How to convert Android from 32-bit to 64-bit architecture: real methods and limitations

• 📲 Install AIDA64 from Google Play or APK
• 🔧 Go to the section CPU (CPU)
• 📋 Look at the line Instruction set:
  • If there is ARMv8, ARM64, AArch64 - 64-bit processor
  • If only ARMv7 or lower - 32-bit

Method 2: Via ADB command

Connect the device to a PC with installed ADB and execute:

adb shell getprop ro.product.cpu.abi

The results are decrypted as follows:

• 📌 armeabi-v7a — 32-bit
• 📌 arm64-v8a — 64-bit
• 📌 x86 — 32-bit (Intel)
• 📌 x86_64 — 64-bit (Intel)

Method 3: Through the settings menu (not always accurate)

Go in Settings → About phone → Android version. On some devices, the line Build number may indicate the bit depth (for example, aarch64 for 64-bit). However, this method only works on modern firmware.

Method 4: By processor model

Find out the model of your chipset (via AIDA64 or CPU-Z) and check with the table:

⚠️ Attention: Some budget smartphones of 2014-2016 (for example Xiaomi Redmi 2 or Lenovo A6000) had 64-bit processors, but came with 32-bit firmware. For them, the transition is possible!

2. Is it possible to upgrade 32-bit Android to 64-bit?

If your processor is 32-bit (ARMv7 or lower), then it is technically impossible to make it work in 64-bit mode - this is a hardware limitation. However, there are three scenarios when the transition is still possible:

Scenario 1: Device with a 64-bit processor, but 32-bit firmware

• 🛠️ Example: Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime (SM-G530) s Exynos 7580 (64-bit), but the official firmware is 32-bit
• 🔄 Solution: Install custom firmware with support for 64-bit (for example, LineageOS 64-bit)
• ⚠️ Risk: Possible unstable operation of the camera, communication module or sensors

Scenario 2: Emulation of 64-bit via kernel

Some custom kernels (for example, FrancoKernel) may include support ARM64 for 32-bit processors, but:

• ⚡ Performance will drop by 30-50%
• 🔋 Heating and battery consumption will increase
• 🚫 Most applications will still not work correctly

Scenario 3: Virtual machine

You can run a 64-bit Android inside a 32-bit one UserLAnd or Termux, but this is only suitable for testing applications, and not for everyday use.

3. instructions: how to install 64-bit firmware

If your device is suitable for Scenario 1 (64-bit processor + unlocked bootloader), follow these instructions. The example is given for Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro (Snapdragon 650), but the steps are universal for most devices.

Make sure that the processor supports ARM64 (check via AIDA64)

Unlock the bootloader (for Xiaomi - via Mi Unlock)

Download custom recovery (TWRP with support 64-bit)

Make a full backup of your data (including the EFS partition)

Charge the battery at least 70%

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Step 1: Unlocking the bootloader

• 🔓 For Xiaomi: use the official utility Mi Unlock Tool (account linking required)
• 🔓 For Samsung: enable OEM Unlock in the developer settings and use Odin
• 🔓 For other brands: look for instructions on 4PDA or XDA Developers by model

Step 2: Install TWRP

Download version TWRP with support 64-bit for your device. To install: Step 3: Firmware 64-bit ROM data-i="145">run

fastboot flash recovery twrp_64bit.img
fastboot boot twrp_64bit.img

Step 3: Flashing 64-bit ROM

1. Download the appropriate firmware (for example, LineageOS 18.1 64-bit or Pixel Experience 64-bit)
2. IN TWRP execute Wipe → Advanced Wipe (check Dalvik, Cache, System, Data)
3. Flash the firmware ZIP file via Install
4. Flash GApps (if you need Google services) and Magisk (for root)
5. Reboot

Step 4: Checking the result

After loading, check the bit depth using AIDA64 or the command:

getprop ro.product.cpu.abilist

The response should include arm64-v8a.

⚠️ Attention: On In some devices, after switching to 64-bit firmware, the module stops working. data-i="161">4. What problems await you after switching to 64-bit NFC or IR blaster. Before updating the firmware, check the user reviews of your model on the forums.

4. What problems await you after switching to 64-bit

Even if the firmware was successful, be prepared for the following nuances:

• 📉 Performance: Some 64-bit firmware are less optimized than official 32-bit ones
• 🔋 Battery: Consumption may increase by 10-15% due to unoptimized drivers
• 📷 Camera: On older devices (for example, Redmi Note 3) the camera may work with artifacts
• 📶 Network: Problems with VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling on custom firmware
• 🎮 Games: Some old games (for example, GTA San Andreas) may not start

The most common problem is lack of official support. Manufacturers do not release drivers for custom firmware, so functions such as Double Tap to Wake or Always On Displaymay not work.

5. Alternative solutions: what to do if 64-bit is not available

If your device does not support the transition to 64-bit, consider these options:

Solution 1: Use 32-bit versions of applications

• 📥 Download APK from sites like APKMirror, selecting versions marked armeabi-v7a
• 🔄 Disable automatic updates in Google Play for critical applications
• 📌 Example: WhatsApp supported up to version 2.21.15.17 32-bit devices

Solution 2: Lightweight alternatives to popular applications

Solution 3: Cloud services

If you need to run a 64-bit application (for example, AutoCAD or Photoshop Express), use:

• 🌐 Shadow PC or GeForce NOW for games
• 🖥️ Microsoft Remote Desktop for working with a PC
• 📱 Termux + UserLAnd for Linux applications

Solution 4: Buying a new device

If your smartphone is older than 2017, it is most likely more economically feasible to buy a new device. Budget models of 2022-2026 (for example, Redmi 12 or Samsung Galaxy A14) cost from 10,000 rubles and fully support 64-bit applications.

6. Myths about switching to 64-bit: what not to do

On forums you often find advice that not only does not work, but can also harm the device. Let's look at the most common ones:

Myth 1: “You can convert 32-bit firmware to 64-bit”

No, this is impossible. The firmware capacity must match the capacity of the kernel and drivers. Any attempts at “conversion” will lead to bootloop (loop reboot).

Myth 2: "root access allow you to enable 64-bit mode"

Root gives access to system files, but does not change the hardware architecture. The maximum that can be done is to install 64-bit kernel on a 64-bit processor (if it exists for your model).

Myth 3: "All applications are now only 64-bit"

This is not so. Google Play requires developers to provide 64-bit versions, but:

• 📌 32-bit APKs are still available on third-party resources
• 📌 Many applications (for example, Telegram, VK) still support armeabi-v7a
• 📌 In China and India, smartphones with 32-bit processors are actively being produced until 2026

Myth 4: “64-bit Android runs faster on any device”

On older smartphones (for example, Meizu MX5 or Lenovo P70) 64-bit firmware often works slower due to:

• 🐢 Unoptimized drivers
• 🔥 Increased heat generation
• 🗑️ Memory leaks in custom kernels

7. The future of 32-bit Android: what awaits old devices

From August 1, 2026 Google Play it completely prohibited downloading new 32-bit applications, but this does not mean that your smartphone will become useless. Here's what's happening on the market:

• 📱 Chinese manufacturers (for example, Transsion or UniSoc) they are still producing budget smartphones on 32-bit chipsets for Africa and Asia
• 🛠️ Custom firmware (for example, PostmarketOS) allow you to run Linux on older Android devices, bypassing restrictions
• 🌍 Alternative stores (APKPure, Aptoide) continue to distribute 32-bit versions of applications
• 🔧 Mods and patches: some enthusiasts adapt 64-bit applications for 32-bit devices via Xposed or Magisk

According to StatCounter, as of 2026, about 12% of Android devices in the world still use 32-bit processors. The main regions are India, Indonesia and Brazil. This means that support for 32-bit applications will continue until at least 2028-2030. If your device is still on 32-bit architecture, but you need modern applications, consider: Buying a used flagship from 2018-2020 (for example, data-i="255">or

If your device is still on 32-bit architecture, but you need modern applications, consider:

• 📱 Buying a used flagship from 2018-2020 (for example, Samsung Galaxy S9 or OnePlus 6T)
• 💻 Using Android-x86 on a PC or laptop
• 📺 Connecting a smartphone to a TV in DeX (if supported) mode for working with web versions of applications

⚠️ Attention: Google Play policy details may change. For example, a complete ban on updating existing 32-bit applications is planned from 2027. Follow the official announcements at Android Developers Blog.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the transition to 64-bit