How to reflash Android and what is required for this? Which Android firmware is better? Flashing Android using a computer

The easiest way to seriously update your gadget is to install custom firmware on it. With it you can not only expand the number of means of control over the system, but also try something new, get many convenient functions or even a new Android version. In this article I will talk about the ten most popular, interesting and functional firmware created on the basis of Android.

Paranoid Android

Harvesters

Temasek's

MK (MoKee)

The interface is truly original. Everything standard applications from Android were replaced with applications of our own development, and the rest were significantly improved. The notification panel has quick toggles that appear above notifications. The “Energy Consumption” section has been renamed to “Power Management” and is much more convenient and informative; the “Network Modes” button allows you to enable the “3G Only” and “2G Only” modes.

There are no complaints about the speed of the graphical shell. Everything is very fast and smooth. It is worth saying that the firmware has an interesting permission management mechanism built into it. It allows you to limit significantly more parameters than Android Marshmallow. Settings interface and almost everything system applications completely Russified. But in all applications that work via the Internet, you will see only Chinese characters, but the method of scientific poking and knowledge of how such applications work allows you to use them.

The Chinese equivalent of the Play Store has almost all popular (and not so popular) applications. But Google programs will refuse to work without services Google Play, but installing these services is not so easy. There is a solution to the problem on the Internet, but it does not always work; you will have to use either the built-in market or various unofficial stores, and also come to terms with the fact that some applications will not start without Google Services.

Dropped out of the test

Bliss

Official site: blissroms.com/
48 (as of 08/13/2016)
The basis: CyanogenMod
Android Version: 6.0.1

The developers claim that Bliss is one of the most customizable tailoring. Actually this is not true. The firmware is indeed a collection of interesting features from other firmwares, but it is very far from RR, AICP or Temasek. Unless they are initially built in and launched through the Kernel Adiutor and SuperSU settings. The settings of the firmware itself are not translated into Russian. The translation only applies to items that are in CyanogenMod.

crDroid

Official site: ww2.crdroid.org
Number of officially supported devices: 29 (as of 08/09/2016)
The basis: CyanogenMod
Android Version: 6.0.1

The purpose of creation, like everyone else, is to add the best features from other firmwares. On the welcome screen during initial setup it is written that the firmware includes a lot of functions from OmniROM, Paranoid Android, Temasek and others. Unfortunately, it's the same story as with Bliss. Lack of exclusive features and a significant lag in capabilities compared to RR, AICP, Temasek. There are no interesting applications built in.

Outside the test

• NexSense 6.0- an attempt to port HTC Sense 6.0 (Android 4.4.2) to Nexus 5. At first, only the firmware itself was launched, but over time, enthusiasts were able to get Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and various sensors to work. But for a very long time this could not be achieved from the camera and sound. Over time, the developers came to the conclusion that it was necessary to rewrite some libraries almost from scratch. Local craftsmen seemed to have tried to do this, but to no avail.
• ASUS ZENUI CM 13 (Nightly) Based- a project to port applications from Asus ZenUI to CyanogenMod 13. Officially, development is carried out only for LG G2. According to the developers, about 90% of all applications have already been moved.
• MIUI- the firmware has been officially ported to 286 different devices. Developed by Xiaomi and based on the source codes of CyanogenMod and AOSP. Many features have migrated here from iOS, TouchWiz, UX (LG), HTC Sense, but there are also some of our own. There are so many useful functions that their description is a topic for a separate article.
• Maru OS- a very original firmware, which, when connecting a smartphone to a monitor, turns it into a full-fledged desktop. Read detailed review and an interview with the developer is possible.

How to install?

For most devices, the stock firmware looks like this:

1. Unlock the bootloader (this is individual for each device, so go ahead, Google).
2. Install a custom recovery (in rare cases, you can install custom ones without it, but this is not a good idea).
   2.1. We go to the official TWRP website, enter the name of your device there, and download the newest version for it.
   2.2. We connect the smartphone via USB and install drivers for your device on the computer.
   2.3. Download and install Android SDK.
   2.4. We launch the terminal and flash the recovery with the command fastboot flash recovery recovery_name.img (fastboot is located in the platform-tools folder inside the SDK).
3. After flashing the firmware, go to TWRP, select the Russian language (at the very bottom), check the “Allow changes” box and swipe to the right.
4. Go to the “Cleaning” section and select “Format Data”. This is necessary if the data section is encrypted.
5. We connect the smartphone to the computer and transfer the file with the new firmware to the memory card.
6. Select “Install”, and then the firmware file. We agree by swiping to the right.
7. Click on “Reboot into OS” and wait for the download to complete (about ten minutes, including application optimization).
8. After the initial setup, we recommend booting into recovery again and making backups. At a minimum, an EFS partition in which IMEI, s/n and other important data are embedded.

If you don’t want to lose the main firmware, you can install the custom one with a second system. The one-of-a-kind MultiROM Manager will help with this. It allows you to install multiple firmware at once. The device prompts you to select the firmware from the installed ones when you turn it on. Installing the program is quite simple (just don’t forget to make backup copies before doing so, just in case):

1. Install MultiROM Manager from the Play Store and launch it.
2. Click the “Install” button.
3. We wait for the installation to complete, and then agree to reboot.
4. After rebooting and installing some scripts, the firmware selection interface will open.

Installation of the second firmware is performed via MultiTWRP in Advanced section-> MultiROM or through the application itself.

Dictionary

• Stock (stock, stock firmware)- official firmware, preinstalled by default by the manufacturer. Also, not only absolutely clean images of stock firmware are often called stock, but also images prepared for installation through unofficial recovery.
• AOSP (Android Open Source Project)- original source Android codes from Google, available for downloading and modification by everyone. The term “based on stock, based on AOSP” means that the firmware was compiled based on these sources (and not CyanogenMod sources, as is sometimes the case). Most Xposed modifications only work in AOSP/CyanogenMod and firmware based on them.
• CAF (Code Aurora Forum) is a project supported by the Linux Foundation that accelerates the advancement of open source in mobile technology. The main participant in the project is Qualcomm, which maintains the Android for MSM repository, which contains Android source code with optimizations for Qualcomm chips. If developers claim that their firmware is based on CAF, then it includes all these optimizations. But it is worth keeping in mind that changes from Android for MSM often flow into AOSP.
• CyanogenMod Based (CM based, based on CynogenMod)- firmware based on CyanogenMod code. Immediately after the release of a new version of AOSP, CyanogenMod developers copy its sources into their own repository and begin to implement their additions to it and port it to new devices. And the list of devices supported by CyanogenMod is such an impressive number that many developers of custom firmware choose it as a base, rather than AOSP.
• Recovery (recovery mode, recovery)- console Android recovery. Designed to perform a factory reset or install a zip file of firmware signed with the manufacturer's key. For many devices, there are third-party recoveries with advanced functions, such as ClockworkMod, TWRP, Philz. They allow you to make full backups of both the entire system and individual parts, install third-party firmware, format and resize partitions, install any add-ons and much more useful things.
• Bootloader (bootloader, bootloader)- loaded first. It passes the partition table of the on-chip NAND memory to the kernel, loads it into memory and runs it. It is the bootloader that connects to the PC in fastboot mode and launches the recovery. Therefore, before installing custom recovery and often third-party firmware, it must be unlocked. Almost always, after unlocking the bootloader, absolutely all data is erased from the device’s memory.
• GApps (Google Apps)- a set of services and applications from Google. GApps packages come in various sizes, from the smallest (less than 100 MB), which include only Google Play and the services it runs, to large ones, which contain almost all existing Google applications (the size of such packages is close to 800 MB). Many firmware developers recommend installing Open GApps. Differences between versions can be viewed in the Open GApps Wiki. Please be aware that some GApps may replace system applications.
• Nightly (“nightie”)- overnight firmware assembly. For many devices, assemblies are done daily (nightly). In theory, they have low stability, but in practice, unsuccessful builds are extremely rare, and bugs that pop up are fixed very quickly.

File system F2FS

Almost all custom firmware supports the F2FS file system, which is designed specifically for working with flash memory and, in theory, uses it more efficiently and more carefully than ext4. You can switch to this FS in the following way:

1. Login to TWRP.
   2.0. Open the item “Cleanup -> Custom Cleanup”.
   2.1. Check the Cache section.
   2.2. Click “Restore or change file system -> Change.” file system -> F2FS" and swipe to confirm.
   2.3. Press the "Home" button.
2. Repeat step 2 for the data and system sections.

Notes:

• Not all firmwares support F2FS. If there is no support, you will end up with endless loading.
• After change file system data section, not only program data and firmware settings will be lost, but also files saved on internal map memory.
• In practice, the performance gain will be a few percent at best.

Conclusion

We have not reviewed all existing firmware. However, even this is enough to have an idea about modern firmware. In terms of interface, they are almost all similar, they all work very smoothly, and it is very difficult to notice any differences in operating speed. But their functions are different. On my own behalf, I can add that if you spend a long time at least on MoKee, or especially Resurrection Remix, then you won’t even want to go back to pure CyanogenMod. But you will probably have to turn to Xposed for help. Fortunately, almost all existing custom ROMs work with almost any Xposed module.

Firmware is basic software 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:

Updating or installing firmware can eliminate many problems related to the operation of Android devices A. During long-term use, the system memory of mobile gadgets becomes clogged with residual files () (“casts” of previously downloaded programs), malicious code() and other unnecessary data. All this leads to a decrease in the performance and speed of the processor and RAM. As a result, the smartphone (tablet) often begins to freeze and reboot on its own. And if factory reset() does not lead to a positive result, the user can only perform the software update himself. Let's look at how to reflash a phone running on Android OS.

Types of firmware and methods of installing them

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

For flashing Android there is no single instruction that would fit all models mobile devices. It all depends on the manufacturer of the device and what software you plan to install.

All Android firmware is divided into two types:

1. Official. Supplied directly by smartphone manufacturers and usually only suitable for a specific brand. Such programs are considered the most reliable, so they should be used whenever possible.
2. Unofficial (custom). Developed by Android device users and small companies. They are used when reinstalling Android on Chinese devices (for example, Lenovo, Meizu, Xiaomi, etc.).

When using custom software, there is a possibility of installing a low-quality update, as a result of which the gadget will begin to slow down even more. Therefore, you need to download the executable file only after reading its description in detail and reading user reviews.

There are several ways to change the firmware on Android:

Preparing for self-flashing

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

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

The functionality of the installed software largely depends on its version and build. To prevent the new firmware from starting to conflict with the hardware after some time, you need to find out serial number mobile device:

Let's look at a more detailed procedure for updating Android on a phone using the example of Samsung and Lenovo, although this instruction also suitable for many other brands.

Smartphone firmware from Samsung

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

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

After setting up Kies, create a backup of the software available on your smartphone. This will allow you to restore the system in case of unsuccessful firmware. To backup Android via PC, in the initial application window, select “ Backup", mark the items you want to save and start the procedure by clicking the corresponding button.

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

While the device is being flashed, do not under any circumstances disconnect it from the PC or perform other actions that could lead to a disconnection.

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

Replacing firmware on a Lenovo tablet via PC

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

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

Subscribe:

Users of smartphones running Android OS, in some cases, are faced with the need to reflash their gadget. The best firmware for Android can be found on the branded websites of phone manufacturers and operators. mobile communications. There are also resources where mobile device users publish unique software adapted to certain conditions. In this regard, software is divided into:

• proprietary, developed by smartphone manufacturers; custom, improved by the users themselves.

Smartphone owners often wonder why it is necessary to change the phone software and what firmware to install on Android.

When you buy a smartphone in a branded showroom of a particular operator, you will be offered, for a fee, to flash the phone to work with SIM cards from other operators. The fact is that such smartphones have software installed specifically to work with a specific operator, and your phone will ignore the networks of other companies. As a result, a number of device options, such as a wireless Internet connection, will be unavailable.

The need for phone firmware also arises when the software fails, if you accidentally returned to factory settings, as well as when purchasing a gadget by mail, for example, from China.

You can reflash your phone at any repair shop. If you have a computer or laptop with access to the Internet, and an external memory card is installed on your smartphone, then you can independently perform a simple operation to change the firmware.

The best firmware for Android, instructions for installing them and user recommendations can be easily found on specialized Internet resources, forums and blogs of professional software developers.

One of the most advanced resources in the CIS in this regard is the 4PDA portal, where forum users offer latest versions software for a wide variety of phone models. Here you will find a detailed description of the firmware and learn about the capabilities that this or that software will provide. Often the software contains an update to the version itself operating system Android.