How to reflash Android phone and tablet

Many of us, a year after purchasing a mobile device, or maybe even earlier, think about the fact that we want a new model with great functionality. It becomes a shame: there seems to be not a single scratch on your device, and a little time has passed, but today Android it is not the last one, and the newer OS is already cheaper in the devices. But such are the rates of technical progress, and it is hardly possible to keep up with them, and it is irrational.

You can take a reliable device in a good package and just update it Android. Now in many models there is an auto-update function, the so-called “over the air.” True, many have noticed that it does not always work adequately. It happens that in the settings of the device they write that there is the latest version of the OS, and on the sites they discuss operating systems that are a couple of versions newer. Therefore, now I want to show several options for how to reflash Android on my own.

How to reflash Android: Video

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OS update via manufacturer

In general, you can update the OS both officially – through the manufacturer's program installed on the computer, and through Recovery, directly from the mobile device itself. This article describes in detail how to call the Recovery menu on OS Android.

First you need to find out the firmware for Android. You can do this in the device through the settings: go to 'About phone' (or 'About tablet', depending on what you have), then select 'Software information', where the version will be indicated Android.

So, a brief instruction on Android firmware using a program from the manufacturer. This method is official, it does not lose the warranty, only official Android firmware is installed, but in the future, if you suddenly apply under warranty, mention that you were updated through the program from the manufacturer. I will say that each trademark has its own utility, and it is impossible to give a description for everyone. An update for LG will be demonstrated here, since at the time of this writing I have the device of this particular company in my hands. For all others, the principle of the firmware will be similar , the difference is only in the interface of the program itself, and little is required from the user.

1. Download the program to control the device from the manufacturer's page. I have this LG Mobile Support Tool.
2. Install the utility on your PC and run it.
3. Connect your device to the PC (in LG you need to select the 'Software' item on the device to be able to update), after which the drivers will be installed; if they did not load automatically, you can do this using the program by selecting your gadget in the list.
4. After that, the utility will recognize your model, and if there are updates for it, it will offer to install them: you just need to click on the 'Start update' item to download the firmware and install it on your device.

In my case LG Mobile Suppоrt Tool showed that the latest software version is installed. This device has Android 4.4.2, but I know that there is also 5.0 Lollipop. In such a situation, the second option will come in handy: I ​​will tell you how to flash Android without a computer by installing alternative firmware versions Android.

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Installing alternative firmware

In this version, the user will have to flash Android himself, and he will need to actively participate in the process. To begin with, a custom Recvery is installed, perhaps someone already has it, and for the rest I will show how you can install this program (using my device as an example ).

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Getting Root rights

To begin with, you will need Root rights. They can be put like this:

1. Install Towelroot (official page).
2. Launch it and select “Make it rain”, then reboot the device.

3. Install SU. Run, click Continue, OK, OK. Will reboot again.

   

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How to get ROOT rights: Video

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InstallationRecоvery

Now we put the CWM Recovery:

1. In my case, I need to download FreeGеe Frеe RОOT Rеquired.
2. Run and select EFS backup.

   

3. Tap on CWM-6.0.4.6 and agree, then select MAKO Unlock to download the cracked Bootloader, as well as Recovery.

   

Next, it's time to download the Android firmware file.

I advise you to install cyanogenmod-firmware, because they have been known to everyone for a long time and have been tested many times, you just need to save the OS for your model.

1. We upload the downloaded file to the device (I advise you to make a backup copy of the existing OS (I will show you how to save the Android firmware below).
2. Restart the gadget and, when turned on, press [VOL +] + [POWER] to get into Recovery.
3. Tap on “Backup and restore” and click on “Backup to / sdcard” to save your current OS.
4. Select “Windows / factoryréset” / “Yes — Windows”.
5. After “Install zіp frоm sdcаrd” select the file with the firmware where it was placed and agree: “Yеs” – “Install archive.zіp”.
6. The process will begin. Then select “Reboot system new” to reboot the machine.

As you can see, this option is much more complicated than the official one, and not everyone can take on this, because an inept user can harm his device. Therefore, be careful, remember that this option is not universal, but is given by the example LG Е975 (LG Optimus G). If there is even a drop of uncertainty, it is better to entrust this work to a specialist in some specialized service, since it is now inexpensive. You can also flash your phone via Recovery.

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How to flash an Android tablet through a computer: Video