How to remove old firmware. How to restore firmware on an Android device

Sooner or later there comes a time when, for some reason, you need to return to an earlier version of the firmware on your Android device. These reasons can be very different: from software glitches and errors to dissatisfaction with some unofficial assembly operating system. In any case, you need to be fully armed and know how to undo changes made to the software.

Possible problems after updating Android

Not to say that an Android upgrade will completely ruin the life of the device owner, but it is guaranteed to cause moments of headache.

After the update, some shortcuts periodically disappear from the desktop, and along with them, programs.

In other cases, after modifying the system, the user discovers new ones that are not at all compulsory programs, which cannot be deleted.

Options for returning old firmware

Backup

There are many applications that are designed to create backup copies of your Android gadget, all of them have their own advantages and disadvantages. But we will look at the example of one of the first and most universal programs for backup and recovery - Titanium Backup.

Titanium Backup

First, let's figure out why you need to use special software at all, because Android natively has backup capabilities. For example, when changing your phone or after a full reset To return to factory settings, just log into your Google account and your contact data will be restored. However, do not forget that in this case all applications and games are lost. Wi-Fi settings and other networks, system settings, etc. And this is a very significant problem if dozens of those same applications are installed - since restoration can take an prohibitively long time.

So, to create a backup, we need Root rights on the device and the Titanium Backup program itself. Root rights are required to access system files and folders in which the settings and data we are interested in are stored. Next, install the Titanium Backup program. Don't forget to allow installation of applications from "Unknown sources". After the first launch, Titanium Backup will ask for superuser rights, we give them and we can remember the decision. Don’t rush to click everything - the program is quite powerful, and with full access to the system, an inexperienced user can do a lot of things. Adhere to the principle: “never use functions unless you are sure what they do.”

To create a backup, you will need a memory card installed in the appropriate slot with sufficient free space, since the backup will be made specifically to it. On the main Titanium Backup work screen, select the “Backups” tab. Press the “Menu” button on the phone and select “Processing” at the bottom of the screen. In the menu that opens, select “Back up all user software and system data” and click “Start” next to it. The program will prompt you to select all applications for backup. We are interested in a complete copy of the system, so we don’t change anything. After this, I start the process of creating a backup. The process may take varying amounts of time depending on the number of programs installed. Now in the “TitaniumBackup” folder on your memory card you can see large number files with backup copies, it is advisable to copy them to a computer or other device - you never know, what if the microSD card fails. It is also possible to configure automatic creation backups in the “Schedules” menu.

When the time comes and you need to restore the contents of your Android device, you can do this in several ways. Firstly, you can restore both applications and settings. Through the “Processing” menu item, go to the “Recovery” section and click “Restore all software with data”. You can also restore only individual applications - then in the “Backups” section, select specific applications and click “Restore”. Don't forget that sometimes you need to restart your device before the changes take effect. In any case, Titanium Backup offers a huge number of options for creating and restoring backups, so you can always return your Android gadget to initial state. If you need to restore full copy operating system, that is, firmware, then you need to use the alternative recovery menu ClockworkMod Recovery or similar.

Other rollback methods

Reset to menu

The path to the treasured option depends on the type and model of your device:

• phones on Android versions 2.3: Settings > Privacy >
• Android phones version 4: Settings > Device memory > Reset to factory settings;
• tablets on Android version 4: Settings > Backup & reset > Reset settings.

Hard reset

Go to the “Android system recovery” () menu. First you will need to turn off your smartphone or tablet, and then use the key combination, which again differs depending on the device manufacturer:

• more or less universal option– simultaneously hold down the power and volume down buttons;
• Samsung – simultaneously hold down the power and volume up buttons;
• Sony Ericsson – simultaneously hold down the power, volume down and camera buttons;
• Huawei – simultaneously hold down the power, volume down and volume up buttons;
• LG – simultaneously hold down the power, volume down and home screen buttons for more than 10 seconds. Release the power button after the LG logo lights up on the screen, hold the rest until you go to the recovery screen;
• HTC (the most interesting) - hold down the volume down key, then briefly press the power button. Once you see the recovery menu on the screen, you can temporarily leave the volume down button alone. Find the “Clear storage” item, select it by pressing the power button and confirm the action by clicking on volume down.

For more confident navigation through the “Android system recovery” menu, it would be useful to remind you of the button assignments: highlight is to move through the menu, and select is to select a menu item.

We get to the line “wipe data / factory reset” and select this item. Then in the new menu we find the action confirmation sub-item and select it.

With both the hard and the lighter reset options, a reboot will occur, after which your device will wake up with standard factory settings.

Video: How to restore firmware on Android

As you can see, the process of returning to the old version of Android is not as scary as many people think. Follow our instructions and don’t forget to make backups.

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 the ADB RUN website proprietary program on your PC (if you know what adb is or have installed Android SDK, then there is no need to install);
2. An Android smartphone or tablet must have 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 your 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 your 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 removal procedure may take some time, from 1 minute to 15, during which time it is better not to tug on your Android!

[Update]

In new versions of ADB RUN, it is now 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 its original state! You can continue your experiments!

That's all! Subscribe and Stay with the site! Good luck!

There are excellent instructions on 4pda (I don’t know how it is with links to other resources)

1. Q: Where are the stock programs and how to remove them?
A: Stock (standard or factory) programs are located in /system/app.
You can open this directory using RootExplorer, FileExplorer and the like, as well as Titanium Backup if available ROOT rights and mounting in r/w. The order and names may differ (Titanium Backup displays program names instead of .apk files). Remember that you don't have to delete the application right away; you can rename it or freeze it using the Titanium Backup program. In this case, the phone will not recognize the renamed file as an application, and you will be able to restore/unfreeze it if necessary.

2. Q: What programs can be removed?
A: Each user must decide for himself which system applications he does not need, then you need to see whether there may be consequences from deleting applications you do not need, if there are no consequences, then you can safely delete these applications. And if there are consequences, for example, some programs have dependencies, then you need to think about whether to remove them or not, for example, you don’t need them google maps and you will never use system and third party programs that use Google maps data, which means you can safely delete these maps.

3. Q: Where are the files left from deleted applications and do they need to be deleted?
A: Parts of programs can remain in data/data, data/dalvik-cache, (system/lib - it is advisable not to touch them, because there are dependencies). File names do not always match the application name. Be careful. To find out the “internal” name of the program, you need to use rootexplorer to go to the folder where it is located, then short tap on the apk file - click view and look at the manifest. After removal, it is advisable to do XP. A little clarification.

4. Q: Is it possible to delete standard Google apps, will this affect the operation of the device?
A: Applications (Maps, Gmail, Gtalk, etc.) are possible. Services are undesirable, since if deleted, all Google services and applications will stop working, and permanent errors may appear on the device.

5.Q: Can I delete standard applications from Google (Navigation, Addresses, Street View) separate from the Maps app?
A: Street View (Street.apk) is possible, but the others are not, since they are part of the Maps application (Maps.apk).

6. Q: Is it necessary to delete the .odex program files along with the .apk files?
A: Yes. These files are part of the application of the same name.

7. Q: Where can I get the standard .apk file from any firmware?
A: Go to the topic about the previous firmware and ask those who still use it to cut out this apk for you. Or unpack the native firmware and pull out the necessary file.

8. Q: I deleted unnecessary system applications, and in the task manager the phone memory displayed is the same as it was before cleaning. What's the catch?
A: Answer (interaction of partitions in Android).

9. Q: I removed the standard keyboard, after which SWYPE does not work. What to do?
A: Make SWYPE system.

10. Q: I installed a third-party dialer and when a call is missed, 2 notifications appear in the notification panel: from the standard one and from the third-party one.
A: Solution: make a third-party dialer a system one (I did this via titanium backup, but I suspect that it’s quite simple in system folder apk transfer).

11. Q: I can’t delete some Google applications; I deleted them from the system/app folder, but they still work.
A: Perhaps these applications are located in the data/app folder and you need to delete them from there as well.

12.Q: On Samsung Galaxy Gio cannot remove stock applications: Hanger, Drive & Walk, Books.
A: The solution can be found in the header Samsung themes GT-S5660 Galaxy Gio - installing and updating software via recovery. Read the information under the spoiler "Removing firmware."

13. Q: How to restore system applications?
A: Answer.

14. Q: Is it possible to remove the stock launcher?
A: It is possible, but only if you have a stable working third-party launcher, which it is advisable to do system application. But please note that not all standard widgets can work on a third-party launcher.

15. Q: After deleting applications, gray shortcuts of deleted applications remain in the menu. How to remove them?
A: You should clear the launcher data through Settings (Settings -> Applications -> Launcher -> Clear data) or through ® Titanium Backup. Please note that as a result of this, all user desktop settings (widgets, etc.) will be lost.

16. Q: How to remove standard lockscreen?
A: Removing it is very problematic (to do this you need to edit several system apk), but you can disable it through Settings -> Lock Screen. Or via ShutdownApp ( service code*#7594#; Please note that in this case the reboot menu will also disappear).

17. Q: Where can I find a list of applications for a specific device?
A: Links to most of the lists on this forum are under the spoiler "Applications deleted on specific models". If this device is not there, then you should look at the lists for similar devices (from the same manufacturer and on the same OS version).

18. Q: Is it possible to create a script that removes applications, and how to do it?
A: Yes, such scripts are often found in firmware discussion threads. You can read about creating and editing here.

19. Q: Why are deleted applications restored after reboots?
A: You should probably install custom kernels to prevent this from happening. Which kernels are best to install and installation instructions can be found in the topic of firmware or kernels.

20. Q: After deleting the SamsungHub.apk application, auto-rotate the screen stopped working. How to fix this?
A: The problem lies in the deleted libgnustl_shared.so. The solution to this problem is written here.

21. Q: How can I see running background processes?
A: Enable the CPU usage information layer (Settings-Developer Options-Output CPU usage).

Updating or installing firmware can eliminate many problems related to the operation of Android devices A. During long-term use system memory mobile gadgets become clogged 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 version software on one's own.

For flashing Android there is no single instruction that would fit all models 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). Under development Android users devices and small firms. They are used 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 Kies programs. This utility allows you not only to reflash a tablet or phone, but also to make a backup copy of the old system, synchronize personal data with a PC and much more.

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

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.

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 new version firmware - this means 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 the old firmware are among those who tried to reflash their device on their own. Here, a huge variety of problems may appear, to the point that your gadget may turn into a “brick”, that is, it may 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 returning to the old version, all installed programs and personal files will be deleted. Therefore, immediately before the procedure for returning the old version, do backups 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. More detailed instructions for various models you can easily find in the open spaces 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". There is no need to be afraid of this mode; 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 it cannot fully 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 to the point where 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.