an operating system on a computer and on a phone is very different. Since the operating systems themselves are generally different, as well as each phone model has its own firmware, this must be taken into account so as not to turn the phone into a brick. Many people have such problems when they try to install firmware from another phone model.

The instructions below will help you reflash your phone at home.

People create and program all gadgets. And every electronic device can fail. Some failures, so to speak, correct themselves, and in some cases you have to flash the device. For example, a cyclic reboot of a phone and removing the battery does not solve the problem, then the only way out is to flash the device with new firmware.

Due to the openness of the Android operating system, gadget manufacturers adapt the operating system to their model. Many users reflash the phone at their own risk, despite the fact that it already works well with the firmware from the “store”. And all this is done to update your electronic friend and get more features. Users find information about new software for their model from various sources and install it on their phone at home.

It would seem simple to flash a phone, but it’s just as easy to turn it into a brick. Due to lack of experience or carelessness, many users encounter this. If the firmware is not downloaded from an official source, then it is not known what is in this firmware. It's better to download from the manufacturer's website. And after flashing the firmware, the warranty on the device disappears.

How to flash an Android phone yourself

The success of this operation depends on how well you prepare for the firmware.

Preparation for firmware includes:

• Fully charging the device
• Find out the exact model from the phone settings and download the firmware specifically for this model

Each gadget user decides for himself which firmware to use, official or third-party.

Methods for installing firmware on a phone

Update. This is when the manufacturer itself offers you to update the firmware over the air. To do this, go to the “About phone” section in the settings and go to the “System update” subsection. This method is suitable if the device is in good condition.

Manual installation. This option implies different installation Depending on the manufacturers, there are different programs that are called “Flashers”. For example, for gadgets from Samsung the Odin program is used, for Nexus, Sony and HTC - Fastboot, Lenovo - Flash Tool, LG - KDZ Updater and etc.).

Flashing using ROM Manager:

• You need to root your phone.
• Install the ROM Manager program
• Create a copy of an existing OS
• Find and download firmware for your phone
• Install and check

You can install the ROM Manager program from Google Play. Then, by opening the main application window and clicking on the top line, you can install “ClockWorkMod” (CWM), and using the second line – “Load Recovery Mode”.

When you install CWM, the phone should not be connected to the computer.

By clicking on “Install CWM” you will need to specify the exact name of the gadget and wait for the installation procedure to complete.

Where can I get firmware for Android?

The firmware can be downloaded from the official websites of the manufacturer, but you can also easily find firmware on third-party websites, such as 4pda and the like. On such resources you can find both official firmware versions and modifications.

If you use the “ROM Manager Premium” utility, then it’s even easier, you need to click “Download firmware”. After this, the program will display the appropriate software for your device.

Why do we need non-official firmware (custom)

Unofficial firmware is made for more better work devices, as well as complementing with other useful features and other design.

Some users are confused by the choice between official and custom.

When choosing custom firmware, you get root rights, which also provide additional features. In some cases, this helps save battery power, improves performance, and also has a prettier design.

Thanks to root rights, you can completely control and improve your device. Remove unnecessary utilities that are in official version you couldn't delete it. Change fonts, as well as configure the GPS module.

How to reflash an Android phone via a computer at home

If you are planning to reflash your phone via a computer, then you need:

• Install drivers on your computer for your model.
• Download firmware for your device.
• Make a backup copy of your working firmware so that if something happens you can revive the phone.
• Install the program through which we will flash it.

This method is the same for any Android device. Below is an example of working with the Odin flasher from Samsung:

• Go to download mode and connect the phone to the computer. To switch to download mode, you need to press the keys simultaneously: “Home”, “On/Off” and “Increase sound.”
• Odin should recognize the phone.
• Next, in the “AP” column we indicate the path to our firmware.
• Check the boxes next to “F. Reset Time" and "Auto reboot";
• Click start and wait for the firmware to finish.

How to flash Android from SD card

As with any firmware, you need to charge your phone.

1. Launch “ROM Manager” and click “Install ROM from SD card”;
2. We indicate where the downloaded firmware is located;
3. In the menu that appears, check the boxes that interest the user and click “Ok”;
4. Wait for the installation procedure to complete.

How to reflash Android via Recovery

To reflash the phone via Recovery, you must first upload the firmware to the memory card and follow the steps:

• Turn off the device.
• Press the keys simultaneously: “On/Off.” and “Increase sound level” (on some models the button combination may be different);
• In the window that appears, specify “Recovery Mode” (the transition between columns is made by using the buttons to increase and decrease the sound level);
• Next, specify “apply update from external storage” and click the “On/Off” button;
• Wait until the process completes.

How to flash a phone if it won't turn on?

Flash the device if the bootloader itself is not damaged. To make sure that the bootloader is working, you can press and hold the On/Off button. If the device will display a robot or Exclamation point or other signs, then we can conclude that the bootloader is working. You can also try connecting the device to the computer via USB. And hold down the keys on the device “On/Off.” and "Volume". If the computer has detected the phone, then you can safely try to flash it using the methods listed above and the procedure will be 95% successful.

What to do if the flashing fails?

If the firmware is unsuccessful, you can restore the system; for this, we make a backup copy before flashing.

You need to do the following:

• Reinstall “ROM Manager”, since the new unsuccessful OS does not have it;
• Click “Backups”;
• Next, specify a copy of the OS in the menu that appears and click on “Restore”;
• Wait for the process to complete;
• Ready. The old OS in the device has been restored.

The most popular OS that can be installed on a phone or tablet is Android. Many mobile devices are perfectly integrated into this software, so the world's leading electronics manufacturers focus on it. The software has proven itself, and its older versions are still for a long time will be relevant. However, if it is possible to update it yourself, why not update the system?

The new release will fit the device even better, optimizing its operation and increasing performance parameters. But how to reflash an Android phone via a computer at home to a new version, and what additional information do you need to know? After all, all publications have approximately the same functionality, as well as big number available applications that can be downloaded through Play Market. Is this procedure really necessary or is it better to do without it and leave your device alone? Let's say right away that over time, most owners still feel the need to update. Let's find out!

In some cases, installation of the application and further use of it require root rights. Standard firmware Android doesn't give you admin capabilities. For example, overclocking the processor of any mobile device will also be available only if you have root permissions. Thus, using a computer, you can quite easily reflash the Android version (if you do everything correctly), getting rid of many unnecessary restrictions inherent in the production process. Only the necessary programs are installed on the smartphone, which, of course, take up less space. This allows you to make the device work more optimized and faster.

It is also possible that a significant period may pass from the moment of issue to purchase. During this period, the software becomes outdated, and it is not at all necessary to use outdated software, because it can be easily updated. In general, it is quite easy to reflash Android via a PC. Although this can be done without a computer, there are a lot of options here, and it’s worth navigating according to the situation. There are several excellent ways, which will be discussed further below.

Why is official firmware desirable?

Remember that the OS firmware must be original. Of course, many amateur options also exist. Such publications help smooth out some of the shortcomings of the OS and increase the resource of the device. However, the software may be supplemented with bugs that were not there before, which may not have the best effect on mobile device. We tried to collect the most common, accessible and understandable options so that you, dear users, have no questions left.

Reflashing Android using a computer is only possible if the battery is sufficiently charged and will last for a long time. This method of updating the firmware is no longer so convenient, because the process can sometimes simply end. It is recommended to update using special programs. Before this, as a rule, the phone or tablet is connected via USB to the PC port.

Programs for firmware

As, in fact, was mentioned above, flashing your smartphone is easily done through the Odin software. The program provides an excellent opportunity to install official firmware for a wide variety of devices. The method is indeed very convenient and simple, and also allows you to try out the functionality of your mobile device to the fullest. There is only one important nuance here. By upgrading, you will void the factory warranty. What is the right way to do it? The answer is quite logical: carry out all operations related to unofficial firmware after the expiration date of the warranty period. In this case, the user loses almost nothing.

We focus our attention on the official firmware procedure Samsung Galaxy. Perfect for this mobile device Samsung program Kies. The application was created based on similarities from iTunes, and it will help to completely synchronize your smartphone with the PC to which it will be connected. The utility also allows you to easily move audio, contacts, various documents and a lot of other information and content. Before updating, we urge you to create a backup copy of all data in your phone's memory.

Where to begin?

It is quite possible that a firewall or anti-virus program on your PC will notify you with a message that for further actions Samsung apps Kies needs user permission. During the update, it is also advisable to disable the antivirus on your phone so that the system can be updated normally. That's all - all that remains is to confirm the completion of the update.

Samsung Galaxy firmware via Odin

To flash your phone using this application, you will first need to install the driver that comes with your smartphone. It is also easy to find on the Internet on the manufacturer’s website, and then quickly install it on your computer. Now select the firmware itself: its different versions available on many forums, torrents and file hosting sites.

The firmware file is distributed under the OPS extension. After all, the user only has to press three keys on the smartphone at once: power, home and volume down. You will see a “Downloading” information notification on the device screen, which will indicate that work has begun.

How to connect your phone to your computer?

How can I reflash my phone and tablet in another way?

There is another effective way to update Android OS on your portable device. Switch it to the special “Downloading” mode by pressing the combination: power, home, volume down. If everything is done correctly, you will see the Android logo on the screen and a message indicating that the download mode has been set. After this, the process of downloading Odin Multidownloader and subsequent installation of the software will begin directly. By the way, the program is easy to find on the Internet using one of the popular search engines.

The application can be called professional, so if you use it correctly, absolutely nothing bad should happen. Many service centers have this program in service and quite successfully reflash and configure customer phones. Again, we recommend taking files for the firmware from a trusted forum, or better yet, from the manufacturer’s official website.

Flashing Android OS via Personal Computer It is also possible with TAR archives, or programs of three files. This method has not gained much popularity because not all programs can integrate well with three-file structures.

Firmware is the basic software of a smartphone, which allows you to perform all the functions included in the device. Thanks to the correct firmware settings, you can achieve optimal operation of the device: improve performance, increase time battery life or improve the quality of GPS and cellular signal reception.

How to reflash Android and what is required for this?

Taking into account the fact that currently the development of smartphones on Android is carried out by almost everyone who is not too lazy, the number of firmware options is growing, and accordingly, each device will require an individual approach, however, the main stages of firmware remain unchanged.

1. First of all: Before flashing the device to Android, you need to make sure that your the device is charged and will not sit down at the most inopportune moment.

2. Secondly: you need to look in the settings of the device itself the exact name of your device and firmware version, since attempting to install incorrect firmware may damage your device.

3. Thirdly: you need to decide what firmware you need: official or “custom”.

Official firmware- This is the firmware that the device manufacturer develops itself, assuming that its settings are most suitable for the majority of users. As a rule, official firmware has stable operation, but can be overloaded with unnecessary “garbage” consisting of pre-installed programs.

Custom firmware– firmware created from scratch, or a modification of the official firmware. Created by enthusiasts in order to speed up the operation of the device, add additional features and functions, and also remove errors found in official firmware. However, not all custom firmware may have good operating stability, so before installing them, you need to study the reviews of those who have already done it.

Once the firmware itself has been selected, you can begin the process of installing it on the device.

Let's look at some options with which you can flash Android devices.

The most common method is to flash the device's firmware using auto-update. It is suitable in cases where your device has an outdated version of the software and there is an update for it. To check if there is an update for your device, you need to go to “settings” - “about phone” - “system update”.

If you want to install custom firmware or “roll back” to earlier versions of your own, then you need to resort to using other flashing methods. Different smartphone developers have different approaches to flashing their devices, and accordingly, different software will be required.

List of programs by manufacturer:

1. Samsung - Odin
2. Lenovo - Flash Tool
3. HTC - Fastboot
4. LG – KDZ Updater
5. Sony - Flashboot
6. Nexus - Fastboot.

These are not all smartphone manufacturers and, accordingly, applications for their firmware.

Video to help:

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 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 the USB 3.0 port 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 the Fastboot utility, unpack it to the root system disk(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 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 it is produced this firmware Android without a computer.

In order to install a new operating system on your phone, you need to go to the 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 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.