Many users are wondering how to convert their smartphone to 64-bit architecture to improve performance and compatibility with modern applications. In fact, bit of the operating system directly depends on the physical characteristics central processing unit of your device. You cannot turn 32-bit hardware into 64-bit using software methods, but it often happens that a powerful processor operates in a reduced mode due to old firmware.
Switching to 64-bit operating system allows applications to use more than 4 gigabytes of RAM and work with data more efficiently. If your device was released after 2015, there is a high chance that it supports this technology, but the manufacturer installed a lightweight version of the software. In this article, we will look at how to check the current status and what steps to take to update.
It is worth immediately noting that the procedure may vary depending on the model smartphone. There are universal verification methods and advanced methods for changing firmware that require in-depth knowledge. Let's look at each stage one by one so that you can make an informed decision.
Checking the processor architecture and current OS
Before you try to install anything, you need to know exactly what architecture yours is running on. mobile chipset. Most modern processors from Qualcomm Snapdragon, MediaTek and Exynos are 64-bit, but they can run 32-bit shells. The easiest way to find out the truth is to use specialized utilities from the application store.
Install the application CPU-Z or AIDA64 and run a system scan. In the "System" or "SoC" section you will see a "Kernel Architecture" field. If it says arm64-v8a, it means your kernel is already 64-bit and you don’t need to change anything. The value armeabi-v7a indicates operation in 32-bit mode, even if the processor supports more.
You can also use the built-in debugging tools if you have developer mode enabled. In the terminal or via ADB, the command getprop ro.product.cpu.abi will display the current architecture. This is a critical parameter before any manipulation of the system.
Hardware limitations and compatibility
It is important to understand that hardware compatibility is the foundation for the operation of any operating system. If your smartphone has less than 2 GB of RAM, switching to a 64-bit system may have the opposite effect - the device will start to run slower due to the increased size of executable files. Developers take this balance into account when creating stock firmware.
There is a myth that any new phone can be “overclocked” by changing the bit depth. In practice smartphone manufacturers they often block bootloaders or do not provide drivers for 64-bit kernels on budget models. An attempt to install an unsupported system may lead to a “bricked” device.
⚠️ Attention: Installing 64-bit firmware on a device with a 32-bit bootloader is impossible and will lead to complete inoperability of the gadget. Always check the chipset specifications on the manufacturer's official website before starting work.
In addition, older versions of Android (below 5.0 Lollipop) physically do not support full operation in 64-bit mode at the mobile level. If you have Android 4.4 KitKatupdating your system to a more recent version is the only legal way to gain access to the new architecture.
Updating through official channels
The safest method of migrating to a 64-bit environment is to wait or force the installation of an official update from the vendor. Companies like Samsung, Xiaomi i Google release patches that change the core of the system without user intervention. Check for updates in the settings menu.
Go to the section Settings → About phone → System update and click the check button. If a new version of Android is available (for example, moving from 10 to 11 or 12), there is a high chance that it will be 64-bit. Official OTA updates guarantee data safety and functionality of all communication modules.
☑️ Check before update
Sometimes the update does not arrive over the air. In this case, you can use proprietary PC utilities, such as Odin for Samsung or Mi Flash Tool for Xiaomi. By downloading the full firmware image from the official portal, you can be sure that you are installing the correct version of the software, optimized for your processor.
Before flashing the firmware via PC, be sure to install the latest versions of the ADB and Fastboot drivers for your Windows or Linux operating system.
Using custom firmware (Custom ROM)
If the manufacturer has stopped supporting your device, the only option is to install custom firmware. Developer communities such as XDA Developersoften create builds based on LineageOS or Pixel Experiencethat convert older phones to 64-bit architecture. This requires unlocking the bootloader.
The process includes installing a custom recovery, for example TWRP. Through it you can download a ZIP archive with the new system. It is important to look for firmware marked "arm64" in the file name. Selecting the wrong version will result in an installation error or a cyclic reboot.
| Firmware type | Installation complexity | Risk of data loss | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official OTA | Low | No | High |
| Stock via PC | Medium | Possible | High |
| Custom (Nightly) | High | Yes (full wipe) | Medium |
| GSI images | Very high | Yes | Low |
Remember that custom solutions may have bugs with the camera or VoLTE. Before installation, carefully study the forum topic dedicated to your specific model smartphone. Having working 64-bit drivers is a key success factor.
Advanced method: GSI images
For devices that support Project Treble, it is possible to install Generic System Image (GSI). These are universal 64-bit Android images that can be installed on any compatible phone. The method is complex and requires working with memory partitions via Fastboot.
You will need to download the image system.img marked arm64 and execute the command in bootloader mode. The process is as follows:
fastboot flash system system.imgThis method allows you to get the latest version of pure Android with 64-bit support even on devices that are not officially updated. However, the interface may not work correctly, since the image is not adapted to the specific hardware.
What to do if the phone does not boot after flashing the firmware?
If, after installing GSI or custom firmware, the phone is stuck on the logo, you need to go into Recovery mode (usually volume up + power) and perform the "Wipe Data/Factory Reset" item. If this does not help, you will need to flash the stock image through your computer and completely clear the userdata and cache sections.
⚠️ Attention: Using GSI images may disrupt the Widevine L1 function, causing streaming services to play videos only in low quality. Check the DRM protection status before installation.
The impact of bit depth on applications and games
The transition to a 64-bit system allows access to optimized versions of games and heavy applications. Developers are increasingly abandoning support for 32-bit libraries, so older phones may no longer run new versions of Instagram or banking clients. The 64-bit mode solves this compatibility problem.
Games with heavy graphics using the Unity or Unreal Engineengines run much more stable on the arm64-v8aarchitecture. This is due to the ability to address more memory for textures and physics calculations. You may notice a decrease in crashes and an increase in FPS.
The main benefit of 64-bit Android is support for new versions of applications and the ability to use more than 4 GB of RAM for active tasks.
However, some older applications may stop working if they are written exclusively for the 32-bit environment and do not have updates. In most cases, the Android system provides a compatibility layer, but in rare cases, conflicts may occur. Always have APK files of critical apps on hand.
Common errors and ways to solve them
When changing the bit depth, users often encounter the “Signature Verification Failed” error. This means that the firmware signature does not match the expected security system. The solution is to unlock the bootloader or use signed images.
Another problem is the loss of the network or IMEI after flashing. This happens when a section is erased modem or EFS. Never format these partitions manually. If the problem has already occurred, you will need to restore the EFS backup made before starting the experiments.
If the phone goes into an endless reboot (bootloop), try clearing the Dalvik cache. In the Recovery menu, select Wipe Cache Partition. This will not delete your personal data, but it may fix conflicts after changing the system architecture.
Is it possible to install 64-bit Android on a 32-bit processor?
No, it is physically impossible. The processor architecture is laid out at the die production stage. Using software methods, you can only enable the hidden 64-bit mode on hybrid processors, but you cannot change the very structure of the computing cores.
Will a 64-bit system speed up the operation of an old phone?
Not necessarily. On devices with a small amount of RAM (less than 3 GB), 64-bit applications take up more space in RAM, which can lead to background tasks being closed more often and a feeling of slowness.
How to check which applications run in 64 bits?
In the developer settings there is an option "Run 64-bit applications". You can also use the utility LibCheckerwhich will show the architecture of each installed application in the list.
Is it safe to unlock the bootloader?
Unlocking the bootloader is officially allowed by many manufacturers, but it resets the phone to factory settings and may void the warranty. Banking applications will require additional security settings (Magisk Hide).