In android world it is possible that (i am sure) many time you heard about firmwares, roms and flashing.
These strange words annoys newbies , So i created a simple article on it. I hope this will help you to understand what is firmwares, roms and flashing process
What is Firmware ?
This is very comman question popups in mind that what the heck is this firmware. Defination of firmware is
Permanent software programmed into a read-only memory
In Simple words you can understand it like windows for pc , in case of android we are going to do same thing – installing firmware (Froyo,Gingerbread etc.) on your phone. All phones have their different firmwares and installing tools regard less to the Andriod version (Froyo,Gingerbred). So never think that we can install any firmware on any android phone like we do in PCs.
What is Flashing ?
Flashing stands for installing a firmware in ROM , in simple words flashing is called installing firmware on your phone.
What is ROM ?
This is also very interesting question to answer – ROM is the memory where firmware installs . It cannot be seen by connecting your phone to pc via usb cable either Browsing in phone . You can see peoples are talking about ROMs like
This is Gingerbread ROM or froyo ROM or miui ROM or blah blah ROM
Actually they are talking about firmware that is going to be installed on ROM .
How to install Firmware ?
Firmware installing is very simple like installing windows on pc , but in case of android we need to run a small software on pc and need to select which firmware to flash and that’s it, these small software and firmwares are different for every phone .
Firmware flashing software for a samsung phone
There are two methods of installing firmwares
- Via Phone Updating Software : While you update your phone , it is also a firmware installing – but you dont have any control on it , you can use this only when company launches firmware updates.
- Manual installing method : This is a little risky method and used by developers , using this method you have full control on installing firmwares. you can install any firmware you want
Why i need to install firmware manually ?
- Usually latest updates are leaked and available before official updates so we have to flash them manually using a pc software
- To Downgrade Firmware
- To install another country firmware version
You can find step by step and separate firmware installing guides for your phone in our firmware section
About Kuldeep Singh
Is it possible to load/flash the bootloader also?In the ODIN screen it is given an option for it. But I couldnot locate any files from my downloaded firmware package, it contain files for PIT and PDA
Nice Article. Would have helped more if you would have included little information on rooting and its advantages/disadvantages for the newbies. Never the less Thanks so much
Thanks ,
Newbie Guide of Android Rooting and advantages of rooting android
Disadvantages -:
1. It will void your warranty
2. After Upgrade you have to root your phone again
3. it is little risky
noobish question.
I have galaxy mini for about a month now, this “firmware” thing really is a hell of a question on my mind now so. if I install this thing on my phone, what changes will it do? and if I accidentally bricked my phone. how do I restore it? or how do I back it up? someone help me please.
I like noobs
Firmware upgrading means insatalling new version and new version brings new features like – better speed better battery backup and much more
To backup you can follow this guide http://androidflip.com/how-to-backup-data-before-upgrading-android-phone/
We can recover bricked phone but without briking dont ask this question,you will never brick your phone if you follow each step ,,,,
I am most impressed by your tremendous enthusiasm, energy and and clear thinking logic! Really great! Keep up the good work! Stuart on Gran Canaria and normally UK & Germany!
Thanks, but this article also included my bad english
i h’ve got galaxy fit runig froyo………….
so i wanna update it to gingerbread………then how…
not with leaked firms………….
plz rply on email =[email protected]
use samsung kies
my samsung galaxy s2 has an android version of 2.3.6 and XXLB1 build number . can you tell me when will icecream sandwich come for my mobile. i live in russia , moscow but i am an indian . plz help me.
its already out, http://androidflip.com/how-to-update-samsung-galaxy-s2-to-official-android-4-0-3-xxlpq/
hello,when i use samsung kies it say “this is the latest firmware ” and my phone is 2.3.6 help me
hello,when i use samsung kies it say “this is the latest firmware ” and my phone is 2.3.6 help me
which phone do you have ?