The desire to upgrade the version Android on your device is quite natural. Developers are constantly introducing new security features, improving the interface and optimizing the system. However, over time, smartphone manufacturers stop releasing official updates for older models. This forces users to look for alternative ways to upgrade their gadget.
There are several ways to solve this problem: from a standard update through settings to complex installation of custom firmware. The choice of method directly depends on the model of your device and the availability of an unlocked Bootloader. It is important to understand that any manipulation of the system software carries certain risks, including the possibility of turning the phone into a “brick.”
Checking for official system updates
The first and safest step is to check for official updates from the manufacturer. Often, users simply do not notice notifications or postpone installation until later. To start the procedure, you need to go to the settings menu of your smartphone.
Navigation may differ depending on the shell. On a clean Android path looks like this: Settings → System → System update. In shells MIUI or One UI the section may be called “About phone” and be at the very top of the list of settings. Click the “Check for updates” button.
If the system finds a new version, the download will begin. Make sure that the battery level is at least 50% and the network connection Wi-Fi is stable. Interrupting the download can lead to damage to system files.
Before downloading a large update, clear at least 2-3 GB of free memory to avoid errors when unpacking the archive.
In some cases, the update may not arrive automatically due to regional restrictions or the specifics of the telecom operator. Then you can try changing the region in the settings or using third-party utilities to emulate checking for updates, but this requires more in-depth knowledge.
☑️ Preparing for OTA update
Using proprietary software on the computer
When wireless updating does not work, desktop apps from manufacturers come to the rescue. These utilities allow you to force installation of the latest available firmware version via USB cable. This method often helps to “revive” a device stuck on an old version.
Each brand has its own software. For example, for Samsung this is the app Odin or official Smart Switch. Owners Xiaomi use Mi Flash Tool, and users Sony — Xperia Companion. They should be downloaded only from the official websites of manufacturers.
The process usually looks like this: you install the drivers, connect the switched off phone in a special mode (often this is Download Mode or Fastboot) and select the firmware file in the app. The computer itself will write the system image into the smartphone’s memory.
| Brand | PC app | Connection mode | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Odin / Smart Switch | Download Mode | Low |
| Xiaomi | Mi Flash Tool | Fastboot | Medium |
| Google Pixel | Android SDK Platform Tools | Fastboot / Bootloader | High |
| OnePlus | MSM Download Tool | EDL Mode | High |
⚠️ Attention: Using proprietary utilities often leads to complete data clearing. Be sure to save photos and documents to the cloud or to your computer before starting the procedure.
The main advantage of this method is the ability to install a clean system without the garbage that accumulates during over-the-air updates. However, if the manufacturer has officially stopped supporting the model, this method will not allow you to raise the version Android above the latest available.
Unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root access
If the official methods have been exhausted, the only way to get a new one Android is to install custom firmware. The first mandatory step here is unlocking Bootloader. This is a special section of memory that verifies the digital signature of the downloaded software.
On many modern smartphones, unlocking is possible only after sending a request to the manufacturer and receiving a special code. For example, Xiaomi requires you to wait several days after linking your account, and Samsung simply turns on the option in the developer menu, but at the same time a counter is triggered Knox, irreversibly disabling some security functions.
After unlocking the bootloader, you need to install a custom recovery, most often this is TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). This is an advanced recovery menu that allows you to install unsigned system images. The command for flashing recovery via a computer looks like this:
fastboot flash recovery twrp.imgIt is important to understand that unlocking the bootloader will automatically void the device warranty in most service centers. In addition, banking applications may stop working due to the activation of protective mechanisms. Google SafetyNet.
What is Fastboot?
Fastboot is a communication protocol that allows you to send commands to the device directly into memory, bypassing the operating system. It is used for flashing partitions, unlocking the bootloader and debugging.
Searching and installing custom firmware
The most important step is choosing the appropriate firmware. The developer community is concentrated on the forum XDA Developers. This is where you can find the latest versions LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Resurrection Remix for a specific phone model.
When selecting, pay attention to the build status. Stable versions are marked as Stable, and test versions are marked as Nightly or Beta. For everyday use, it is better to choose stable builds, even if they are released less frequently. Unstable versions may contain critical errors that affect the operation of the modem or camera.
The installation process occurs through a previously installed TWRP. You will need to download the archive with the firmware (usually format .zip) and move it to the internal memory of the phone. Then you need to boot into recovery mode (by holding down the volume and power buttons) and select Install.
Before installing a new system, it is strongly recommended to perform a complete data reset (Wipe). This will remove old system files that may conflict with the new version Android. In the menu Wipe select partitions Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data and Cache.
⚠️ Attention: Never format the partition
Internal Storage(internal memory) if there are firmware files there, otherwise you will not be able to install it.
Installing custom firmware is the only legal way to get the latest Android on devices that the manufacturer no longer supports.
Installing Google services and drivers
Most custom firmwares are distributed without pre-installed services Google due to licensing restrictions. This means that after the first launch you will not find Play Market, YouTube or Gmailin your phone. To return their functionality, you need to interrogate the package GApps (Google Apps).
Download packages GApps need strictly for your version Android. If you installed firmware based on Android 13, then the service package must be for Android 13. You cannot use packages from other versions - this will lead to an endless reboot (bootloop).
Installation is carried out immediately after the system firmware, while the phone is still in mode Recovery. Do not reboot the system between installing the firmware and installation GApps. Just add the second archive to the installation queue (Add more Zips) and start the process.
It is also worth mentioning the drivers. If you plan to connect your phone to a PC for further debugging, make sure that universal drivers are installed on your computer ADB. Without them, the computer will not see the device in debugging mode.
Possible problems and ways to solve them
The process of upgrading the version Android rarely goes perfectly smoothly, especially on older devices. Users may experience that the camera will start to blur pictures and battery life will be reduced. This is due to the fact that new versions of the system require more processor resources.
A common problem is the “bootlap”, when the phone constantly reboots before reaching the desktop. In this case, you need to go to Recoveryagain, do a full wipe (Wipe Data/Factory Reset) and try to install the firmware again. Sometimes cleaning the partition helps Cache and Dalvik.
Another nuance is the operation of banking applications. They may refuse to start when they see an unlocked bootloader. To bypass this protection, a magic module Magisk with function Hide or Zygiskis used. However, this is a constant arms race between firmware developers and bank security services.
⚠️ Attention: The details of how root-hiding modules work are constantly changing. Be sure to check the latest methods for bypassing the detection in specialized topics on the forums before installing banking applications.
What to do if the phone does not turn on?
If the phone does not show signs of life after the firmware, try holding down the power and volume buttons for 15-20 seconds to force a reboot. If this does not help, you will need to flash it via EDL mode or Download Mode using a PC.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to roll back to the old version of Android after updating?
You can usually return to the official firmware through a computer using proprietary software (for example, Odin or Mi Flash). However, rolling back from custom firmware to the official one often requires a complete repartition of memory partitions and can be a complex process.
Will the update delete my photos and contacts?
The official over-the-air (OTA) update retains all data. However, installing custom firmware via TWRP requires full formatting of the partition Data, so all files will be deleted. A backup is required.
Will the phone work faster after the update?
On new devices, performance may increase due to code optimization. On older smartphones (over 3-4 years old), the new version Android may, on the contrary, slow down due to increased hardware requirements.
Is it safe to use custom firmware for online banking?
Using banking applications on a modified system carries increased risks. Despite the presence of means of hiding root access, the theoretical possibility of data interception by attackers with malware is higher than on a stock system.