Owners of brand smartphones Fly often face a situation when the device stops receiving automatic notifications about a new system. This is due to the fact that the company stopped actively supporting many models several years ago. However, the desire to get new features, improve security, or simply speed up the operation of the gadget remains relevant for many users.
The process of updating the operating system on devices of this brand has its own specific features, which differ from the procedures on more popular brands. In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods: from standard over-the-air updates to manual installation of images through recovery mode. You will learn how to prepare the device, where to look for files and what to do if the process does not go according to plan.
Before taking active steps, you need to clearly understand the risks. Any intervention in the system partition carries a potential threat of data loss or turning the phone into a “brick”. Therefore backup is a mandatory step that absolutely cannot be ignored. Next, we will look at a step-by-step algorithm for safely upgrading your device.
Preparing the device for flashing
The success of the operation depends 90% on the quality of preliminary preparation. Chaotic actions without understanding the current state of the system often lead to write errors or bootloader failures. The first step is to check the current firmware version and device model, since files for different modifications of the same name may be incompatible.
Find the sticker under the battery or enter the command *#06# to obtain the IMEI, which will help accurately identify the revision of the board. You need to download firmware exclusively from trusted sources, such as the official support forum or specialized resources like 4PDA. Using random files from unverified folders on the Internet may cause communication modules or cameras to malfunction.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the battery charge is at least 60-70%. A sudden power outage while writing system partitions can disrupt the structure of the file system, which will require complex repairs through the programmer.
The next critical step is saving user data. When updating, especially through Recovery mode, the internal memory is often formatted. Transfer photos, contacts and documents to a microSD card or cloud storage. It is also recommended to disable the lock screen and delete your Google account to avoid problems with FRP protection after a reboot.
☑️ Preparing for the Fly update
Regular update through settings (OTA)
The safest and simplest method provided by the developers is an over-the-air update. If the manufacturer's servers are still active for your model, the system will prompt you to download a new package. This method is ideal for those who do not want to understand complex technical nuances and risk the warranty (if it is still valid).
To start the test, go to menu Settings → About phone → System update. By clicking the check button, the device will contact the server and report the availability of a new version. If there is a notification, follow the instructions on the screen: download the package, agree to the installation and wait for the reboot. The process can take from 15 to 40 minutes depending on the amount of data and Internet speed.
However, owners of older models Fly often encounter the message “No updates found,” even if new versions exist. This is because the manufacturer has stopped supporting the line. In this case, the standard method is useless, and you have to move on to more advanced options for installing the software manually.
If the update has been downloaded but is not installed, try clearing the "Update Downloader" application cache in the application settings section before trying again.
Manual installation via Recovery Mode
When the automatic search does not produce results, help Recovery mode comes. This method allows you to install a manually downloaded firmware file directly from a memory card or internal storage. The Recovery interface on Fly smartphones is usually a simple menu with volume key controls.
First place the firmware file (usually with a .zip extension) in the root of the memory card. Then turn off the phone and hold down the key combination to enter recovery mode. Most often, this is a simultaneous pressing of Volume Up and Power button. After the logo appears, release the power button, but hold down the volume until the menu appears.
In the Recovery menu, select item apply update from SD card or similar. Find your firmware file and confirm installation. The system will begin unpacking and recording data. Upon completion, be sure to select the item wipe data/factory resetto avoid conflicts between the old and new systems, and then reboot system now.
What to do if Recovery does not see the memory card?
Sometimes the built-in Recovery does not recognize large cards or a specific file system. Try formatting the card in FAT32 on a computer or using the internal memory of the phone by selecting apply update from internal storage.
Firmware via computer and SP Flash Tool
For most Fly devices built on processors MediaTek, the gold standard for recovery and updating is the SP Flash Tool utility. This method allows you to record images of all partitions directly from your computer, bypassing the phone's operating system. It is necessary if the phone does not turn on or reboots cyclically.
You will need to install VCOM drivers for your processor and the Flash Tool app itself on your PC. In the app interface, the scattering file (scatter.txt) is loaded, which is located in the folder with the downloaded firmware. This file tells the utility exactly where to write each image: bootloader, kernel, system, or_recovery.
| Firmware type | Description | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|
| Update only | Updates only the system partition, preserving user files | Low |
| Format All + Download | Full clearing and re-partitioning of memory, clean installation | Critical (everything is deleted) |
| Firmware Upgrade | Update with downgrade option, formats Userdata | High |
After setting the parameters, click the Download button and connect the switched off phone to the computer via a USB cable. Sometimes you need to remove and insert the battery (if it is removable) or hold down the volume button to initiate the connection. The appearance of a green checkmark means the successful completion of the process.
Using the Format All + Download mode unless absolutely necessary is dangerous, as it erases the IMEI and other unique device identifiers, which can make it impossible to work in cellular networks.
Searching and selecting compatible firmware
The main difficulty for Fly owners is finding the right one file. The brand's lineup is extensive, and the names are often duplicated with different hardware components. An error in choosing the version may cause the touch screen to stop responding to touches or the sound to disappear.
When searching, pay attention to the region of the device (Global, Russia, Europe) and the version of the base station. The firmware from the Chinese version of the phone may not support Russian 4G frequencies (Band 7, Band 20), which is critical for high-quality communication. Always read comments to files on forums: other users often point out the pitfalls of specific assemblies.
If official support has been discontinued, you can pay attention to custom firmware, such as LineageOS or ports from other devices. However, for older and budget Fly models, the developer community is small, and finding a stable custom build can be more difficult than repairing a stock one.
Possible problems and their solutions
Even with careful preparation, unforeseen situations may arise. The most common problem is the “bootlap”, when the phone endlessly reboots at the logo. This is usually solved by re-entering Recovery and performing a full reset (Wipe Data/Factory Reset).
If the camera or Wi-Fi does not work after flashing the firmware, it means you installed an image from a different revision of the device. In this case, only re-flashing with the correct file will help. It is also possible that the NVRAM partition where the radio module settings are stored is damaged. Restoring this partition requires a backup copy of NVRAM made before starting the experiments.
⚠️ Attention: If the phone is no longer detected by the computer at all (no USB connection sound), the bootloader (Preloader) may be damaged. In this case, professional recovery equipment will be required, and attempts on your own may worsen the situation.
Sometimes the interface is slow after updating. This is normal for the first launch, as the system optimizes applications. Let the phone charge for about an hour without intervention. If the brakes last longer, perhaps the new version of Android is too heavy for the old hardware of the Fly processor.
Why does the connection disappear after the update?
Often, during manual firmware, the IMEI certificate is lost. Check it by dialing *#06#. If zeros or null are displayed instead of a number, you need to restore the NVRAM partition from a backup or contact a service.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to update Android on an old Fly to version 10 or 11?
In most cases, no. Officially, the manufacturer rarely released updates above Android 6-7 for budget models. Upgrading to higher versions is only possible through custom firmware if enthusiasts have adapted them to the specific processor and screen of your device.
Will all information be erased when updating through the settings?
Usually, during a standard update (OTA), the data is saved. However, when manually updating via Recovery or Flash Tool, it is strongly recommended to reset the settings, which will delete all photos, contacts and applications.
Where can I find drivers for the Fly phone on a computer?
Drivers depend on the processor. Most Fly models require MediaTek drivers (MTK VCOM). They can be found on specialized forums in the topic of firmware for your specific device or as part of the SP Flash Tool utility.
What to do if the phone hangs on the Fly logo after the firmware?
Try to enter Recovery (Volume Up + Power) and do a Wipe Data/Factory Reset. If this does not help, the firmware file may be damaged or not suitable, and the procedure must be repeated with a different image.
Is it safe to use custom firmware on Fly?
It is always a risk. Custom builds may contain errors, work unstable with the camera, or quickly drain the battery. Use them only if you are absolutely not satisfied with the standard system and are prepared for possible failures.