Many owners of old smartphones are faced with a situation when their loved one stops receiving updates from the manufacturer. Version gadget stops receiving updates from the manufacturer. Version Android 4.x (KitKat or Jelly Bean) no longer supports most modern applications, making the device practically useless. However, there is a way to breathe a second life into it - installing custom firmware based on Android 8.0 Oreo.
This process requires technical training and an understanding of the risks, but the result is worth it. You will get access to new features, improved security and compatibility with current software from Google Play. It is important to immediately understand: it is impossible to officially update from the fourth to the eighth version if the manufacturer has not released such an update. The only way out is to use third-party software.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the stages: from checking compatibility to the first boot of the new system. Be attentive to details, as an error at any stage can lead to the device not working. Are you ready to take risks for a new experience?
Risk assessment and checking device compatibility
Before downloading any files, you need to make sure that there is suitable firmware for your model. The world of custom ROMs is huge, but it's not universal. An attempt to install an image intended for Samsung Galaxy S3on HTC One X will lead to irreversible consequences. You need to find the exact codename of your device.
The search process begins by exploring developer forums such as 4PDA or XDA Developers. Enter your phone model into the search and look at the "Firmware" section. If there are topics with the headings "Android 8", "LineageOS 15" or "Resurrection Remix", then there is a chance. The absence of such topics means that the community has not ported the new system to your hardware.
⚠️ Attention: Installing untested firmware can turn your smartphone into a “brick”. Make sure that you download files only from the official themes of the developers, and not from random file hosting sites.
It is also worth assessing the condition of the battery. The firmware process is energy-consuming, and if the battery does not hold a charge well, the device may turn off at the most inopportune moment. This is a critical factor that is often ignored by beginners.
Preparing tools and backup
When compatibility is confirmed, the preparation stage begins. You will need a computer with OS Windows or Linux, a working USB cable and free disk space. The first step is to create a complete backup of all data. During the installation of a new system, the internal memory will be completely formatted.
Use the system's built-in tools or third-party applications to save contacts, photos and documents to the cloud. However, for a complete backup of applications and their settings, it is better to use tools with root access if you already have them, or simply copy the DCIM and Download folders to your computer manually.
☑️ Checklist for preparing for firmware
Pay special attention to the drivers. Without correctly installed ADB and Fastboot drivers, the computer simply will not see the phone in download mode. Often standard drivers from the manufacturer are not suitable for firmware mode, so it is better to download a universal package Google USB Driver.
Unlocking the bootloader and obtaining root access
Most manufacturers block the bootloader (Bootloader) to protect the system from unauthorized changes. To install custom recovery, this lock must be removed. The command for this depends on the brand: for Xiaomi requires official unlocking through a Mi account, and for Nexus or Pixel one command in the terminal is enough.
The process is as follows: put the phone in mode Fastboot (usually by pressing the volume down and power buttons) and connect it to the PC. Open the command line in the tools folder and enter the command:
fastboot oem unlockA warning about loss of warranty and data deletion will appear on the phone screen. Confirm the action with the volume buttons. After this, the device will reboot in a clean state. This is a required step for subsequent installation TWRP Recovery.
What is a bootloader?
Bootloader is a small app that runs in front of the operating system. It checks the digital signature of the OS and decides whether it can be booted. Unlocking allows you to run unsigned systems, such as custom firmware.
It is worth noting that on some devices, especially from Samsung or Huaweiunlocking may not be possible without obtaining a special code or using paid services. In such cases, the procedure becomes more complicated and requires searching for specific instructions for a specific model.
Installing custom Recovery (TWRP)
The standard recovery menu does not allow installing third-party ZIP archives with firmware. Therefore, it is necessary to replace it with an advanced solution, the most popular of which is Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP). It supports touch control and has flexible settings.
Download the image .imgthat corresponds to your model and place it in the folder with ADB tools. Switch your smartphone to Fastboot mode and run the image flashing command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp-image-name.imgAfter successful recording, it is extremely important not to reboot the system in the usual way. Immediately hold down the combination of buttons to enter Recovery (often this Volume Up + Power). If you boot into a standard system, it may overwrite the custom recovery with its stock counterpart, and all efforts will be in vain.
| Action | Command / Method | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Entering Fastboot | Buttons Volume Down + Power | Partition flashing mode |
| Entering TWRP | Buttons Volume Up + Power | Recovery menu |
| Connection check | fastboot devices |
Serial number display |
| Reboot to system | fastboot reboot |
Regular Android boot |
The process of installing Android 8 firmware
Now that you have TWRP and the firmware file (usually a ZIP archive with LineageOS or equivalent), you can proceed to the main stage. Copy the archive with the firmware and the package Google Apps (GApps) for Android 8 to the internal memory or SD card.
In the TWRP menu, the first thing you need to do is clear the data. Go to the section Wipe and select Advanced Wipe. Check the boxes Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data and Cache. Don't touch the section Internal Storage, otherwise delete the firmware file itself!
⚠️ Attention: Clearing the Data partition will delete all your files, passwords and settings. Make sure that the backup is created and verified before this step.
After cleaning, return to the main menu and click Install. Find the firmware zip file and slide the slider to confirm installation. Wait for the process to complete. Then, without rebooting, install the GApps package in the same way, otherwise you will not have the Google application store and services.
If the installation is interrupted with the error "Status 7" or similar, try updating TWRP itself to the latest version or using a different firmware version (Nightly instead of Stable).
Once the installation of both archives is complete, click button Reboot System. The first boot may take from 5 to 15 minutes - this is normal, the system optimizes applications. If the phone is stuck on the logo for more than 20 minutes, the firmware may be incompatible or the cleaning step was skipped.
Solving common problems after updating
After a successful upgrade to Android 8 you may encounter minor bugs. This is an inevitable cost for using custom software on old hardware. The camera may perform worse and the battery may drain faster due to lack of driver optimization.
A common problem is the lack of Internet via Wi-Fi or non-functioning Bluetooth. In such cases, resetting the network settings or flashing another kernel (Kernel) helps if the developer provides such files. It’s also worth checking the power saving settings, which work more aggressively in new versions of Android.
Custom firmware rarely works perfectly on older hardware. Be prepared for the fact that some functions (NFC, VoLTE) may not work at all.
If the phone constantly reboots (bootloop), return to TWRP and do a full wipe (Format Data) by entering the word "yes" in the input field. This will remove encryption that may have remained from the old system and conflict with the new one.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I update back to Android 4 if I don't like it?
Yes, it is possible. You need to download the Stock ROM for your model, corresponding to Android 4, and install it via TWRP or Fastboot/Download Mode. This will return the phone to its factory state.
Will banking apps work on Android 8 with an unlocked bootloader?
Most likely not. Banking apps and Google Pay identify an unlocked bootloader and root access as a security risk. There is a way to hide this through Magisk, but this requires additional settings and does not guarantee 100% success.
Will the phone's IMEI be erased after flashing?
With correct firmware, the IMEI is not erased, since it is stored in a separate protected partition (EFS or Modem), which we do not touch upon. However, if you accidentally format the entire phone incorrectly, it will be extremely difficult to restore the IMEI.
Where to get secure firmware?
The only reliable sources are official project sites (for example, lineageos.org) and verified threads on the 4PDA or XDA Developers forum with a lot of positive user reviews.