Surely many owners of devices operating on the Android platform have heard about the problem of “bricking” a smartphone. And some inexperienced experimenters are familiar with this situation first-hand. What to do in this case? How to get Android out of the “brick” state? These are the questions we will try to answer in today’s material.
Just don’t panic and fall flat on your face – the worst has already happened, so let’s first calmly figure out what it means to “brick” a device. We are talking about a complete (maybe partial) loss of functionality of the gadget as a result of careless intervention in the operating system or incorrect actions in relation to the software.
The main signs of the Android “brick” state
- Inability to turn on the device.
- There is no response to buttons (physical and on-screen).
- The system constantly generates an error indicating problems with the built-in or RAM memory.
- When you turn on the device, an error appears about the inability to load the Android operating system.
- Other.
An ordinary user in this case, in a semi-fainting state, will carry his Android to service center where, realizing that a sweet pie has arrived, they will include a far from democratic bill for banal manipulations.
Reasons why a tablet or smartphone gets bricked
The first and, alas, most common is an unsuccessful flashing. Sometimes an inexperienced user suddenly gets tired of his operating system and, having read information from wherever possible, decides to start software modernization of his device. And now the downloading of the latest and most fashionable firmware from who knows what source begins. The result, in general, is predictable - from an imbalance in the system to a complete failure of work.
Conclusion - do not try to reinstall the operating system unnecessarily, and if you decide, do it from verified and trustworthy sources.
The second reason is some kind of failure during the flashing procedure, i.e. interrupted process. For example, they did not pay attention to the battery charge of their device, which ran out at the most inopportune moment ( wireless way installations). Draw your own conclusion.
It is not uncommon to roll back to factory software after installing custom firmware.
Various “improvers” designed to increase performance, transfer speed, etc., forced stop of some system applications, even a seemingly harmless installation new topic- all these are factors that can bring your gadget to a coma.
How to fix the situation
Standard methods:
First way- we do hard reset (factory reset) via recovery menu(recovery menu). Our actions:
Turn off the device completely, i.e. We take out the battery for a couple of minutes and install it again. Then press and hold the volume key (usually up, but on some devices it can be down). Now you need to press the “home” (or power) key and hold three keys until the “recovery” mode starts. In the menu that appears on the display, select (using the volume rocker) the line “ Wipe Data/Factory Reset»:
We wait until the system completes the reset process and reboots.
Second way- trying to get in recovery mode and flash from there (much safer than using all kinds of software):
And choose Wipe data/factory reset(see above) to delete data. Then you need to select Wipe cache partition. This is necessary in order to erase the partition in this case cache. Now we are trying to install our operating system via install zip from sdcard. To do this, select the archive with the firmware and confirm your choice
To flash the firmware, go to the office. website of the manufacturer of your device. Find official version exactly your Android model and strictly follow the instructions.
It is quite possible that your device does not respond to anything at all, including buttons. In this case, you can enter recovery using USB JIG. It’s a cheap gadget, but if you can’t find it, here’s a video for those who are especially handy:
Third way– We try to connect our device to another computer via USB, or replace the cable itself, and then “reflash” it. The fact is that there may have been a lack of power in the PC power supply for the firmware procedure (this, by the way, is a common reason for Android being “bricked”).
Fourth method— restoring the Android “brick” using FlashTool(video):
That's probably all on the topic. If you have had successful experience in resuscitating your device, please share it.
(root access) or, the device stops functioning. This manifests itself as an inability to log in mobile device and even download the Recovery environment. This state of a phone or tablet is popularly called “brick”.
No matter how serious the problem of “scrapping” may seem, in most cases you can revive the gadget at home. Let's look at how to restore Android if it has turned into a brick.
Methods for resuscitating Android when “bricked”
There are three effective methods Android recovery if they lose their ability to work:
- using the standard recovery environment Recovery;
- through a computer and special software.
Which method to use directly depends on the state of the system on the device.
Restoring a brick using standard Recovery
If, when trying to enter the workspace of the device, there are constant reboots or the phone freezes on the system logo, but the Recovery environment is working, then you are in luck, since you can restore the Android firmware through it. To do this you need:
After rebooting, the smartphone should display factory settings. If it doesn’t help fix the problem, we try to revive Android after unsuccessful firmware using a previously created system backup or a file with firmware downloaded from the Internet.
If you decide to gain root access or perform other potentially dangerous actions, it is recommended to create a full backup of your device. In this case, even after “bricking” you will be able to return all user data and old firmware.
To restore Android from a previously created backup, you need to do the following:
If you did not take care of creating a return point in advance, then you can return Android to your tablet or smartphone using the downloaded firmware. In this case, we revive the gadget as follows:
Once the Android “brick” has been restored, the downloaded file can be deleted.
Using custom recovery
If the “bricking” led to the crash of not only the operating system, but also the standard Recovery, then you can restore the system using a custom recovery environment - the program CWM Recovery.
Before restoring a brick on Android, you need to install a recovery mod on the problematic device:
The installation of CWM Recovery will begin, after which you can disconnect the smartphone from the computer and proceed directly to resuscitation:
After completing these steps and rebooting, the phone (tablet) should work.
Reanimation of a “brick” via a PC and special software
When considering how to restore Android after being “bricked”, it is worth noting specialized software developed individually for each mobile device manufacturer. Thus, the FlashTool recovery program is used for gadgets from Sony and some other brands, and
Self-flashing mobile phone on Android - a simple task that rarely leads to bad consequences if you did not make a mistake with the selection of files. But if something goes wrong, the device may refuse to boot.
Today we will learn how to restore a phone after a failed firmware update. It does not require much time, just downloading the necessary software and a few additional steps.
Recovering with the help of official support
If you tried to update Android using the official firmware, then utilities from the manufacturer will help with recovery.
- look at the company’s website, download drivers and other software there
- connect your computer to your phone
- restore the device to its original state
Each company's software has a specific section responsible for this, but finding it is usually not difficult.
Let's use Recovery
If you tried to install third-party firmware on your device, then at best it will be possible to restore the system by resetting the settings. It can be launched by simultaneously pressing the volume and power buttons. On various devices combinations may vary. Select the line “wipe data”, then start resetting the device’s contents. You can try to install the operating system again; to do this, select “choose zip from sdcard”. We find the archive with the firmware and start the installation process again. It's better to use another version because old version can lead to the same problems.
Using Flash Tool
It is this program that will help you in all those cases when you need to return your mobile device to its original state. The method is applicable to almost all smartphones. First, download and install ADB Driver Installer. Copy the firmware file to the Firmwares folder located in the Flashtool directory. We take the device and connect it to the PC using a USB cable. Now press the button with the lightning icon in Flash Tool, and then select the device firmware in the program.
Please note that in cases where your smartphone is rooted, install official firmware will be problematic; usually such actions lead to failures.
In addition to the video from detailed instructions by “rolling back” the firmware.
Each of us loves to play with our Android device. We are talking about new firmware, user interfaces, hacking, ROOT and more. In my opinion, this is the most interesting part of the operating room. Android systems. But sometimes unpleasant situations happen when something goes wrong. First of all: don't panic! Unlike iOS, Android platform is open, so quite often fixing an error is easier than it seems at first.
In this guide, we will tell you about the standard steps on how to restore Android after a failed firmware update. However, depending on your device and the problem, the solution may be quite complex. As a rule, Android devices have unlocked bootloaders and stock files that can be restored. Android smartphone after unsuccessful firmware it is called a brick.
What is the difference between hard and soft brick?
Before I get into the restoration instructions, I want to quickly tell you what the difference is between soft and hard brick. Ask yourself the following question: What can I do with my smartphone when it is a “hard brick”? Most often - nothing! You can easily identify a hard brick if it meets the following points:
- The smartphone does not turn on.
- Your computer does not recognize your smartphone.
A soft brick means that the Android device is only half dead. In most cases, something went wrong during the flashing process. Many users often encounter the problem of constant loading or crashes after unsuccessful firmware. The main solution to this problem is to restore the working Android version. There are several ways to do this, but most often experts recommend restoring a backup copy, installing another custom firmware or official firmware.
The easiest solution to the problem: Use a set of tools for your device
Search on the website 4PDA or XDA-forum for a set of tools for your device that will allow you to restore it. A similar set of tools performs the following operations: installs the necessary drivers, downloads necessary files and restores the smartphone to working condition.
We found a set of tools for the following three devices:
- Nexus 5 – download for Windows
- Samsung Galaxy S6 – download for Windows
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4 – download for Windows
If you haven't found a set of tools for your device, or want to do everything manually, then make sure that the latest ADB and FastBoot drivers are installed on your computer.
Remember, or better yet, write down the location of the drivers on your computer. You'll need this a little later.
Android constantly boots after unsuccessful firmware
If you are able to turn on your Android device but booting is stuck at the logo, it is called "bootloop". This happens if you have installed firmware that is not suitable for your smartphone. In this case, the device tries to download something that constantly reboots system memory. This causes the device to fail.
Step 1. Is your device booting?
- Yes- Go to step 3
- No— Go to step 2
Step 2. Press the specific button combination for your device to enter recovery mode. Typically, the combination consists of a power button and a volume button. Read the article - or search this information in the Internet.
Did you succeed?
- Yes— Go to step 3
- No- It looks like you have a “hard brick.” In this case, you need to contact specialists on the 4PDA or XDA-forum.
Step 3. Have you accessed recovery mode or bootloader?
- Yes— Go to step 4
- No— Go to step 2
Step 4. Do you have a Nandroid backup?
- Yes- Go to step 9
- No - Go to step 5
Step 5. Do you still have the same working custom firmware on your device?
- Yes - Go to step 6
- No - Go to step 7
Step 6. Install the previous working firmware and reboot the device.
It worked?
- Yes- Enjoy your working device!
- No - Go to step 8
Step 7. Try installing another custom firmware on your smartphone. Search the Internet for new firmware and instructions on how to install it. Typically, you need to download the firmware file to the SD memory card and then install it through recovery mode. If the smartphone does not support SD cards, then you can use ADB commands. I'll talk about this method a little lower.
Step 8 Are stock firmware files available on your smartphone?
- Yes- Try installing them. Most stock files have installation instructions.
- No– Write on the 4PDA forum. Most likely, your problem has already been encountered by other users.
Step 9 Restore your backup. The device should work again.
Recover Android via Custom Recovery Mode
Sometimes during flashing the custom recovery mode may be overwritten. There are two ways to set a custom recovery mode.
1. You have ROOT rights
- Install ROM Manager, and use it to install ClockworkMod Recovery
- Install TWRP, and use it to install Team Win Recovery Project
2. You do not have ROOT rights
- Download the TWRP or CWMR image for your device and save it in the same directory as ADB/FastBoot.
- Boot your smartphone into bootloader mode.
- Open command line on Windows computer, and go to the directory where the ADB/FastBoot files are located (previously we asked you to save the location of the drivers on your computer).
- Run the following command:
fastboot flash recovery filename.img
where FileName.img is the name of the image that you downloaded in step 1.
Custom recovery mode should work again!
How to Copy Files to or from a Device That's Stuck on Constant Downloading
If your Android device keeps booting up but won't turn on completely, there is one way to copy files to or from it. Luckily, TWRP and CWMR include ADB drivers.
Open a command line on Windows or a terminal on a Mac, then go to the directory where the ADB/Fastboot drivers are located.
- Use the following command to copy files from your computer to your device:
ADB push filename(or folder) directory on your device
Example: ADB push /backup/ /sdcard/ - this command allows you to transfer a folder with backup copy from your computer to the SD card that is built into the device.
- Use the following command to copy files from your device to your computer:
ADB get filename(or folder) directory on your computer
Example: ADB get /downloads/ /backup – this command allows you to transfer the “downloads” folder from your Android device to the “backup” folder on your computer.
Now you know how to copy files from your smartphone to your computer and vice versa.
Final words
I hope that you were able to restore android after a failed firmware update. There are many ways to get your Android device. You can leave a comment below if you have any questions, or go to the 4PDA form to find out more detailed information.
Articles and Lifehacks
Many owners of mobile gadgets have encountered the problem of how to restore their phone after unsuccessful firmware.
The reasons for this phenomenon are very diverse, from the ineptitude of the person who decided to update the mobile phone software to an incorrectly downloaded update file.
Preparing for recovery
Preparatory steps for resuscitating a mobile phone include:- Downloading the Phoenix program, as well as its further installation. Removing the SIM card and memory card from the phone.
- Connect the device to the PC using a USB cable, then go to Device Manager and see if the computer sees the mobile device.
- Press the power button on your mobile device five times, each press lasting a few seconds.
- After a short period of time, you will find 2 new equipment in the list of devices.
- There should be no exclamation marks near the equipment, as they indicate a problem with the phone.
Following actions
For a successful recovery you need to:
- Charge your phone battery, preferably at least 60 percent charge. This is necessary so that the new firmware does not crash during installation.
- Turn on the Phoenix program, select No Connection, after which you will need to open the File tab, select Open Product.
- Select your phone device model, click OK, then open Flashing, and then find Firmware Update.
- Click the search button located next to the Product Code. After that, choose Russian.
