Many users of budget smartphones released in 2015-2016 still work on the operating system Android 6.0 Marshmallow. This version, although stable, no longer receives security updates, and many modern applications are no longer supported. Switching to Android 8.0 Oreo can radically change the user experience: notifications will improve, new energy-saving features will appear, and applications will launch faster. However, the transition process is not always obvious to owners of outdated devices.
Updating from version six to version eight is a major leap in system architecture that requires careful preparation. Not all manufacturers release official firmware for older models, so the user will have to choose between a standard over-the-air update and more complex manual installation methods. It is important to understand that update is impossible if the device manufacturer has officially stopped supporting this model, and in this case the only way out is custom solutions from the community of enthusiasts.
In this article we will analyze all the available ways to upgrade your gadget. We will look at standard methods through the settings menu, manual installation of images via a computer, as well as the nuances associated with unlocking the bootloader. Be prepared for the fact that the process may take from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the chosen method and the speed of the Internet connection.
Checking official support and data preparation
The first step before any manipulation is to find out whether the manufacturer of your smartphone provides an update. Go to menu Settings → About phone → System update. If the system prompts you to download a new version, you're in luck - this is the safest way. Otherwise, you need to visit the manufacturer's official website and check the list of supported devices for your specific model.
Even if an official update is available, the procedure requires preliminary preparation. Losing data during a failure is a real threat, so creating a full backup is a must. Use Google cloud services or built-in backup tools to save contacts, photos and messages.
- 📸 Make a complete backup of all personal data to an external storage device or to the cloud.
- 🔋 Make sure the battery charge is at least 60-70% before starting the process.
- 💾 Free up a minimum 4-5 GB of free space in the internal memory of the device.
⚠️ Attention: If your smartphone was previously rooted or had a custom recovery installed, receiving an official over-the-air (OTA) update may result in an installation error or a cyclic reboot. In such cases, a return to the stock state is required.
☑️ Preparing for a system update
Updating via the standard settings menu (OTA)
The most preferred method for the average user is updating via the built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) mechanism. This method minimizes risks, since the system automatically checks the compatibility and integrity of downloaded files. To start the process, you need a stable connection to a Wi-Fi network, since the amount of downloaded data can exceed 1 GB.
After downloading the update package, the system will prompt you to reboot. At this point, the smartphone will go into recovery mode, where new files will be installed and applications will be optimized. This stage may take considerable time, and the screen may go blank or show the Android logo without any signs of life - this is normal behavior.
If the button in the update menu is grayed out or the system reports that you are using the latest version, try clearing the update service cache. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → All applications → Google Play Services (or a similar system update service) and click Clear cache. After that, check for updates again.
Before running the update, disable all third-party launchers and return to the standard interface to avoid conflicts during data migration.
Manual installation of firmware via Recovery mode
When automatic updating is not available, but the official firmware exists as a file for download, you can use the manual installation method. You will need to find an archive with the extension .zip, intended specifically for your device model, on the official support forum or manufacturer's website.
Copy the downloaded file to the root directory of the smartphone's internal memory. Next, you need to switch the device to Recoverymode. This is usually done by using a combination of the Power and Volume keys while the phone is turned off. In the recovery menu, select Apply update from internal storage and specify the downloaded file.
After confirming the selection, the signature and installation verification process will begin. If you see a signature error message, it means the file is corrupt or not intended for your device. In this case, abort the installation by selecting Reboot system nowto avoid blocking the phone.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to install firmware from another phone model, even if they look similar. This is guaranteed to lead to a “bricked” device, which will be extremely difficult to restore.
What to do if the installation is interrupted?
If the installation process is frozen or interrupted, try entering Recovery mode again and executing the Wipe Cache Partition item. Do not do a full reset (Wipe Data) if you hope to save data, but be prepared for the fact that the phone may not boot.
Using a PC and Fastboot mode for flashing
For advanced users who are not helped by standard recovery, there is a method of flashing the firmware through a computer using a utility Fastboot or proprietary apps like Odin (for Samsung) or SP Flash Tool (for MediaTek processors). This method gives complete control over the device's memory sections.
You will need to install the ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer, as well as download the full firmware image (factory image). Connect your phone in bootloader mode, usually by holding the Volume Down button while plugging in the USB cable. In the computer command line, enter the command to check the connection:
fastboot devicesIf the device is displayed in the list, you can start flashing the firmware. The commands depend on the specific utility, but the general principle is to sequentially record partition images boot, system, recovery and userdata. Be extremely careful when entering commands, as an error may overwrite critical data.
| Tool | Device type | Complexity | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTA Update | All supported | Low | Minimum |
| Stock Recovery | Official ZIP | Average | Medium |
| Fastboot / ADB | Unlocked BL | High | Full reset |
| SP Flash Tool | MediaTek | Very high | Critical |
Using PC utilities for flashing gives maximum control, but requires an unlocked bootloader and deep technical knowledge.
Installing custom firmware (Custom ROM)
If the manufacturer has not officially released Android 8 for your device, the only way to get the new OS is to install custom firmware, for example LineageOS or Resurrection Remix. This requires unlocking the Bootloader and installing a custom recovery, such as TWRP.
The bootloader unlocking process varies between vendors. For some (for example, Xiaomi or Motorola), you need to obtain a special code on the manufacturer’s website. For others (Huawei, old Samsung), this procedure may be impossible without paid services or closed altogether. After unlocking, all data on the phone will be deleted automatically.
Installing custom firmware provides access to the latest versions of Android, but has its drawbacks. The camera may perform worse due to the lack of proprietary drivers, and features like VoLTE or NFC may be unstable. In addition, banking applications may refuse to work due to a violation of system integrity.
- 🔓 Unlocking the bootloader will void the device warranty (if it is still valid).
- 🛡️ Some applications (banks, protected games) may not run on custom firmware.
- ⚡ Custom kernels often allow you to overclock the processor or improve battery life.
⚠️ Attention: Installing third-party software carries security risks. Download firmware only from trusted sources, such as the XDA Developers forum, and always check the file hashes before installing.
How to return everything back?
To return to the official firmware after installing the Custom ROM, you will need to download the full stock image (Stock ROM) for your model and flash it via Fastboot or SP Flash Tool. Simply updating “over the air” will not work.
Solving common problems after updating
After successfully switching to Android 8, users may encounter a number of common problems. The most common of them is rapid battery discharge in the first days. This is due to the fact that the system performs background optimization of applications and rebuilds databases. Usually the problem resolves itself within 3-5 days of active use.
Another common problem is notifications not working correctly. Android 8 introduces notification channels, and older apps may not adapt to them right away. Go to Settings → Applications and notifications, select the problematic application and check the notification severity settings.
If the phone starts to work slowly or interface artifacts appear, it is recommended to perform a full reset (Hard Reset). This will remove all user data, but will provide a clean installation of the system without conflicts with old configuration files. Before doing this, be sure to make a backup copy.
In rare cases, after the update, the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth module stops working. This may indicate incompatibility of the system kernel with the device's radio module. In such a situation, only rolling back to a previous version of Android or searching for a specialized patch for your model will help.
After a major update to the Android version, delete the cache of all heavy applications (social networks, instant messengers) through the storage settings to avoid errors in their operation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to upgrade from Android 6 to 8 without losing data?
When updating by the official method (OTA) or through stock recovery, the data is usually saved. However, when using methods with unlocking the bootloader or flashing firmware via Fastboot, the data will be completely deleted. Always make a backup copy.
Why doesn’t my phone see the update to Android 8?
Most likely, the manufacturer of your device does not plan to release an update for this model due to technical hardware limitations or support policies. Try looking for custom firmware on specialized forums.
Is it dangerous to install custom LineageOS firmware?
This carries certain risks: you can lose the warranty, disrupt the operation of banking applications, or accidentally damage the phone if installed incorrectly. However, for older devices, this is often the only way to get up-to-date security.
How long does the update process take?
The installation itself takes from 10 to 30 minutes. However, preparation (downloading, backup) and subsequent optimization of applications after the first download can take up to an hour.
What to do if the phone is stuck on the logo after the update?
Try to perform a hard reboot (hold the power button for 10-15 seconds). If that doesn't help, go into Recovery mode and clear the cache (Wipe Cache Partition). In extreme cases, flashing will be required.