Probably everyone who used tablet computers was faced with some kind of software malfunction. Some could be solved by simply reinstalling the program or game from the Market, while others required more decisive measures, such as a complete reset to the factory settings. If this did not help, the question arose of how to reflash Android through a computer. There are several basic methods. We will discuss them in this article.
Search for firmware
The first step in this matter is finding a suitable firmware for it. If there is a question about how to reflash an "Android" Chinese, which does not have identification marks, and it is unrealistic to determine the model, then you can simply disassemble it and see which processor and other modules are installed on the board. Often, such tablets are made on AllWinner or RockChip processors, and the firmware for them is interchangeable. In other cases, you should find the model number of your device on the case, or look in the menu of the device, if it still turns on.
First of all, check for firmware on the manufacturer’s official website. If she will not be there, then only then go to the large thematic forums devoted to this issue. In no case do not download suspicious files, because they may contain malicious software. Found a firmware? Congratulations, the first step in resolving the issue of how to independently upgrade Android is done!
How to flash - through a computer or without it?
There are two options for firmware - using a personal computer or through the tablet’s firmware. In the first case, preparation of the PC is required, which we will talk about a little later.
The second case explains how to reflash the Android tablet yourself without a computer. To do this, download the firmware in the archive, which is an image intended for self-deployment of the tablet, and download it to a memory card, which is subsequently connected to the gadget. When you press a certain key combination (it is usually indicated in the instructions for the firmware), you will be taken to a special service menu, which the wizard calls "Recovery."
Further, according to the same instructions, you should select the file with the firmware on the card and confirm the installation. As a result, after these steps you will get a working tablet if the problem was only in the software. Often, all data from it is deleted.
Preparing a computer for firmware
If the tablet does not turn on at all, or if there are no firmware for Recovery, it can be flashed using a personal computer. In this case, you will have to download not only the firmware itself, but also the driver and the firmware program.
First, drivers are downloaded and installed that will allow your computer to recognize the tablet and work with it. Without these programs, a computer or laptop simply will not see the gadget and, accordingly, the firmware will fail.
The next step in resolving the issue of how to upgrade Android through a computer is to install a program for flashing the tablet. What exactly will be needed in your case can be found on the thematic forums or in the instructions from the manufacturer. It is this program that performs the functions that “Recovery” performed in the previous version.
It works with the firmware image and correctly registers its blocks in the gadget's memory. If everything was chosen correctly and there are no hardware problems with the tablet, upon completion of the firmware it will turn on and work. If the problem persists, then it is not related to the firmware, and a trip to the service center cannot be avoided.
What if the firmware is nowhere to be found?
But what should you do if you already know how to upgrade Android through a computer, but cannot find a firmware or a flasher program suitable for your model anywhere? Then there are two options.
You can ask for help at all the same thematic forums where they can tell you where to get what you need. Perhaps, firmware from another model is suitable for your device, and you will simply be shown this replacement option. If this does not help, then you can use the second option, which, unfortunately, does not always work.
It consists in contacting the manufacturer through the official website or by phone. Some manufacturers value the buyers of their equipment. And with pleasure they will help to solve the problem. Others will require a visit to an authorized service center, and, unfortunately, they will not be able to find another way out. In any case, in the conversation, show the manufacturer’s representative that you know how to reflash the Android tablet yourself so that he does not doubt you and your knowledge.
Conclusion
As you can see, flashing a variety of gadgets, and tablets in particular, is not as complicated as it seems. In most cases, there are clear instructions to help you do this. If you still do not understand how to upgrade Android through a computer, we advise you not to experiment and contact a service center in order not to accidentally increase the cost of repair work.