The transition to 64-bit architecture in the Android operating system is not just a change in one setting, but a fundamental leap in the capabilities of your device. Modern applications are becoming more and more demanding in terms of RAM and processing power, and 32-bit systems can no longer cope with addressing more than 4 GB of RAM. If your smartphone slows down in heavy games or does not allow you to run new professional utilities, changing the bit depth may be the only way out.
It is important to understand that this process affects the system kernel and requires the appropriate one. hardware. Not every processor is capable of running in 64-bit mode, even if the operating system itself supports it. Before starting any manipulations, it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis of the hardware to avoid turning the device into a “brick”. We will analyze all the stages: from checking compatibility to installing custom firmware.
Many users mistakenly believe that the transition is possible through the regular update menu. Unfortunately, manufacturers rarely provide this option out of the box for older models. Most often, it requires intervention in system files or a complete flashing of the device using specialized software, such as ADB i Fastboot. Are you ready to take such risks in order to increase productivity?
Hardware compatibility and checking the processor
The first and most critical step is checking the physical processor of your smartphone. The ARM architecture, which is used in the vast majority of mobile devices, has a clear division into generations. Old chips released before 2014, such as early versions MediaTek MT65xx or Qualcomm Snapdragon 200/400, do not physically support 64-bit instructions.
To carry out diagnostics, you can use specialized utilities that read the technical characteristics of the core. Download the application CPU-Z or AIDA64 from the official application store. After launch, pay attention to the section System or SoC. The current instruction set architecture will be indicated there.
If you see a mark armv7, it means your device operates in 32-bit mode. However, this does not always mean that there is no 64-bit support. Some processors, for example Snapdragon 615 or Helio X10, are hybrid and can operate in both modes. In this case, the system information may indicate armv8, but the OS itself is loaded in 32-bit mode for compatibility with older software.
Use the Termux application and enter the command `getprop ro.product.cpu.abi`. If the answer contains "arm64", your kernel is already 64-bit, even if the interface seems old.
⚠️ Warning: Trying to install 64-bit firmware on an armv7 processor will cause the smartphone to stop booting. The system simply will not be able to execute the machine code of the kernel.
Device preparation and backup
The process of changing the system bit depth is inevitably associated with the complete formatting of user data. When moving from 32 to 64 bits, libraries and system calls change, making old data incompatible with the new environment. Therefore, creating a complete backup is a mandatory step, ignoring which can lead to the loss of photos, contacts and messages.
It is recommended to use not only cloud services, but also local copying to your computer. Connect your smartphone to PC via USB cable and copy all internal memory. Pay special attention to folders DCIM, Download and Documents. To save application settings and lists of installed apps, a tool Titanium Backup (requires root access) or the built-in Google backup function is ideal.
You also need to free up space on the system partition if you plan to use update methods without completely flashing the firmware (which is rare, but possible on some custom builds). Delete application cache and unnecessary media files. Make sure that the battery charge is at least 70%, since the process of writing a new file system is energy-intensive.
☑️ Preparing for the transition to 64 bits
Obtaining root access and unlocking the bootloader
To make changes to system partition where the kernel architecture is written, you will need superuser rights. Standard Android tools do not allow modification of these areas. The most popular and reliable tool for obtaining Root access today is Magisk. It allows you to modify the system without changing the system partition (systemless root), which increases stability.
However, if your goal is to install custom 64-bit firmware, simple root may not be enough. Unlocking the bootloader (Bootloader) is often required. This action is not officially permitted by all manufacturers. For example, companies Xiaomi and OnePlus provide tools for unlocking, while Huawei or American versions Samsung may have the bootloader locked forever.
The unlocking process usually looks like this: enable developer mode, Activating USB debugging and executing a command via a computer. Enter in the terminal:
adb reboot bootloader
fastboot oem unlock
After executing this command, all data on the device will be deleted automatically for security purposes. This is another reason to make backups in advance. If the bootloader is unlocked successfully, you will see a warning screen every time you turn on your phone.
Risks of Unlocking the Bootloader
Unlocking the bootloader will often void your device's warranty. In addition, some banking applications and contactless payment services (Google Pay) may stop working due to a violation of the integrity of the security system.
Selecting and installing custom firmware
The most reliable way to switch to a 64-bit system is to install custom firmware (Custom ROM), which is initially compiled for the architecture. arm64-v8a. Official firmware from manufacturers often remains 32-bit even on powerful hardware to save memory and compatibility. The developer community XDA Developers is the main source of such assemblies.
When choosing firmware, pay attention to the name and description. Look for versions LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Resurrection Remix marked "ARM64". Make sure that the assembly is intended specifically for your device model (code name, for example guacamole for OnePlus 7 Pro). Installing firmware from another model is guaranteed to disable the phone.
The installation process is carried out through custom recovery, most often TWRP. After booting into recovery mode, you need to format the partitions Data, Cache and Dalvik/ART Cache. Then, through the menu Install select the zip archive with the firmware. The installation process may take from 5 to 15 minutes.
| Firmware type | Stability | 64 bit support | Installation complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official (Stock) | High | Depends on the model | Low (OTA) |
| LineageOS | Medium/High | Full | Average |
| Nightly Builds | Low | Full | High |
| GSI (Generic System Image) | Low | Full | Very high |
⚠️ Attention: Recovery interfaces and menu names may differ depending on the TWRP version and device model. Always check the instructions specifically for your smartphone on the relevant forum.
Alternative method: Modifying system libraries
There is a less radical method that is only suitable for devices where the kernel is already 64-bit, but userspace runs in 32-bit mode. This method involves manually replacing system libraries and changing configuration files build.prop. It does not require flashing the entire image, but it is extremely complicated and risky.
You will need a file manager with access to the system root, for example Root Explorer. You need to find the file /system/build.prop and change the line ro.product.cpu.abi from armeabi-v7a to arm64-v8a. However, simply changing the text will not make the system work differently - you must also replace the corresponding libraries in the folder /system/lib with their 64-bit counterparts from the folder /system/lib64.
This method often leads to a cyclic reboot (bootloop), since many system services expect libraries to be located in strictly defined places. If the phone does not turn on after rebooting, you will have to restore the system backup through recovery. Use this method only if you understand the structure of the Linux file system.
Modifying build.prop without replacing all dependent libraries is almost guaranteed to cause the system to fail. Complete flashing is the only safe way.
Optimization and checking results
After successful installation of the 64-bit system and the first boot, you need to check that the transition was completed correctly. Run the utility again CPU-Z and make sure that the Instruction Sets field now displays 64-bit architecture flags. It is also worth checking the amount of available RAM - it should correspond to the physical volume of the chips, and not be limited to 3-3.5 GB, as was previously the case.
For maximum performance, it is recommended to clear the Dalvik cache again. Enter recovery mode and select Wipe Cache/Dalvik. This will force the system to recompile all installed applications for the new architecture upon first launch. The first start after this procedure may take up to 10 minutes - this is normal.
Pay attention to the operation of applications. Some older apps written exclusively for 32-bit may be unstable or may not run at all in a pure 64-bit environment. In such cases, the compatibility mode or searching for an updated version of the application from the developer will help.
Why is the first launch so long?
The system optimizes application code (AOT compilation) for the new architecture. Do not interrupt this process, otherwise the phone may freeze.
⚠️ Attention: After switching to 64 bits, some banking applications may require re-pairing the device due to a change in the hash of system files.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to switch 64 bits without data loss?
Unfortunately, no. Changing the system architecture requires formatting the data section, since file structures and paths to libraries change. All applications will have to be reinstalled again.
Will the phone work faster after the transition?
Yes, the performance increase is noticeable in tasks that require large amounts of memory and complex calculations (games, video rendering). However, the interface may become slightly less responsive on very old processors due to an increase in code size.
What to do if the phone does not turn on after flashing the firmware?
You need to enter Recovery mode (usually the volume up button + power) and restore the system from a previously made backup copy (Restore). If there is no backup, you will have to look for stock firmware and flash it through your computer.
Does my processor support 64-bit mode?
Processors of the Snapdragon 410, 610, 615, 808, 810 series and all subsequent ones, as well as MediaTek Helio X10 and newer, support 64-bit instructions. The CPU-Z application will provide accurate information.