Smartphone firmware HTC is a task that scares many users. Fears are associated with the risk of the device becoming bricked, loss of warranty, or the complexity of the process. However, with the right approach, even a beginner can reflash HTC . The main thing is to understand the stages: from unlocking bootloader to installation of custom recovery and the firmware itself.

In this article we will analyze the current methods of firmware for models HTC One M9, HTC U11, HTC 10 and other popular devices. Let's pay attention to official and unofficial firmware, tools like Fastboot i TWRP, as well as typical errors. If your HTC slows down, is not updated, or you want to install the latest version of Android, this guide is for you.

Preparing for firmware: what you need to know before you start

Before you start, check three key points:

  • 🔋 Battery charge at least 70%. Interrupting the process due to discharge may render the phone inoperable.
  • 📋 Backup all data. The firmware erases the internal memory, including photos, contacts and messages.
  • 🔧 Firmware compatibility with your model HTC. Installing an inappropriate version will cause problems.

Also prepare:

  • 💻 Computer with Windows 10/11 or Linux (for Fastboot i ADB).
  • 🔌 Cable USB Type-C or Micro-USB (depending on the model).
  • 📂 Firmware (official or custom) and drivers for HTC.
⚠️ Attention: Smartphone firmware will void the warranty HTC. If the device is under warranty service, contact the service center.

For models HTC older than 2018 (for example, HTC One M8), additional software may be required, such as HTC Sync Manager. Download it from the manufacturer's official website to avoid connection problems.

📊 Which HTC model are you flashing?
HTC One M9
HTC 10
HTC U11
Another model
I don’t know the model

Unlocking the bootloader on HTC

Without unlocking bootloader installation of custom firmware is impossible. HTC provides an official method through the website htcdev.com, but the process requires registration and obtaining a token.

Steps for unlocking:

  1. Enable Developer mode 7 times: go to Settings → About phone and click on Build number.
  2. Activate USB debugging i OEM unlocking in the developer menu.
  3. Connect the phone to the PC and run the command: 
    adb reboot bootloader
  4. On the website htcdev.com get Unlock_code.bin for your model.
  5. Apply the token with the command: 
    fastboot flash unlocktoken Unlock_code.bin

After unlocking, a warning about unofficial software will appear on the phone screen. This is normal - now you can install TWRP or other firmware.

⚠️ Attention: On some models (for example, HTC U12+) the unlocking is reset DRM keys, which is why the camera stops working in full functionality. Before the procedure, check the forums XDA Developers for solutions for your model.

Make sure that the model supports unlocking|Download ADB and Fastboot|Back up your data|Get a token on htcdev.com|Connect your phone in Fastboot mode-->

Installing custom recovery TWRP

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is an alternative recovery that allows you to install firmware, make backups and restore the system. For HTC official and unofficial assemblies are available.

Installation instructions:

  1. Download the image TWRP for your model from the site twrp.me.
  2. Rename the file to twrp.img and place it in the folder with Fastboot.
  3. Run the command: 
    fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
  4. Reboot into recovery: 
    fastboot reboot recovery

If after a reboot the standard recovery returns, use the command:

fastboot boot twrp.img

This is temporary will load TWRP without writing to memory.

What to do if TWRP is not installed?

If during installation TWRP an error appears FAILED (remote: not allowed), it means your model has protection enabled S-ON. To disable it, you will need additional software, for example SunShine S-OFF (paid) or Firewater (for older models).

Selection of firmware: official vs custom

Firmware for HTC are divided into two type:

  • 📄 Official (Stock ROM) —original assemblies from HTC with minimal changes. Suitable for restoring performance after failures.
  • 🛠️ Custom (Custom ROM) —modified versions of Android (for example, LineageOS, Pixel Experience). They provide new functions, but may contain bugs.

Comparison of key parameters:

Parameter Official firmware Custom firmware
Stability ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ (depending on the build)
Updates Rarely (depending on HTC) Often (developer community)
Functionality Standard set Advanced settings, themes
Security Guaranteed by the manufacturer Risk vulnerabilities if installed incorrectly

For models HTC 2017–2019 (for example, HTC U12 Life) we recommend official firmware from the site htc.comFor older devices (for example, HTC One M7) are relevant. custom assemblies based on Android 10/11.

💡

Before installing custom firmware, check the reviews on the forum XDA Developers. Some assemblies may not support VoLTE or Wi-Fi Calling on your model.

The firmware process via TWRP

Installing firmware via TWRP consists of several steps:

  1. Download the firmware (format .zip) and place it on SD card or internal memory.
  2. Reboot into TWRP (hold Power + Vol Down when turning on).
  3. Execute Wipe:
    • 🧹 Dalvik / ART Cache
    • 🗃️ System
    • 📱 Data (if you need a clean installation)
  • Click Install and select the firmware file.
  • Confirm the installation by swiping and wait for completion.

    • On HTC models with a partition system-as-root (for example, HTC U11+) before flashing it must be formatted system to a file system ext4 via the TWRP terminal with the command format system ext4.

    The first launch after flashing may take 10-15 minutes. Do not interrupt the process, even if the screen remains black for a long time.

    💡

    Always check the hash sum (MD5) of the downloaded firmware. A damaged file can lead to a boot loop.

    Firmware via Fastboot (for official ROMs)

    If you are restoring the official firmware, use Fastboot. This method is suitable for devices with a locked bootloader or after unsuccessful experiments with custom builds.

    Procedure:

    1. Download the official RUU (ROM Update Utility) for your model from the website HTC.
    2. Unpack the archive and find file rom.zip.
    3. Connect the phone in mode Fastboot and execute: 
      fastboot oem rebootRUU
      fastboot flash zip rom.zip
    4. After completion, reboot the device: 
      fastboot reboot

      5. For models HTC Desire series, an additional command may be required:

      fastboot erase cache
      ⚠️ Attention: Firmware via RUU resets cid (region identifier) of the device. If you are using firmware for a different region, problems with the network may occur (for example, lack of 4G).

      Typical errors and their solutions

      Even if you strictly follow the instructions, failures are possible. Let's look at the most common ones:

      • 🔄 Bootloop: occurs due to incompatible firmware or incomplete Wipe. The solution is to repeat the installation with a complete cleaning Data.
      • 🚫 Error 7 in TWRP: means that the firmware is not suitable for your model. Check the version device tree.
      • 📵 Lack of network after firmware: most likely does not match baseband. Install the correct modem via Fastboot.
      • 🔋 Fast battery drain: typical for custom firmware. Try a kernel with optimized power consumption.

    If the phone does not turn on after flashing the firmware, try:

    1. Hold Power + Vol Down 30 seconds to force a reboot.
    2. Connect to the PC and check if the device is detected in Fastboot.
    3. Reflash via RUU official version.
    How to restore IMEI after flashing?

    If it disappeared after installing custom firmware IMEI, restore it through the engineering menu:

    1. Dial ##36446337##.
    2. Go to Connectivity → CDS Information → Radio Information.
    3. Enter the AT command to restore (instructions depend on the model).

    Be careful - incorrect actions can block modem!

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about HTC firmware

    Is it possible to flash HTC without unlocking the bootloader?

    No, to install custom firmware or TWRP need to unlock bootloader. The exception is official updates via OTA or RUU, but they do not provide such opportunities as custom builds.

    Will I lose data when flashing the firmware?

    Yes, installing the firmware erases the internal memory (except for SD cards). Always make backups via TWRP or cloud services. To back up applications, use Titanium Backup (root access required).

    Which firmware to choose for HTC One M9?

    For HTC One M9 (hima) popular:

    • LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) - stable build with minimal bugs.
    • Pixel Experience - firmware with interface Google Pixel.
    • ViPER4Android —for audiophiles (requires separate installation).

    Before choosing, check compatibility with your device revision (EU, ASIA, US).

    How to return the official firmware after custom?

    To restore stock firmware:

    1. Download RUU for your model from the site HTC.
    2. Unlock the bootloader (if it was locked).
    3. Install via Fastboot or RUU Mode.
    4. After installation, perform a factory reset.

    Please note: some models (for example, HTC U Ultra) require S-ON for full compatibility with official software.

    Is it possible to flash HTC on Android 12/13?

    For most models HTC there are no official updates to Android 12/13 However, there are unofficial ports:

    • LineageOS 20 (Android 13) - available for HTC U11 i HTC 10.
    • crDroid Android — optimized for older devices.

    Please note that new versions of Android may run slower on weak hardware (for example, on HTC One M8 with a processor Snapdragon 801).