Updating a smartphone operating system is a process that often causes mixed feelings among users. On the one hand, I want to get the fresh features, improved security and new interface that Android 9 Pieoffers. On the other hand, the fear of turning a device into a “brick” or losing important data keeps many from taking decisive action. The transition from Android 7 Nougat to a newer version is a significant leap, since between them lies a whole era of development of the mobile platform.
Many manufacturers have stopped official support for their devices released in the era Nougatwhich forces users to look for alternative ways. Manual firmware via a computer or installing custom firmware are becoming the only ways to breathe new life into a gadget. However, this path requires not only technical skills, but also a deep understanding of the risks associated with modifying system software.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the steps necessary for a successful update. We will look at preparing the device, choosing a firmware method, and features of working with Bootloader and Recovery. It is important to understand that each smartphone model is unique, and there is no universal “Update” button for all devices. Be prepared for the fact that the process will require time and care.
Assessing the risks and compatibility of the device
Before taking any action, you need to soberly assess the capabilities of your smartphone. Not every device running on Android 7is physically capable of functioning correctly on the Android 9base. Hardware, especially the processor and the amount of RAM, can become a bottleneck. New versions of the OS require more resources for smooth operation of animations and background processes.
⚠️ Attention: If your smartphone has less than 2 GB of RAM, installing Android 9 can lead to critical system slowdown and constant application crashes.
The first step is to search for official support. Go to your device manufacturer's website and check the list of updates for your specific model. Sometimes manufacturers release updates in waves, and your device may receive an official update later than others. If official firmware exists, this is the safest way.
If there is no official support, you will have to contact the developer community. Forums like 4PDA or XDA Developers contain topics dedicated to specific models. There you can find information about which custom firmware (Custom ROM) works stably on your hardware. Search by model name and code name of the device.
Preparing a smartphone for flashing
The success of the operation depends 90% on the quality of preparation. Chaotic actions without prior backup can lead to irretrievable loss of photos, contacts and correspondence. Creating a full backup is not just a recommendation, but a mandatory step that cannot be ignored.
Use built-in system tools or third-party utilities to save data. Google Account synchronizes contacts and calendar, but for photos and files it is better to use cloud storage or transfer them to your computer. It is also worth writing down a list of installed applications so that you can quickly restore your working environment.
☑️ Preparation checklist
Pay special attention to the condition of the battery. The flashing process can take from 15 minutes to an hour, and a sudden power outage at the critical moment of writing system partitions is fatal. Connect your smartphone to the charger before starting all manipulations.
For advanced firmware methods, you will need to activate the developer mode. Go to Settings → About phone and quickly click on the item Build number seven times. After the message “You have become a developer” appears, go to the new menu For developers and activate the switch USB debugging.
Unlocking the bootloader and installing Recovery
Most manufacturers block the bootloader (Bootloader) to prevent unauthorized changes to the system. To install a new version of Android, this protection must be removed. The unlocking procedure differs for different brands: it requires waiting for a week, it requires receiving a code on the website, and it requires entering a command in the terminal. Unlocking the bootloader usually leads to a complete reset of the device data (Wipe Data). This is another reason to make a backup in advance. After unlocking, the next step is to install a custom recovery, most often Xiaomi need to wait for a week Sony - receive a code on the site, and Motorola — entering a command in the terminal.
Unlocking the bootloader usually results in a complete reset of the device data (Wipe Data). This is another reason to make a backup in advance. After unlocking, the next step is to install a custom recovery, most often TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). This is a specialized menu that allows you to install firmware that is not signed by the manufacturer.
fastboot flash recovery twrp-3.x.x.x-model.img
fastboot boot twrp-3.x.x.x-model.img
Commands are entered through a computer with ADB and Fastbootinstalled. Make sure the drivers are installed correctly and the computer sees the device in bootloader mode. An error at this stage may cause the phone to stop booting into the system.
What are ADB and Fastboot?
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a universal command line tool that allows you to communicate with your Android device. Fastboot is a protocol used to change the Android file system via a USB connection from a computer. They are necessary for manual flashing of memory partitions.
Searching and selecting suitable firmware
Selecting the correct firmware file is a critical moment. A version error may result in the communication module, camera, or touch screen not working. There are two main types of firmware: stock (official images) and custom (AOSP, LineageOS, Pixel Experience).
Stock firmware can often be found in the form of full images .zip or files for specific utilities (for example, Odin for Samsung or SP Flash Tool for MediaTek). Custom firmware offers a pure Android experience, devoid of unnecessary software from the manufacturer, but may have its own bugs.
| Firmware type | Stability | Functionality | Installation complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official (Stock) | High | Full (with shell) | Medium |
| LineageOS | High | Pure Android | High |
| Pixel Experience | Medium | Google Pixel functions | High |
| Resurrection Remix | Medium | Maximum customization | Very high |
When downloading files, always check their checksum (MD5 or SHA-1). Files may be damaged during download, and installing a broken image will result in a verification error in recovery. Compare the hash sum of the downloaded file with the one indicated by the author of the firmware on the forum.
The process of installing a new version of Android
The firmware process itself occurs in Recovery mode. Boot into TWRP by holding the Power and Volume button combination. Before installing a new image, be sure to perform a data cleanup (Wipe). To switch from Android 7 to Android 9, it is recommended to format the Data, Cache and Dalvik/ART Cache.
⚠️ partitions. Attention: Formatting the Data partition will delete all files in the internal memory. Make sure that you have copied everything important to your computer or memory card.
After cleaning, copy the firmware file (and files GAppsif they are not built-in) to the device. In the TWRP menu, select Install, find the archive with the firmware and swipe to confirm the installation starts. The process will take several minutes, during which a log of operations will be displayed on the screen.
If you are switching to custom firmware, do not forget to flash the GApps (Google Apps) package immediately after installing the system, before the first boot, otherwise you will not have the Play Market and Google services.
After installation is complete, select the option Wipe Cache/Dalvik, and then click Reboot System. The first boot can take up to 10-15 minutes as the system optimizes applications. Do not panic if the screen remains on the logo for a long time - this is normal behavior when you first start a new OS.
Possible problems and their solutions
Even with careful preparation, unforeseen situations may arise. One of the common problems is Bootloop (cyclic reboot). If the phone constantly reboots and cannot boot, try going into Recovery again and doing a full reset (Format Data), then reflash the system.
Another common problem is Wi-Fi or Bluetooth not working after an update. This often happens when switching between major versions of Android due to driver incompatibility. In such cases, flashing the modem or radio module from the stock firmware of your version helps.
Sometimes users encounter an error Status 7 during installation. This means that the installation script checks the device model and disables the firmware if it detects a mismatch. In TWRP, you can temporarily disable signature verification in the settings, but you should only do this if you are 100% sure of the file’s compatibility.
Most errors during firmware are resolved by completely formatting the Data section and reinstalling a clean firmware image without unnecessary modifications.
If the device stops responding to buttons and does not turn on (Hard Brick), you will need to use disaster recovery modes such as EDL (Emergency Download Mode) for Qualcomm processors or SP Flash Tool for MediaTek. These methods allow you to restore your phone even if the bootloader is damaged, but require the original firmware dump file.
⚠️ Attention: Firmware app interfaces and menu item names may differ depending on the software version and device model. Always check the specific instructions for your smartphone.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will I lose my warranty after flashing the firmware?
Yes, in most cases, unlocking the bootloader and installing third-party software will void the manufacturer's official warranty. Some brands allow you to re-lock the bootloader, but traces of interference in the system may remain in the logs.
Is it possible to return to Android 7 if I don’t like nine?
Yes, it is possible. You will need to find a full image of the stock Android 7 firmware for your model and flash it through your computer (Fastboot or specialized software like Odin/SP Flash Tool). There is no simple rollback through the settings.
Is it safe to use banking applications on custom firmware?
By default, many banking applications do not work on devices with an unlocked bootloader or root access for security reasons. However, there are methods to hide these facts (for example, Magisk Hide), but this is an arms race between firmware developers and banks.
Do you need to flash GApps separately?
It depends on the type of firmware. Stock images usually already contain Google services. Custom ROMs based on AOSP (pure Android) are often shipped without them due to licensing restrictions, so the GApps package must be downloaded and installed separately.
Will Android 9 speed up an old phone?
Not necessarily. Android 9 is better optimized than 7, but it is also more resource intensive. On very old hardware, the new system may work even slower due to the increased load on the processor and memory.