How to install or reinstall Android on an ASUS smartphone: a complete guide 2026

Installing or reinstalling Android on a smartphone ASUS may be needed in a variety of situations: from the desire to update outdated firmware to the need to restore the device to functionality after a failure. Unlike devices from other brands, phones ASUS (especially series ZenFone, ROG Phone or Zenfone Max) have their own nuances in the firmware process - from unlocking the bootloader to choosing compatible software.

In this article we will analyze all the stages: from preparing the device to the final system setup. You will learn how to choose the right firmware for your model, what tools you will need (ADB, Fastboot, TWRP), and how to avoid common mistakes that can turn your smartphone into a “brick.” We will pay special attention data security —after all, an incorrect action at any stage can lead to loss of information or failure of the device.

If you are a beginner, do not be intimidated by technical terms: each step is accompanied by explanations and tips. For experienced users, we have prepared extended recommendations, including working with custom firmware and kernels. Let's start with the most important thing - preparation.

1. Preparing an ASUS smartphone for installing Android

Before you start flashing the firmware, you need to complete several critical steps. Neglecting them can lead to impossibility of data recovery or even physical damage to the device. Let's start with backup.

Data backup is a mandatory step. Even if you plan to install the official firmware, the process may not go as planned. Use:

• 📱 Built-in Android tools: Settings → System → Backup (saves contacts, applications, settings).
• 💾 Third-party utilities: Titanium Backup (requires root) or Swift Backup to save messages and application data.
• 🖥️ Computer: copy files from the internal memory to the PC via MTP or ADB pull.

Also check battery charge —it should be at least 70%. Interrupting the firmware process due to low battery is almost guaranteed to lead to brick (inoperability) of the device.

⚠️ Attention: On some models ASUS (for example, data-i="66">) after unlocking the bootloader are reset ROG Phone 5) after unlocking the bootloader are reset DRM keys, which leads to loss of support Widevine L1. This means that Netflix, Disney+ and other services will only work in resolution 480p.

Prepare your computer:

• 🖥️ Install Android SDK Platform-Tools (includes ADB and Fastboot).
• 🔌 Connect your smartphone to the PC via the original cable (cheap cables may cause data transfer errors).
• 🔑 Turn on USB debugging: Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times), then Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging.

2. Unlocking the bootloader on ASUS

The bootloader (bootloaderon smartphones ASUS is locked by default. preventing the installation of unofficial software. To flash custom or even official firmware (in some cases), it must be unlocked.

Official method (for most models):

1. Go to the website ASUS Support and find your page model.
2. Download the utility Unlock Tool (for example, UnlockDeviceApp_YYYY.apk for ZenFone).
3. Install the application and follow the instructions. Usually you need to enter the IMEI of the device and wait for an SMS with the unlock code.

Unofficial method (if the official one is not works):

adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flashing unlock
fastboot reboot

After unlocking, the device will perform a full reset (factory reset)!

⚠️ Attention: Unlocking the bootloader voids the warranty on most models ASUSBefore. procedure, check the warranty status in your personal account on the manufacturer's website.

Some models (for example, ROG Phone 3/5) require additional steps:

Download and install ASUS ARMORY CRATE

Connect the device to the PC in Fastboot mode (holding the volume up button)

Run the command fastboot flashing unlock_critical

Confirm unlocking on the smartphone screen-->

3. Select firmware for. ASUS: official vs custom

Not only the functionality, but also the stability of the device depends on the choice of firmware. Let's consider both options.

Official firmware from ASUS:

• ✅ Advantages: maximum compatibility, support for OTA updates, maintenance of warranty. (if the bootloader is not unlocked).
• ❌ Disadvantages: often contain bloatware (pre-installed applications), slow updates.

Can be downloaded on official website v section Firmware. Look for files with the extension .zip or .raw.

Custom firmware (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience):

• ✅ Advantages: absence bloatware, latest versions of Android, additional functions.
• ❌ Disadvantages: bugs are possible (especially with the camera or NFC module), no official support.

Sources:

• 🌐 XDA Developers (search by device model).
• 📦 LineageOS (check support for your model).

For models ROG Phone we recommend paying attention to firmware with optimizations for gaming, for example, DerpFest or CrDroid. They include settings for Game Genie and AirTriggers.

4. Installing the firmware via Fastboot (official method)

This method is suitable for installation official firmware from ASUS and requires minimal technical skills. you will need:

• 📱 Smartphone with an unlocked bootloader (if required).
• 🖥️ Computer with ADB i installed Fastboot.
• 📁 Firmware in format .zip (unpacked into a folder with fastboot).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Switch the device to mode Fastboot:

   adb reboot bootloader

2. Flash the firmware (example for ZenFone 8):

   fastboot flash fastboot rom.zip

3. Wait for completion (a progress bar will appear on the smartphone screen).
4. Reboot the device:

   fastboot reboot

For some models (for example, ROG Phone 6) the process may differ. In this case, use the script flashall.bat (or .sh for Linux/Mac), which comes with the firmware.

⚠️ Attention: If an error appears during the firmware installation FAILED (remote: 'Not allowed in Lock State')the bootloader is not unlocked. Return to section 2.

5. Installing custom firmware via TWRP

To install unofficial firmware (for example, LineageOS), you will need a custom recovery - TWRP. This method is more flexible, but also more risky.

Step 1: Installing TWRP

1. Download the image TWRP for your model with official website (for example, twrp-3.7.0_9-0-ZS670KS.img for ZenFone 8).
2. Transfer the device to Fastboot and flash the recovery:

   fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
   fastboot reboot recovery

Step 2: Firmware via TWRP

1. Copy the firmware (.zip) to the internal memory or SD card.
2. In TWRP execute Wipe → Advanced Wipe and check:
   • 🧹 Dalvik / ART Cache
   • 🧹 System
   • 🧹 Data
   • 🧹 Cache

For models with dynamic partitions (for example, ZenFone 9an additional step may be required - converting partitions using a script dynamic_partitions_op_list.

6. Setting up Android after installation

After successful firmware, the device will start with a clean system. First steps:

• 🔄 Data recovery: if you made a backup via Titanium Backup or ADB, restore the applications. and settings.
• 🔒 Security: enable device encryption (Settings → Security → Phone encryption).
• 📱 Updates: for custom firmware, check for updates in the menu Settings → System → System update.

If you installed custom firmware, you may have to manually configure:

• 📶 Mobile network: enter your operator's APN in Settings → Mobile network → Access points (APN).
• 🎵 Sound: on ROG Phone you may need to calibrate the speakers via ARMOURY CRATE.
• 📸 Camera: for some firmware you need to install Google Camera (GCam) with the correct config.

To check the system is working, use the commands:

adb shell getprop ro.build.version.release # Android version
adb shell getprop ro.product.model # device model

7. Possible problems and their solutions

Even if you follow the instructions exactly, errors may occur.

If after the firmware they stopped working banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff), this is due to the trigger SafetyNet. Solution:

1. Install Magisk and module Universal SafetyNet Fix.
2. Hide root using MagiskHide (in settings Magisk).
3. Reboot the device and check the status SafetyNet via the app YASNAC.

⚠️ Attention: On some models ASUS (for example, ZenFone 7) after flashing custom software, it may stop working NFC. This is due to the lack of proprietary drivers in unofficial assemblies.

8. Alternative flashing methods

If standard methods are not suitable, consider alternative options.

Method 1: Flashing via ASUS Flash Tool

Official utility from ASUS, supporting most models. You can download it at support page. Advantages:

• ✅ Simple interface (does not require knowledge of commands Fastboot).
• ✅ Automatic firmware compatibility check.

Method 2: Firmware via SD card (for some models). switched off smartphone.

Suitable for devices that support Local Update (For example, ZenFone Max Pro M1):

1. Copy the firmware (.zip) to the SD card.
2. Insert the card into the switched off smartphone.
3. Press Power + Volume Up to enter recovery mode.
4. Select Apply update from SD card.

Method 3: Firmware via EDL mode (for bricks)

Extreme Download Mode (EDL) - last chance for "bricks". Requires special equipment (Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008) and knowledge of working with QFil or MiFlash. The risk of damaging the device is extremely high - we recommend contacting specialists.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about ASUS firmware

fastboot getvar unlocked