Owners of old smartphones on Android often face limitations associated with 32-bit architecture. The inability to run modern games, application compatibility errors, or slow system performance - all this may be a consequence of outdated bitness. But is it really possible switch a 32-bit system to a 64-bit one on Android, as it is done on a PC? The answer is not as clear as we would like.

Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to download “64-bit firmware” or change the settings in the developer menu. In practice, everything is more complicated: bit depth is determined at the level of the processor and OS kernel, and not a software switch. However, in some cases the transition is possible - but with serious reservations. Next, we will look at when this is real and when it is useless to waste time.

First you need to understand the key difference: 32-bit processors do not physically support 64-bit instructions, while 64-bit chips (for example, Qualcomm Snapdragon 4xx/6xx/8xx or Mediatek Helio) can work in both modes. If your smartphone was released after 2015, it most likely has a 64-bit processor, but the manufacturer may have installed 32-bit firmware to save memory or compatibility.

We will not discuss in this article 64-bit emulation (as is the case with Google Playwhich can run 64-bit applications on 32-bit devices via broadcast). We will talk specifically about full transition to a 64-bit OS, which requires replacing the firmware and may lead to data loss. Ready to figure it out? Then let's get started.

Checking the current bit depth of Android

Before you try to change anything, make sure that your device really works in 32-bit mode. There are several reliable ways to do this - from built-in tools to third-party applications.

The simplest method is to use CPU-Z or AIDA64 from Google Play. After installation, open the application and go to the CPU or Systemsection. Look for lines like:

  • 🔹 Instruction Set Architecture: if specified armv7 or armeabi is 32 bits; arm64 or aarch64 is 64 bits.
  • 🔹 Kernel Architecture: 32-bit or 64-bit.
  • 🔹 64-bit Support: if there is an inscription Yes, but the system is operating in 32-bit mode, the processor supports the transition.

An alternative way is through ADB (developer tool). Connect the phone to the PC, enable USB debugging in the developer settings and run the command: 

adb shell getprop ro.product.cpu.abi

If you see in the response armeabi-v7a - this is 32 bits, arm64-v8a - 64 bits. To check whether the processor supports 64-bit mode, use: 

adb shell cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep -E "Features|Processor"
⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi) can artificially limit the firmware bit depth even on 64-bit processors. This applies to budget models with 1–2 GB of RAM, where a 32-bit system saves memory.

Is it possible to switch from 32 to 64 bits without changing the firmware?

Short answer - no. The operating system's bit depth is determined by the kernel (kernel) and low-level libraries that cannot be changed on the fly. All attempts to find a “compatibility mode” or “switch” in the Android settings are doomed to failure.

However, there are nuances:

  • 📱 64-bit processor + 32-bit firmware: you can install custom 64-bit firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), if it exists for your model.
  • 🚫 32-bit processor: the transition is physically impossible. Maximum - emulation via Google Play (but this will not give a performance gain).
  • ⚙️ Hybrid firmware: some custom assemblies (for example, for Xiaomi Redmi 4X) can run 64-bit applications on a 32-bit basis, but this is not a full-fledged transition.

If your smartphone was released before 2015 (for example, Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC One M7), most likely it has a 32-bit processor (Exynos 5410, Snapdragon 600). In this case, the only way out is to buy a new device.

📊 What kind of smartphone do you have?
Modern (after 2018)
Budget (2015–2017)
Old (before 2015 year)
I don’t know

Step-by-step guide: switching to 64-bit firmware

If your device supports 64-bit mode, but runs on 32-bit firmware, you can try installing a custom build. This is a risky procedurewhich may lead to “brick” (breakage) of the phone. We recommend that you first study reviews about the firmware for your model on forums like XDA Developers or 4PDA.

General algorithm of actions:

  1. Unlock the bootloader (bootloader). To do this, you usually need to obtain an unlock code from the manufacturer (for example, via Mi Unlock for Xiaomi).
  2. Install custom recovery (TWRP or OrangeFox). This requires an unlocked bootloader and a suitable recovery version for your model.
  3. Download 64-bit firmware. Look for assemblies marked arm64 or aarch64. Popular projects: LineageOS, Resurrection Remix, Havoc-OS.
  4. Flash the firmware through recovery. This is usually done through items Wipe → Advanced Wipe (select Dalvik, Cache, Data, System) and then Install → select ZIP with firmware.
  5. Install GAPPS (services Google) and Magisk (if you need root). Without this, many applications will not work.

Make a backup copy of data (photos, contacts, SMS)

Charge the phone at least 70%

Download firmware and test files (MD5)

Make sure the firmware is compatible with the phone model

Prepare a USB cable and a PC with ADB/Fastboot-->

Example commands for flashing the firmware via fastboot (if recovery is not suitable): 

fastboot flash boot boot.img

fastboot flash system system.img


fastboot flash vendor vendor.img


fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung s Exynos), switching to 64-bit firmware may break camera modules or sensors. This is due to the manufacturer's closed drivers, which are not ported to custom assemblies.

Comparison of 32-bit and 64-bit on Android: what does the transition give?

Many users expect that after switching to 64 bit their smartphone will “fly”. In practice, productivity gains depend on several factors. Below is a table with key differences:

Parameter 32-bit (armv7) 64-bit (arm64)
Max. RAM size Limited to ~3–4 GB (due to addressing) Supports 8+ GB and higher
CPU performance 10–30% lower in heavy tasks Faster due to extended instructions (AArch64)
Compatible with games Does not run Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile (requires arm64) Supports all modern games
Power consumption Higher at the same load More optimized (for example, in Snapdragon 8xx)
Android support Limited to Android 10 and below (Google ends support) Full support for the latest versions (Android 13+)

However, not everything is so rosy:

  • 🔋 Battery consumption may temporarily increase after the transition, since the system needs to re-index the data.
  • 📱 Not all applications are optimized under 64 bit. Some older apps may run slower due to emulation.
  • 🔄 Reset settings required when changing bit depth - all data will be deleted.
💡

The transition to 64 bits is only justified if your processor supports arm64, and the current firmware is artificially limited to 32 bits. In other cases, it is a waste of time.

Problems after the transition and how to solve them

Even if the firmware was successful, unexpected bugs may arise. Here are the most common ones and ways to eliminate them:

1. The camera or sensors do not work

Reason: the custom firmware does not contain proprietary drivers from the manufacturer.

Solution:

  • 🔧 Download and flash a separate package with drivers (search at 4PDA by phone model).
  • 🔄 Return to stock firmware if the custom one is unstable.

2. The phone does not see the SIM card

Reason: incompatibility of the modem with the new firmware.

Solution:

  • 📶 Separately flash the file modem.img from the stock firmware.
  • 🔄 Reflash the device with a full wipe (format data to TWRP).

3. Applications crash or are not installed

Cause: missing Google Play Services or incorrect version GAPPS.

Solution:

  • 📥 Install the correct GAPPS package (for example, NikGApps or Open GAPPS for your version of Android).
  • 🔄 Clear the application cache in the settings.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei with processors Kirin) custom Firmware may not start due to a locked bootloader. Before trying to flash anything, check if the bootloader is unlocked!
What to do if the phone is stuck on the logo after flashing the firmware?

If the device does not boot (bootloop), try:

1. Go to recovery (Power + Vol Up) and do Wipe → Format Data (this will delete all data!).

2. Reflash the firmware again, making sure the version is correct.

3. If it doesn’t help, flash the stock firmware via fastboot or Odin (for Samsung).

Alternatives: how to improve performance without changing the bit depth

If switching to 64 bit is impossible or too risky, you can optimize the current 32-bit system. Here are several working methods:

1. Use lightweight firmware

Some custom builds (for example, LineageOS for 32-bit) are optimized better than stock ones. They remove unnecessary services and speed up work. data-i="213">Examples:

Examples:

  • 📱 LineageOS 16/17.1 (Android 9/10) for older devices.
  • 📱 CarbonROM or AOSP Extended with a minimalistic interface.

2. Disable unnecessary services.

Through ADB you can disable background processes that slow down the system: 

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.android.browser

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.gms/.update.SystemUpdateActivity

The list of packages that are safe to disable can be found on thematic forums.

3. Use 64-bit applications through emulation.

Some launchers (for example Nova Launcher) and games (via Google Play Games) can work in 64-bit mode even on a 32-bit system. To do this:

  • 🎮 Enable in settings Google Play option Installing 64-bit applications (if available).
  • 🔧 Use Magisk and module LibChecker to force launch arm64 applications.
💡

If your phone supports Project Treble (Android 8+), you can try GSI firmware (Generic System Image). They are universal and often have 64-bit builds even for little-known models.

Is the game worth the candle? When the transition to 64 bit is justified

The decision to switch should be based on specific purposes, and not on the abstract desire to “speed up the phone”. data-i="239">specific purposes

✅ The transition is justified if:

  • 🎮 You want to play modern games (Genshin Impact, PUBG New State, Diablo Immortal), which require arm64.
  • 📱 Your processor supports 64 bits, but the manufacturer has artificially limited firmware (for example, on some Redmi 5A or Galaxy J4).
  • 🔧 You are ready for possible bugs and troubleshooting problems manually.

❌ You should not switch if:

  • 📅 Your phone has a 32-bit processor (check c CPU-Z).
  • 💾 The amount of RAM is less than 3 GB - the performance increase will be minimal.
  • 📱 The device is used for basic tasks (calls, social networks, YouTube).

If your goal is simply to speed up an old smartphone, consider alternatives:

  • 🔄 Install light firmware (for example, LineageOS without GAPPS).
  • 🛠️ Replace the battery - often “brakes” are associated with a worn-out battery.
  • 📲 Use launchers like Smart Launcher or Before Launcher to speed up the interface.
💡

For most users of old smartphones switching to 64 bits will not give a noticeable increase in performance. It is much more effective to optimize the current system or consider purchasing a new device.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about changing the bit depth on Android

Is it possible to switch from 32 to 64 bits without firmware?

No. OS and processor. The only way is to install 64-bit firmware (if the processor supports arm64). All “apps for switching bitness” in Google Play are fraudulent.

Why does my device with a 64-bit processor work in 32-bit mode?

Manufacturers sometimes release 32-bit firmware for budget models to save memory (32-bit libraries take up less space). This may also be due to optimization for a specific region or telecom operator.

Will Magisk and root work after switching to 64 bits?

Yes, but you need to install the 64-bit version Magisk (usually it automatically detects the bit depth). If after flashing root it disappears, flash Magisk.zip through recovery again.

Is it possible to go back to 32-bit firmware?

Yes, but this will require a complete flashing of the device. when returning to stock firmware, protection may work Anti-Rollback (for example, on Xiaomi), which will block the bootloader.

Which phones definitely do not support 64 bits?

All devices with processors armv7 (until 2015):

  • 📱 Samsung Galaxy S3/S4 (Exynos 4412/5410)
  • 📱 HTC One M7/M8 (Snapdragon 600/801 32-bit)
  • 📱 Sony Xperia Z1/Z2 (Snapdragon 800/801 32-bit)
  • 📱 Budget phones on Mediatek MT65xx (up to MT6735)