What is custom Recovery on Android and why is it needed? What is recovery for Android

What should you do if your Android smartphone suddenly starts to freeze and behave as if it wanted to live its own life? How to reflash Android? This question is asked by many users of modern gadgets of various brands - from top-end Samsung and Sony to the Chinese Xiaomi (more often colloquially called Xiaomi) and Meizu, which are now gaining popularity.

Possible solutions to problems

One of the simplest tips would be to reset your device to factory settings. Indeed, in this case, no third-party intervention is required - all settings and resets are done at the software level. But this trick will only work if the smartphone’s malfunctions are caused only by software and clogged memory. After resetting the settings, and in frequent cases erasing the content, the device turns on like new.

What is "Recovery" and what is it eaten with?

Many immediately give up their positions and throw out the white flag, rushing to contact service centers. But any experienced user will tell you that this is not worth doing. After all, you can save yourself extra nerves and money by just following the simple steps from these instructions.

“Recovery” is a smartphone software based on the Android OS, which is something like a “BIOS” on a PC. That is, using “Recovery” you can completely reset your smartphone to factory settings, you can also install operating system updates and simply flash it. When purchasing in a store, the user most often receives a device with a factory “Recovery” menu, which is slightly limited in functionality and will not allow you to successfully flash the operating system.

If we talk about “custom” (translated from English custom - “made to order”) “Recovery”, then it will allow you to more fully “communicate” with the phone system, make backup copies of firmware and restore them, as well as make a more complete and deep reset of the device.

How to enter "Recovery"

To flash your device via Recovery, you must first get into this very menu. This couldn’t be easier to do, especially since on many devices the input combination is exactly the same. So, if the smartphone has a physical central button or a “Home” button (most often found in older Samsung and LG devices, but it can also appear in more modern devices), you need to hold down the “Home” buttons with the gadget turned off. and “Volume +”, then, without releasing them, press the power button.

The device will turn on in the desired mode. If you have a more modern device without a physical Home button, you need to repeat the process described above, but using only the Volume + button and the Power button. If the desired result was not achieved, you should refer to the extended list of ways to enter the “Recovery” menu for different manufacturers.

What else will you need?

In order to understand how to reflash Android, you first need to download the firmware for your device. Most often, firmware files are hidden from public view for security purposes and to protect the manufacturer’s data. That is why ordinary users create backup copies of their operating systems and form databases of stock firmware from them, links to which can be found on specialized websites. It is the firmware file itself, located in the archive with the *.zip extension, that you will need to understand how to restore Android using Recovery.

There are also times when you are tired of the old stock firmware and want something new. That is why there are always craftsmen who create custom firmware, “cutting out” the unnecessary from them or, conversely, adding something new. In such cases, it will not be possible to use the standard “Recovery”, and here those same custom CWM Recovery (ClockWorkMod Recovery) or

Installation or TWRP

It is not necessary to install Recovery on Android via a computer; most often, on the contrary, it is easier to use the stock one. All you need to do is download the necessary file, again located in an archive with the *.zip extension, and place it on the external flash card of your smartphone.

After that, going to the stock “Recovery”, you need to select the “Apply update from external storage” item and in the list that opens, select the same file with the custom “Recovery”. After confirming your selection, the installation process will begin, after which the device will prompt you to reboot. The process is complete.

How to flash Android via Recovery

Moving directly to the process of installing the firmware itself, I would like to say that all unofficial files of the Android operating system, created directly by users of certain devices, should be installed at your own peril and risk. If, however, the decision is made to install a non-native version of the software, you should make sure that the firmware is “written” specifically for the phone that you plan to reflash.

If we are talking about stock firmware, then you should not bother installing CWM Recovery or TWRP. All manipulations that need to be done are limited to downloading the factory firmware file and placing it on an external memory card. After this, the process is similar to installing a custom Recovery. That is, you need to go to the stock “Recovery” menu, select “Apply update from external storage”, then specify the firmware file directly and confirm the action. After the process is completed, you need to take one more step that will help avoid freezes and glitches when turning on and operating the device. Immediately after the firmware is completed, you need to select the “Wipe data/factory reset” menu item and confirm the action. This will clear information about previous software and files that were present on the device before the firmware process.

After completing these steps, you must select the “Reboot system now” menu item. The device will reboot and the process of setting up the smartphone from scratch will begin. If the switching process takes a long time and the device logo “hangs”, it’s worth remembering whether the settings reset item was performed after flashing.

Custom versions of Android

How to flash Android via Recovery is, in principle, clear. It remains to figure out what to do with OS versions written directly by device users. The answer is simple: the process needs to be repeated, performing the same manipulations in custom “Recovery”. The only difference is that the firmware file itself can now be placed not only on an external memory card, but also on the internal memory of the device. This adds convenience in the event that a flash card is simply missing. In this case, you will have to select the “Apply update from internal storage” option.

It is also worth noting that in CWM Recovery and TWRP the “Wipe data/factory reset” item has been replaced with two separate items: “Wipe data” and “Wipe cache”. After installing “Android” through “Recovery” (namely, the custom version) has succeeded, in the modified ClockWorkMod or TeamWin menu you need to select the “Wipe Dalvik cache” sub-item, which will significantly increase the chances of successfully turning on the device with the new operating system.

Restoring stock firmware

If you don’t like it or don’t get used to it, there is always the opportunity to return everything to its place. Many people ask the question: “How to restore Android through Recovery, namely the stock version?” The answer lies in the point above. Roughly speaking, returning everything to normal occurs in the same way as making the initial changes.

All you need to do is download the firmware from the manufacturer to a flash card or internal memory, then select the appropriate “Recovery” menu item and do a complete reset of settings/content. In principle, nothing complicated.

It seems that understanding how to flash Android via Recovery is not so difficult. But if some points are unclear, or you are not confident in your knowledge, it is better not to get involved with such processes. But even if something doesn’t work out, you can always restore the device’s firmware through the corresponding menu item. The main thing is to make a backup copy before flashing Android via Recovery. To do this, you will need a custom “Recovery” and a little patience, because the process of backing up the firmware takes a lot of time.

If something goes wrong, you can always turn to knowledgeable people. At least an authorized service center will definitely help you. The main thing is not to lose heart and move forward confidently. This is the only way to achieve any results. Good luck with the flashing!

What should you do if something happened to the current firmware of your device and you can’t turn on your phone?

There are two modes, the main one is recovery. It is through it that the operating system is installed. How to enter it, and how to restore using recovery android?

There are different instructions for different versions of Android firmware, both official and unofficial, but, nevertheless, they are relevant for almost all devices. The process of launching Recovery Android mode will be needed if the user decides to change the firmware, completely clear the phone of any information, generate system restore points, or return to them.

Typically, the user uses such functions if he wants to achieve maximum productivity of his device. To perform these actions, you must have full access to any manipulations with the Android system (root rights), and in addition, the actual recovery image itself must be installed. Typically, two types are used: CWM and TWRP. It should be noted that in fact there are quite a lot of modifications, but our recommendations are inclined to install these particular options, since we consider them to be the most reliable and have stood the test of time.

We draw your attention to one important detail: from the moment you open full access to the functions of your device, you will automatically lose the existing warranties for it. This will happen because all factory restrictions will be reset, and to restore them, you will need to install the latest official firmware version.

Instructions on how to restore recovery android with root (open full) access

This method of launching recovery mode can be considered the second easiest after using a key combination. The essence in this case comes down to downloading and installing a specific program. What to do (step by step):

  1. In Google Play we find the Quick Boot program.
  2. Download the file and install it on your device.
  3. Let's launch.
  4. Then you need to go to the “menu” of the installed application, select “Recovery” from the options presented.
  5. After this, the reboot and startup process will begin, but in recovery mode.

Locked Android device: how to install recovery

  1. We will need: a cord to connect the gadget to a PC, the work computer itself and a smartphone.
  2. We enable the USB debugging function on Android.
  3. We install the Android SDK program on the PC.
  4. We connect the phone (tablet) to the computer.
  5. On the PC, open the Fastboot folder.
  6. We launch the command window.
  7. In the field that opens, enter: “adb reboot recovery”.
  8. After these manipulations, your device should automatically reboot into recovery mode.

How to recover files using 7-Data Android Recovery

An excellent program that recovers data from the internal memory of Android, or a memory card inserted into the device. So:

  • Download the program from the official website (free): http://7datarecovery.com/android-data-recovery/
  • We install simply by clicking “Next”, we agree with everything, because the program will not install anything else;
  • Enable “USB debugging” in the device;
  • Connect Android to PC using a USB cable;
  • To start debugging (Android versions 4.2 and 4.3), go to “Settings”, then “About tablet” / “About phone”;
  • Press “Build number” several times until the message “You have become a developer” appears;
  • We return to the main settings, go to the “For Developers” section, and enable USB debugging.

To enable USB debugging on Android 4.0 - 4.1, go to the parameters, find the “Developer options” item, go and check “USB debugging”.

For versions 2.3 and lower, go to “Settings”, then “Applications”, then “Development”, turn on debugging.

After these steps, connect Android to the PC running Android Recovery, click “Next”, select the desired storage in the list of drives that appears, select “Next”.

We wait for the search to complete, select those that need to be restored, and click the “Save” button. Important: you cannot save to the same media from which the data was recovered.

We will be glad if our article was useful.

Any device with Android OS starts in Recovery mode. This is a standard feature. However, with the factory version you can perform too narrow a range of tasks. So, this is resetting the phone to its initial settings, clearing the cache, and also updating the system from the update.zip file. Obviously, users who are expanding their knowledge in the IT field are very dissatisfied with such a meager list. This is where specially developed Recovery Modes come to the rescue. CWM Recovery is a popular tool among Android users and a worthy replacement for the factory one.

Why do you need CWM Recovery mode?

Clockworkmod Recovery (CWM) is a famous alternative to factory recovery mode developed by Koushik Dutta. You can install it on most Android devices. CWM Recovery helps even in situations that sometimes seem hopeless to the average owner. That is why it is necessary to know about its existence, and also be able to use it.

CWM mode has many options

What exactly does the utility do:

  • Installs unofficial custom firmware and kernels.
  • Installs factory system updates, add-ons and OS patches.
  • Connects to a computer via USB in removable storage mode and for working with the ADB program.
  • Creates a complete backup copy of the current firmware and its individual parts (system, settings, applications).
  • Restores the device from a previously created backup.
  • Resets settings to factory settings (Wipe - data/factory reset), clears cache (wipe cache), clears Dalvik-cache (wipe Dalvik-cache), clears battery statistics (wipe battery stats).
  • Creates partitions on a memory card and formats them.
  • CWM: installation instructions

    ClockworkMod is sewn into the internal memory of the device in place of the factory mode. In some cases, work is carried out on the gadget itself with access to Root rights, and in others - on a PC.

    The article covers such basic methods as Rom Manager, FastBoot, Rashr and Odin. For many devices, companies themselves produce separate utilities, for example, Acer Recovery Installer for Acer devices. CWM is implemented into the device memory on these devices also through ADB software, which is suitable for devices manufactured by HTC.

    Rom Manager: Rooting and embedding

    Rom Manager is a utility created by the CWM developers. It is available for download on Google Play Market. Allows you to install CWM Recovery on the device itself without using a computer and a USB cable. Before using it, you must root the device, that is, obtain administrator rights.

    Obtaining Root rights

    The procedure is simple and can be easily carried out using special software. As an example, you can take the Framaroot program. Anyone can navigate its simple and intuitive interface, even without instructions.

  • Download the app from the store and open it. In the drop-down line, give preference to the “Install SuperSU” or “Install SuperUser” item. Click on the drop-down window
  • Select a method for obtaining Root rights. Follow the advice - restart the device for the changes to take effect.

    For the changes to take effect, restart the device

    Launching Rom Manager

    Now is the time to use the program:

  • Launch the software and click on the first section of Recovery Setup, and then click on ClockworkMod Recovery. Select Recovery Setup
  • Find and select the device model from the list of available ones. If the model is not in the list, then this method of flashing Recovery is not suitable and you need to use another one. After confirming the action, the files will begin to download, as indicated by the progress bar. Next, a notification will pop up stating that you need to grant Root rights to the program. Then the CWM installation itself will be carried out. Click on ClockworkMod Recovery to install
  • Video: how to flash Recovery with Rom Manager

    Although the method is easy, it has a drawback: it is not suitable for all devices, as mentioned earlier. Before you start using this method, it would be logical to first determine that this program is compatible with the gadget. The list is available on the official Rom Manager website.

    FastBoot Mode: Complex Method

    The CWM installation method using FastBoot will require skill from the user, since it is much more complex than the previous one. It runs not on the device, but on the computer. It is recommended to use it only if you already have skills in such operations. Before installation, you need to download certain files to your computer or laptop. This list also includes the Android SDK platform, available for Windows, Mac and Linux.

    Preparatory stage

    What you need to have before installing CWM using FastBoot mode:

  • A computer with Windows OS and a USB cable to connect the device to the PC.
  • USB drivers for correct device detection. They can be downloaded from the official website of the manufacturer.
  • Android SDK platform.
  • Recovery file.
  • The Android SDK utility will help you install the necessary Android SDK Tools and Android SDK Platform tools packages:

  • Go to the bottom of the official page. There will be three options. In this case, it is the Windows version. Click on tools_version-windows.zip.
    Download the Anroid SDK zip archive for Windows from the official website
  • Extract all contents from the archive to drive C. Open and click on tools. The android file needed to download the packages directly is there. Double click on the file and the manager is open.
    Find the android file in the unzipped folder and open
  • Check the box to the left of Android SDK Platform-tools and click Install 1 package.

    Select Android SDK Platform-tools and click Install package

  • Standard request to accept the license agreement. Check the Accept License box and then click Install. The direct installation of the packages necessary for the firmware, which were mentioned earlier, will begin.
    Accept the license agreement
  • After the installation process is complete, find platform-tools in tools_version-windows. It will contain important fastboot and adb files.
    The fastboot and adb files are located in the tools_version-windows folder after installing the Android SDK Platform-tools package
  • What else needs to be done before starting the firmware itself? Judging by the list above, you need the recovery-clockwork.img file. This is one of the key tools for further work. Downloading it won't be difficult, but it doesn't end there. It is important to place this file in the platform-tools folder. For further convenience in the firmware, you need to rename it to recovery.img.

    Place the file in the platform-tools folder

    Get straight to the point!

    Now everything is ready for the CWM firmware itself, so you can safely get to work. Below is a detailed description of the actions, in which it is quite difficult to get lost.

  • First, connect the device to be flashed to your computer via USB. At the same time, FastBoot mode starts (a combination of the power and volume down keys). Although this combination works most often, it is not suitable for everyone. In some cases, this is the Home key and the same volume reduction. When the first option doesn't work out, nothing will happen if you use the second.
    Start your device in FastBoot mode
  • The main procedure is performed on the command line. First you need to open it. In a Windows terminal window (press Win + R keys) write the cmd command.
    To open the command prompt, go to Start and type cmd
  • The command line is immediately ready to use. Type cd / immediately after the last entry and press Enter.
    Type cd / and press Enter
  • Next, you need to go to the platform-tools folder in the terminal itself. The path to the folder may differ among users, so it is extremely important to use your own option so that the operation ends with a certain success. Copying the path from the window line would be the correct solution.
  • The next line in the black window should look like cd path_to_folder_platform-tools. Press Enter again.
    Enter the command with the path to the folder
  • The next step is the adb devices command. It will help determine whether the PC sees the device. Next type adb reboot bootloader. Wait until the device turns on as a bootloader. Finally, go to the final part of the firmware: enter fastboot flash recovery recovery.img. and press Enter.
    The adb devices command will help determine whether the PC sees the device
  • If successful, a message will appear. The next time you restart the phone in recovery mode, check that the new firmware is installed. If all is well, the device will enter ClockworkMod Recovery mode.
  • The level of complexity, as you can see, is high, so before the procedure it is strongly recommended to check that this method is suitable for the device, since it may not work in all gadgets. In practice, this method is good if the manufacturer of the device is HTC.

    Rashr app

    The installation method using Rashr is convenient and easy to perform; it is recommended for beginners. However, ironically, it also requires administrator rights. You can get them in a few steps. Detailed instructions were given earlier in the section on Rom Manager.

    How to work with Rashr

    First you need to download the application itself. It is available for free in the Play Market (Rashr - Flash Tool). You can also view the program on a third-party site, but you need to beware of suspicious web pages so as not to catch a virus.

    When the program is already on the phone, you need to open it and provide it with previously obtained Root rights upon request. Then everything is simple:

  • Select CWM Recovery. Click CWM Recovery
  • The software will provide available versions of Recovery for the given device being flashed, such as the touch ClockworkMod and the option with key control.
    Select Recovery from the list of available ones for your device
  • Select the most suitable version and click Yes to confirm the download.
    Click Yes to confirm download
  • After downloading, a notification will pop up that the new recovery has been successfully downloaded and installed. To go there, click Yes.
    To go to Recovery, click Yes
  • Video: CWM and Rashr

    Odin: solution for Samsung

    The previous three methods are suitable for different device models. The same method is effective for Samsung devices. This is a proprietary utility, so it cannot be used for devices from other manufacturers. There are many versions of this application. The latest one is Odin 3.09.

    Here the standard factory version of Recovery is changed to a modified one using a PC, as with FastBoot:

  • Download Samsung Odin from the official website.
    Download the Odin program on PC
  • Establish a connection between the PC and the gadget via a USB cable and switch the device to Download Mode. There are two options depending on the device model. If one doesn't work, another will definitely work:
    • power/lock button and volume down (on older devices released before mid-2011);
    • power/lock button, Home and volume down (all other devices).
  • Pressing the volume up button confirms entering recovery mode. Next, launch the already downloaded Odin program. A program window will open, where available files for download will be listed. In the case of Recovery firmware, you need to check the box to the left of AP. In other versions of the software, the field may be called PDA.
  • Click the Start button and wait until the firmware is completed successfully.
    Click the Start button and wait for the firmware to finish
  • How to enable CWM Recovery mode after flashing

    Once CWM mode has been installed using one of the above methods, you need to check if it works. You can launch ClockworkMod Recovery:

  • using the ROM Manager program, selecting the “Load Recovery mode” section on its initial page;
  • by pressing the keys simultaneously after turning off the device. Combinations may vary depending on the model and manufacturer of the device. In most cases, these are the volume down and power buttons;
  • using the ADB program using the adb reboot recovery button.
  • Possible difficulties

    During the installation of an alternative Recovery Mode, in particular CWM, various difficulties and errors may arise. Which of them are the most common and how to solve them?

    CWM Recovery does not recognize the memory card

    CWM makes it possible to update your phone using an archive. When opening Recovery, the user sees a message that the flash card cannot be mounted. After installing another card, even with less memory, the problem disappears. The reason lies in the Windows system itself. The fact is that it diverges from card formatting standards. To ensure formatting is performed in accordance with the specification of SD/SDHC/SDXC flash cards, and not just in standard form, it is recommended to use specialized software, for example, SD Formatter.


    The SD Formatter program allows you to correctly format the SD card

    CWM does not see the internal memory of the device: problem solution

    When the recovery files are located on the internal memory, and therefore can only be recovered from there, a problem may arise. When you connect the USB cable to the PC and enable USB Debugging, the program reports that the Android device is not detected and you need to enable USB Debugging.

    To solve this problem:

  • Connect the device as a camera, not a storage device. If there are other options available, choose them.
  • Install universal drivers.
  • Find a more suitable Recovery program for your device.
  • Recovery menu doesn't work

    If when you launch the alternative recovery mode (volume + Home button or power) a picture appears with a lying robot, then the recovery was flashed, but when you restarted the device it was overwritten by the stock Recovery.

    The problem is solved as follows.

  • Before flashing the Odin3 program, you need to uncheck the Auto restart checkbox and disconnect the cable after flashing. From Download mode on the device, go to recovery mode by pressing the volume up + home screen + power keys in sequence until the recovery menu appears. So you should get into the custom recovery menu anyway.
  • In it, select Reboot system now and then check Yes. This action will overwrite the stock recovery with a custom one and the “No command” error will be corrected.
  • Flashing a new Recovery mode means acquiring new functionality. Firmware methods vary in complexity, but ironically, the simplest of them require access to Root, that is, device administrator rights. When choosing a firmware method, you need to be guided by the phone model first. Rom Manager is not suitable for all devices. For HTC, the FastBoot method is more suitable, while for Samsung it would be more correct to choose Odin.

    Anyone who takes the first steps in learning the procedure for flashing Android devices initially pays attention to the most common way to carry out the process - flashing firmware through recovery. Android Recovery is a recovery environment that almost all users of Android devices have access to, regardless of the type and model of the latter. Therefore, the method of flashing firmware through recovery can be considered as the easiest way to update, change, restore or completely replace the device’s software.

    How to flash an Android device using factory recovery

    Almost every device running the Android OS is equipped by the manufacturer with a special recovery environment, which provides, to some extent, including ordinary users, the ability to manipulate the internal memory of the device, or more precisely, its partitions.

    It should be noted that the list of operations that are available through the “native” recovery installed in devices by the manufacturer is very limited. As for the firmware, only official firmware and/or updates are available for installation.

    In some cases, through factory recovery, you can install a modified recovery environment (custom recovery), which in turn will expand the ability to work with firmware.

    At the same time, it is quite possible to carry out the main actions for restoring functionality and updating the software through factory recovery. To install official firmware or updates distributed in the format *.zip, perform the following steps.

    1. To install the firmware, you will need an installation zip package. Download the required file and copy it to the device’s memory card, preferably to the root. You may also need to rename the file before manipulation. In almost all cases, the appropriate name isupdate.zip

    2. Boot into the factory recovery environment. Methods to access recovery vary for different device models, but they all involve using combinations of hardware keys on the device. In most cases, the desired combination is« Volume-» + « Nutrition» .

    Press the "" button on the device that is turned off. Volume-" and, holding it, press the " Nutrition" After the device screen turns on, the “ Nutrition"you need to let go, and " Volume-» Continue holding until the recovery environment screen appears.

    3. To install the software or its individual components into memory sections, you will need the recovery main menu item –« apply update from external SD card» , select it.

    4. In the list of files and folders that opens, we find the package previously copied to the memory cardupdate.zipand press the selection confirmation key. The installation will begin automatically.

    5. Upon completion of copying the files, reboot into Android by selecting the item in recovery« reboot system now» .

    How to flash a device through a modified recovery

    Modified (custom) recovery environments have a much wider range of capabilities for working with Android devices. One of the first to appear, and today a very common solution, is the recovery from the ClockworkMod team.

    Installing CWM Recovery

    Since CWM recovery is an unofficial solution, you will need to install a custom recovery environment on your device before use.

    1. The official way to install recovery from the ClockworkMod developers is the ROM Manager Android application. Using the program requires root rights on the device.

    Download ROM Manager from the Play Store or from our website

    • Download, install, launch.

    • On the main screen, tap " Recovery Setup» , then under the inscription« Install or update recovery» - paragraph « ClockworkMod Recovery» . Scroll through the list of device models that opens and find your device.

    • The next screen after selecting a model is the screen with the button « Install ClockworkMod»

    • After a short time, the required file will be downloaded completely and the installation process of CWM Recovery will begin. Before you start copying data to the device’s memory section, the program will ask you to grant it root rights. After receiving permission, the process of recording the recovery will continue, and upon completion a message will appear confirming the success of the procedure « Successfully flashed ClockworkMod recovery» .

    • The installation process of the modified recovery is completed, press the button " OK» and exit the program.

    2. If the device is not supported by the ROM Manager application or the installation does not proceed correctly, you must use other methods for installing CWM Recovery. Methods applicable to various devices are described in the articles listed below.

    • For Samsung devices, in most cases the application is used Odin. More details here - ( Flashing Samsung Android devices using the Odin program)
    • For devices built on the MTK hardware platform, the application is used Firmware for Android devices based on MTK via SP FlashTool)
    • The most universal method, but at the same time the most dangerous and difficult, is flashing recovery via Fastboot . The steps taken to install recovery using this method are described in detail at the link:

    Firmware via CWM

    Using a modified recovery environment, you can flash not only official updates, but also custom firmware, as well as various system components represented by cracks, add-ons, improvements, kernels, radios, etc.

    It is worth noting that there are a large number of versions of CWM Recovery, so after logging in on different devices you can see a slightly different interface - background, design, touch controls may be present, etc. In addition, some menu items may or may not be present.

    The examples below use the most standard version of the modified CWM recovery.
    At the same time, in other modifications of the environment, when flashing the firmware, items are selected that have the same names as in the instructions below, i.e. A slightly different design should not cause concern to the user.

    In addition to design, the management of CWM actions differs in different devices. Most devices use the following scheme:

    • Hardware key " Volume+» - move one point up;
    • Hardware key " Volume-» - move one point down;
    • Hardware key " Nutrition" and/or " Home"- confirmation of choice.

    So, firmware.

    1. Prepare the zip packages necessary for installation into the device. We download them from the Global Network and copy them to a memory card. Some versions of CWM can also use the device's internal memory. Ideally, the files are placed in the root of the memory card and renamed using short, clear names.

    2. Enter CWM Recovery. In most cases, the same scheme is used as for entering the factory recovery - pressing a combination of hardware buttons on the switched off device. You can also reboot into the recovery environment from ROM Manager.

    3. Before us is the main recovery screen. Before you start installing packages, in most cases, you need to do " wipe» sections « Cache" And " Data", - this allows you to avoid many mistakes and problems in the future.

    • If you plan to clean only the “ Cache", select the item " wipe cache partition", confirm the deletion of data - item " YesWipe Cache" We wait for the process to complete – the following message will appear at the bottom of the screen: “ Сache wipe complete».

    • The section “ Data" Select the item “ wipe data/factory reset", then confirmation " Yes – Wipe all user data" Next, the process of cleaning the partitions will follow and a confirmation message will appear at the bottom of the screen: “ Data wipe complete».

    4. Let's move on to the firmware. To install the zip package, select “install zip from sdcard» and confirm your choice by pressing the corresponding hardware key. Then select the item “choose zip from sdcard».

    5. A list of folders and files available on the memory card opens. We find the package we need and select it. If the installation files were copied to the root of the memory card, you will have to scroll to the bottom of the list to display them.

    6. Before starting the firmware procedure, recovery again requires confirmation of awareness of your own actions and understanding of the irreversibility of the procedure. Select the item “ YesInstall *** .zip", where *** is the name of the package being flashed.

    7. The firmware procedure will begin, accompanied by the appearance of log lines at the bottom of the screen and the filling of the progress bar.

    8. After the inscription “ Install from sdcard complete"The firmware can be considered complete. Reboot into Android by selecting “ reboot system now" on the main screen.

    Firmware via TWRP Recovery

    In addition to the solution from the ClockworkMod developers, there are other modified recovery environments. One of the most functional solutions of this kind is TeamWin Recovery (TWRP). How to flash devices using TWRP is described in the article:

    This is how Android devices are flashed through recovery environments. It is necessary to take a balanced approach to the choice of recovery and the method of installing them, and also flash only the appropriate packages obtained from reliable sources into the device. In this case, the process proceeds very quickly and does not cause any problems later.



    Almost every user of a modern gadget strives to make their device a little better. If we consider Android-based solutions, it will be undeniable that all owners of smartphones or tablets are missing something in their devices. For some, productivity, for others, autonomy. To provide many non-standard functions that are not provided by the device manufacturer, the user or group creates their own firmware. The first step on this path is to install a non-standard or “custom” recovery environment - recovery. Later in the article we will talk about how to install TWRP Recovery via a computer and using other means.

    What is custom recovery?

    Any Android device, and these are mainly smartphones or tablets, is equipped by the manufacturer with a pre-installed recovery environment, or otherwise recovery. This software component makes it possible to reset the device to factory settings, provides tools for updating the firmware, and also solves some diagnostic and configuration tasks.

    To launch recovery, most often a special key combination is used on the device when it is turned off. Additionally, entering the recovery environment is often possible using the ADB commands included in the Android SDK.

    Why TWRP

    It must be noted that manufacturers limit the capabilities of pre-installed recovery. Many experienced users want to make the most of the capabilities of the hardware components, and therefore so-called custom recoveries have appeared, available for installation on a wide range of Android devices. This solution quite seriously expands the possibilities of adding new functions to the firmware and fine-tuning devices.

    One of the most popular and functional solutions among custom recovery is TeamWin Recovery (short and commonly used abbreviation - TWRP). Below we will take a closer look at how to install TWRP Recovery on various devices using different tools and tools.

    Risks

    Before putting into practice the knowledge of how to install TWRP Recovery, you must clearly understand all the risks associated with the procedure of installing and using custom recovery. Theoretically, using a recovery environment other than the one provided by the device manufacturer can lead to the loss of important data, as well as the device malfunctioning and even hardware failure. It is important to remember the need to save the information contained in the device until you install TWRP Recovery on Android. In any case, each action described below is performed by the user at his own peril and risk.

    Installation methods for different devices

    To install TWRP, you usually use one of several methods:

    • Flashtool is a third-party software designed for updating and “clean” installation of firmware, which can also be used to flash the recovery. Only owners of devices created on the MTK platform should figure out how to install TWRP Recovery via Flashtool. For devices running processors from other manufacturers, the program is useless.
    • Installation using ADB commands - AndroidDebugBridge (from the Android SDK).
    • TWRP Manager is a special utility released by TeamWin.

    Installing TWRP via Flash Tool

    To carry out the procedure, we will need the Flash Tool itself, the TWRP file in .img format and renamed twrp.img, as well as a special scatter file. All of the above is individual and different for each device model. In order to find the required version of the program and files individual for each device, the easiest way is to go to specialized forums in topics on Android devices.

    After all the files have been received, we proceed to follow the instructions on how to install TWRP Recovery via Flashtool:

    1. Initially, you need to unpack the archives with the Flash Tool program, as well as, if necessary, with twrp.img and the scatter file into a separate folder on drive C.
    2. Next, the Flash_Tool.exe file is launched with administrator rights. If a warning appears that the Scatter file is not loaded, it is ignored and the “OK” button is pressed.
    3. Open the main program window. First of all, you need to download the scatter file. This is done using the Scatter-loading button located in the upper corner of the window. In the explorer window that opens, you need to specify the path to the desired file and select it.
    4. Before you continue, you need to make sure that the device is disconnected from the PC. Next, the checkboxes are removed from all fields, with the exception of the RECOVERY section, and the path to the twrp.img file is indicated in the Location field of the section.
    5. The next step is to switch the utility to standby mode for connecting the device being flashed. To do this, use the “Download” button in the Flash Tool program window.
    6. After clicking on the “Download” button, the switched off device is connected to the USB port. In some cases, it may be necessary to “jerk” the battery.
    7. The recovery firmware will start automatically and will take very little time. The end of the procedure is indicated by the appearance of a small window containing a green circle. You can disconnect the device from the PC.

    Installing TWRP using ADB

    Let's figure out how to install TWRP Recovery via a computer using ADB commands.

    In general, the method consists of sending several special commands to the device via the command line and is probably suitable for more advanced users of PCs and Android devices.

    In order for the question of how to install TWRP Recovery via ADB to be resolved successfully, you must first download and, if necessary, unpack the archives, and also install the following:

    • Android SDK;
    • Google USB Driver;
    • TWRP file in .img format and renamed to twrp.img (it must be copied to the device memory).

    First, connect the device to USB in the “Debugging via ADB” mode. The command line starts and the following commands are entered into it one by one:

    • cd C:\android-sdk-windows\platform-tools\adb - pressing the Enter key;
    • su - pressing the Enter key;
    • dd if=/sdcard/twrp.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p34 - and pressing the Enter key again.

    After all commands are completed, the device is disconnected from the USB port and rebooted.

    Conclusion

    Thus, even the inexperienced owner of any Android device can figure out how to install TWRP Recovery. It is only important to first familiarize yourself with all the possible consequences and, before starting to manipulate the device, make sure that all subsequent steps are weighed, thought out and correct.

    After everything is successful, everyone can install new and different firmware via TWRP Recovery, get root rights, make backup copies of any partition of the device’s memory, and much more.