How to reinstall Android on your phone without the help of a specialist. How to reinstall Android using unofficial firmware

The share of smartphones in the global market has recently reached record levels. And if you consider that the Android operating system is installed on 85% of smart phones, it becomes clear: almost every user sooner or later faces the problem of reinstalling it. In addition, recently, in addition to a smartphone, many people are purchasing a tablet. And here the situation is the same - about 60% of tablets run on Andriod.

Preparing to reinstall the operating system

First, let's make a small digression. We will not talk about banal things that even a child can do. To do this, just go to the “Check for updates” section of the menu and agree to it. The only advice that can be given is to fully charge the battery before the update procedure and, just in case, make a backup copy of the data. We will talk about “in any case” below, but you should always worry about saving your data, because they are often very valuable.

So, before going into details, basic advice: before all operations, as much as possible save all data and fully charge the battery. This applies to all smartphones and tablets without exception.

The Android installation procedure can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer of the device itself. Moreover, let’s say, Lenovo uses processors of different architectures in its gadgets, which entails a variety of installations even within the same manufacturer. Therefore, before installation, it is still necessary to read the instructions, which describe the reinstallation procedure specifically for a specific device.

Usually, connecting it to a smartphone is enough for installation. In some cases, an external memory card is used, onto which the image (firmware) is previously copied.

Android OS firmware

You should find reinstallation software online and for your device itself. You need to approach this moment very carefully. At a minimum, “foreign” firmware simply will not be written, and in the worst case, it can “kill” your favorite device. Next, according to the instructions: we set up the software on the computer and connect the device in a special way, which is described in the same instructions. After the procedure, the program will visually or audioly notify you of successful completion. Only after this can you disconnect the cable, pull out the battery for a few seconds, insert and turn on the device. The first boot often takes much longer than a normal restart, so don't be nervous, just be a little patient.

A general resource where you can get information on various devices is the forum of the 4pda website: http://4pda.ru/forum/. A huge number of instructions, firmware (including so-called “custom” - unofficial, created by home craftsmen).

Samsung

What devices should you be most careful with? First of all, those that have a “boot” sector - the boot area. If you accidentally damage it, it will be impossible to correct the error at home, and the only way is to a service center. For example, Samsung is updated using the Odin program, which includes a pit file (it indicates the file system layout). So, if you take this pit file from another model, the program will write the firmware to other addresses, which will make your device a “brick”. Great resource. Which contains all the firmware and software for Samsung - a forum for repairmen http://www.gsmforum.ru/forums/414-Samsung-firmware-and-programs.

Chinese devices

The vast majority of Chinese gadgets are flashed with SP Flash Tool and Research Download. As a rule, they do not have a “boot” sector, but there are exceptions, so in any case you need to be vigilant. Since the Celestial Empire puts on the market a simply huge number of devices, there are a large number of sites on which they are discussed. One of the most voluminous is http://forum.china-iphone.ru/.

Motorola

Smartphone manufacturer Motorola stands a little apart. They have always been unique and remain so. Despite the fact that recently the site http://www.motofan.ru/ is not filling up as quickly as before, you can find everything for Motorola firmware on it. As before, these smartphones are flashed with RSD software, which is quite easy to use. You just need to install it, download the so-called “monsterpack” (firmware for Motorola in *.sbf format) and select it in the program. Next, you should put the smartphone into bootloader mode, connect it to the computer, install the drivers and press the “start” button. After flashing the firmware, we twist the battery as standard and turn it on.

Android firmware from memory card

Let's take a closer look at the firmware from the memory card. Almost all Android devices have a Recovery mode - a kind of engineering menu in which you can perform some useful operations: a full reset (Wipedata/factoryreset), clear the cache (wipecachepartition), flash from a memory card (apply update from external storage). Google will tell you how to enter it, upon request, for example, motorola droid pro recovery mode. The answer will be “hold down the R, M buttons and without releasing the power button. Then, when the green robot appears, the @ button.” Next we get to the Recovery menu. We see the menu item apply update from external storage, and flash the smartphone with the firmware pre-recorded on the memory card in *.zip format. It is worth noting that this procedure is only possible for official firmware. If the task is to install custom firmware, then Recovery should be custom. Let us remind you that “custom” comes from the English “custom” (custom), i.e. unofficial. Options for installing custom Recovery: directly from the phone menu and as regular firmware. If the first option is selected, then to implement it you must obtain Root rights (access rights to the file system). In turn, Root rights can also be obtained in different ways, for example, by downloading software to obtain rights from GooglePlay. So, the algorithm is as follows: Root rights, custom Recovery, custom firmware.

With a serious, thoughtful approach to the procedure of reinstalling Android, it turns out that it is not so difficult. And your devices will continue to delight you with stable operation.

Sooner or later, any operating system starts to fail. This may occur due to virus infection or a simple accumulation of errors. On regular computers, this problem is solved by reinstalling the operating system. But how to reinstall Android on a tablet or phone if it starts to work unstably? We will try to answer this question in this article.

The Android operating system provides a function that allows you to quickly return the operating system to the state it was in when you first turned it on. This function is called hard reset. After using this function, all data is deleted from the internal memory of the device, all installed applications are deleted, and the standard Android settings are returned. As a result, the user receives a complete analogue of reinstalling the system. Thus, you can solve problems with viruses, freezes, reboots and other glitches that may occur on Android. Next, we will demonstrate this method of reinstalling Android on a Samsung Nexus 10 tablet and a Samsung Galaxy S4 mini phone.

How to reinstall Android on Samsung Nexus 10 tablet

The Samsung Nexus 10 tablet uses the standard Android operating system, so these instructions should be suitable for many other devices.

The first thing you need to do is open Settings and go to the “Backup and reset” section.

After this, you will see settings that relate to backup and settings. Here you need to find the “Reset settings” section and open it.

After this, the reinstallation of Android will begin on your device. This process will only take a few minutes, after which the device will reboot. After rebooting, in the form in which it was when it was first turned on.

How to reinstall Android on Samsung Galaxy S4

If you have a tablet or phone with a shell from the manufacturer, then the path to reset the settings may be disabled. As an example, we will demonstrate how to reinstall Android on a Samsung Galaxy S4 phone.

As in the previous example, you first need to open Settings. After that, go to the “Accounts” tab and open the “Backup and reset” section.

After this, you will see a warning that resetting the data will delete all user data on the device. To begin reinstalling Android, click on the “Reset device” button, which is located at the very bottom of the screen.

After this, the Android reinstallation process will begin. Next, as in the previous example, you need to wait until the device reboots. After which it can be used.

How to reinstall Android if the device does not turn on

If your Android device is even , then you can reinstall the operating system using Recovery mode.

Depending on your device model, the procedure for entering recovery mode may vary. But, in most cases, in order to enter recovery mode you need to do the following:

Turn off the device;
Hold down the volume up button;
Without releasing the volume button, press the “Home” button;
Without releasing the volume and Home buttons, press the device's power button;
Without releasing the button, wait until the device starts in recovery mode:

In recovery mode, a list of available actions will appear on the screen. Here you need to select “Wipe data / factory reset”. After which the device will begin reinstalling Android and go into reboot.

After rebooting, your device will be ready to use.

The question is quite relevant among users of this OS, since Android, like other systems, sooner or later fails. And often, to get rid of them, there is only one option left - reinstallation. But failures are not the only reason to carry it out: quite often new versions are released on Android, the installation of which simply warms the user’s soul with its new functions and updated interface.
One way or another, you still need to reinstall the Android version on your phone or tablet (the methods for doing this are not so different for these devices, except that the interface may differ).

There are several ways to properly reinstall your system

The first and, perhaps, the easiest and safest method is automatic updating. In this case, you don’t have to be afraid of messing up, since the device will do everything itself.
To run automatic updates on your tablet (or phone), you need to turn on the Internet and find the corresponding option in the settings menu. Depending on the device, its name may differ, but usually it is “Software Update” or “Check for Updates”. After detecting it, we use it to check for updates available for the current tablet.
If for some reason the device does not have this function, or the device does not want to look for new firmware (system versions), you can easily find special applications for updating the Android OS in PlayMarket.

Remember! It may happen that it is impossible to change the current version of Android to a newer one on your phone or tablet: sometimes developers do not provide updates for certain OS versions and device models. In this case, you can only reinstall the system again.
If updates are still found, the device will quietly begin the installation process. Before this, it is better to take care of the availability of a Wi-Fi network or unlimited Internet - otherwise, get ready to lose the lion's share of your traffic.
The second method is relatively more complicated and usually takes more time. It is done manually using a computer and a USB cable.

Before you start reinstalling the system, you need to prepare:

The device must be fully charged. Even better - connected to power throughout the entire process;
You need to know exactly which version of Android you need. The “About device” option in the settings menu, or the information indicated on the packaging box, will help here;
Be sure to create backup copies - especially if this is your first time reinstalling. To do this, you can use special programs (for example, NandroidBackup), or simply copy the “wload.bin”, “env.bin”, and “u-boot.bin” files from the device memory to the SD card. Then these files need to be copied from the memory card to the computer.

Then the “preludes” end, and the process of manual updating begins

So, we know the current version of Android, now we need to download the corresponding firmware to the computer. It is strongly recommended to download updates only from the developer’s website, or from 100% trusted sources.
After the firmware is received, format the memory card and create the “SCRIPT” folder in its root. We then copy the downloaded firmware files into this folder.
Turn off the device and insert a card already equipped with new firmware into it, turn it back on.

We're already close. Now the device will start installing the new Android OS automatically from the files we suggested. You shouldn’t disturb his “trance”, much less turn it off. The process may take quite a long time, so do not be alarmed. Once the installation is complete, the device will turn on itself, and you will see an updated (or simply reinstalled) Android.
And if it doesn’t appear, or appears incorrectly, then you always have backup copies at hand - everything can be fixed.

This method of reinstalling the Android version is very similar to reinstalling Windows from a boot disk (LiveCD), and requires the same accuracy and precision in actions.

The third method is to use third-party programs on your PC

There are other ways to reinstall Android on your device, but they are not suitable for everyone:

1. Reflash the OS using a special disk to search for and install updates on the device. The disk is often included with some popular models of tablets and smartphones;
2. Or entrust the reinstallation to specialists. Although here you need to be attentive to the professionalism of the employee - there have been cases of a working smartphone being returned in a “brick” state.

In fact, flashing the version on Android does not require much effort - just a little patience and adherence to a clear action plan. There is no need to be upset if it turns out incorrectly the first time: reinstalling the OS is a delicate matter and requires some experience.

How to reinstall Android on a tablet

Android, for several years in a row, has been one of the most common operating systems for various mobile devices. A huge advantage of this OS is its open source code, thanks to which manufacturers, developers, and just hobbyists can create their own versions for various gadgets, as well as modify existing ones.

It is worth noting that some amateur “customization” projects have gained quite wide popularity and become commercial ( Cyanogen Mod, MIUI, AOKP, Slim ICS etc.).

Reasons for reinstalling Android

There are many reasons to reinstall the Android OS on your tablet or smartphone. Here are just a few of them.

Many, even well-known manufacturers, do not bother themselves at all with developing and releasing new versions of the system for devices already in use - what can we say about inexpensive devices produced by little-known companies. But each new version of Android is the result of bug fixes from the previous one, plus additional new features. As a result, the existing hardware allows you to use a new version that cannot be obtained using standard update tools.
Most manufacturers use their own modified version. Yes, of course, some “tricks” are very pleasant and useful. But, often, the manufacturer’s image is so inconvenient and overloaded with additional software and settings that even devices with good characteristics noticeably “slow down” in their work. So installing a “clean” ROM that does not contain unnecessary software allows you to use the available power more efficiently.
Ready-made images from third-party manufacturers, even if they are built on the same basic version of Android, have such an attractive appearance and functionality, and the software they contain is so optimized and has such wide customization options that, having tried it once with friends, the owner of the gadget wants to install the same to yourself.
There are many reasons for using third-party Android firmware. It is worth noting security (many “custom” ones have a built-in antivirus and firewall), improved work with RAM for a specific device (a long-standing problem for Google developers), better drivers (for example, cameras or Wi-Fi), etc., etc. . P.

Finding the required system version

Finding a new or modified Android OS image is as simple as it is difficult. For most common models there are so many of them that it is very easy to get confused in their number. For rare models, especially from a little-known manufacturer or one just starting to enter the market, on the contrary, there are practically none. And if there is, it is unknown by whom and how they were developed.

The search for an alternative image should still start from the official website of the developer, not trusting those downloaded from suspicious torrents or forums. The exception is proven resources, where the administration monitors the quality of uploaded files.

So, to search for firmware from Cyanogen you need to go to http://download.cyanogenmod.org/, where on the left side of the page you can find your device manufacturer and model, and select the type:

all — complete list, or select by release:
stable - stable release;
release candidate — release candidate;
nightly - “nightly”, constantly updated assembly;
experiments - experimental;
snapshot - a snapshot of the file system.

A little about the types of releases

For those who just want to update their image to CyanogenMod, the stable release is worth a look. All functions in it are tested, the drivers work as they should. In general, the title of the release speaks for itself.

Release candidate. A relatively stable build that is in the final stages of testing. Some roughness is smoothed out. The good thing is that it may include some experimental features that are missing in the stable release.
Nightly build - has an advanced set of functions, drivers, etc. Not the best option for installation on a tablet that is used every day.
Experimental- the name speaks for itself. There is no guarantee that it will work stably.
Snapshot - usually used to restore “dead” devices.

For owners of Samsung Galaxy, HTC One and Google Nexus, there is the opportunity to use the automatic method of installing a custom version using the CyanogenMod Installer application package, which we will discuss below.

How to update Android firmware on a tablet

The easiest option to update the ROM is to use, for example, the CyanogenMod Installer installation packages. Using this software is quite simple.

The first, .apk file is installed on the tablet and verifies that the settings are “correct” for this operation.
The second file is an installation file for Windows or Mac OS, which is installed on the computer, respectively. After launching on the BB, the program searches for the most suitable image on the Cyanogen server, and then offers to connect the device via USB, after which the process of downloading the required version and installing it into the device begins.

This method is currently available to owners of only a few of the models listed above. But, there are other options for installing the firmware, although they require a little more time, but also have greater capabilities. In particular, the choice of type or manufacturer.

How to reinstall Android

In order to correctly install a new or modified version of the Android OS, you first need to obtain Root rights to access the ROM of the device. You can use one of the many applications available in the Play Market, for example, Frameroot, Universal AndRoot, z4root or the like.

Now you can begin installing the new image using the following procedure:

Download the required firmware;
Save all data and also make a system backup;
Download the necessary software for installation. One of the most popular is ROM Manager;
Move the downloaded firmware to the memory card if it was located in the internal memory of the tablet;
Launch ROM Manager and select the option: “Install ROM from SD card”;
Select the image to install;
Check the “Save current ROM” option so that you can return to the “stock” version in case of failure;
After the reboot, the installation of the new ROM will begin.

Before starting work, it is advisable to completely format the memory card. To do this, go to: “Settings” - “Memory” and select “Empty SD card”.
If you fail to flash your tablet or phone using ROM Manager, you can try using ClockWorkMod.
To search for an alternative image, you can use the built-in tools of both flashers. Both ROM Manager and ClockWorkMod use databases from all the most popular developers.
It is also worth remembering that all of the above actions are performed at your own peril and risk. And after changing the Android OS, the warranty on the device, if you still have it, will no longer be valid.

Have you decided to update your system or change the firmware to a newer one? We'll tell you how to do this.

Often, Android owners think about changing the phone's firmware. This usually happens when a new version of the system is released if the old one does not support some functions that are so necessary for the user.

Or the smartphone does not work correctly with new applications. By the way, anyone who is planning to do a flashing should know how to reinstall Android on their phone.

To change the system version on your device there are several options:

Reinstall directly from your phone
Using a USB cable via a computer or laptop
Using special programs for firmware
Contact a specialist
Through installing drivers on a mobile phone

In the opposite situation, you are unlikely to succeed, and instead of a device with a new system, you may end up with a useless and non-working device that only a specialist can fix.

In general, reinstalling the system is not difficult. Any inexperienced user can solve this problem, since there are special detailed instructions for this. Therefore, doubts about reinstalling Android yourself are unfounded.

How to prepare your phone for reinstallation?

To ensure the reinstallation goes smoothly, prepare for the process. First of all, read the instructions for your phone. It often contains a lot of interesting information.

You should also remember in what order all the actions are performed, so that during the operation you don’t have to look at the source all the time.

You will also need to install a special program for firmware. For Android it is called ODIN.

You will also need drivers so that the computer can easily detect the connected device.

Flashing resets all settings to factory settings and completely deletes all data from it. In some cases, this can lead to serious problems, so even before starting the operation, take care of the safety of the data. A great solution is to back up all your files.

By the way, it is recommended to perform this operation periodically. This way you can avoid many problems if any malfunctions occur, for example, serious freezing or unexpected shutdown. Therefore, it is better to consider this procedure as one of the important components of flashing.

You can make a copy yourself by connecting your phone to a computer or other device. Transfer everything you need by regular copying. But this may take some time, so most users prefer to use special programs. By the way, the ODIN program also has this function.

The advantage of manual copying is that you can save only the information you need. If a complete copy is made, viruses and spy files may get into the new system.

How to reinstall the system?

So, when everything is ready, you can safely begin the reinstallation. The procedure itself has several sequential steps:

Reset your phone to factory settings. Carrying out this action depends on which model is used, since different manufacturers use their own algorithms
Connect your phone to your computer. Accordingly, first install all the necessary drivers on it. If everything was done correctly, then when connecting to a computer, the phone will be immediately recognized
Create a backup if you haven't done so before. It is worth recalling that it is forbidden to change the firmware without this procedure
Update the firmware using the installed program. To do this, in the appropriate window, select the file with the firmware and open it so that the data is loaded into the program
Perform the flashing directly. This process is enabled using the "Update" button. Next, you should wait until the program completes the operation and announces that the installation is complete

Once you have completed the reinstallation, format your memory card if you are using one. Although it is not at all necessary to do this, viruses and dubious files can still penetrate from it. Therefore, it is better to get rid of all old data in order to start the system from the very beginning.