Updating the operating system Android on smartphones ASUS is a key process for ensuring security, performance and access to new features. However, many users encounter difficulties ranging from lack of notifications about available updates to installation errors. In this article, we will look at all the current methods for updating the firmware on devices ASUS ZenFone, ROG Phone and other series, including official methods and alternative solutions for experienced users.

It is important to understand that the update process may differ depending on the phone model, region and version of the current software. For example, flagship models like ASUS ROG Phone 7 receive updates longer than budget ones ZenFone 10. We will consider not only standard steps through the settings menu, but also manual methods using ADB, proprietary software ASUS PC Link, and we will also figure out what to do if the update is stuck or the device stops turning on after unsuccessful firmware.

Before you start updating, check battery condition (minimum 50% charge), free up at least 3–5 GB of memory and connect to a stable network Wi-Fi. These simple measures will prevent most common problems. If your ASUS is no longer supported by the manufacturer (for example, models older than 2019), we will tell you how to install custom firmware based on LineageOS or Pixel Experience.

1. Checking the current version of Android and available updates

Before updating, you need to find out which version Android is installed on your ASUSand whether there are new firmware for it. This information will help you choose the right update method and avoid conflicts.

To check the software version:

  1. Open the application Settings (gear icon).
  2. Go to section System → About phone.
  3. Find the lines Android version and Number assembly (for example, WW_33.0810.2060.134 for ZenFone 9).

Now check for available updates:

  • 🔄 Go back to Settings → System → Software update.
  • 📥 Click Check for updatesIf an update is available, the system will offer it. download.
  • ⚙️ In some models (for example, ROG Phone 6), you must first press Settings → System update.
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If the "Check for updates" button is inactive, try connecting to another Wi-Fi network or use mobile data. Sometimes ASUS servers block requests due to geo-restrictions.

If the system reports that there are no updates, but you are sure of their availability (for example, according to information on the forums), this may mean:

  • 🌍 Your region is not is supported (update will be released later).
  • 📵 The device is blocked by the operator (for example, models for Verizon or AT&T).
  • 🔧 A server error occurred ASUS (recheck after 24 hours).

The safest and easiest method is over-the-air updating (OTAIt is suitable for most users and does not require special skills. The main condition is a stable connection to Wi-Fi and enough free space.

Step-by-step. instructions:

  1. Connect to the network Wi-Fi (updates via the mobile data may be blocked).
  2. Charge the phone to at least up to 60% or connect to charging.
  3. Go to Settings → System → Software update.
  4. Click Download (if update is available).
  5. After downloading, select Install now or Install at night (for models that support delayed installation, for example, ZenFone 10).
  6. Wait for reboot (usually takes 5-15 minutes).

Battery charge ≥50%|Connection to Wi-Fi|Freed ≥3 GB of memory|Disabled VPN and proxies|Backed up important data-->

If after reboot the phone hangs on the logo for a long time ASUS (more than 20 minutes), do not panic. This is normal for major updates (for example, with Android 12 on Android 13). However, if the process lasts for an hour or more, you will have to resort to a forced reboot (press Power + Volume Up for 10-15 seconds).

⚠️ Attention: If after forced reboot, the phone does not turn on or boots into the Fastbootmode, this may indicate damage to the firmware. In this case, manual flashing will be required via ASUS Flash Tool (see section 5).

If the OTA update is unavailable or constantly fails, you can use the official utility ASUS PC Link. This method is suitable for users who have access to a computer with Windows or macOS.

Advantages of the method:

  • 🖥️ More stable firmware loading (no risk of connection loss).
  • 🔧 Ability to roll back to the previous version (if the new firmware does not work correctly).
  • 📂 Automatic data backup before updating.

Instructions:

  1. Download ASUS PC Link from ASUS official website (select your phone model).
  2. Install the utility on your computer and run it.
  3. Connect the phone to the PC via the original USB cable (use the port USB 3.0 to speed up).
  4. Turn on the mode on the phone File transfer (MTP) (notification will appear in the curtain).
  5. In PC Link go to the section Update Software and follow the instructions on the screen.
ASUS model PC Link support Features
ZenFone 9/10 Yes Automatic backup
ROG Phone 6/7 Yes Requires driver ASUS Android USB Driver
ZenFone 8 Flip Yes Support for rollback to previous version
ZenFone Max Pro M1 No Only OTA or manual firmware
⚠️ Attention: If PC Link does not see your phone, try:
  • 🔌 Use another USB cable (original from ASUS).
  • 🖱️ Reinstall drivers via Device Manager (Windows).
  • 🔄 Restart your phone and PC.
📊 Which update method do you prefer?
Via Wi-Fi (OTA)
Via ASUS PC Link
Manual firmware
I do not update at all

4. Manual firmware via Recovery Mode

If automatic methods do not work, you can install the update manually through recovery mode (Recovery Mode). the method requires more attention, but is suitable for most models ASUS, including those that do not receive OTA.

You will need:

  • 📱 Firmware file in the format .zip (download only from ASUS official website).
  • 🔋 Battery charge is at least 80%.
  • 🗃️ Memory card microSD (if the internal memory is damaged).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download the firmware for your model (for example, UL-ASUS_I006D-WW-34.0804.2060.140.zip for ZenFone 10).
  2. Place the file in the root directory of the internal memory or on microSD (not in folders!).
  3. Turn off the phone.
  4. Hold Power + Volume Up for 10 seconds to enter Recovery Mode.
  5. Use the volume buttons to navigate, select Apply update from ADB or Apply update from SD card.
  6. Select the downloaded file and confirm installation.
  7. Once completed, select Reboot system now.
What to do if Recovery Mode does not open?

If the phone does not respond to the button combination, try:

1. Connect the charger and try again.

2. Use the combination Power + Volume Down (for some models ROG Phone).

3. Install ADB on the PC and send the command:

adb reboot recovery

If nothing helps, it may be damaged bootloader - you will need to flash it via Fastboot.

If an error appears during the process E:footer is wrong or E:signature verification failed, this means that:

  • 📁 The firmware file is damaged (download it again).
  • 🔐 The firmware is not intended for your model or region (check WW, CN, TW in the file name).
  • 🔧 Changed on the phone bootloader (requires unlocking).

5. (for experienced users)

The method via Fastboot is the most reliable, but also the most risky. It is suitable if:

  • 📵 The phone does not turn on or is stuck on the logo.
  • 🔄 You need to roll back the firmware to the previous one version.
  • 🛠️ You need to reflash the device after an unsuccessful update.

To work you will need:

  • 💻 A computer with ADB i Fastboot.
  • 📋 Firmware in format .raw or .img (download from the official website).
  • 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).

Instructions:

  1. Extract the firmware to the folder with fastboot (for example, C:\platform-tools).
  2. Turn off the phone and press Power + Volume Down to enter Fastboot Mode.
  3. Connect the phone to the PC and check the connection with the command: 
    fastboot devices

    (the serial number of the device should be displayed).

  4. Run the firmware with the command: 
    fastboot flash all file_name.zip

    or one by one for each section:

    fastboot flash boot boot.img

    fastboot flash system system.img

  5. After completion, enter: 
    fastboot reboot
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect commands in Fastboot can turn the phone into a “brick”. data-i="232">for operators bootloader (For example, ZenFone 8 for operators AT&T).
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Firmware via Fastboot erases all data on the phone. If you need to save files, first remove the memory card and make a backup via ADB (adb pull /sdcard/).

6. Installing custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel) Experience)

If your ASUS no longer receives official updates (for example, ZenFone 5Z or ZenFone Max Pro M2), you can install custom firmware on the base Android 13/14This will give access to new functions, but will void the warranty and may cause problems with the device. camera or sensors.

Popular firmware for ASUS:

  • 📱 LineageOS - pure Android without unnecessary applications.
  • 🎨 Pixel Experience - firmware with interface and functions Google Pixel.
  • 🔧 ArrowOS - balance between stability and customization.

What is needed for installation:

  1. Unlocked bootloader (instructions on ASUS official website).
  2. Installed custom recovery TWRP.
  3. Firmware in format .zip and GApps (if you need Google services).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download TWRP for your model from the site twrp.me.
  2. Install it via Fastboot: 
    fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.7.0_9-0-I006D.img
  3. Boot into TWRP (press Power + Volume Up).
  4. Make a backup of the current firmware (Backup → Select Storage → Swipe to Back Up).
  5. Flash custom firmware and GApps (Install → Select Zip → Swipe to Confirm Flash).
  6. Clear cache (Wipe → Format Data → type "yes").
  7. Reboot (Reboot → System).
⚠️ Attention: Custom firmware can:
  • 🚫 Disrupt operation NFC, Wi-Fi or cameras.
  • 🔒 Block banking applications (due to lack of SafetyNet).
  • 📵 Lead to loss of IMEI (solved by modem firmware).

Before installation, check reviews on the forum XDA Developers.

7. Solving common errors when update

Even if you follow the instructions, errors may occur. Let's look at the most common ones and how to eliminate them.

Error Cause Solution
Error 7 (in Recovery) Incompatibility of firmware with the device Download the correct version (check WW/CN in the file name)
Couldn't verify update package Damaged file or incorrect signature Download file again, check MD5-hash
The phone hangs on the logo ASUS Unsuccessful firmware or module conflict Log in Recovery and do Wipe Cache
Fastboot: FAILED (remote: 'Not allowed in Locked State') Locked bootloader Unlock via official ASUS tool

If after the update the phone becomes slower or discharges quickly, try:

  • 🧹 Clear cache (Settings → Memory → Clear cache).
  • 🔄 Reset settings to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset).
  • 📵 Roll back the firmware via ASUS PC Link (if available).

If none of the methods helped and the phone does not turn on, contact service center ASUS. In some cases (for example, after unsuccessful firmware via Fastboot), you may need to replace the motherboard.

8. How to check the success of the update

After installing the new firmware, you need to make sure that everything went correctly. This will help avoid hidden errors that may appear later.

What to do:

  1. Check the Android version: Settings → System → About phone → Android version.
  2. Make sure all functions are working:
    • 📶 Mobile network and Wi-Fi.
    • 📷 Camera (front and main).
    • 🔊 Speakers and microphone.
    • 🔋 Fast charging.
  • Run a performance test (for example, AnTuTu Benchmark or Geekbench).
  • Check SafetyNet (for banking applications): 
    adb shell su -c "getprop ro.boot.verifiedbootstate"

    (should return green or orange).

    • If data (photos, contacts) are missing after the update, restore them from the backup. If there is no backup, try apps like Dr.Fone or DiskDigger (for non-system files).

    💡

    If after the update the phone begins to overheat or discharge quickly, wait 2-3 full charge/discharge cycles. This is due to the calibration of the new software and battery.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about updating ASUS

    My. ASUS ZenFone 8 does not see the update to Android 13. What to do?

    If the OTA update does not arrive, try:

    1. Download the firmware manually from ASUS website and install via Recovery.
    2. Use ASUS PC Link (see section 3).
    3. Check if your phone is not locked by the operator (models for AT&T or T-Mobile are updated later).

      4. If all else fails, perhaps your model will not receive Android 13 officially. In this case, consider custom firmware (section 6).

    Is it possible to roll back the update on ASUS ROG Phone 5?

    Yes, but with reservations:

    • Via ASUS PC Link (if a previous firmware version is available).
    • Via Fastboot (requires old firmware file and unlocked bootloader).

    Please note that a rollback may lead to:

    • Loss of data (make a backup!).
    • Problems with the operation of some applications (they may require a new version of Android).
    Why don't fingerprint and Face Unlock work after the update?

    This is a typical problem when updating to Android 12+. Solutions:

    1. Delete all saved fingerprints and faces, then add them again.
    2. Clear the cache and application data Biometric Service (Settings → Applications → Show system ones → Biometric service).
    3. If that doesn’t help, reset the settings to factory settings (don’t forget to make a backup!).

    On some models (for example, ZenFone 7), the problem is solved by installing a patch via ASUS PC Link.

    How to update ASUS ZenFone Max M1 if official support has ended?

    For outdated models, there are several options:

    1. Custom firmware: Install LineageOS 20 (Android 13) or Pixel Experience (see section 6).
    2. Ported firmware: On the forum XDA sometimes they post unofficial assemblies for old ones ASUS.
    3. Optimization of the current system: Remove unnecessary applications, disable animations (Settings → For developers → Animation = 0.5x).

    Please note that custom firmware may not support all functions (for example, VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling).

    Is it safe to update Android via the mobile data?

    Technically yes, but:

    • 📡 The update “weighs” 1–3 GB - this can be expensive when tariffed by traffic.
    • 🔌 If the connection is interrupted, the firmware file may download with errors (it is better to use Wi-Fi).
    • 🔋 Rapid battery drain when downloading over a mobile network.

    If there is no other option, make sure that:

    • Battery charge ≥ 80%.
    • The network signal is stable (at least 3-4 “sticks”).
    • Background applications are disabled (for example, YouTube or TikTok).