The Android operating system has gained great popularity due to its simplicity and excellent developer support. However, its distribution scheme is such that each device manufacturer must create its own version of the firmware. Moreover, for a specific model of phone or tablet. This article will discuss the methods and flashers of Android through a PC.
A bit of theory about what firmware is
First, it’s worth talking about what the firmware of any device is. This is a set of software to perform basic functions for the operating system itself. Since versions of Android are stamped very often, and each device has its own set of equipment, there are many versions of firmware. Therefore, before performing a software change, you need to find it specifically for your device.
Goals and tasks of flashing the device
Why do you even need firmware? There are many different answers to this question. For example, the device began to fail and behave incomprehensibly. Resetting to factory settings did not help, and then, as an option, you can reflash. This is done if you are simply tired of the appearance of the menu and the functionality presented by the current version. And it also happens that the manufacturer has stopped supporting this device software, and the current version of Android is no longer developing.
Firmware can be either official, representing the original images of the system installed by the manufacturer, or “custom”, that is, assembled by amateurs and enthusiasts. Installing the latter is done at your own peril and risk, so you should carefully study the instructions and manuals.
Overview of flashers for "Android"
Now let's talk more about what it is. The firmware for Android is a special program or a set of them, which knows how a smartphone or tablet works, and can install software in the necessary sections of memory. We will look at some of these applications.
The SP Flash Tool is probably the most famous flash driver for Android. It focuses mainly on installing software on devices with MediaTech processors. Using the program can be described in steps:
- Installing the driver for the device on a personal computer. This is necessary so that the SP Flash Tool can see and use the gadget correctly.
- Find the desired firmware for your version of the phone. At this stage, it is worth being very careful, since there are a lot of them. And they can vary not only by date, but also by revisions of a smartphone or tablet.
- After the firmware is found, you need to unzip it to a convenient place on your hard drive.
- Now you need to run the "Android" flasher through the SP Flash Tool PC. The main program window will open, in which all the action will take place.
- The right side of the window has a Scatter Loading button. It allows you to download the Scatter files available in the firmware archive.
- Now you need to click on the toolbar button with the arrow and the inscription Download . And only at this stage connect the device to the computer.
- The firmware process should begin, the progress of which can be observed on the yellow line from the bottom.
- After completion, the device must be rebooted. The first launch can last about 5-10 minutes.
It is necessary to use this method and the Android flash driver SP Flash Tool carefully, as this is a universal method. And for each particular device there are its own features and tricks.
Odin is a powerful tool for Samsung
Odin is an Android flasher through a computer for Samsung devices. It is a multifunctional harvester that can not only change the firmware on the device, but also install recovery, kernels and much more.
For the program to work properly, it will require an installed Windows system, drivers for the Samsung device, as well as a special set of ADB Fastboot. A few tips and tricks for working with Odin:
- Before starting the firmware, you need to make sure that the battery is at least 50% charged;
- in order not to turn the device into a "brick" during the procedure, you should use a laptop or PC with an uninterruptible power supply;
- use the original USB cable;
- When saving the firmware file, the path should not contain Russian characters.
As a rule, firmware should be sought on the official website of the Samsung company. If you need some kind of custom, then you need to go to any thematic forum, for example, w3bsit3-dns.com.
Phoenix suit
This flasher for Android on tablets and phones is focused on Allwinner BoxChip processors. The functionality of the program is small, but sufficient to perform the firmware of many models of devices on the Android platform. The process itself does not require special knowledge and effort.
First, drivers are installed on the device, then the necessary software version is searched. Then, on the Firmware tab, the file of the downloaded firmware is indicated and the procedure itself starts. Upon completion, the program will reboot the device itself.
Conclusion
There are many programs on the network for executing firmware on devices with the Android OS. Some have already ceased to be used and maintained, some are simply not needed due to the availability of more functional and simple solutions. The article described the current and popular types of flashers today.
But when using any program, it is worth remembering that firmware is a very responsible task. Getting an idle phone in the process is easy. Therefore, you should study in more detail how and what the firmware of this or that phone and tablet is made. And also specify which version requires firmware.
You must not forget about kickbacks. That is, you should create backup copies of the working system. This will allow in case of error to return everything to its place.