Smartphones from the Taiwanese company HTC have earned a reputation as reliable but capricious devices, especially when it comes to software. Over time, the proprietary shell HTC Sense may begin to work unstable, and standard reset methods no longer solve the problem with “bricks” or deep system errors. In such situations, the only correct solution is to completely reinstall the operating system Android.
This process is radically different from resetting on other brands due to the manufacturer’s unique bootloader protection system. You will have to go from unlocking through the official portal to installing a custom recovery. HTC flashing requires care and strict adherence to the algorithm, since an error at the stage of writing partitions can lead to complete inoperability of the device.
Below we will analyze the entire process in detail: from preparing the tools to the final installing new firmware. Be prepared for the fact that all data from the internal memory will be permanently deleted, so preliminary backup is a mandatory step that cannot be ignored.
Preparing tools and backup
Before you begin manipulating system partitions, you need to organize your workspace. You will need a personal computer with an operating system Windows, since most utilities for working with Fastboot and drivers are optimized specifically for this platform. Also make sure you have a quality USB cable that can transfer data and not just charge the device.
A critical step is saving user data. When you unlock the bootloader, the data partition is automatically formatted. Backup should include contacts, messages, photos and application files. Use cloud services or copy files to external media via file transfer mode.
⚠️ Attention: The process of unlocking the bootloader on HTC devices irreversibly erases all user data. Even if you change your mind about flashing after receiving the unlock token, the data will already be deleted the moment you enter the confirmation command.
To work, you will need to download and install the package ADB i Fastboot. This is a basic set of tools of the Android SDK platform that allows the computer to communicate with the phone in a special mode. Without these utilities, further actions are impossible.
☑️ Preparing for flashing
Activating the debug mode and getting S-OFF
The first step in the chain of actions is activation developer mode on the smartphone itself. Go to settings, find “About phone” and quickly tap 7 times on the build number. This will activate a hidden menu where you need to enable USB debugging. Without this, the computer will not see the device in debug mode.
Next, you need to put the smartphone into bootloader mode. For most models HTC This is done using a key combination: hold down the volume down button and the power button at the same time. A menu with colored lines will appear on the screen, where we are interested in the status LOCKED or UNLOCKED. Our goal is to change it to UNLOCKED.
The unlocking process is carried out through the official website HTCDev. You will need to register, select your device model and send a special script generated via the command line. In response, you will receive a unique unlock token.
fastboot oem unlock TOKEN_RECEIVED_FROM_SITEAfter entering this command, the phone will reboot and the bootloader status will change. However, for complete freedom of action, for example, to change the region (CID) or install an engineering menu, you often need to obtain rights S-OFF (Security Off). This is a more complex procedure, depending on the specific processor model and bootloader version.
Installing custom Recovery TWRP
The standard recovery menu (Stock Recovery) allows you to perform only basic operations, such as resetting settings or updating via OTA. To fully reinstall the system, you need to install a custom solution, and the gold standard here is TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project).
The recovery image must be downloaded strictly for your device model. The version for HTC One M7 is not suitable for HTC 10, since the partition structure and display drivers are different. An incorrect image may result in the touch screen in recovery not working, which will make navigation impossible.
The installation process occurs through the mode Fastboot. Connect your phone to the PC while holding the Volume Down button and enter the command:
fastboot flash recovery twrp_image_name.imgAn important nuance for owners HTC: immediately after the firmware you cannot reboot into the system in the usual way, otherwise the stock bootloader will overwrite the custom recovery. You must immediately use a combination of buttons to enter recovery mode or execute the command fastboot reboot bootloader, and then select Recovery.
⚠️ Attention: When you first start TWRP, the system may ask for permission to modify the system partition. Be sure to swipe your finger on the “Allow Modifications” slider, otherwise the phone will not be able to boot after installing the new firmware.
Inside the menu TWRP you get access to advanced functions: creating full backups (Nandroid), working with the file system and installing archives with superuser rights. This is your main device management tool at this stage.
If the sensor in TWRP does not work, try connecting a USB mouse via an OTG cable. This will allow you to manage the menu and complete the firmware installation even when the touchscreen is not working.
Selecting and preparing firmware
Selecting an operating system is a creative process that has technical limitations. You can install the official stock firmware, cleared of unnecessary software, or custom builds based on LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Resurrection Remix. Custom firmware often gives life to old devices, bringing fresh versions Androidthat the manufacturer no longer produces.
When choosing, consider the device region (CID). Firmware from the European region may not install on a device with an American CID without first changing the identifier. An error in choosing a region often leads to a cyclic reboot or lack of network.
| Firmware type | Advantages | Disadvantages | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock (Official) | Full compatibility, camera work | Lots of unnecessary software, old versions of Android | High |
| Custom (LineageOS) | Fresh Android, high speed | Possible camera bugs, VoLTE | Medium/High |
| Custom (AOSP) | Clean interface, minimalism | Lack of proprietary HTC functions | Depends on assembly |
| Port (from other devices) | Unique functions, new items | Unstable operation, high risk | Low |
Downloaded firmware file (usually in format .zip) must be placed in the internal memory of the phone or on a microSD card. Make sure that the file is not damaged when downloading by checking the checksum, if it is provided by the author of the assembly.
The process of installing a new system
Now we move on to the most important stage - the direct recording of the new system. Boot into TWRPmode. The first step is to clear the data, since the old system may conflict with the new one. Go to the section Wipe and select Advanced Wipe.
Tick the sections Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data and Cache. Do not touch the partition Internal Storageif the firmware file is on the phone. Move the slider to start cleaning. This process may take several minutes.
What is Data formatting?
Regular deletion (Wipe) does not encrypt the partition again. If you are switching from an encrypted system to a clean system or changing the encryption type, you may need to completely format the Data section using the Format Data menu and entering the word "yes". This will delete ALL files, including music and photos in the internal memory.
After cleaning, return to the main menu and select Install. Find the firmware file you prepared earlier. Before installation, you can configure additional parameters in the slider settings (the “Swipe to Confirm Flash” button), but usually the standard ones are sufficient.
Start the installation by swiping. In the process log you will see the movement of the progress bar and the output of system commands. If the installation was successful, you will see a green “Successful” message. At this stage, you can also install the package Google Apps (GApps)if the firmware does not have them, as well as a patch to obtain root access Magisk.
⚠️ Attention: Never interrupt the firmware process by disconnecting the cable or removing the battery (if it is non-removable). Interrupting recording to the System section is guaranteed to turn the phone into a “brick”, the restoration of which will require soldering the programmer.
Initial setup and problem solving
After successful installation, select the option Reboot System. The first launch of a new operating system usually lasts longer than usual - from 5 to 15 minutes. This is normal as the system optimizes applications and creates a cache. Don't panic if the phone hangs on the logo for a long time.
If the device is stuck in a reboot loop (bootloop), you need to go back to TWRP and repeat the Wipe procedure, making sure that you did not skip any sections. It is also worth checking the compatibility of the version Android and installed GApps.
In some cases, after flashing, functions that depend on hardware drivers may not work, for example, fingerprint reading or modem operation. This often happens when switching between major versions of Android. The solution usually lies in searching for specific patches or flashing another radio module.
Successful flashing of HTC depends not only on the correct sequence of actions, but also on the exact match of the Recovery version, device model and regional firmware.
After downloading the setup wizard, connect to Wi-Fi and log in to your Google account. It is recommended to immediately disable USB debugging in the developer settings if you do not plan further experiments to increase the security of the device.
Can the phone be returned under warranty after flashing?
No, unlocking the bootloader and gaining superuser rights will automatically void the manufacturer's warranty. Even if you block the bootloader back, a trace of interference will remain in the device’s service logs, which the service center can easily detect.
What to do if the computer does not see the phone in Fastboot mode?
Most often the problem lies in the drivers. Try installing the package HTC Sync Managerthat contains the necessary drivers, or manually update the device driver in Windows Device Manager with the path to the folder with ADB drivers. Also try a different USB port or cable.
Is it safe to use custom firmware for daily use?
Stable versions of popular builds (Nightly or Stable) are quite suitable for everyday life. However, banking apps may not work due to being rooted or having an unlocked bootloader. To solve this problem, use the Magisk Hide utility or security modules.
How to find the exact model of your HTC to download the firmware?
The most reliable way is to look at the model code in the “About phone” menu or remove the back cover (if it is removable) and look at the sticker under the battery. You can also use the command fastboot getvar all in the connected bootloader mode, which will display complete technical information.
The network has disappeared after flashing the firmware, what should I do?
The problem is most likely in the incompatibility of the radio module (Baseband). You need to find and flash a separate archive with a radio module designed specifically for your firmware version and region. This can also be done through the Install menu in Recovery mode.