The increasing complexity of mobile communication devices requiredcreation of specialized operating systems designed to ensure the interaction of programs with hardware components. The most well-known solutions from Apple (iOS for the iPhone and the entire line), as well as Google ("Android"). Although there is still no consensus about which system is better, usage statistics speak for themselves: according to the end of 2013, Android accounted for over 80% of the market, and iOS barely surpassed the 10% mark. It can be a long talk about the results of the monitoring, 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 difficult in this procedure and it can be performed even by a schoolboy. In the case of the involvement of the programmed mechanism provided by the developers, the update of the Android firmware only requires an active Internet and a couple of clicks on the touch screen.
Firmware philosophy
All software package on mobiledevices can be divided into two categories: user-defined, which were installed by the owner on their own, as well as system, recorded in the area of the built-in flash memory, access to which is impossible using conventional methods. The latter category includes the operating system kernel and accompanying programs needed to work in the originally conceived mode. The firmware process is to update the device control programs. This opens up access to some new features of the device, sometimes unique. At the same time, it does not matter at all whether the firmware of the tablet "Android" or a smartphone is being executed - 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 changefirmware on "Android": official and unofficial. The latter, in turn, has several ways of implementation. In terms of safety and convenience of the flashing process, the method provided by the developers is preferable. But the second makes it possible to install the so-called "custom" firmware, created by "home-grown" craftsmen, since they know better than others how to make the firmware on "Android". Sometimes it comes to the fact that these people create a system update almost from scratch, even after a complete cessation of support for the device by developers.
Thus, if the owner wants not to worryabout possible problems with the guarantee and, sometimes, the need to restore from the state of "brick" when the device does not respond to pressing the power button, then the optimal solution for it is to figure out how to update the firmware "Android" in an official way and not to do some experiments .
However, if the desire to "breathe a second life" inthe mobile device outweighs the healthy concerns, then you need to carefully examine the issue of firmware custom firmware. Let us give an example that can convince the most inveterate skeptics to take the risk: the smartphone developer Huawei Ascend G510 only offers firmware for Android 4.1, but the craftsmen have already created a working Lollipop 5.1 system for the device. What else can I say? Thus, everyone decides for himself whether to take a risk and how justified he is.
A warning
Прежде чем мы подробно расскажем, как установить firmware for "Android", we note one important point, which is always indicated on sites from which you can download the appropriate update. This is a so-called disclaimer. According to him, any possible negative consequences of this procedure are entirely on the conscience of the owner. Sometimes, after an unsuccessful flashing, you have to reread hundreds of pages of the forums, looking for a way to restore the device to the “as it was” state. And in some cases, on the hands of an unlucky owner, a piece of plastic remains 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 need to pre-save lists of phone numbers and other information.
Official firmware "Android" via the Internet
Before you begin the upgrade processthe software needs to fully charge the battery of the machine. 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 the firmware update using the official method, you need to activate the Internet on your mobile device. We recommend to opt for a Wi-Fi connection, since it will be necessary to upload over 100 MB of data to the device, which GPRS can not cope with.
So, the user is required to open the item“Settings” and proceed to the “About phone” section. It contains a link to the "Software Update". If the developer bothered to place in the public domain a new firmware, then he will only have to agree with the update. After the reboot, the owner will receive the device with the new software. This is the easiest and safest way. Unfortunately, often support extends only to the newest devices, and owners of smartphones and tablets a year (or more) ago when trying to update them receive a message about the absence of new files.
How to install the official update manually
In addition to the above method, which with completeThe right can be called automatic, it is possible to flash without the Internet. Rather, first you still have to go to a website of the smartphone developer from any device and download the firmware file of the desired version from there. When selected, the exact model name is indicated. The zip file itself should be placed on the flash card of the mobile device. After that, you need to go to the Recovery ("relative" of the computer BIOS, fastboot mode). On most devices, it is necessary to hold and hold the power button and volume rocker in the "Up" position (with the power off). Although, it is necessary to recognize, other implementations of the launch are also possible.
If everything is done correctly, the owner will seemenu of several items, navigation through which is carried out using the volume rocker and the power button to confirm. Here you need to select the Wipe item and perform Data / Factory Reset (reset to factory settings). After that, it remains to choose 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
Install third-party softwareregular means impossible. Recovery will simply refuse to flash such a file. To work around this limitation, you must install CWM (Clockwork Mod recovery). This is a modified recovery, which has a number of unique features. Download the installation file on the appropriate site. It is designed for the "Android" system and is installed like all other apk-applications. After a reboot, when using the combination “rocker + power button”, it will be the upgraded Recovery that will be launched, with which you can flash the Android tablet or smartphone. The procedure is similar to the case with the official zip-file, with the only difference that the installation of third-party firmware is now available.
Features
It is very important to correctly select the 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 follow the rule that you need to think and analyze 10 times, and only perform one action once.
In addition, in some cases the installationmodernized recovery via fastboot is not possible. An alternative solution is to install Rom Manager (free of charge from the Market) and select the item “Install ClockWork Mod” in the menu of this program. If the mobile device model is supported, then all the necessary files will be downloaded from the Internet and installed. By the way, if you use Rom Manager Premium, you don’t need to particularly delve into how to install the firmware on Android, since the program itself will issue the most popular updates for the specified device (must be in the list of supported).
A few recommendations for finding updates.
How to install the firmware on "Android",Many articles have been written, but problems still arise. To prevent this, we recommend the owner to find some kind of “live” forum dedicated to mobile devices, register in the thread about his mobile phone or tablet model and read at least an information header. Ideally, it will not be superfluous to talk to other owners of these devices there. Tips received from social networks, often lead to the "scorching" of the mobile phone.
Debunking myths
As we have already indicated, before flashing it is necessaryfully charge the battery. Some authors of articles go further and give advice when re-flashing to connect the charger. This can not be done! Some models of mobile devices do not work correctly when used with "charging". Is it worth the risk if you can spend an extra hour replenishing the charge and not worry about this moment?
