Owners of smartphones released between 2017 and 2018 are often faced with a situation where the manufacturer has officially stopped supporting the device on version Android 8.0 Oreo. This means you no longer receive critical security updates or new interface features. However, the desire to install a more recent system, such as Android 10remains relevant for many users seeking to extend the life of their gadget.
Technically, the transition from the eighth to the tenth version of the operating system is possible, but this process is radically different from the standard over-the-air update. You will have to deal with the concepts custom recovery, unlocking the bootloader and manual installation of system images. It is important to immediately realize that there are no official ways to do this for unsupported devices, and all responsibility for the result lies solely with you.
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to carry out thorough preparation. Errors at any stage can lead to the phone turning into a “brick” and no longer turning on. In this article, we will analyze in detail all stages of the procedure, from checking compatibility to final configuration, in order to minimize risks and get the desired result.
Assessing compatibility and searching for firmware
The first and most critical step is to determine the exact model of your processor and the availability of available builds in the developer community. The official update Android 10 requires a specific kernel architecture and drivers that may be missing in older devices. Most often, enthusiasts create unofficial ports based on the project LineageOS or Pixel Experience.
You need to visit specialized forums, such as 4PDA or XDA Developers, and find a thread dedicated specifically to your smartphone model. Pay attention to the date of the last update of the topic: if the last activity was more than a year ago, the chances of stable operation of the system are extremely low. Look for builds with a “Stable” or “Beta” status, but avoid alpha versions for everyday use.
⚠️ Attention: Never download firmware from random sites or file hosting services without checking the checksums. The use of malware can lead to complete loss of data and theft of personal information.
It is also important to take into account the regional characteristics of your device. Global versions (Global) often differ from Chinese (CN) or Indian (IN) modifications, even within the same model. Installing firmware from a different regional version may result in the communication modules, camera or fingerprint scanner not working.
Device preparation and backup
Update process from 8 to 10 versions will inevitably lead to a complete clearing of the device's internal memory. This is a security requirement when changing the major version of the system and changing the partition structure. Therefore, creating a full backup of your data is a must before starting any manipulations.
Use cloud services such as Google Drive or Yandex.Diskto save contacts, photos and documents. To save a list of installed applications and their settings, you can use the built-in system tools or specialized software like Titanium Backupif you already have root access.
☑️ Preparing for flashing
Don't forget to also export two-factor authentication settings and access keys if you use applications like Google Authenticator. After resetting the system, restoring access to accounts without these codes will be extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible, without contacting service support.
Before starting the procedure, take a photo of the screen with device information (IMEI, serial number) on another phone. This will help identify the device in case of warranty or restoration issues.
Unlocking the bootloader and setting modes
Most manufacturers lock the bootloader (Bootloader) to prevent the installation of unsigned software. To install custom firmware, this lock must be removed. The process varies from brand to brand: for Xiaomi requires waiting for 7 days and a special utility Mi Unlock, and for Motorola or OnePlus it is enough to get the unlock code on the official website.
After unlocking bootloader, you will need to install a custom recovery menu, for example TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). This is an environment that allows you to install ZIP archives with firmware, make full backups of partitions and clear memory. Installation is carried out through a computer using tools Fastboot.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-image.img
fastboot boot twrp-image.img
It is important to understand that unlocking the bootloader often triggers security flags, such as Knox on devices Samsung or SafetyNet on other devices. This may permanently disable your ability to use banking apps Google Pay and DRM-protected streaming services such as Netflix high quality.
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will void your device's warranty in most cases. If your smartphone is still under warranty, think twice before starting the procedure.
The process of installing custom firmware
When all the preparatory steps are completed and the firmware file is loaded into the internal memory or onto a microSD card, you can begin the installation itself. Boot into recovery mode, usually this is done by holding down the combination of the volume and power buttons while the phone is turned off. In the menu TWRP the first step is to clear the data.
Select item Wipe, then Advanced Wipe and mark sections Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data and Cache. Do not touch the partition Internal Storageif the firmware file is there, otherwise you will delete the installer. Swipe to confirm cleaning. This is a critical step to prevent file conflicts between the old and new system.
| Partition | Clear? | Destination |
|---|---|---|
| Dalvik / ART Cache | Yes | Virtual machine cache |
| System | Yes | OS system files |
| Data | Yes | User data and applications |
| Cache | Yes | System cache |
| Internal Storage | No | User files and firmware |
Next go to the menu Install, select the archive with the firmware Android 10 and confirm the installation by swiping. The process may take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the speed of the device's memory. After the installation is complete, the system will prompt you to clear the cache or reboot immediately.
What to do if the installation is interrupted?
If the installation process freezes or gives an error, do not panic and do not turn off the phone immediately. Try going to the Wipe menu and formatting the Data partition (Format Data), then repeat the installation. If this does not help, the firmware file may be damaged or not suitable for your device revision.
Installing Google add-ons and drivers
Custom firmware, unlike stock firmware, often does not contain services Google Play due to licensing restrictions. Immediately after the first download, you will receive a “pure” Android without an application store, mail and maps. To return functionality, you need to install the package GApps (Google Apps).
You need to download the GApps package that matches the version of Android 10 and the architecture of your processor (usually ARM64). It is recommended to choose the option Pico or Nano, since they contain only the minimum necessary services, without overloading the system with unnecessary garbage. Installation is carried out in the same way as the firmware - through the menu Install in recovery.
In some cases, installation of additional patches or drivers is also required, especially if the sound, Bluetooth or camera does not work. Such files are usually attached by the author of the firmware in a topic on the forum. Carefully read the instructions (Read Me) before downloading to understand the sequence of actions.
Correct installation order: First system firmware, then GApps, and only after that additional patches or Magisk modules. Violation of the order can lead to a cyclic reboot.
Initial setup and problem solving
After successful installation of all components and the first reboot, the system initialization process will begin. First load Android 10 after flashing it always takes longer than usual - from 5 to 10 minutes. Do not try to reboot your phone during this period, even if it seems to be frozen at the logo.
During the setup process, you will be asked to restore data from your Google account backup. This is a convenient way to get your contacts and app list back, but restoring the apps themselves may take time and require a stable Wi-Fi connection. Be prepared for the fact that some banking applications may not launch due to an unlocked bootloader.
If you experience rapid battery drain in the first days, give the system time to optimize. Indexing files and training power saving algorithms can take up to a week of active use. During this period, it is recommended to avoid heavy games and long video calls.
⚠️ Attention: Settings and menu interfaces may vary depending on the specific firmware build. Always check the author's documentation for the specific version of software you installed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to return to Android 8 after updating?
Yes, it is possible, but the procedure is more complicated than updating. You will need to find stock firmware (Stock ROM) specifically for your model and region, and also use a firmware tool from the manufacturer (for example Odin for Samsung or SP Flash Tool for MediaTek). Simply installing the old ZIP archive through recovery is usually not enough due to differences in bootloader versions.
Will contactless payments work after the update?
Most likely not if your bootloader is unlocked. Services like Google Pay use a security mechanism SafetyNetthat verifies the integrity of the system. There are ways to hide the fact of unlocking using modules Magisk Hide, but this does not guarantee 100% performance, since banks are constantly updating detection methods.
Will the update erase all data on the memory card?
Usually not, if you have selected the correct partitions for cleaning (Wipe). However, if the firmware requires formatting the entire internal storage, the data on the memory card may remain intact. However, we strongly advise you to remove the memory card before starting the procedure to eliminate the risk of accidental damage to the file system.
Why does the camera shoot worse than on the old version?
Camera drivers in custom firmware are often a compromise solution. Developers do not have access to the manufacturer's proprietary libraries, so they use universal drivers or ports from other devices. This can lead to a decrease in the quality of photo processing, especially in low light conditions.