Despite the fact that Android devices are significantly different from a regular PC, they also require regular updates and reinstallation of the operating system. This is required to optimize and improve the performance of gadgets. But in some cases, the OS starts to "slow down" or does not work adequately. It is often not possible to solve such a problem with a normal reset - here you need to completely reinstall everything. There are special programs and methods for this. 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 the inhabitants is also called custom. Official firmwares have significantly lower performance and, unlike unofficial ones, are more stable. This is where the user has to make a difficult choice. But do not think that custom firmware is worse than the official ones, because they are productive and more saturated. useful features. So before you reflash the tablet, it is recommended to study the innovations in more detail.

Regardless of which firmware is used, it is necessary to use special software to install it. At the same time, it can be installed both on the tablet itself and on a PC, which will later 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 a PC;
• firmware using a flash drive (self-installation).

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

Firmware using Wi-Fi

This method is also popularly referred to as FOTA (OTA). Flashing using wireless communication is the simplest. In this case, you just need to agree with the offer, and the OS will install itself on the tablet. AT 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 in front of the "Software update" field, check the box that activates the function. If you decide to control the update yourself, then the checkbox must be unchecked.

Unfortunately, in this way to reflash chinese tablet Android is almost impossible. The fact is that the manufacturers of this country focus on the release of new products, and do not carry out maintenance of existing ones. It is in this case that you need to resort to the following 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, they can be used as official programs from gadget manufacturers (practiced by Samsung, LG, etc.), and unofficial ones (created as a third-party product, but no less effective). For those who are wondering how to reflash a tablet on 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 USB flash drive.

After installing the program, regardless of which of all types you have chosen, the tablet will automatically synchronize with the program and find firmware versions. Then 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 turned off and connected to the PC using a USB cable. Next, the program itself detects the gadget and offers to choose the location of the firmware. After specifying the address, you can agree with the flashing. This is how the program works Flash Tool.

Flashing using a flash drive

If your gadget supports memory expansion, and you are thinking about 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 desired firmware version to your computer. It can be both official and custom. Next, you need to download the firmware to a USB flash drive and insert it into the tablet. After such simple procedures, just hold down the "Home" (Home) and off buttons. If the first is touch, then instead hold the volume rocker up. Hold until the screen shows green robot- Android OS logo. Everything, the installation went. Now the main thing is to control that the battery does not sit down. If this happens, then there is a high probability of the final "death" of the tablet without the possibility of recovery.

Things to remember when flashing a tablet

Having figured out how to reflash an Android tablet on your own, you must definitely learn about a kind of safety precautions - 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 go for 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 ensure that the installation process proceeds normally and the tablet continues to work.

Before flashing an Android tablet, make sure that the firmware itself is designed specifically for your gadget. If nothing works after reinstallation, and the device does not show signs of life, then select new assemblies.

Many owners of low-quality devices are interested, with their own hands, and even at home. This is easier to do than it seems. So, the firmware is divided into two types - these are modified and official. In addition, there are three methods for carrying out the operation - using the programmer, through ODIN or Recovery. But first, let's look at the most common situations.

Does the tablet need to be flashed or updated?

Often users confuse definitions such as “flashing” and “updating”. As a result, a lot of people ask for help thinking that the tablet needs to be urgently flashed. But in fact, the device just needs updating. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to update the gadget software to the maximum. The advice applies to those cases when the device was released a year or two ago. In principle, on all official resources this point is covered in quite detail. And the update should be dealt with before thinking about tablet firmware.

As for the update, they can be divided into two types - automatic and factory, that is, from the manufacturer. To configure the automatic update type, you need to:

• Go to the "Settings" or "Options" section;
• Here you need to find the category "Device Information";
• Now you should select the "Software Update" option;
• It remains only to click on the "Update" button.

First, the gadget will show the available upgrade options. And then user agreement, the device will download updates automatically. Secondly, all you need to do is read the conditions, monitor the charging and click on the “Next” button. Before, you need to check the battery level, which should be at least 40%. It is recommended to carry out the process at the optimal download speed. If the tablet is on Windows 8, then an installer is required to work.

In this case, the installer must be suitable specifically for this model. So, you need to visit the official website of the tablet manufacturer. On the resource, you should find the "Support" or "Technical support" section. Next, you need to find a special installer exactly for this tablet model. You need to download it to the gadget, and then run this file. After launch, all actions will occur according to the same scheme, which is described under the automatic update type. But tablet firmware is not an update.

How to flash a Chinese tablet- preparation.

In general, you will need firmware, drivers for the tablet and a program that will flash it to work. Factory firmware and drivers can be downloaded from the official website of the manufacturer. Files should be downloaded to a computer (PC, laptop). If the resource "firewood" was not found, then you can use the search. In general, downloading drivers for a tablet is not a problem. The driver must be installed on the PC using the context menu.

As for the flash driver program, the ODIN option will be considered here. First, you also need to download it to your PC. The program itself does not need to be installed. It can be unpacked to almost any folder. But the path to it should consist only of Latin letters (without Cyrillic). It is advisable to unpack the program to the root hard drive(to drive C). Next, it will be described how to flash tablets.

How to flash a Chinese tablet- step by step:

• You need to close the background programs on the PC - turn off the firewall and monitors;
• Important - to prevent problems, you should disconnect from the Internet;
• Now you need to copy the firmware to the ODIN program folder;
• You need to run ODIN;
• Nuance - the firmware can consist of one or three files;
• If the firmware contains one file, then you need to find the PDA button;
• Once pressed, the PDA button will indicate the path to the firmware file;
• If the firmware contains three files, then you need to select the button with the name that matches the PDA;
• The three files are CSC (region), Phone (modem), and PDA (system);
• Next, you need to turn on the device - you should hold down the volume up button at the same time as the power button;
• Nuance - if it is difficult to clamp them, then first you can press the volume up button, and then the power button;
• These buttons must be kept pressed together;
• In some cases, you may need to hold down the Home button;
• A text menu should appear;
• Now you should press the volume down button to stay in the menu;
• It is necessary to connect the tablet to the PC using the original USB cable;
• If the computer has determined the port and everything is ready for the firmware, then a window should appear in the program with the inscription PASS!;
• Next, you need to click on the Start button and wait for the process to finish.

Generally, Chinese tablet firmware doesn't take much time. This may take up to one hour. After the flashing is completed, an indicator will appear in the program window, which will notify you of the end of the process. After the tablet will reboot automatically. At this point, you can disconnect the cord. Now it is recommended to do a data reset.

To carry out this process, you need to turn on the device again. In this case, you should hold down the volume button and select the line Wipe data / factory reset. After you need to select the item Reboot system now. As a result of the procedure, the device will reboot again. That's it, now you know How to flash a Chinese tablet.

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The mysterious word firmware means nothing more than the Android OS itself. That is, everything that you see when you download a smartphone is a consequence of this tablet firmware. Thus, the firmware is equivalent to reinstalling the system, it works in a similar way not only in a tablet, but also in a smartphone.

In the event that any elements of the system do not work correctly or failures occur within the system, they just resort to gadget firmware. After replacing the system, all elements will return to their original state. There is also some variety of ways to achieve the goal, how to flash a tablet through a computer or without using third-party devices, but first we will consider the main reasons for the firmware.

Is it possible to flash a tablet and is it worth it?

Of course, if you ask the question, is it possible to flash the device in general, then the answer is yes. Another, more important and urgent task is to decide whether there are good enough reasons for this, what difficulties there may be, and whether it will help the tablet at all.

Most often, the user is interested in how to flash an Android tablet for the following reasons:

1. Update Android helps keep the OS up to date, especially since updates are released infrequently;
2. Expand the capabilities of the system;
3. Install the Russified version;
4. Recovery after errors;
5. Get modern protection;
6. Use more advanced Android tools;
7. Increase productivity;
8. Replace the interface, especially if another shell is installed from the manufacturer that you do not like.

There are several ways to flash an Android tablet through a computer, through an SD card, or over the air. Each one is quite easy to use, but can cause problems due to incorrect connection between devices, slow developer response, etc.

Before you flash a Chinese tablet, you must firmly understand that installing a new Android will clean up the system, that is, all data will be destroyed. Therefore, you should first create a system backupso that in case of failures, you can restore the OS. In general, the procedure is as simple as possible:

1. Turn off your tablet or smartphone;
2. Turn it on by holding the volume up key and the "Power" button, sometimes you need to additionally press Home;
3. Select the “backup and restore” item through the volume control;

Firmware via computer

In addition to the fact that the method is very convenient to use, sometimes it is simply necessary, since it is very difficult to flash a tablet if it does not turn on without a PC. Also, not all updates can be installed thanks to the Recovery of the device itself.

There are a variety of ways to flash through a PC, in particular when using fastboot, but we will not consider this option in detail, since it is quite difficult to operate. Another convenient and easy way is to download special program. Each tablet manufacturer has in its arsenal, on the website, an application that allows you to flash the device. Moreover, this is done automatically, so it is recommended to use:

1. Download a utility from the site, for example for LG, the application is called Mobile Support Tool;
2. Install the program on a PC;
3. Connect the tablet via USB, and select the "Software" operating mode on the device. Now the necessary files will be downloaded, if this was not done before, and the gadget will reboot;
4. Updates for the tablet will automatically be searched for and, if there are any, a dialog box will appear with active button"Start Update".

If for some reason the update fails, perhaps the device is incorrectly detected, it is indicated that there are no available firmware, then alternative options should be used.

How to flash a tablet via an SD card?

To perform the firmware installation procedure from a memory card, you must have some mandatory tools: get root access, in our case, the Rashr application, a bootloader unlocking program, and the firmware itself, which must be on the device.

The first step is to set the appropriate rights, to get root access there is a large number of programs, we will use one of the best - this is Kingo Root. The application works in almost all tablets and smartphones. Download link https://www.kingoapp.com/android-root.htm . We will also need Bootloader Unlock, exists for different models devices.

1. Connect the device and go to the "For Developers" section;
2. Now select "USB Debugging";

1. After waiting a bit and running the Bootloader Unlock utility, you should click on the active UnLock key;

1. Run the Kingo Root program and wait until the device is analyzed, and you will need to confirm the debugging actions on the smartphone;
2. An application from the manufacturer Kingo will be installed on the tablet, through which the opening will occur root rights, while a window with the “Root” button will appear on the PC screen;
3. Launch the Rashr program link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.mkrtchyan.recoverytools . Superadmin rights will be required, we just received them, agree to the condition;
4. Select TWRP Recovery;

1. Specify the most new version firmware for download;
2. Next, wait for the installation to complete and reboot the device by going into recovery mode by holding the Volume and Power keys;
3. Click on the "Wipe" button to wipe the device;
4. Now click on "Install", specify the path to the firmware file;

1. Reboot the system and get the updated OS.

The procedure is a little complicated due to the installation of third-party recovery software, but it may not be required. If your smartphone supports the built-in update installation functionality, then you can start the procedure immediately from the 10th point.

Installing updates via Wi-Fi

In fact, the action does not require special manipulations from the user, when connected to Wi-Fi, when there is a prepared update, a request for an update will automatically appear. The only difficulty of the issue is that there is simply no such offer, although it has already arrived on other devices.

It is important to understand that when android update it does not immediately become available for download on all devices. Each manufacturer uses modified versions, and their processing takes time. Thus, it is up to the manufacturer of the tablet. When the update is already installed on other similar gadgets, but you don’t, you can use an additional trick.

1. Go to "Settings";
2. Select the "About tablet" property;
3. Click on the item "Update the system;

1. Now select "Check for Updates";
2. Additionally, in "Settings" - "Applications" you can erase the data, which speeds up the update.

Using the presented methods, you can replace the OS and achieve the maximum performance and security of the device.

Often, owners of earlier tablet models are satisfied with their work, but an outdated firmware version does not allow you to use new applications and functions.

In this case, it is enough to know , how to reflash an android tablet through a computer on your own, so as not to buy another device.

Why put a new firmware

Updates on the tablet can be changed to update the version. After downloading other updates, you can immediately notice a more improved and accelerated operation of the device. The updated functionality will reveal new possibilities even for an outdated tablet.

A number of firmwares are produced for many devices, which differ in design, if you are tired of the standard menu view, then you can reflash the tablet and it will look completely different.

Corruption of some system files causes the device to malfunction. In this case, it is enough just to update the software and restore the same version of Android.

The tablet can be flashed without a computer, but this process is longer and more complicated. And if it is impossible to start the device, you can install the firmware only through a computer.

Firmware options

For Android firmware on the Internet a lot different programs. For some tablet models, there are individual installers from the developer. With their help, you can easily flash the gadget.

But for the bulk of devices you can download universal utilities. Let's consider the main ones:

• SP Flash Tool
• fastboot;
• ClockWorkModRecovery;
• Odin.

Important Precautions

Read the safety precautions before starting work. If you skip these steps, you may experience difficulties during the installation process, which can lead to blocking or damage to the device.

Since the process of flashing the system is energy-consuming, it is necessary to exclude a sudden shutdown of the tablet, so it must be charged as much as possible. The battery charge must be at least above 60%. Turning off the tablet during firmware leads to the loss of already installed updates, and the old firmware can also “fly off”, without installing a new one.

It's the same story with the computer. It is necessary to ensure its uninterrupted power supply.

For firmware, it is recommended to use the original USB cable from the tablet, as a poor-quality note can damage the device.

During the process of installing the firmware files, do not disconnect the USB cable.

Download setup files firmware only from trusted sources. Damaged or suspicious files may contain viruses or simply not work properly.

The firmware installer is not saved in folders that contain Russian names.

Software Update

SP Flash Tool

1. Download the SP Flash Tool to your computer. The installer of this program is standard, there will be no difficulties with its installation.
2. Select the required version of the update specifically for your tablet model and download it (the firmware document is usually downloaded as an archive).
3. Unzip the folder with the firmware onto one disk with the SP Flash Tool.
4. Run the update installer. In the main menu, click Scatter-Loading.
5. A list will be formed and from it you need to find a document with the first letters "MT".
6. Switch off the device and connect it to the PC with a USB cable. The program should detect the device, then you need to click Firmware-> Upgrade.
7. After the files are downloaded, check the functionality of all tablet functions.

Installation via Fastboot

The FastBoot program is an official addition to the system Android SDK and you can download it from the official website. It is suitable for single and multi-file update system. The downloaded installer will be located on drive C, in ADB.

1. Download the appropriate firmware version.
2. Transfer the files from the archive to the "adb" folder.
3. Connect device to PC.
4. Switch the device to fastboot mode. Through the PC, this happens in the following sequence:
   • Set up a connection to a PC via USB debugging.
   • In a special line of the computer, we enter (cd / (search for an adb file) adb reboot bootloader and each time we click enter.
   • The tablet restarts in a special mode.
5. In order for the firmware to update all files correctly, you need to format all partitions containing system files. In fastboot mode, you need to use fastboot erase.
6. The data has been cleared, we proceed to download the firmware. You need to enter certain commands, the number of which depends on the selected update version. The main fastboot flash commands during installation are: system filename.img; recovery filename.img; cache filename.img.
7. There are upgrade options with one installation file for all the software. In its root folder there should be a file with the extension "flash-all.bat". In this case, it is enough to specify the flash-all command and installation occurs automatically.
8. After the download is complete, you need to exit the special fastboot mode using a computer by entering fastboot reboot. Now you can check the tablet.
9. In rare cases, there is an update installer in the ZIP extension.
   • To download an update of this format, place the downloaded file from "ADB" into a folder.
   • Enter the device in fastboot.
   • Enter fastboot flash zip document-name.zip and wait for it to load.

After completing all the steps, you need to close special mode and check the operation of all tablet systems.

ClockWorkMod Recovery

Before installation, you need to download the CWM Recovery program to your computer. The program installs files downloaded only in ZIP archive format.

1. To enter the CWM Recovery program, the tablet must be transferred to a special mode. To do this, turn off the device, and then by pressing the keys (each gadget has its own combination of buttons, but mostly these are the sound and power buttons).
2. To install new software, you must format the old files. Select the command wire data / factory reset, press Yes - wire all user data.
3. We are transferred back to the original page and select install the zip extension, then choose zip from / sdcard (indicate the path where the firmware was saved).
4. Click "Yes" and wait for the download to complete, after which a notification of completion will pop up.

Update Installer - Odin

This program installs both multi-file firmware and firmware with an integral installer.

1. Place the downloaded firmware in advance on a PC in a convenient folder.
2. Turn off the device, then enter into a special mode by holding the keys (usually these are the sound and power keys).
3. We connect the device to the PC and wait for the installation or updating of drivers.
4. Launch Odin. The program will immediately display the icon of the connected device.
5. In the PDA field, add the firmware file (if there is one).
6. In the case of a multi-file update, select the following actions:
   • in the PIT window, select the PIT file (if any);
   • in Bootloader - APBOOT_filename.tar.md5;
   • in PDA - CODE_filename.tar.md5;
   • in Phone - MODEM_filename.tar.md5;
   • in CSC - CSC_filename.tar.md5.
7. We press "start". Once the installation is complete, a notification will appear.

It is not difficult to carry out the firmware of the tablet yourself. The main thing is to follow the recommendations and read the installation instructions in detail.

If you carefully select high-quality firmware, you can extend the life of an old device or improve the performance of a new one.

With prolonged use of the tablet over time, various freezes, glitches and similar unpleasant things can be observed. All this is related to the firmware. The tablet firmware is the operating system that controls all the functions of the device. Sometimes it is enough just to periodically update it with the help of built-in services. However, especially 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 operating system. Some users prefer to contact specialized services with this issue, however self flashing is not nearly as complicated as it seems. The most important thing is to follow 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, those firmware that are on the devices do not meet all the requirements. Most often this is due to the speed and the presence of a huge number of unnecessary programs.

There are two main ways to replace the operating system:

• through a memory card;
• through a computer.

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

Before starting, you need to protect the tablet as much as possible from turning into a completely inoperable device, which is called a “brick”. For this, a backup copy OS that 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 user "custom". You can choose any, depending on what functions you need. Of course, the safest are official firmware. Not only are they fully checked for errors, but they also limit unwanted user actions. In custom ones, it is often the other way around: all settings are open, and the appearance of unexpected incidents is much more likely.

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

How to reflash through a memory card

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

1. The downloaded firmware is sent to the DLOAD folder on the memory card;
2. With 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 manipulations, the OS installation process will begin;
4. As soon as the flashing is completed, you need to reboot the device. The first inclusion can take quite a long time, so you have to be patient.

How to flash through a computer

Firmware via computer

The abundance of Chinese tablets on the market makes people accept the Chinese rules as well. One of these rules is that a Chinese tablet cannot be flashed through a memory card. This is of course sad, but there are no hopeless situations. In such cases, an update is provided using the program installed on the computer. Unfortunately, there is no universal recipe for this. Choice desired program is carried out based on which 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 has been growing in recent years. Live Suite aims to interact with Allwinner devices.

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

The order of self-firmware through a computer:

1. You need to download and install a program that will update the device software;
2. Install the latest drivers on the computer so that nothing interferes with its interaction with the tablet;
3. Download firmware;
4. Unpack it to the desired directory (when using the Flash Tool, it is recommended to unpack it to the directory of the installed program);
5. AT running program you need to add firmware files (depending on the program, the procedure may change, 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, it is added after clicking on "Scatter-loading");
7. Next, connect the device to the computer via USB and click "Download";
8. The firmware should start, after 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 the tablet has no “signs of life” at all.

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

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