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How to update Android to a newer version. How to quickly and efficiently update the firmware on an Android device

Many experienced Android owners are often forced or intentionally updating the firmware to fix bugs or get new features. You will learn how to update the firmware on Android from this article.

Why update firmware on Android

Here is a partial list of reasons:

  1. Get new and/or previously unavailable features/features.
  2. Fix identified errors and problems in the firmware.
  3. Close vulnerabilities and security holes.
  4. Improve device performance or speed up an outdated device.
  5. Download some games and applications that do not work on outdated versions of the system.

Types, differences and features of updates

Standard firmware

There are 2 types of updates:

  1. Intermediate.
  2. Complete.

The interim update contains fixes and improvements within the current OS version. For example, if Android is 5.0, then updates are applicable only to this version. Typically, builds of this type contain only fixes and rarely seen innovations. Interim updates also contain security fixes that close possible holes for hacking the device.

The full version includes more changes than the intermediate version. The package contains all the necessary files for a clean installation. Suitable for restoring a device after unsuccessful firmware or for updating to a new version of Android, for example from 7.1 to 8.0.

MIUI firmware

The system is presented mainly on Xiaomi devices. The firmware is also often installed on models from other manufacturers in the form of a custom modification. As with most other standard firmware, the system is also available as an intermediate and full package.

At the same time, MIUI uses a distinctive approach in the development and distribution of firmware, in comparison with other manufacturers. Two types of firmware are available:

Chinese. The firmware is intended for users/developers/testers from the Middle Kingdom, since it contains only English and Chinese localization. Release order: Alpha build - Beta, for developers - Stable version.

Global. The system is designed for users of other countries, as it contains an expanded language package. Release order: Beta, for developers - Stable version.

Distinctive features of the firmware

Alpha version. The firmware contains the latest innovations and is updated more often. The system is only available to some Chinese testers/developers.

Beta version. Test build, where previously found errors are fixed. The firmware is available to everyone, and a new build is released weekly on Friday, with the exception of major Chinese holidays.

Stable version. Usually comes out every 3-6 months where most of the bugs are fixed. The system is better debugged compared to weekly builds and is more suitable for constant use.

Third party firmware

There are also many different firmwares on the network, developed by companies, experienced developers or a group of enthusiasts. Builds are also classified into alpha, bata and final. The latter is the best option and contains fewer errors. The quality of implementation and support of the system is influenced by the experience and interest of the developers.

Firmware update methods

An Android owner has 4 ways to update the firmware:

  1. Built-in FOTA option.
  2. Through factory recovery.
  3. Using a computer.
  4. Using third party recovery.

Firmware update via FOTA

Abbreviation FOTA (OTA), translated from English Firmware Over The Air - firmware over the air. The standard method for obtaining and updating firmware for most Android devices.

The principle of operation is to download the firmware from the manufacturer’s server and then install it. The process is automated and does not require the participation of the owner. All you need to do is check for updates, download the file if available, and allow installation. To do this, open the settings section, select “updates” and click on the check for updates button.

For Xiaomi devices with MIUI, in addition to OTA, a second update method is available. If you have the firmware, just download the file to your phone, and then go through the standard update menu, where you can select and install the firmware.

The advantages of the method are complete automation. The owner does not need to delve into the process of installing the firmware and does not have to worry about losing the warranty.

The disadvantage is the lack of long-term support from most manufacturers. Some models do not receive the update at all. Often, in fact, there is an update, but it is not possible to get the file from the server.

Firmware update via factory recovery

Android devices are equipped with a recovery mode. The section is used primarily for resetting settings when the system does not boot, and also for quickly clearing user data. At the same time, factory recovery mode allows you to install firmware updates, usually only intermediate types. And for Xiaomi smartphones, this method is one of the main ones for installing a new firmware version.

The method is relevant when there is an update for the phone, but it is not downloaded via FOTA. Then just download the update file called “update” into memory, it will boot into recovery mode, where you select the file and start the update process.

The disadvantages include some difficulties in finding the update file. More steps are required. Also, only official firmware can be installed; modifications cannot be installed. And since the device support cycle rarely exceeds more than a year, 1.5-2 years for flagships, it is not always possible to update the firmware.

Firmware update using a computer

A computer is required to install the full firmware package or some sections. This method is most often used during official updates. And for some models, firmware for semi-custom assemblies is available - partial modifications assembled on the factory firmware.

When using this method, you will need a laptop. Also drivers for the device being flashed, a program for installing the system and the firmware file itself. The process is also not complicated. All you need to do is connect the device, run the program, specify the path to the file location and confirm the action. The rest will take place without user intervention.

The most crucial moment is the correct choice of firmware. Typically, protective mechanisms prevent the installation of an incorrect assembly, but sometimes there are exceptions, and the device has to be restored.

The advantages include the ability to install a full firmware package, which is important when the update is not available via OTA. You can also flash an “improved” stock, where the author can remove unnecessary programs and services, and in return install a better version of applications.

The disadvantage is the same - the update is limited by the availability of firmware released by the manufacturer. You also need a computer, a program, drivers and a synchronization cable.

Firmware update using modified recovery

The previous three methods described updating a standard system, where the installation depended on the presence of an intermediate or full firmware package. If the manufacturer has stopped supporting, you will not be able to update the system. In such a case or when there is a desire to try an alternative firmware, for example MIUI instead of standard Android, custom, modified firmware is available.

The development and support of such systems is carried out by enthusiasts or experienced programmers. The level of firmware debugging cannot be compared with large electronics manufacturers. But it allows you to install the latest version of the OS on an old device and take advantage of new functions.

You will first need to install a modified version of recovery, which requires unlocking the bootloader. The unlocking method is different for each model - hacking through a vulnerability, paid remote unlocking or free unlocking through the manufacturer.

The advantages lie in installing new versions of the system, which is important when the manufacturer has stopped supporting the device. Also installing “kernels” and other modifications, creating a backup copy of the system and restoring the system at any time.

The disadvantages are the need for third-party recovery and an unlocked bootloader. Also some time and knowledge on the part of the owner.

Android 4.4.2 is an operating system developed for mobile devices by Google. This version is called KitKat, and it is perhaps the best version of the firmware if we consider all releases of Android 4. The operating system has become very widespread and is now used on many devices, delighting its users. If you wanted to download firmware for Android to update your phone or tablet with a newer version, then this page is for you!

The new update has significantly lowered the OS system requirements, thereby increasing the number of smartphones that can now fully support it. Therefore, today almost every user has access to Android 4.4.2 firmware for free download in Russian, which can be downloaded at Cyclone-Soft! If you haven't been able to update your phone for a long time or don't know how to flash your tablet, then the installer package available for download via torrent will help you a lot. In other words, today almost any device supports Android 4.4.2, so you have an excellent opportunity to quickly update the operating system.

Among other things, the OS has been highly optimized, which can only mean that devices using it get a nice boost in power and performance. Of course, hardware plays a major role here, but often perfectly debugged software performs an equally important task.

Features and innovations of Android 4.4.2 KitKat



Interface options and new features

There is no doubt that the most visible change in a given operating system is in the user interface. It has become even more comfortable and informative, allowing you to conveniently and easily manage desktops and divide installed applications into types and categories. This is an excellent option on how to flash Android, because version 4.4.2 was considered much more successful than previous releases.

Choose the color palette you like, use the convenient notification panel and translucent buttons at the bottom, which have perfectly updated the appearance of the operating system. Android 4.4.2 firmware can be downloaded for free in Russian, which can be found at the end of the page, and has also received updated controls for many elements of the system. For example, the user can hide system elements, unnecessary on-screen buttons, and the notification panel itself.

Sensor support

The new version of Android has interesting updates in terms of processing specialized sensors. The fact is that now KitKat can receive all the information from them in batches and group the data at certain intervals. This solution helped not only to reduce the load on the device’s processor, but also to reduce power consumption, which depends on its operation. The new firmware program has many new functions that allow you to use detection sensors, pedometer and many others in your smartphone.

The user will also have access to built-in support for infrared ports and a module for working with several Bluetooth profiles at once. KitKat 4.4.2 will help you print absolutely any documents wirelessly.

Updated photo editor

Android 4.4 has received a brand new graphic editor, which you can activate while in the gallery. The utility will do an excellent job of adding filters and frames, cropping photos and many other tasks. One could even argue that the functionality is in no way inferior to the Instagram application, in which you can process your photos. Crop frames, straighten the image, rotate it at the desired angle and create a mirror copy - all this is available to you!


How to update Android to version 4.4 KitKat

Downloading, installing and further updating the operating system will not cause you any difficulties, regardless of whether you decide to flash a smartphone or tablet. Download Android 4.4.2 KitKat and follow the instructions from the archive you downloaded, which will answer all your questions about how to flash your Android phone or update your tablet OS.

Be sure to share the page with friends who do not yet have Android 4.4.2 KitKat, so that they can also update to this excellent version by flashing the firmware of their device. Write comments and don't forget to rate the software! Thank you for your attention!

The question “how to update the Android version” on a phone or tablet with an installed operating system from Google is not at all idle, as it may seem to many users. There are many cases in life that require you to flash a new version of Android on your device.

When might you need new firmware?Android:

1. Very often, when launching a new model for sale, the manufacturing company is in such a hurry to do this that it does not have time to correct all the flaws in the software and the firmware with many errors may be installed on the smartphone.

2. Mobile equipment manufacturers who value their reputation consider it good practice to update the firmware of their devices, adding improvements to it, or doing this with the release of each new version of the Android OS with additional functionality.

3. There is a huge army of third-party developers in the world who do not work for mobile device manufacturers and produce their own, unofficial (so-called “custom”) firmware for many models, which can sometimes be of better quality than the Android version from the phone or tablet manufacturer.

4. And finally, you may need to update the firmware on a Chinese device that simply does not have normal localization.

In all these cases, the user needs knowledge on how to update the Android version, and whether this can be done in each specific case. We will tell you about this in our article today.

Find out your firmware version

Before upgrading to a new version of Android, information about the firmware that you already have installed may be useful. Here is an excerpt from

To find out your Android version, follow these steps:

1. Go to the main program menu;

2. Select the “Settings” menu item;

3. The last item in this menu is usually the item “About the phone”, “About the tablet”, or simply “About the device” (in the case of an anonymous Chinese without Russian language support, look for the item “About tablet” or “About phone”);

4. Somewhere in this menu item you will find the version of your Android operating system, as well as information about the build number, etc.

Knowing the current firmware version can help you understand whether there are newer versions of software for your smartphone and whether they can be installed.

How to update your Android version using the official update

Official firmware updates for phones or tablets with Android OS are released quite regularly, at least this applies to products from well-known manufacturers and more or less popular device models. For little-known Chinese smartphones, the situation with new firmware can be much worse; sometimes their basic firmware is not updated at all.

Firmware from the manufacturer can be updated completely free of charge, and this operation does not require any special knowledge from the device owner. Note: To check the availability of new firmware and its update, the Internet must be turned on on the smartphone.

To check if you can update the firmware on your Android phone or tablet, do the following:

1. Activate your Internet connection in any way;

2. Go to the “Settings” menu item of your device;

3. Go to the very bottom to the item “About phone” (sometimes “About device”);

4. Find the “System Update” (sometimes “Software Update”) item in the menu;

5. Click the "Check Now" button.

If a new version of Android is available, you will receive a system message about this, after which your system will update itself and you will be able to enjoy the new functionality of your mobile friend.

How to Update Android Version Using ROM Manager

It is not always possible to download an official update via the Internet, and, in addition, you will not be able to install unofficial (custom) firmware on your phone or tablet this way. In this case, applications from third-party developers will help us update the Android version.

We have already reviewed one of the best programs for working with the firmware of mobile devices on the Android OS, ROM Manager, when we studied. In addition to creating a backup copy of the entire system, ROM Manager can help us manually update our version of Android if we need to install firmware from third-party developers or in our unnamed Chinese smartphone, official updates over the air simply do not work.

To run the R programOM Manager You must first obtain root rights on your phone or tablet, if you have not done so yet. How to get root rights, read this article on our portal:

Before starting to work with ROM Manager, the program will ask us to install ClockWorkMod Recovery, which is a more advanced version of the standard Recovery mode of the Android operating system. Agree with this proposal. Next you will need to perform the following sequence of actions.

1. Download the firmware in zip archive format that you want to install to the flash drive of your device;

2. Launch the ROM Manager application and select the menu item "Install ROM from SD card";

3. Using folder navigation, specify the path to the archive on your SD flash card;

4. Select the “Reboot and installation” item, and also check the “Save current ROM” checkbox in case you don’t like the new firmware and want to roll back to the previous version;

5. Agree to the reboot, after which ROMManager will reboot your device in ClockWorkMod Recovery mode and install new firmware.

In addition, this application can independently search for firmware for your device. Select the menu item "Download firmware", and perhaps you will find something interesting for yourself.

How to Update Android Version Manually Using ClockWorkMod Recovery

The ROM Manager app is a great tool for installing unofficial firmware, but sometimes things can go wrong, especially on a Chinese smartphone or tablet from a little-known manufacturer. In this case, there is no need to be very upset, because you still have the opportunity to try to manually update the Android version using the ClockWorkMod Recovery menu mentioned above. Install it using the ROM Manager program, copy the archive with the firmware you need to the SD flash card of your Android device, and follow the instructions below.

To carry out the firmware process, you first need to get into this very ClockWorkMod Recovery mode. This can be done by turning off your smartphone and then simultaneously pressing some combination of its hardware keys. This combination varies depending on the device manufacturer, but usually you need to press one of the following:

- "Power on" and "Add volume";

- "Power on" and "Lower volume";

- “Power on”, “Lower volume” and “Add volume”.

- “Power on”, “Home” and “Lower volume”.

To clarify this question, it is better to ask the all-knowing Google by entering a query for the name of your model. After you have entered the ClockWorkMod Recovery menu, look for the item “install zip from sd card” or something similar there. Moving between menu items in ClockWorkMod Recovery is carried out using the volume down and up keys, the selection of the item is confirmed by the power key of the device or the Home key. In some mobile device models, this menu may be touch-sensitive.

1.Select the menu item "install zip from sd card";

2. In the menu item "choose zip from sd card" specify the path to the new firmware saved on the SD flash card in the archive;

3. Confirm your choice by clicking "Yes";

4. Wait until the system installs this firmware.

After the update, the system will reboot, and all you can do is enjoy the new version of Android.

Today we learned how to update the Android firmware (version) on your mobile phone or tablet. This operation is nothing scary, and there is no need to be afraid of it. Even if the manufacturing company does not release any more operating system updates for your device, or you have a smartphone in which half the menu is in Chinese, you can always improve the situation using unofficial firmware.

There are no universal recipes for flashing mobile devices with the Android operating system, so read specialized sites, study forums dedicated specifically to your model, try different firmware options, and you will definitely find the optimal one for yourself. Good luck!

You can update the firmware of your mobile device yourself; to do this, you just need to read the instructions. Some users do not yet know how to update the Android system version on their phone, so they contact service centers. In order to independently replace the platform with a newer one, in fact, you do not need any special (paid) software or additional devices. A large number of devices, in particular smartphones, currently run on the Android mobile OS. In order for your device to have more functions and capabilities, you need to update the firmware. Manufacturers produce free software packages that are publicly available; you just need to download them and then install them correctly on your device. Let's look at the question of how to update the Android version on your phone, because it is currently very relevant.

Project history

Not everyone knows that the described platform was created by a little-known company, after which Google, which owns one of the largest search engines, as well as several other popular services, took control of this operating system. The first version of Android was developed in 2008. But at the moment there are more than thirteen updates in total, which were carried out by professional developers. Not many users know how to update Android themselves. After studying this article, you will be able to properly configure your phone yourself, without the help of professionals. If you carefully read the instructions, you should not have any difficulties in this matter, since everything is done in just a few clicks.

Shop

So, first, let's figure out why the company constantly releases new versions of its operating system. The fact is that these add-ons are offered to all users, they correct errors of previous developments, and also add special features and functionality. If you want your device to be modern, then you definitely need to go through the described procedure. In fact, the question of how to update the version is not difficult. If you approach this matter properly, then you should not have any difficulties. After the Internet connection has been successfully established, you need to go to the Play Market and download the current platform there.

Another way

In addition to the official company specialists who develop firmware, there are also private ones who create alternative versions for users who do not want to see in their mobile device some of the proposed or even, one might say, imposed services from Google, and there are currently a considerable amount of time.

Backup copy

There are several ways in which you can update. Today we will talk only about the most popular of them, and they will probably be interesting and convenient for you. The main rule: before performing the next update, you will need to fully charge the battery, and also synchronize all your data so that it is not lost in the event of any failures. For example, you can save contacts using Google; nowadays such a tool can be used by absolutely any user. And the most interesting thing is that you can synchronize in just a few clicks, and after successfully installing the new firmware, download all your data back to your mobile device.

Automatic option

Let's start with the first, simplest and most common method. If you are using a new mobile device, then you probably already have your own account in the GooglePlay service. Accordingly, one day the system will automatically prompt you to search for current program elements. In order to successfully update the version of Android on your phone, you will definitely need to connect to a wireless Internet network. Then you can wait for messages from the device. If your communicator regularly prompts you to search for the latest software, then you already know how to update the Android version on your phone, because to update the firmware you only need to press a few buttons, and your mobile system will perform all the complex tasks on its own.

Internet

So, let's now look at the second method of how to update the Android version on your phone. It is also simple, and if you follow the instructions carefully, you should not have any difficulties. First, you need to go to the settings menu, and then press just a few buttons to connect to the Internet. Be sure to remember that when deciding how to update the version of Android on your phone, you will need access to the Network, since the download will take place using it.

Update step by step: algorithm of actions

1. Connect the communicator to the Internet.
2. Go to the “Settings” section, then “About the system” (the name may change depending on the version).
3. Turn on the systems and check for the latest additions.
4. Go to Market if the procedure was unsuccessful.
5. Find the current version of the platform for your communicator through the search menu.
6. If this does not help, go to the official website of the Android OS and get updates there.
7. Install this element as a regular application.

Important! Various incorrect actions during the update can damage your smartphone, including loss of functionality. Therefore, be careful, evaluate your strengths, risks, and benefits yourself.

How to update Android? This question arises for many users of smartphones and tablets based on the Android operating system. In this article we will talk not only about how to update the Android operating system, but also consider the update system as a whole.

In order to understand how Android is updated, you need to start with theory. The Android operating system is developed by Google and a consortium of interested companies called the Open Handset Alliance. The Android operating system is completely free and open source. Naturally, all Android updates are also free and open.

But there are also pitfalls in the Android operating system update system. Before an update reaches a user's phone or tablet, it must go through the device manufacturer. In other words, the manufacturers who produce these devices are responsible for Android updates directly on the devices themselves.

Google and Open Handset Alliance logos

For example, in order for the Android 4.4 update to reach the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini smartphone, Samsung must receive this update from the operating system developers and optimize it for the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini smartphone. At the same time, Samsung has hundreds of different models of Android smartphones, each of which needs to be updated. All this takes a huge amount of time. As a result, this leads to many months passing from the moment an Android update is released until it appears on users’ smartphones. Some Android updates appear after a year or even later.

And in some cases, the update does not come out at all. Some time after the release of a new smartphone or tablet model, the manufacturer stops releasing updates. This is due to the technical obsolescence of the device and the company's reluctance to spend resources on releasing updates. In addition, an outdated operating system is an excellent reason to buy a new model, so manufacturing companies are not interested in releasing updates for a long time. As a rule, flagship models receive Android updates within 1.5 – 2 years. Models from the middle and lower price ranges stop receiving updates even earlier. As a rule, manufacturers update them within 1 year, after which they are successfully forgotten about.

How to update Android through official updates

In order to check if there is an Android update for your smartphone, you need to open the Android settings and go to the “About device” section (in some cases, this section may be called “About the tablet” or “About the smartphone”).

After this, you will be taken to a section with information about your device. Here you can find out the version of Android that is already installed, as well as other information about the firmware. To check for updates for Android, go to the “Software Update” section (in some cases, this section may be called “System Update” or simply “Update”.

After this, the system will check for Android updates for your device model. If there is such an update, you will be prompted to install it; if there is no update, you will see a message stating that you have the latest version of Android installed.

How to update Android using unofficial firmware

If the speed at which updates are released for your device does not bother you or updates do not appear at all, then you can install non-official firmware based on a newer version of Android. But installing non-official firmware is quite a troublesome and risky business.

If you decide to install non-official firmware, then be prepared for a long study of various instructions that explain how this can be done. Moreover, these instructions may vary greatly depending on the model of your device and the firmware that you want to install.

In addition, you need to understand that if you make an error when installing non-official firmware, you may end up with a completely non-functional device. Even if the installation is successful, there is no guarantee that the installed firmware will work as you expect it to.

You also need to take care of the safety of all contacts, photos and other data stored in the device’s memory. When installing non-official firmware, they will all be deleted.

Therefore, before deciding on such a risky move as updating Android by installing non-official firmware, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons.