In the first case, there is nothing much to worry about, since, most likely, the cause of the trouble was a conflict in some applications or widgets, and everything can be corrected by returning to the factory settings. If the smartphone still works, albeit with various “artifacts,” you can also fix this yourself. In the third case, it will hardly be possible to get by with “little loss” and you will either have to restore the smartphone via a computer using a special software, or contact service center or to a familiar computer guru who knows how to restore Android after unsuccessful firmware.

How to restore factory firmware on Android

First of all, you need to find it. This will not be difficult to do, since popular manufacturers mobile gadgets posted on their official websites current versions firmware for all models of smartphones and tablets. The necessary software and detailed guide, how to return factory firmware Android. If there is none, you can easily find it on the Internet by indicating the exact name and model of the device.

Rollback "raw" new version updating the firmware to stable is the easiest way to fix a smartphone after an unsuccessful upgrade. If, of course, the user has a backup copy made in advance. It should be noted that even Google Lately strongly recommends making a backup of the system before each update and this suggestion should not be neglected. Moreover, all the necessary functionality is included in the firmware, and if desired, you can use special programs from Google Play. This will not take much time, but it will protect the user from the loss of valuable data and other problems that may arise if the update is unsuccessful.

Popular utilities for creating backups and restoring Android systems

Titanium Backup

One of the oldest and most popular programs for data backup and recovery. It has very broad functionality, which is both its advantage and disadvantage. The latter is that if you accidentally activate the wrong process, you may not get the desired result or cause even more harm. Therefore, before you restore the firmware on Android using it, you need to find suitable instructions and strictly follow them.

Important note: the program only runs as superuser ().

Easy Backup & Restore

Also very a good option. The capabilities of this utility are even wider than the previous one, since you can copy everything from applications to contacts, bookmarks, calendar events and language layouts on the keyboard. Moreover, the “backup” can be either saved on a smartphone or sent to the “cloud” or to a PC. In general, everything is provided.

How to flash Android through recovery

ClockworkMod Recovery- This is a “must have” application. It is a much more advanced alternative to the standard utility (recovery) included in operating system default. If the latter can only clear the cache and perform updates, then ClockworkMod Recovery allows the following:

• edit system components via Android SDK;
• create a full system snapshot and use it as a backup;
• install third-party firmware;
• update hotel rooms system utilities;
• create and edit partitions in the file system.

Download ClockworkMod Recovery for Android

CMR is popular app, so there are versions for almost all smartphone models. How to flash Android through recovery using ClockworkMod Recovery? The instructions are actually very simple and all the work is done in a few steps:

Instructions

In order to reset the firmware, you will need a special code. Contact the phone manufacturer and ask for the codes to reset the firmware. You may need to confirm your ownership of the phone; be prepared to provide a cash receipt, a scan of your passport and a serial phone number. After you receive the firmware reset code, enter it using the phone keypad.

Video on the topic

In order for the phone to function, it contains special software called “firmware”. In case you are changing the phone firmware, you can increase the phone volume, add the new kind implementation of functions included in the phone. The only thing you won’t be able to do is add functions that were not provided, because they depend not on the firmware, but on the technical content of the phone.

Instructions

In order to change the firmware, there are several options. You can, using special software, and all data that is not system. To do this, you will need to dial a special code using your .

If you want to reflash the phone, you will need to connect the phone to the computer using a special USB cable, which is included in the package. If it is missing, please purchase it separately. Use the software and firmware that suits your model. Do not forget to save the firmware that is on yours before starting the flashing. You can easily find instructions for flashing, programs for flashing, as well as the firmware itself on the Internet.

If you decide to reset the firmware, contact the manufacturer of your . It is not recommended to use combinations that you can find on the Internet - in this case, all risks for incorrect use of codes lie with you. Using the code received from the manufacturer, reset the firmware and enjoy a completely clean phone.

It often happens that an acquired completely new phone doesn't behave as expected. For example, it works slowly, takes a long time to respond to pressed keys, does not immediately launch applications, etc. In some cases this is a consequence of marriage, but often main role plays .

Firmware refers to all hardware settings, as well as software, that are stored in the non-volatile flash memory of the phone. This memory is one of the most important. On English language this concept written as firmware.

If in computers the memory and operating system are separated, then in a mobile phone they appear as a single whole. For this reason, firmware is not only a set of settings, but also a complex software, which are part of the operating system.

The role played by firmware in a mobile phone is enormous. The connection between the components that make up the hardware of the device and its cellular module is carried out using firmware. As a rule, it is developed for each specific model phone. However, in some cases, one firmware can be used on phones located next to each other in the model line. Similar examples are the Nokia 6250 firmware, by installing which in the Nokia 6210 you can get the functionality of the 6250. In the same way Sony Ericsson The K750i “turns” into the W810i model.

The firmware plays a big role in the “glitches” of a mobile phone. Often, releasing new model devices, manufacturers do not properly test the software component. This, by the way, is often a consequence of high competition and the desire to launch sales as quickly as possible. Particularly serious flaws are found, as a rule, in the first versions of firmware.

The process of flashing your phone can provide the following benefits:
– correction of errors made in previous versions;
– updating the software or adding a new one, the appearance of new themes, melodies, images;
– support for new headsets;
– increased performance, battery life, signal reception quality, etc.

Sources:

• Why do you need firmware for a phone in 2018?

Tip 4: How to make your own smartphone Android safe and not lose your personal data

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting users of devices with Android platform. Any smartphone or tablet can be infected with a virus and the owner’s personal data will be stolen: contact lists, passwords and logins saved in browsers and other programs, login data for payment systems. In addition, some installed applications can block the normal operation of the device, requiring you to send an SMS to a short number to unlock it.
Here are the golden rules for those who do not want to line the pockets of criminals.

You will need

• Your Android device.

Instructions

In your device's security settings, uncheck the "Install applications from unknown sources" box.

Do not use any application stores other than Google Play (although you need to be careful with applications installed from here. Unfortunately, there are cases of low-quality programs ending up on Google Play).

Before downloading a program, look at its rating. Avoid apps with low ratings. they may turn out to be of poor quality. And be sure to give your rating after using the new application for at least a week - to help its future users.

When installing a new application, read what the program requires and what permissions it needs. Analyze the permissions the application needs and its purposes. For example, does the video player need access to your messages?

Transfer all worries about checking the vulnerability of installed applications and their authenticity to a special security program for Android. Some antiviruses for Android contain functions to protect against viruses and fake sites, and also include Anti-Theft tools that help in finding a lost or stolen device.

Sources:

• Antivirus for phone, tablet
• What threatens mobile devices
• Viruses for Android

There's no point in buying expensive mobile phone and do not know the principles of protecting the device from theft. So how to secure your phone?

No one is immune from theft, but every owner can ensure maximum security for their device. So, let's look at three cell phone theft protection shields.

When making calls outside, try to find a place that will give you maximum visibility. An attack by attackers from behind cannot be predicted, but from the front it is quite possible. Get into the habit of having conversations exclusively indoors.

2. IMEI number

Each phone has an individual number from the manufacturer. Dial *#06# and remember the IMEI combination that appears on the display. In case of loss, you will be able to indicate it and recognize your phone.

3. Phone cost

Attackers are always interested in expensive phone models. To further protect yourself, you should think about the vital necessity of an extra-large camera and other technical quirks. It is quite possible that you can get by with the simplest mobile phone model.

Attackers better than the owners know about the emergence of new features in phones and smartphones. Moreover, they know how to bypass system security levels. The article examined the most effective and significant protective factors.

What is firmware and why is it needed?

Firmware is software, or more precisely, an operating system (OS), which interacts with the phone’s hardware and the user, allowing programs to run and perform various functions.

Why do you need to flash your phone? Updates eliminate operating system errors and various vulnerabilities, and also introduce new features and capabilities, which improves the usability of your smartphone/tablet.

There are also custom firmwares, that is, unofficial ones. Many mobile applications can receive full access to the user’s personal information, transmit it via the Internet, call and send SMS to suspicious numbers, etc. With the help of such firmware, programs are launched in “incognito” mode and applications will not be able to access personal data. For them, the user's contact lists, browser history, calendar events and messages will look completely empty. Even if on or will be turned on GPS navigator, the application will not know about this and will not be able to determine the user's location.

Why do you need protection against flashing and how is it implemented?

The most likely reason that someone might want to protect their Android phone from flashing it is to protect the phone in case of loss or theft. There are many different mobile applications, which will help you locate and/or return a stolen phone. For example, by restricting access to the phone. In order to enable it, you will need to enter a password or correctly answer a predetermined mathematical expression.

Applications can also notify the owner of the phone via SMS if it is lost. To do this, a list of other SIM cards is preset, which will be perceived by the application as legal, and to which an SMS will be sent with information such as the IMSI number of the inserted SIM card and the location of the phone (based on data cellular network, GPS or Wi-Fi).

In addition, there is an option automatic switching on protection systems every time you start the phone or when an unknown SIM card is detected. There are applications that can photograph the thief’s face, record his voice, report the numbers to which calls were made, change the ringtone volume, etc.

All these features of mobile applications will help protect your mobile phone in case of theft, as well as quickly detect it, preventing an attacker from reflash the device.

Surely you have heard about the Android operating system, unless you yourself are the owner of a device running this shell. This platform has appealed to a good portion of gadget owners and is the most common OS among mobile devices. Since 2009, when the first version of the “robot” was released, the developers have not stopped improving and modifying their brainchild. New versions and updates are released regularly. But do you always need to update your device and how to return it? old version"Android" after the update? We will talk about this in this publication.

Why are updates needed?

First of all, for the proper operation of the system. Developers optimize performance, improve the interface, correct lags, because it is almost impossible to release a perfect system right away, and minor faults will only be noticeable during its active use. In most cases, you can find out about the availability of an update using a regular message that appears in the notification line. You can upgrade by going to the update center, downloading and installing the new version.

Why might gadget owners be unhappy with the update?

In most cases, after the update procedure, the device should work faster, and all shortcomings should become a thing of the past. All that users can complain about are some changes in the interface or, for example, the disappearance of shortcuts from the desktop (accordingly, the applications themselves disappear). This happens because installed programs are already outdated and simply do not correspond to the new firmware.

New versions of applications or their analogues can still be found on the Play Market, and trying to return the previous version of the OS due to the loss of old applications is a rather stupid idea. What else can irritate owners in the new firmware version is the appearance of some programs that cannot be removed. For example, these could be new services from Google. And then all users begin to think about whether it is possible to return the old version of Android. But most of all those who want to return to old firmware among those who tried to reflash their device themselves. Here, a huge variety of problems may appear, to the point that your gadget may turn into a “brick,” that is, stop showing signs of life altogether.

So before performing such manipulations, make sure that you have enough knowledge and experience, and best of all, contact a professional. Reflash the device only in extreme cases, when you cannot do without it, because such a procedure completely voids your warranty. But return previous version It's still possible.

How to return to the old version of Android after updating?

First, come to terms with the fact that standard system resources do not provide a system rollback option, such as in the Windows OS. Accordingly, when you return to the old version, all installed programs and personal files will be deleted. Therefore, immediately before the procedure for returning the old version, make backup copies of all important documents, files, phone numbers, and so on. Be prepared to say goodbye to user settings, saved accounts or applications, they will be erased, everything except the built-in ones.

Next, you will have to perform a factory reset yourself. How to do this depends only on your version of the operating system, but most often this item is found if you go to “Settings” and “Recovery and reset”. This parameter can also be found in “Confidentiality”. In any case, finding a factory reset will be easy. Next, you will need to perform a series of actions that are a little more complicated, that is, enter recovery. And how to return the old version of Android using it - read on.

Login to recovery

"Recovery" is a special boot mode on Android, with which you can reset settings or flash the system. If you buy gadgets in trusted certified stores and with an already installed OS, then they should have the stock “recovery” mode. How to enter recovery depends only on your device model. The most common combination is the power button and the volume down key.

For example, if you don’t know how to return the old version of Android to Lenovo, then this combination will work for most of their devices. I would like to note that before entering recovery, you need to turn off the phone. If you are looking for how to return the old version of Android Sony Xperia, then here you need to press three buttons: those that we have already named, and the camera button. You can easily find more detailed instructions for various models on the World Wide Web. But what to do after entering boot mode?

How to return the old version of Android after updating through recovery mode?

You can navigate the menu using the " key" highlight", and to select a specific item you need to press "select". this mode there is no need, if you understand it well, it becomes clear that there is nothing complicated. Now look for the line with " wipe data / and select it. A new menu will open in which you will have to confirm the action. Afterwards, wait for the reboot and the OS will return to factory settings.

Charge your smartphone

What is worth noting first of all is that before starting this procedure you need to charge the device well. It doesn’t matter how long it takes to roll back the system and how long the gadget will reboot after that.

If during such manipulations in the “recovery” mode the device does not have enough charge and is unable to complete its task, then, most likely, problems with its further use cannot be avoided.

The same applies to flashing your phone yourself. For some users, certain system functions disappeared or did not work, even the touchpad became inoperable. In some cases, the firmware did not install at all and it was simply impossible to enter the OS. But even then recovery helped again. If you cannot enter this mode or it simply does not exist, there are a number of simple utilities for flashing this mode directly through the operating system. Sometimes you may need a PC for this task.

We told you about how to return the old version of Android after updating. Treat your gadget with care and it will serve you for a long time.

Updating or installing firmware can eliminate many problems related to the functioning of an Android device. During long-term use system memory mobile gadgets are clogged with residual files () (“casts” of previously downloaded programs), malicious code() and other unnecessary data. All this leads to a decrease in the performance and speed of the processor and RAM. As a result, the smartphone (tablet) often begins to freeze and reboot on its own. And if factory reset() did not result in positive result, the user can only update the software himself. Let's look at how to reflash a phone running on Android OS.

Types of firmware and methods of installing them

Installing Android firmware at home differs in many ways from installing other software. This process is more labor-intensive and associated with many risks. If you select the wrong software version or violate the update process, there is a possibility that your phone or tablet will become useless. However, having learned how much reflashing costs from professionals, many still decide to change the software version themselves.

For flashing Android, there is no single instruction that would fit all models of mobile devices. It all depends on the manufacturer of the device and what software you plan to install.

All Android firmware is divided into two types:

1. Official. Supplied directly by smartphone manufacturers and usually only suitable for a specific brand. Such programs are considered the most reliable, so they should be used whenever possible.
2. Unofficial (custom). Developed by Android device users and small companies. They are applied when reinstalling Android on Chinese devices(for example, Lenovo, Meizu, Xiaomi, etc.).

When using custom software, there is a possibility of installing a low-quality update, as a result of which the gadget will begin to slow down even more. Therefore, you need to download the executable file only after reading its description in detail and reading user reviews.

There are several ways to change the firmware on Android:

Preparing for self-flashing

Before reinstalling the software on your Android device, you need to make a number of preparatory measures:

• download a software update program to your PC (Odin, Kies or SP Flash Tool and find a high-quality usb cable(if the reinstallation will take place using a computer);
• (if you plan to reinstall Android to an unofficial version);
• charge the gadget's battery to 100%;

The functionality of the installed software largely depends on its version and build. To new firmware after some time it did not start to conflict with the hardware, you need to find out serial number mobile device:

Let's look at a more detailed procedure for updating Android on a phone using Samsung and Lenovo as examples, although these instructions are also suitable for many other brands.

Smartphone firmware from Samsung

Software updates on Samsung devices are carried out using the Kies program. This utility allows you not only to reflash your tablet or phone, but also to backup copy old system, synchronize personal data with a PC and much more.

Before changing the firmware to the latest software, you need to configure Kies correctly. This is done as follows:

After setting up Kies, create a backup of the software available on your smartphone. This will allow you to restore the system in case of unsuccessful firmware. To backup Android via PC, in the initial application window, select “ Backup", mark the items you want to save and start the procedure by clicking the corresponding button.

After creating a backup copy, feel free to reflash your phone or tablet via your computer. To do this, open the “Tools” section in Kies and activate the item marked in the figure, thereby starting the update process.

While the device is being flashed, do not under any circumstances disconnect it from the PC or perform other actions that could lead to a disconnection.

After flashing your Android phone through a computer, check the functionality of all its functions. If nothing fails, then the software update was successful.

Replacing firmware on a Lenovo tablet via PC

Before flashing a Lenovo tablet, you need to understand that there is no software developed specifically for this brand. Therefore, we have to be content with universal developments. One such application is SP Flash Tool. Let's look at how to update software on Lenovo using this utility:

After you have succeeded in updating the firmware, check that all functions of the tablet are working.

Many novice Android Romodelers or geeks do not know how to remove an image from Android. This article describes in detail how to find out the /dev/blocks you need, how to take dumps from them, disassemble them, or subsequently restore them.

For those who do not understand anything about what we are talking about. This article will describe in detail how to remove the current state from Android partitions- system, data, efs, preload, cache or rip out the kernel (zImage / boot.img). For what purpose I will not write here, since that is another story.

Necessary for image capture

1. Download and install on PC proprietary program ADB RUN website (if you know what adb is or have Android SDK installed, then there is no need to install);
2. Android smartphone or tablet must be c Root rights Details about Root Android:
3. Activate USB Debugging;
4. Install drivers if they are not installed;
5. USB cable.

Instructions on how to remove an image from Android

1. Connect Android device to PC
2. Run the program ADB RUN and go to menu (a) Adb

Find out /dev/block partitions

What is /dev/block/? /dev/block/ are the “disks” on which the system, data, cache partitions are located.

Option 1

This method is the simplest, but unfortunately it is not possible to find out where the core is located.

To find out /dev/block/ enter the command:

adb shell mount

We get a list where we see a list with our partitions and to which /dev/block/ they are mounted

Option 2

We connect Android to the computer in adb and enter:

Adb sheell su ls -l /dev/block/platform/*/by-name

We get the entire list of blocks.

Removing an Android image from a selected partition

And so, when we already know where which partitions are located, we can begin to remove the Android image (dump) from the selected partition. Before you start, make sure you have enough free memory on the memory card!

1. In order to remove the image you need to ADB RUN go to menu (7) Manual Command > (1) Adb
2. Log in to the terminal under Root:

adb shell su

3. Dial linux command to take a dump:

dd if=/dev/block/ XXXXX of=/sdcard/ NAME_razdel.img

• Where XXXXXXXXX - the section from which you are withdrawing
• Where NAME_razdel.img — the name that you will assign when removing the image from the selected partition (it is better to give names the same as they are indicated, if data then data)

The withdrawal procedure may take certain time, from 1 minute to 15, during this time it is better not to pull your Android!

[Update]

In new versions of ADB RUN, it became possible to quickly remove an image each time without typing such long commands. All you need is to know the block name.

When you already know the required block, go to ADB RUN:

Restoring a partition from a created Android image (partition dump)

When you need to restore from a previously created image, you need to do the following:

Make sure that the image is still in the /sdcard partition - since the backup was created in this partition, or move it back.

Enter the following command:

dd if=/sdcard/ NAME_razdel.img of=/dev/block/ XXXX

• Where XXXXXXXXX — the section on which you upload the image
• Where NAME_razdel.img — name of the image of the selected partition (it is better to give names the same as they are indicated, if data then data)

The recovery procedure may take some time, from 1 minute to 30, during which time it is better not to tug on your Android!

[Update]

This is especially true for those who have not successfully completed S-OFF (or are planning to do so) or have unsuccessfully flashed custom firmware, or after unsuccessful experiments!

For Sony, HTC, Xiaomi and other devices that have Fastboot mode, recovery can be performed as follows after the previously mandatory removal of boot.img (zImage) and system.img (factoryfs.img) copy these images to your PC:

1. Put Android into fastboot (bootloader) mode and connect to PC;
2. Move the boot.img and system.img files to the folder C:/adb_run/ b in;
3. Run ADB RUN and go to point (a) A.D.B.;
4. Type the following commands (details about Fastboot):

fastboot flash boot boot.img

fastboot flash system system.img

The system will be restored to the initial state! You can continue your experiments!

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