The increasing complexity of mobile communication devices required the creation of specialized operating systems designed to ensure the interaction of programs with hardware components. The most famous solutions from Apple (iOS for the iPhone and the entire line), as well as Google ("Android"). Although there is still no consensus on which system is better, usage statistics speak for themselves: according to the end of 2013, Android accounted for more than 80% of the market, and iOS barely surpassed the 10% mark. You can talk about the monitoring results for a long time, but from its results it becomes clear why most users are so interested in answering the question “how to install the firmware on Android.” We note right away that there is nothing complicated in this procedure, and it can even be performed by a schoolboy. If you use the software mechanism provided by the developers, updating the Android firmware requires only the presence of an active Internet and a couple of clicks on the touch screen.
Firmware philosophy
The entire software package on mobile devices can be divided into two categories: user-defined, which were installed by the owner independently, as well as system ones, recorded in the built-in flash memory area, access to which is impossible by usual methods. The latter category includes the kernel of the operating system and the accompanying programs needed to work in the originally conceived mode. The firmware process consists in updating the device control programs. This opens up access to some new features of the device, sometimes unique. At the same time, it doesn’t matter at all whether the Android tablet or smartphone is flashing — the procedure and the result are the same. Of course, if there are no errors in the process.
Update theory
There are two ways to change the firmware on Android: official and unofficial. The latter, in turn, has several implementation paths. In terms of security and convenience, the flashing process is preferable to the method provided by the developers. But the second one makes it possible to install the so-called “custom” firmware created by “homegrown” craftsmen, since it is they who know better than others how to make firmware on Android. Sometimes it comes to the point that these people create a system update almost “from scratch”, even after the developers have completely stopped supporting the device.
Thus, if the owner wants not to worry about possible problems with the guarantee and, sometimes, the need to restore from the “brick” state when the device does not respond to pressing the power button, then for him the best solution is to figure out how to update the Android firmware with the official by and do not put any experiments.
However, if the desire to “breathe a second life” into a mobile device outweighs healthy concerns, then you need to carefully study the issue of flashing custom firmware. Let us give an example that can convince the most inveterate skeptics to take risks: the developer of the smartphone Huawei Ascend G510 offers firmware only for the version of Android 4.1, but the craftsmen have already created a working system for the device based on Lollipop 5.1. What else can I say? Thus, everyone decides whether to take the risk and how much he is justified.
Warning
Before we explain in detail how to install the firmware on Android, we’ll note one important point that is always indicated on sites from which you can download a suitable update. This is a so-called disclaimer. According to him, any possible negative consequences from this procedure are entirely on the conscience of the owner. Sometimes, after an unsuccessful flashing, you have to re-read hundreds of pages of forums, looking for a way to restore the device to working condition “as it was”. And in some cases, in the hands of an unlucky owner is a piece of plastic for several thousand rubles. We fully share the philosophy of disclaimer, therefore, after reading our article, weigh the pros and cons.
With any full firmware, all data is lost, so you must first save lists of phone numbers and other information.
Official Android firmware over the Internet
Before starting the software update process, you must fully charge the device’s battery. If, due to an unexpected discharge, the smartphone turns off before the flashing is completed, then the risk of getting a “brick” will increase several times. To perform firmware update by the official method, you need to activate the Internet on your mobile device. We recommend that you opt for a Wi-Fi connection, as you will need to upload over 100 MB of data to the device, which GPRS may not be able to handle.
So, the user is required to open the “Settings” item and proceed to the “About the phone” section. It contains a link to "Software Update". If the developer bothered to share the new firmware in the public domain, it remains only to agree to the update. After the reboot, the owner will receive a device with new software. This is the easiest and safest way. Unfortunately, often support only extends to the latest devices, and owners of smartphones and tablets a year (or more) ago, when they try to update, receive a message that there are no new files.
How to install official update manually
In addition to the above method, which can rightfully be called automatic, it is possible to flash without the Internet. Rather, first you still have to go to the smartphone developer’s website from any device and download the firmware version of the desired version from there. When selected, the exact name of the model is indicated. The file with the zip extension should be placed on the flash card of the mobile device. After that, you need to go into Recovery (a "relative" of the computer BIOS, fastboot mode). On most devices, for this it is necessary to hold and hold the power button and the volume rocker in the “Up” position (from the off state). Although, it should be recognized, other launch implementations are possible.
If everything is done correctly, the owner will see a menu of several items that are navigated by using the volume rocker and the power button to confirm. Here you need to select Wipe and make a Data / Factory Reset (reset to factory settings). After that, it remains to select Install zip from sdcard and point to the file. This method is more complicated than the previous one, but it allows you to flash older versions, and also does not require the Internet on this device.
Preparing a device for working with custom firmware
Installing third-party software using regular tools is not possible. Recovery will simply refuse to flash such a file. To get around this limitation, you need to install CWM (Clockwork Mod recovery). This is a modified recovery with a number of unique features. You can download the installation file on the corresponding site. It is designed for the Android system and installs like all other apk applications. After the reboot, when using the combination “rocker + power button”, the upgraded Recovery will be launched, with which it is possible to flash the Android tablet or smartphone. The procedure is similar to the case with the official zip file, with the only difference being that the installation of third-party firmware is now available.
Features
It is very important to choose the right firmware files. With the updated recovery, the user can install the file from a completely different device that is not compatible and get a lot of problems as a result. We recommend that you adhere to the rule that you need to think and analyze 10 times, and only perform any actions once.
In addition, in some cases, installing a modernized recovery via fastboot is not possible. An alternative solution is to install Rom Manager (free from the Market) and select "Install ClockWork Mod" in the menu of this program. If the mobile device model is supported, then all the necessary files are downloaded from the Internet and installed. By the way, if you use Rom Manager Premium, then you don’t really need to delve into the question of how to install the firmware on Android, since the program itself will produce the most popular updates for the specified device (it should be on the list of supported ones).
Some suggestions on finding updates
A lot of articles have been written on how to install the firmware on Android; however, problems still arise. To prevent this, we recommend that the owner find some kind of "live" forum on mobile devices, register in the thread about his model of mobile phone or tablet and carefully read at least the information header. Ideally, it will not be superfluous to chat with other owners of these devices in the same place. Tips received from social networks often lead to the “bricking” of a mobile phone.
Debunking Myths
As we have already indicated, before flashing it is necessary to fully charge the battery. Some article authors go further and give advice on flashing a charger. This cannot be done! Some models of mobile devices do not work correctly when used together with “charging”. Is it worth the risk if you can spend an extra hour to replenish the charge and not worry about this moment?