What is tablet firmware? Firmware for Android tablets What does flashing a tablet mean?

Despite the fact that devices with Android OS have significant differences from a regular PC, they also require regular updating and reinstallation of the operating system. This is required to optimize and improve the operation of gadgets. But in some cases, the OS begins to slow down or does not work adequately. It is often not possible to solve such a problem with a regular reset - here you need to completely reinstall everything. For this there are special programs and methods. Let's talk today about how to reflash an Android tablet and what is required for this.

Types of firmware

Today there are two types of firmware: official and unofficial. The latter in the language of ordinary people is also called custom. Official firmware have significantly lower productivity and at the same time, unlike unofficial ones, are more stable. This is where the user has to make difficult choices. But don’t think that custom firmware is worse than official ones, because they are productive and more saturated useful features. So before flashing the tablet, it is recommended to study the innovations in more detail.

Regardless of what firmware is used, special software is required to install it. Moreover, it can be installed both on the tablet itself and on a PC, which will subsequently manage the reinstallation.

Flashing methods

In order to reflash an Android tablet, you can use several methods. The simplest among them are:

• firmware using Wi-Fi;
• firmware using PC;
• firmware using a flash drive (self-installation).

Each of these methods has its own pros and cons, which must be taken into account when flashing your tablet. So, let's take a closer look at everything, which in the future will allow you to freely install high-quality software on your gadget.

Firmware using Wi-Fi

This method is also popularly called FOTA (OTA). Flashing using wireless communication is the simplest. In this case, you just need to agree with the proposal, and the OS will install itself on the tablet. IN this method there are also many disadvantages. One of the most important is the ability to install only official versions firmware

To activate automatic update Android OS, you need to go to the “Settings” menu. Next, find the sub-item “All about the device” and opposite the “Software update” field, check the box that activates the function. If you decide to control the update yourself, then the checkbox needs to be unchecked.

Unfortunately, this way you can reflash Chinese tablet Android is almost impossible. The fact is that manufacturers in this country place their main emphasis on producing new products, and do not provide maintenance to existing ones. It is in this case that you need to resort to the next method - installing the OS from a PC.

Flashing using a PC

This method is perfect for those who want to install custom firmware. First you need to install special software on your PC. As such, both official programs from gadget manufacturers (practised by Samsung, LG, etc.) and unofficial ones (created as third party product, but no less effective). For those who are wondering how to reflash a tablet to Android, this option will be the most acceptable. Additionally, it is suitable for those cases when the gadget does not have a slot for a flash drive.

After installing the program, no matter which of all the types you choose, the tablet will automatically synchronize with the program and find firmware versions. Next, you just need to agree to the terms and accept them.

There are also options that require firmware on the computer. In this case, the tablet must be disconnected and connected to the PC using a USB cable. Next, the program itself detects the gadget and offers to select the location of the firmware. After specifying the address, you can agree to the flashing. This is how the program works, for example Flash Tool.

Flashing using a flash drive

If your gadget supports memory expansion, and you are wondering how to reflash the tablet, then this can be done using a flash drive. The method is simple and does not require much effort.

First, you need to download the required firmware version to your computer. It can be either official or custom. Next, you need to download the firmware onto a flash drive and insert it into the tablet. After these simple procedures, just hold down the Home and Power buttons. If the first one is touch-sensitive, then instead hold the volume rocker up. Hold until a green robot appears on the screen - the Android OS logo. That's it, the installation has started. Now the main thing is to make sure that the battery does not run out. If this happens, then there is a high probability of the final “death” of the tablet without the possibility of recovery.

What you need to remember when flashing your tablet

Having figured out how to reflash an Android tablet yourself, you need to learn about a unique safety precaution - installation rules. If you do not follow them, then there is a high probability of losing not only all your data, but also the device itself.

The very first thing that is recommended to do before flashing is to make a copy of the old one. Here you can use a trick: before Android, you need to install the program ROM Manager. This utility will allow you to install a new OS and at the same time save the logs of the old one. If something went wrong during installation, you can rollback at any time.

Make sure the battery is at least 70% charged. This will guarantee the normal installation process and the continued operation of the tablet.

Before flashing your Android tablet, make sure that the firmware itself is designed specifically for your gadget. If after reinstallation nothing works and the device shows no signs of life, then select new assemblies.

When using the tablet for a long time, various freezes, glitches and similar unpleasant things may occur over time. It's all related to the firmware. Tablet firmware is operating system, which controls all functions of the device. Sometimes it is enough to simply update it periodically using built-in services. However, particularly difficult situations associated with spontaneous shutdowns or refusal to turn on require a special approach. Here it is advisable to reflash the device using third-party methods.

The flashing process is a complete replacement of the operating system. Some users prefer to contact specialized services with this issue, but self-flashing is not nearly as difficult as it seems. The most important thing is to adhere to a clear procedure.

Why flash

There can be many reasons why you need to reflash your Tablet PC. The most common is loss of performance. Very often, the firmware installed on devices does not meet all the requirements. Most often this is due to speed and the presence of a huge number of unnecessary programs.

There are two main ways to replace the operating system:

• via memory card;
• via computer.

In terms of ease of execution, of course, the first method wins, but it is not always feasible.

Before you begin, you need to protect your tablet as much as possible from turning into a completely inoperable device, which is called a “brick.” To do this, a backup copy of the OS is created, which can be restored.

The Internet offers a huge number of different firmware for all tablet models. All of them can be divided into official “stock” and custom “custom”. You can choose any one, depending on what functions are required. Of course, the safest ones are official firmware. Not only are they fully error-checked, but they also limit unwanted user actions. In custom ones, it’s often the other way around: all settings are open, and unexpected incidents are much more likely to occur.

All firmware can be downloaded from the website https://4pda.ru/. There are both stock and custom systems with a description of all functions and innovations.

How to properly reflash via memory card

This is the easiest method as it uses the tablet's internal procedures to update the OS. This is done as follows:

1. The downloaded firmware is sent to the DLOAD folder on the memory card;
2. Using a few buttons, the device boots into OS installation mode. For tablets from different manufacturers, the combinations may vary, but the power and volume keys are used everywhere. Accurate information should be contained in the instructions for the gadget;
3. After the above mentioned manipulations, the OS installation process will begin;
4. As soon as the flashing is completed, you need to reboot the device. The first turn on can take quite a long time, so you will have to be patient.

How to flash through a computer correctly

Firmware via computer

The abundance of Chinese tablets on the market is forcing people to accept Chinese rules as well. One of these rules is that a Chinese tablet cannot be flashed via a memory card. This is of course sad, but there are no hopeless situations. In such cases, an update is provided using a program installed on the computer. Unfortunately, there is no universal recipe in this case. Choice the desired program carried out based on what processor is in the tablet.

The most popular programs for installing firmware are:

• SP Flash Tool;
• Live Suite.

SP Flash Tool is considered the most popular. It is designed for flashing tablets based on the MTK processor, which lately is getting bigger. Live Suite is aimed at interacting with devices on Allwinner.

And finally, Odin. Oddly enough, but such a digital giant as Samsung has stood on par with the Chinese miracles of technology. Due to the nature of the software and the operation of the devices, tablet PCs from this company also cannot be flashed without outside intervention. For this purpose we created specialized program Odin.

The procedure for self-firmware via a computer:

1. You need to download and install a program that will update the device software;
2. Install latest drivers to the computer, so that nothing interferes with its interaction with the tablet;
3. Download firmware;
4. Unpack it into the desired directory (when using the Flash Tool, it is recommended to unpack it into the installed program directory);
5. IN running program you need to add firmware files (depending on the program, the procedure may vary, but they all work approximately the same way);
6. The first file added is always Scatter, which forms a list of other firmware files (in Flash program Tool, its addition is carried out after clicking on “Scatter-loading”);
7. Next, you should connect the device to the computer via USB and click “Download”;
8. The firmware should begin, upon completion of which you will need to disconnect the tablet from the computer and then reboot.

It is worth noting that this type of software update can work even if there are no “signs of life” on the tablet.

All these actions apply to all tablet models and all programs used. Despite the fact that they are different, the order of the firmware is approximately the same. The most important thing is not to deviate from the order, and also try to avoid sudden interruptions in the process. To do this, it is recommended that before starting work, disable third-party processes that may interfere with the firmware. Anyway, independent firmware A tablet is a very dangerous business. You must be aware that there is a possibility of receiving a completely non-working device, or “brick”. In some cases, the “brick” can also be restored, but this requires extra nerves, time and effort.

The abundance of gadgets that people use in everyday life inevitably leads to the breakdown of one of them. And since flashing a tablet yourself is a simple matter, every person is able to carry out some service your device. However, responsibility for possible problems lies entirely on him. But problems can arise, especially if you do not follow the procedure for updating the software.

The desire to change the firmware on the tablet can be caused either by the fact that there is something wrong with the tablet, it freezes, glitches or turns off involuntarily, or by the fact that there is a desire to install more new version to improve the efficiency of the device itself. Now on the Internet and on official websites you can find official factory firmware (or stock) or custom (or modified).

If the tablet does not work correctly, then this may be a problem both in the hardware of the device and in the software; for this we recommend installing a new firmware version.

What are the advantages

when installing a new version of the software, you can get new functions for your device;

the more recent version provides more correct work tablet;

When a new version is released, all errors from the previous version are taken into account and removed;

The tablet, depending on the version, may become more functional.

Before you start flashing your tablet at home, you need to follow a few recommendations:

make sure that your device is fully charged and there is enough battery power until all updates, drivers, etc. are installed;

completely disable the antivirus, as it may begin to block the installation of new software and perceive it as a virus;

save all the data you need, since after installation they will all be deleted.

Stages of tablet firmware:

1. Connect the tablet via the UBS port to the computer and wait until it recognizes it;

2. On the official website (or through an Internet search engine) finds the necessary new software and all the drivers for your device, install the program on your computer. Let's launch it.

3. After the window with all the data opens, you must select “Firmware Update” and click on it.

4. Afterwards a window with the rules appears, we agree with them and confirm the desire to reflash the tablet.

6. After all updates are installed, confirm its completion.

There are several ways to install a new version of the software on your tablet:

via computer;

from ZIP archives via CWM or TWRP Recovery;

using the ROM Manager application (from a flash drive).

The last option will allow you to reflash your tablet faster and better.

When all the updates are installed, the tablet is running, check if everything is working correctly. If any difficulties arise, it is best to take your device to service center, where our technicians will help you professionally solve the problem, since partial or poor installation can lead to complete failure of your device.

The need to reflash the tablet arises in several cases. In the most common way, this is caused by malfunctioning operating system components. Also, the tablet firmware allows you to install latest version OS, Russify the software environment, get improved protection, increase productivity. The so-called custom versions of the operating system, created by enthusiasts, with a modified interface and separate functionality, are very popular. You can flash the tablet in different ways, via a computer or using SD memory cards.

Branded firmware is distributed by the manufacturer. The ability to quickly update is available for Samsung models via software package Kies. Official firmware is distributed by Lenovo, Asus, LG. Modern versions of tablets can be independently updated using the operating system. This one is called OTA updates, and their receipt is activated by the corresponding option in the settings menu.

However, the official versions are not always the latest. For example, there may be a newer operating system. You can download the firmware for the tablet on websites of thematic communities. Especially if you need to update a Chinese tablet or a Prestigio device built on MTK processors.

Important! It should be remembered that the firmware published in enthusiast communities is custom. Using them voids the manufacturer's warranty. In addition, to use this or that custom firmware, you need to obtain root superuser rights on the device.

Mandatory Precautions

While creating a backup and working with internal memory tablet works on high level energy consumption. Therefore, you must follow some rules:

• if you need to install firmware on your tablet, The device must be fully charged;
• internal storage must have at least 0.5 GB of free space;
• if the device is updated via USB, it is advisable to have at least 1 GB of free internal storage space;
• To correctly update the firmware on your tablet, you need to find all the necessary drivers and software to fully recognize the device on your computer.

The last rule is as simple as possible. Under no circumstances should you turn off the device, even if it seems to be frozen. The same applies to working with a computer. Data passing through the tablet may arrive with a long delay due to lengthy device modification processes.

Preparing for firmware, creating a backup copy

Most modern tablets have built-in service menu . You can enter it by holding down the power and volume down buttons while the device is turned off. If the screen lights up exclamation mark- the device needs to be turned off and turned on again, holding the volume up.

Advice! The specific combination for entering the service menu can be found in the technical documentation for the device, on the manufacturer’s website, or in the community where manipulations with a particular model are discussed.

Do backup copy To safely flash an Android tablet yourself via a computer or in another way, it’s quite simple. Using a backup, you can restore the device if it does not turn on after unsuccessful attempt updates.

When entering the service menu, the device can request password. You should also look for it in the above sources or try pressing the number 1. After that, using the volume keys, you should select the item Backup to internal SD card. Sometimes you need to go to the Backup and restore submenu to do this. Next:

• a directory is selected to place the backup; it is not recommended to change the system selection;

• you need to take your time and wait for the copying to finish; the operation time depends on the performance of the tablet;

• Using the volume buttons, select Reboot.

After rebooting the device it is copy the backup to the memory card. The required data is usually located in the ClockWorkMod directory, unless the user has changed the system selection. The copy you made will be needed to restore the device’s functionality if you fail to install the firmware on the tablet.

Firmware using SD card

You can flash an Android tablet using an SD card without much effort only in a few cases.

1. Restoring from a previously made backup copy. In this case, you need to go to the service menu as described above. When choosing the advanced restore item, you should select the source card and wait for the results.
2. You need to change the firmware on your Android tablet to the one received from the manufacturer. In this case, there is no need for any difficulties in the form of obtaining superuser rights. However, not all devices offer firmware update via SD card in this way.

Individual bootloaders in the service menu have install ZIP item. Most often, cheap Chinese models have this functionality. In this case, installing the firmware on the tablet will not be difficult, no compliance checks are performed, and you can use any custom versions.

Programs for firmware via PC

New firmware is installed on the tablet using the manufacturer’s proprietary utilities.. How to use this or that program is described in detail on the website of the company that manufactured this or that device.

For LG tablets there is proprietary Mobile Support Tool software. The scheme for its use looks like this:

• the program is downloaded from the manufacturer’s website, installed and launched;
• The tablet is connected by a data cable connected to USB port computer;
• after the device is identified, all the necessary drivers are downloaded from the manufacturer’s website;
• you need to go to the menu Software, where to activate the Firmware Update item.

The utility will prompt you to read and agree to the user agreement. After this, the tablet firmware is updated.

Important! This method of operation does not void the manufacturer's warranty. Even when contacting service center, if you indicate that the firmware was changed with proprietary utilities, the engineers will not have any questions.

This update method is recommended if the tablet owner uses certain applications that check firmware compliance. Among domestic software, this functionality is available Sberbank online. On a device with custom firmware or received Root is right he will simply refuse to work. If you update using a proprietary utility, no problems will arise.

Programs for updating firmware without a computer

It is worth understanding that for different tablets built on their own versions of the OS, different hacking schemes will be used, getting Root right As an example, let’s look at one of the simplest methods, how to flash a tablet with custom firmware via a computer.

Getting Root rights

The easiest way to hack a tablet is to use TowelRoot programs. You can find an installation package on the Internet, but there is no way to download it from Google Play. After installing and launching the program, just press one button. After rebooting, the device is ready for the next steps.

Installing a supermanager

SU program available for download from Google Play. After installing it:

1. The program will ask to reboot.
2. When restarted, the layout of the binary module is set. Select normal mode.
3. If necessary, you should update the binary version or select “Continue”.

If the SuperSU version is the latest, no updates to the binary part will be required. The program will only display a window with an OK button, which you should click.

New service recovery menu

To work with third-party firmware with maximum convenience, you will need to install not only a separate recovery module, but also a hacked bootloader. To do this:

• is installed FreeGee Free program from GooglePlay;
• you can immediately make a backup copy of the firmware;
• You should select cwm-6.0.4.5 and click Proceed to begin installing the bootloader.

Important! After carrying out such operations, the tablet appears a new service menu. How to enter it is written above.

Using custom firmware

Reflashing a tablet at home with a new hacked bootloader is quite simple. To do this:

• new firmware is downloaded from the Internet in the form of a ZIP archive file;
• the archive is written to the memory card;
• you enter the service menu of the tablet;
• here you can make a copy of the existing system with recording data on a memory card;
• existing user data is erased, Wipe Data item;
• The tablet is flashed using the Install ZIP from SD card item.

You must wait for the process to complete. After this, select Reboot System Now. The tablet will reboot and start working with new firmware. If the attempt was unsuccessful, you can restore old version Software from a previously made backup copy.

As a conclusion

The example scheme for working with programs is optimal. There are more complex techniques flashing using a PC. For this purpose it is used FlashTool program. For it to work, data is needed for specific model tablet, memory distribution map and other information. The flashing process with this tool in inexperienced hands or based on incorrect information will end in failure. Likewise, without specific data about the tablet model, it is impossible to make a copy of the existing system.

The most popular tablets according to buyers

Tablet Apple iPad(2018) 128Gb Wi-Fi on Yandex Market

Tablet Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.5 SM-T595 32Gb on Yandex Market

Apple tablet iPad Pro 10.5 64Gb Wi-Fi + Cellular on Yandex Market

Tablet Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite 10 32Gb LTE on Yandex Market

Tablet Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite 10 32Gb WiFi on Yandex Market

A large number of users in the world from time to time encounter a situation where their tablet stops turning on. This problem sometimes it cannot be eliminated in any way, so the user is forced to resort to flashing the firmware. Many users do not know how to flash a tablet, so this question should be considered in more detail.

Reflashing the touch device

The need for flashing occurs not only when the tablet stops turning on. Sometimes it happens that the user wants to update the OS. Sometimes it happens that Android starts to work with freezes. In this case, the user is faced with a choice: buy new tablet, or experiment with the firmware. It should be noted that flashing is a complex, unpredictable process that requires certain knowledge and skills!

You perform all actions at your own peril and risk; If you are not sure of your actions, do not reflash the tablet yourself!

Different models of Android tablets have different files and firmware methods. There are known cases when, when trying to reinstall the OS using “foreign” firmware, the tablet became unusable. Be careful!

Problems requiring OS reinstallation

You need to reinstall Android if you experience one of the following problems:

1. The device freezes while loading;
2. Android on the touch gadget has an old version, and you want to install a newer one;
3. You previously tried to update your OS and the update failed;
4. The OS is malfunctioning;
5. Android keeps rebooting.

If you experience one of these problems, you will need to reinstall your system.

Firmware via OTA

If your tablet supports OTA Updates, then you can update the OS in a simplified way that requires less time. Please note: Before you start flashing your tablet, there are some precautions you should take.

Attention: make a backup copy of the data from your device, and also charge the battery of your gadget!

To update the OS via OTA, go to Settings, select “About device” => “System updates”, after activating the Wi-Fi module on your Android tablet. Click "Check Now" => "Accept File". The system will display instructions for further actions required to complete the Android update process.

Update via OTA

Updating Samsung tablets

If you own a Samsung device, you can update the OS using Samsung Kies. Sync your tablet and PC; you will be prompted to update the firmware. Click on the tablet firmware button. The process will be completed automatically.

Nexus tablet firmware

How to flash a Nexus tablet? Download drivers http://vk.cc/3KpSI1; ADB program http://vk.cc/3KpSMa; and firmware corresponding to your device model: http://vk.cc/1R9IZN.

Turn off your Android tablet. Press for 3 sec. “Volume-” and Power. Synchronize your device and PC. Go to Device Manager => Other devices, then: Android. Select Update Driver. Specify the path to " adb android _...". Create a folder “adb” on drive C. Copy the files from the archive to this folder. While in adb, right-click while pressing Shift. Next - Open the command window. Enter - fastboot oem unlock. On an Android tablet, click Yes. Enter - fastboot reboot-bootloader.

This was preparation for flashing the Android tablet, and now the flashing itself begins. Copy the files in the archive to the adb folder. Open flash-all.bat. The screen of the Android tablet will display the message “Press any key...”. Press any key. Reflashing the tablet is complete. You can turn off USB. Your device will reboot and turn on.

Please note: the first download of the Android tablet will be extremely long; do not interrupt the download process!

The first time an Android device can boot up to 15 minutes! Many users interrupt the download, thinking that the firmware process failed and the tablet froze. However, this is not true. After flashing the tablet, the first boot always takes a long time!

To update other tablet models, visit http://vk.cc/3cB0u2. Here are the files required for flashing tablets. various models. In addition, you can also update your device using this list of firmware: http://vk.cc/DWIOn.

Firmware for other models

To update the system on other tablets, use the instructions that correspond to your model.

Huawei MediaPad T1 update

Chinese tablet firmware