Many users of modern smartphones are wondering how to change 32 bits to 64 bits on Android, believing that this is a magical way to speed up the device or run heavy games. However, the reality is that the bit depth of the operating system is strictly tied to the hardware architecture of the processor of your gadget. Impossible install a 64-bit version of the OS on a device that does not physically support this architecture at the chipset level.
However, there are situations when powerful hardware works in lightweight mode due to old firmware or specific developer settings. In such cases, switching to a full-fledged 64-bit environment is indeed possible and necessary for the correct operation of modern software. Below we will look at how to diagnose the current state of the system and what steps to take to activate the full potential of your smartphone.
Architectural differences and hardware limitations
Before attempting to change settings, it is necessary to understand the physical nature of the differences between the architectures ARMv7 and ARMv8. 32-bit processors can only address a limited amount of RAM, typically up to 4 GB, while 64-bit chips can handle much larger amounts of data. If your smartphone was released after 2016 and is equipped with a processor from Qualcomm Snapdragon, MediaTek or Exynos the middle and high segment, with a 99% probability it is already a 64-bit device.
The problem often lies not in the processor itself, but in the installed shell. Some custom firmware or stripped-down versions of Android can only run 32-bit libraries, ignoring the capabilities of the kernel. This results in the fact that even with 8 GB of RAM, the system sees and uses only a small part of the resources. Linux kernel, on which Android is based, must be compiled with support for 64-bit instructions.
⚠️ Attention: Trying to flash 64-bit firmware from another phone model onto your device will result in "Originalization"._bootloader_ will check the digital signature and architecture, and in case of discrepancy, blocks the boot or damages the memory sections.
It is also important to consider that the transition to 64 bits requires the presence of appropriate drivers for all components: modem, camera, sensors. Manufacturers rarely release separate updates just for changing the bit depth; usually it is part of a major update to the Android version. Therefore, in most cases, you can “change” the bit rate only by installing the official new version of the software.
Diagnostics of the current system capacity
The first step before any manipulation should be an accurate diagnosis. Don't guess or rely on store marketing descriptions. There are several reliable ways to find out what mode your smartphone is working in right now. The simplest method is to use specialized utilities, such as AIDA64 or CPU-Zavailable on Google Play.
After installing the application, pay attention to the “System” or “CPU” section. We are interested in the field responsible for the set of instructions. If you see the enumeration arm64-v8a, then your device and system are running in 64-bit mode. The presence of only armeabi-v7a indicates operation in 32-bit mode, even if the processor theoretically supports more.
For more advanced users with access to USB debugging, you can use the command via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). Connect your phone to your computer, open the console and enter the following command to get information about supported architectures:
adb shell getprop ro.product.cpu.abiIf the command output shows arm64-v8a, congratulations - you have a modern system. If it is displayed armeabi-v7a, then either you have a very old device, or you have a specific 32-bit build of Android installed. You can also check the list of supported architectures with the command:
adb shell getprop ro.product.cpu.abilistFor a quick check without installing apps, open “Settings” → “About phone” → “All characteristics”. Find the "Processor" line. If the number of cores and frequency are indicated there, but there is no mention of bit depth, use the CPU-Z application.
Official methods for updating and changing firmware
If diagnostics showed that you have a 32-bit system on 64-bit hardware, the only safe way to correct the situation is to update the software. Manufacturers regularly optimize their shells, moving them to 64-bit rails to improve performance and security. Go to the menu Settings → System → System update and check for new versions.
It often happens that automatic updates do not come due to regional restrictions or the fact that the phone model is no longer supported in your region. In this case, you can use proprietary PC utilities, such as Samsung Smart Switch, Xiaomi Mi Flash or HiSuite for Huawei. These apps allow you to force install the latest available stable firmware, which is likely to be 64-bit.
When using computer utilities, it is important to select the "Upgrade" mode rather than the "Clean Install" mode if you want to save your data. However, if the system is not working properly, a complete cleaning may be necessary. Before starting the procedure, be sure to create a backup copy of all important data, since changing the software version may affect memory partitions.
☑️ Preparing for flashing
Remember that switching from one major version of Android to another (for example, from 10 to 11) almost always entails switching to 64-bit architecture, since Google requires 64-bit support for all new applications in the Play Market. If your phone is stuck on an old version, it may be time to think about changing your device, as support for 32-bit applications is gradually being phased out.
Using custom recovery and firmware
For enthusiasts whose devices no longer receive official updates, there is a way to install custom firmware such as LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Resurrection Remix. The developers of these assemblies often release versions exclusively for 64-bit processors, which allows them to breathe new life into old smartphones. To do this, you will need to unlock Bootloader and install custom recovery, for example TWRP.
The process of installing custom firmware is more complicated than updating over the air. You will need to find the exact assembly that matches the codename of your device. An error in selecting a file can lead to the touchscreen or modem not working. In the developer community on forums like w3bsit3-dns.com or XDA Developers you can find detailed instructions for a specific model.
| Firmware type | Stability | 64 bit support | Installation complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official (OTA) | High | Depends on the version | Low |
| Official (via PC) | High | Often there | Average |
| Custom (Stable) | Average | Almost always | High |
| Custom (Nightly) | Low | Always | Very High |
⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the Bootloader on most smartphones will void the manufacturer's warranty. In addition, some banking applications and contactless payment services (Google Pay, Mir Pay) may stop working due to a violation of the integrity of the security system.
When installing custom firmware, you get pure Android without unnecessary software from the manufacturer. This often gives a performance boost comparable to upgrading to more powerful hardware. However, it is worth considering that a camera with custom firmware may perform worse due to the lack of proprietary image processing algorithms.
Risks of custom firmware
In addition to loss of warranty, there are risks of software failures. Incorrectly assembled firmware can cause the processor to overheat or quickly drain the battery. Always read the comments for the latest versions before installing.
Cleaning the system from 32-bit applications
Even if your kernel and system are running in 64-bit mode, having a large number of 32-bit applications can slow down the device. Such apps run in emulation or compatibility mode, consuming unnecessary processor resources. To optimize the system, it is worth revising the installed software and replacing outdated versions with their 64-bit analogues.
Modern versions of popular applications such as browsers, instant messengers and social networks have long switched to architecture arm64-v8a. Problems are most often caused by old games or specialized software that has not been updated for several years. Removing such apps will free up space and reduce the load on RAM.
You can check which applications are 32-bit using the same diagnostic utilities (CPU-Z) by going to the Applications tab. It will indicate the architecture type for each installed package. If you see a lot of apps marked armeabi-v7a, you should look for their updated versions on Google Play or replace them with alternatives.
The presence of 32-bit applications on a 64-bit system is not critical for operation, but it reduces overall performance and increases power consumption. Regularly cleaning outdated software helps maintain performance.
Developer settings and forced modes
The “For Developers” menu hides settings that can affect how the system manages applications. While there is no direct "Switch to 64-bit" button, there are options related to background processes and architecture limitations. Be extremely careful when changing these settings, as incorrect values can cause applications to crash.
One useful feature is the ability to prevent applications that do not support 64-bit architecture from running in some versions of Android Enterprise, but in consumer versions this option is often hidden. You can try activating the “Disable HW overlays” item, which will force the system to use the GPU to render the interface, which sometimes helps with problems with bitmap compatibility in graphics subsystems.
It is also worth paying attention to the “Background process limit” setting. Reducing the number of background processes can indirectly help the system allocate resources between 64-bit tasks more efficiently. Go to Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times) to activate the developer menu if it is not already enabled.
⚠️ Warning: Changing settings in the Developer menu is for testing purposes. Accidentally activating debug functions or resizing windows may make the interface unreadable or cause system instability. Make a note of the original values before changing.
Some users try to use ADB commands to force applications to run in a certain mode, but modern versions of Android ignore such attempts unless the application itself is compiled for the desired architecture. System libraries simply won't allow 32-bit code to run in 64-bit space without a compatibility layer.
ADB commands for advanced
There are commands like `adb shell setprop`, but they require root access and can lead to a bootloop (cyclic reboot). Without deep knowledge of Linux and Android structure, changing system properties through the terminal is strictly not recommended.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to flash 64-bit firmware from another phone onto my 32-bit smartphone?
No, this is impossible and dangerous. The firmware contains drivers written specifically for specific hardware (camera, screen, modem). Installing someone else's firmware will cause the phone to stop turning on or basic functions to not work. The processor architecture must be the same, but the set of peripherals must be identical.
Why does my powerful phone show 32 bits in applications?
Most likely, you have a very old version of Android installed or custom firmware compiled only for 32 bits. Also, some older applications themselves detect the system as 32-bit due to errors in their code, even if the system is 64-bit. Check the data through CPU-Z for accuracy.
Does moving to 64 bits affect battery life?
In the short term, 64-bit instructions may consume slightly more power due to the increased code size. However, in the long run, a 64-bit system works more efficiently, faster and goes to sleep, which ultimately saves battery power compared to the slow operation of a 32-bit system on powerful hardware.
Will my old 32-bit games stop working after updating?
Modern 64-bit versions of Android include compatibility libraries that allow you to run 32-bit applications. However, Google is gradually removing this support. In Android 15 and newer, support for 32-bit applications may be completely disabled on some devices, so older games may no longer run.
Do you need to do a factory reset when changing the firmware?
Yes, when moving from 32-bit firmware to 64-bit (especially if it is a custom build) it is strongly recommended It is recommended to do a full reset (Wipe Data/Factory Reset). Different architectures use different system libraries, and mixing them in one data section will lead to constant errors and application crashes.