How to reflash a phone if the firmware has crashed. How to reflash an Android phone or tablet if it does not turn on. Correcting the consequences of unsuccessful firmware

Don't panic if your Android phone turns off and won't start. There are several solutions to this problem. Before resorting to analyzing them, it is necessary to understand the reasons for this problem.

We are not responsible for your actions. We recommend contacting a service center to resolve the problem.

A sudden shutdown of an Android smartphone, amid its normal operation, could occur for the following reasons:

glitch in the code operating system- this happens on budget version phones or when the OS is updated incorrectly;
flashing - possible with independent firmware, an error was made on the part of the owner, the firmware of a different model was used;
failure - there was a problem with the firmware, the phone was disconnected from the computer, the firmware file was damaged;
bootloop - a state characterized by cyclic reboot system, with the impossibility of starting it, while the logo lights up on the screen, it periodically blinks or freezes.

Such factors may make it impossible to turn on the device. Before flashing your device, you need to make sure that it can still be flashed. To do this, when we connect the phone to the computer, the sound of connecting a new device should play, and an unknown device will be displayed in the device manager. Also, when you try to turn on the device, hold down the following key combinations: the “turn on” button + “volume up” or “volume down” button, “turn on” + “volume up” + the “home” button, and at the same time the service menu starts, the phone goes to fastboot mode or in recovery, this means that the phone can still be saved on its own.

Some devices have a special "Reset" button; when you press it for a long time, full reset devices with all data deleted. The vibration of the smartphone will indicate this. This button can be hidden under back cover, near or under the battery, in the area of the memory card or SIM card slot.

Preparation

Flashing a phone consists of several stages:

Firmware selection.
Downloading and installing drivers.
Download and install the software required for flashing the device.
Connecting and flashing the device.
Starting the device.

Each point has its own nuances; let’s look at them in order.

Firmware selection

There are two firmware options:

official - you need to download from reliable sources, can be found on the official websites of the phone brand;
custom - unofficial firmware that is taken from other sources and written independently by craftsmen to suit their needs and tastes.

Downloading and selecting official firmware is not difficult; you can use the most latest version or earlier if given a choice. Custom firmware must be approached with caution; most of them have flaws and errors, which will later cause a lot of inconvenience.

Drivers

For firmware Android smartphone it is necessary to use special drivers that allow it to be recognized when connected to a PC via USB in the off state or in various modes. Finding them is not difficult; in most cases, they are posted on forums dedicated to the firmware of your device model or on the manufacturer’s official website. You should take into account the difficulties and specifics of installation on version 10 of Windows.

Software

For each brand of phone there is official and unofficial software that allows you to flash the device.

For SONY phones official software is PC Companion, and are used as unofficial ones Flashtool or Android SDK;
when flashing Lenovo devices use MTK Droid Tools;
For Samsung firmware use only unofficial software - Odin;
flashing LG devices necessary program is KDZ Updater;
in case of Xiaomi devices possible use Mi PC Suite.

Flashing

Using SONY as an example, we will look at restoring a smartphone using the official utility.

After starting the program, select "Phone update".

And let's move on to the next points. In the window that appears, you need to select restoring your phone.

The program may require connecting the device.

In this case, it is possible to visualize the combination of keystrokes when connecting to a PC; if this is not required, the program will not report anything.

After connecting the device, the software should detect it, you need to wait a while. It is possible to install the driver if the connection was made for the first time. Then, intuitively following the clear points and reading all the notifications, click on the agreements and proceed to flashing the device firmware. During the firmware installation, it is forbidden to turn off the phone and turn off the PC.

The final step will be permission to disconnect the device.

Although the official programs of other manufacturers differ in interface, all the points are similar. Intuitively clicking on them you can flash your phone. The main indicator of successful firmware update through the official program is its detection of the device. If this does not happen, they resort to flashing the firmware with unofficial software.

When flashing SONY devices Flashtool requires you to download the firmware file for this program. After launching the software, click on the zipper.

Select Flasmode.

The Wipe item indicates what will be erased from the device. In our case, we need to select everything.

The inscription "Flashing finished" indicates the end of the process.

If the above methods are not successful, they resort to flashing the smartphone via the console using the ADB and Fastboot utilities, which will require special drivers. For convenience, it is better to place the folder with utilities in the root of drive C. In most cases, it is called “Tools”. In this folder you need to place all the firmware files in img format ( system.img, cache.img, userdata.img, recovery.img)

Then press the power button + volume down on the device, or another combination depending on the smartphone model. A recumbent should appear green robot or the inscription - Fastboot mode. We connect it to the PC and wait for the driver installation to complete. When finished, check the new device in the device manager - Android ADB\Fastboot Interface.

Opening the command line (preferably as Administrator), enter the following commands:

cd C:\Tools - directs to the directory with programs.
fastboot devices - after it we will see a list of connected ones fastboot devices. There must be one whose name consists of Latin letters and numbers, if something else - reconnect the device.
fastbot -w - deletes all data and cache.
fastboot erase system - deletes the old system.
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash cache cache.img
fastboot flash userdata data.img
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
fastboot flashall - is an alternative command for 5-8 items, which flashes all img files in the folder.
To flash the zip archive, use the command "fastboot update file_name.zip".

After incorrect firmware, your phone may become non-functional, or as it is called on the Internet, it will become a “brick”. Then the question arises of how to restore the Android brick yourself. Most sources will advise you to immediately contact Service center, but we recommend trying everything first available options"resuscitation". In this article we will describe all possible options for making a functioning smartphone from a “bricked” Android.

This article was last updated on March 29, 2018.

We completely remove the consequences of unsuccessful firmware

Let's start with the first few steps, which will need to be done one after another. In order not to call Android a “device” and other names, in the future the word “phone” will be used, it’s more convenient and clearer.

Reviving your phone/tablet via Recovery

If the phone is still on, turn it off. Next, hold down the volume button and the power button at the same time. After this procedure, the smartphone will open double Recovery menu . Two options will be presented:

Restore the backup (this point is the main requirement for the firmware; if the smartphone was flashed, then the backup was restored). Select the early position of your system, then the backup will start in Backup and Restore.
Chapter Install zip from sd card allows you to start the firmware installation process. At this point you need to specify the exact path to the archive with the firmware. This option deals with system recovery. Especially if the phone was turned off during the installation of important files.
You may also be interested in the article.

But sometimes when starting the firmware it may not be possible to enter Recovery. Then the situation can only be eliminated by involving third party programs. Typically this application TWRP Manager, ROM Manager or Installer, which are the most popular in this area.

These programs allow you to select all the necessary components for a specific version of the operating system, automatically detecting the gadget and launching Recovery.

If none of these programs helped launch Recovery, then you can try to find a program that can launch it on a specific smartphone model.

Above, we discussed how to restore your Android if it still had a chance of a painless “resurrection.” Now let’s consider what to do with it if the device was completely damaged and became a “brick” that does not function at all. If you think that this process is very complicated, then you should not immediately run to the workshop and pay a specialist, first try to do it yourself. Let's try to fix the situation ourselves at home.

This instruction is based on restoring phones and tablets from Samsung. If you have a different brand of device, then you need to select a different program or choose the option using FlashTool. Having trouble finding the right one? Write to us in the comments - we will help you!

Let's follow a few simple step-by-step steps:

Installing the latest USB drivers for Samsung on PC;
Download and install the latest version of the program Odin(https://4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=648344);
Next you will need download official(non-author's) firmware for your model;
Turn off the device, then press “-” on the volume key and “Home”.

After a while a warning will appear.

Press “+” on the volume key, after which the smartphone will enter Odin mode;
After, we connect it to the computer;
Launch Odin, then press PDA, after which we designate the file in it tar.md5 in the directory in which the firmware is located;
Next, click "Start", we launch the recovery program, after which the smartphone will be ready for use.

In this simple way we returned the “brick” to the initial state normal functioning device.

We charge the phone to the maximum so that it does not turn off during recovery (let it sit on charge for a couple of hours);
We take a smartphone that has turned into a real “brick”;
Next we download official firmware V FTF format;
After which you will need to install the Flashtool program along with installation files firmware for your computer;
If your antivirus program often complains about other programs, then it is better to disable it for a while so that it does not interrupt the firmware process.

The operation itself to restore Android via Flashtool:

Turn off Android;
Place the FTF file with the firmware at: C:\Users\UserName\.flashTool\firmwares;
After launch, select the correct PC bit depth (32 or 64);
Press the key with lightning logo;
Turn on the “ Flashmode”;
Next, a drop-down window will appear in which you select the available firmware in this program;
At the moment when the firmware is ready, the program itself will inform you that it is time to connect to the PC;
First, the program detects the device and then the Android recovery will begin. After everything is successful, a sign “ Flashing finished”;
After this, you need to disconnect the smartphone from the computer and everything will work.

Video instruction

Answers to your main 4 questions about resuscitation of Android The computer does not see the Odin program.

Check serviceability installed drivers, if necessary, reinstall them, disable the antivirus. And the most common thing is to check the USB cable and connectors.

The smartphone turned into a brick as a result of a fall, and not because of unsuccessful firmware. Is it possible to save it yourself?

operating room Android system Each individual device has its own system, that is, software components. If it happens that your device has become a “brick,” then it is best to find instructions for a specific smartphone.

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

What is firmware?

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

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

How to reflash Android?

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

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

Before you start, you need to do the following:

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

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

Flashing your phone using CWM Recovery

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to flash an Android phone using TWRP Recovery?

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

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

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

Installing updates using ROM Manager

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

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

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

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

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

How to flash Android via computer?

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

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

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

Brief instructions for installing ZIP firmware using Fastboot

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

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

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

How to reflash an Android phone via a computer at home - that’s what this article is about! When nothing works on your Android phone or everything slows down and lags, and the usual tips (clearing the cache or freeing up the phone's memory) do not help - it's time to resort to radical measures, such as flashing Android. Flashing an anodroid phone is not a difficult task; you can flash your phone at home, by yourself, today we will tell you in detail how to do it!

The Android core itself;
Drivers that ensure consistent functioning of components specific model device, that is, hardware.

The verb “Flash” the device refers to the platform installation procedure. However, the process of installing an operating system for a computer and for a mobile gadget on the Android platform is significantly different. The reasons for this are the huge variety of implementations of this most common OS in mobile devices. Much software is created individually for certain models of smartphones and tablets. Therefore, inexperienced users often have installation new firmware ends unsuccessfully due to lack of information and the lack of correct action algorithms in front of your eyes.

The guide below will help you reflash Android at home, and will also introduce you to the possible risks of the procedure and ways to minimize them.

Why do you need to reflash your Android phone?

People make and program gadgets, so no device is completely immune from errors. If a problem occurs in your Android smartphone (tablet), the drastic way to get rid of the problem is to flash it.

Arguments for reinstalling the OS

Thanks to the openness of this operating system, manufacturers are free to improve and customize it to suit their gadget models. Many of their advanced software have already won the love and trust of users. In this regard, owners of smartphones and tablets often take risks and decide to reflash their electronic friend. This is also facilitated by some developers who eventually stop releasing updates for their gadgets. Users from various sources of information learn about new software modifications that can allow optimal use of the device’s hardware capabilities and, of course, wonder how to reflash Android.

Even very well-known companies that produce smartphones and tablets often sin by installing their own software, which for obvious reasons is not suitable for most users. In addition to the unsuccessful external design of the shell, these proprietary software significantly slow down the functioning of the device. At the same time, pure Android, not stuffed with unnecessary marketing tricks from the developer, often amazes with its high performance and job stability. Therefore, the answer to the question posed is to install custom software, which does not contain pre-installed “junk” from the manufacturer.

Arguments against reinstalling the OS

If there is a lack of experience or insufficient care, there is a high risk of receiving a non-working and useless piece of microcircuits and plastic after the procedure, or as specialists used to call this failed device, “Brick”.

If firmware is installed with software taken from unofficial sources, the warranty on the device will be void.

Not all drivers included in the software package from a third-party developer work correctly with the gadget’s components. It happens that after flashing the GPS module refuses to search for satellites, and the camera takes low-quality images. Also, not optimally selected software can cause the battery to drain quickly.

How to flash an Android phone yourself and what do you need for this?

The success of any event depends on how thoroughly the preliminary preparation has been carried out.

Preparatory activities include the following main points:

Be sure to fully charge the device before starting the procedure;
Through the gadget settings menu, find out the name of the device and the modification of the current software (it is recommended to write them down to the last character and sign, otherwise, if you flash the firmware with an inappropriate assembly, you may end up with a “brick”);

Each user must independently decide which version of the software to give preference to:

a) official;
b) third party.

Having completed all three points of preliminary measures and, most importantly, having precisely decided on the software modification, you should proceed directly to the installation procedure.

There are the following ways to do this:

Update (When an updated software version has already been released for a device, a convenient method for all users is “Auto Update”. In order to find out if a new firmware version is available, you need to open the “About Phone” section through the settings and go to the “System Update” subsection).
Manual installation (For models various manufacturers different firmware techniques are used using different software, which are called “Flashers”. For example, for gadgets from the Samsung company the “Odin” program is used, for “Nexus”, “Sony” and “HTC” - “Fastboot”, “Lenovo” - “ Flash Tool", "LG" - "KDZ Updater", etc.).

List of stages of the flashing procedure using the ROM Manager program:

Get root rights to your Android gadget;
Install the ROM Manager utility;
Create a copy of the current OS;
Find and save suitable firmware;
Install it;
Test the new software and if you are dissatisfied with the results, return to former version using the created copy in step “3”.

You can find and install the “ROM Manager” utility from the Google Play Market. 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”.

In order to save a copy of the OS, you will need to install “CWM”.

Important aside: During installation of "CWM", the gadget should not be connected to the PC.

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?

They are available for download on the official resources of the smartphone and tablet developers themselves. If the user has sufficient experience, then by the name of the model he can find many versions of the software on third-party sites, from which the appropriate one is selected and its archive file is saved in the computer memory. Then you can write it to a memory card without unzipping the file.

If you use the “ROM Manager Premium” utility, the user can click the “Download firmware” line. After this, the application will display a list of software suitable for the device. This useful program eliminates wasted time searching for software in online resources of third-party developers, of which there are currently a huge number.

Why do you need non-official (custom) firmware for Android?

Non-official software is developed to ensure faster operation of the device, and some useful functions and good design can be added to it.

Custom firmware sometimes continues to be improved by developers even when an already outdated gadget has been discontinued. Therefore, the user receives a device with updated software that optimally meets modern requirements.

For some users, it happens that the decisive criterion for deciding in favor of installing a third-party product is saving battery power and a more attractive interface.

By installing non-official software, you can immediately provide yourself with root rights, which means you can increase your security by installing a powerful firewall. The owner of the gadget, at his own discretion, will be able to install any fonts he likes, as well as increase the speed of the GPS module, etc.

You can get rid of unused system utilities, which not only take up space in memory, but also consume mobile traffic, this is especially true if the user does not have access to an unlimited Wi-Fi network.

How to flash an Android phone via a computer at home?

If the owner of the device is interested in the question of how to flash an Android phone via a computer, then the following will be necessary:

Install drivers on the PC to work with the device;
Download the firmware corresponding to the gadget model;
Create a backup copy of the current OS in the device;
Install the firmware application (flasher).

The essence of the actions is the same for different models of devices. Below is an example of working with the Odin flasher from Samsung:

Connect the device to the PC in download mode. To do this, you should turn off the gadget and simultaneously press the keys: “Home”, “On/Off.” and “Increase sound.”
Next, “Odin” will see the device;
Then, in the “AP” column, indicate the location of the downloaded software;
Place marks in columns “F. Reset Time" and "Auto reboot";
Click “Start”;
Wait for the process to complete.

The sequence of actions consists of the following steps:

Launch “ROM Manager” and click “Install ROM from SD card”;
Specify the location of the OS distribution package copied to the card;
In the menu that appears, check the boxes that interest the user and click “Ok”;
Wait for the installation procedure to complete.

How to reflash Android via Recovery yourself?

To install software using Recovery, you must first save the firmware file on the device card. Next you will need to complete the following steps:

Turn off the device;
Simultaneously press the keys: “On/Off.” and “Increase sound level” (on some models the button combination may be different);
In the window that appears, indicate “ 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.

The question of how to flash an Android tablet already has detailed answers in the above paragraphs of this guide. All actions in gadgets on Android will be identical. For example, consider the procedure using a PC in relation to a model from the popular Lenovo company.

The following steps must be followed:

Fully charge the tablet;
Install the “Software Update Tool” application and drivers. Save an archive with a distribution of suitable firmware in memory;
Disable the mobile gadget;
Simultaneously press the keys: “On/Off.” and “Lower volume” (the device should vibrate);
After “Fastboot USB” is displayed on the display, connect the gadget to the computer;
Open installed application and indicate the location of the saved distribution;
Next, in the program menu, specify the type of software;
Click “Erase user data”;
Click “Start” and wait until the process is completed.

Programs for flashing Android

Many applications have already been developed for this purpose. Here are the most successful utilities that have proven their reliability and deserve positive reviews users.

This utility is installed directly into the device itself. The firmware is installed from the gadget's CD card.

A universal utility that is suitable for almost all devices on the Android platform. Installation is carried out only through a computer, so you will definitely need a USB cable. An intuitive interface allows even novice users to cope with the difficult task of reinstalling the system

FastBoot

This is one of the most difficult applications for beginners. The actions in it are a little confusing. The installation procedure is carried out through the console of the Windows operating system.

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

It will be possible to successfully resolve the issue only if the integrity of the bootloader is not compromised. To find out this, you can hold down the “On/Off” button. When a response appears from the device in the form of a robot or some icon, for example, “!”, we can conclude that the OS has failed. You can also try to connect the device to a PC via a USB cable and press the following keys on the device: “On/Off.” and "Volume". When the PC then finds the gadget, resuscitation will not be difficult and will be successful in 95% of cases. Next, you can use one of the above methods and install new software. It is not uncommon for incorrectly executed firmware to break the recovery partition, after which the gadget can only be restored by installing the correct OS modification.

The algorithm of actions is as follows:

Install the firmware utility on the PC;
Download and save the firmware file;
Open the utility;
Connect the device to the computer and press the keys (combinations vary for different models);
Indicate in the utility the location of the distribution kit with the new OS;
Click “Start”;
Ready. You just need to wait for the installation procedure to complete and restart the device.

What to do if the flashing fails?

You can resort to system recovery. To do this, you will need a saved copy of the system.

TouchScreenTune app optimizes sensitivity and responsiveness touch screen. It will be especially useful in the following cases:…

After a couple of years of use, a smartphone user may encounter some problems with the device’s operating system. Today we will tell you how to reflash Android yourself to get rid of all these problems.

What is firmware?

Phone firmware is the process of replacing the operating system of a smartphone in order to fix problems. Often such a measure is extreme, i.e. is used even when other methods of solving the problem do not help. Installing new firmware is also possible when a new OS is released.

As a rule, most large manufacturers Android gadgets They update their products themselves “over the air”, or simply post the latest firmware version on their website. However, sometimes the phone loses support (this is especially true for Chinese devices) and then the gadget community itself releases custom firmware versions with expanded functionality.

So, you can reflash your smartphone using special software:

CWM Recovery;
TWRP Recovery;
ROM Manager;
Using a computer and a special set of utilities (Fastboot, KDZ Update, etc.).

Before starting the process of installing a new OS, be sure to take care of the safety of data on internal memory phone - make a backup important information. Below we will look at several ways to install the operating system.

CWM Recovery

The ClockWorkMod Recovery utility has wide functionality for installing new firmware for a smartphone. Unofficial firmware can be installed via Recovery, but it is not necessary to use CWM. By default, all devices out of the box already have standard version Recovery. Therefore, initially you will need to install CWM Recovery. This can be done through ROM Manager.

Let us recall that for normal operation ROM Manager you will need root rights for your Android device. So, after installing ROM Manager on your smartphone, follow these steps:

Open the “Recovery Setup” item. In the next window, in the “Install or update Recovery” section, select “ClockworkMod Recovery”;

The app will then automatically detect your device. All you have to do is click on the appropriate item in the menu;

In the new window, select "Install ClockworkMod". After this, the download process of the utility will begin;

Once the download is complete, a window will appear asking you to confirm root rights for the new application.

At this point the installation process is complete, you should see the final message “Successfully flashed ClockworkMod recovery!”

After CWM installations Recovery, you can proceed directly to the firmware itself. Before flashing your Android smartphone, download the file with the new OS version in .zip format. Then follow these steps:

Turn off the device and press the volume up key + power button at the same time (in some smartphones the combination to launch Recovery may be different). You can navigate the utility menu using the volume buttons, and the power key selects the appropriate item. Reset the settings in the “wipe data/factory reset” item;

Click “Yes – Wipe all user data” in the new window;

Return to the main menu and select "install zip". Next, go to the appropriate folder with the firmware file in “Choose zip from /sdcard”.

When the installation process is complete, the message “Install from sdcard complete” should appear. Return to the main menu again and go to the “reboot system now” item. After this the download should start installed firmware, sometimes this process can take up to 10 minutes. Upon completion of all actions, the smartphone is ready for use.

TWRP Recovery

Installation through this utility will not have any effect on the final result, so the method of installing the firmware depends purely on your personal preferences. To work with TWRP Recovery, you first need to use the official Official TWRP App, which will install the utility on your smartphone. This version of Recovery works with the same .zip files as CWM.

So, follow these steps:

Download the required firmware version in .zip format, place it in a folder in the phone’s memory;

Open the utility. This can be done in the same way as with CWM Recovery (turn off the smartphone and press the appropriate key combination);

Reset your system to factory settings by selecting "Wipe" from the main menu. To start the process, drag the slider on the screen to the right;

Once the factory reset is complete, return to the main menu. Go to “Install”;

In the device memory, find the folder with the firmware, drag the slider to begin the installation process;

Once installation is complete, Click on “Reboot System” to boot into Android.

Again, the process of loading Android for the first time after installing the firmware can take quite a long time.

ROM Manager

In addition to its main purpose, ROM Manager can also be used to create a system backup before installing the firmware. So, to flash the firmware, follow these steps:

Download the archive with the desired OS version and place it in your phone’s memory. In the main menu of the application, select “Install ROM from SD card”;

Find the appropriate archive and click on it. In the new window, select "Reboot and Install". We also recommend checking the box next to “Save current ROM”, so you can restore the system if something goes wrong;

Confirm your action, ROM Manager will automatically begin the process of installing the firmware via Recovery.

ROM Manager can also search for custom firmware for the device on the Internet. To do this, in the main menu of the application there is a “Download firmware” item.

How to flash an Android phone via computer

To reflash a smartphone using a computer at home, you need to use several desktop utilities. Below we will tell you how to install a new version of the OS via Fastboot, one of the most popular programs for this. So, first you need to download the archive with the firmware and unzip it into the “platform-tools” folder, which contains “ADB” and “fastboot”.

Then you need to set your smartphone to fastboot mode. To do this, enable USB debugging, go to command line on the computer and sequentially enter the commands cd /, cd path to the “adb” file. In our example, the address is C:\Program Files (x86)\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools. After entering all the commands, the phone should reboot into fastboot mode.

Before flashing your Android phone via a computer at home, format all partitions of the device using the following commands:

fastboot erase boot;
fastboot erase userdata;
fastboot erase system;
fastboot erase recovery;
fastboot erase cache.

After entering each command, you must press the Enter key. Next, enter the flash-all command, which will automatically begin installing the firmware (the folder should contain the flash-all.bat file). Once the process is complete, you will see a successful installation message.