How to flash a phone? | Step-by-step guide to flash a phone in 2024

Flashing a phone might seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it’s entirely achievable. Curious about how to flash a phone? Want to rejuvenate your device and make it perform like new? With a custom ROM and the right flashing tools, you can transform your Android device to resemble your favorite smartphone. We’ve crafted a step-by-step guide to help you understand how to flash a phone effortlessly. Dive into our article to learn everything about flashing and get ready to root your phone with ease.

However, remember that flashing can turn your phone into a paperweight if not done correctly. Discover the advantages of flashing a smartphone and understand all the essentials before attempting to flash with our detailed illustrations and examples. We’ve listed the best flashing tools for different Android smartphones. Keep in mind that not all OEMs design their phones for easy flashing and customization.

What is Flashing?

Flashing involves overwriting one of your phone’s partitions with a new image you’ve downloaded. This process typically includes installing additional elements like root access or a different operating system. Simply put, flashing encompasses the following activities:

• Installing a Custom Recovery (such as TWRP or ClockworkMod). This allows you to back up any part of your phone, root it, install custom OS zip files, and more.
• After setting up a custom recovery, you can “flash” various files. This might include rooting your phone, allowing you to perform tasks that require “Super user” permissions. Tools like Nandroid Backup enable full backups of your device.
• Installing a custom OS (such as Cyanogen OS instead of the stock version) to enhance your experience, remove bloatware, or customize your device’s UI. This is done after installing a custom recovery.
• Restoring your phone to the stock firmware to return it to its original factory settings.

Note: Flashing your phone without proper knowledge can lead to data loss or even bricking your device. Soft bricking might be recoverable, but hard bricking can render your phone completely unusable.

Always remember that a hard-bricked smartphone can become as useful as a paperweight.

Useful Blogs for Support

• GSM Flasher ADB Bypass FRP Tool
• Download Odin Tool
• Fastboot Commands

What is ROM?

ROM stands for Read-Only Memory, but in the context of Android devices, it refers to the operating system of your phone. A custom ROM offers features not available in the original ROM. If you’ve owned multiple smartphones over the years, you know each has different specifications, performance, and UI. For instance, if your phone runs Android KitKat and you want to upgrade to Android 14, but the manufacturer has ceased support for your model, flashing a custom ROM allows you to use the latest Android versions with added features and a revamped UI. However, flashing an unverified ROM can brick your phone.

If you’re unsure about the process, it’s best to reconsider flashing your phone. Incorrect flashing can corrupt your bootloader, making your device unusable.

For flashing, it’s recommended to use a PC as it’s more straightforward and faster than using the smartphone itself. We recommend using the Team Win Recovery Project (TWRP) for flashing custom ROMs, as it’s one of the most reliable tools available. Always ensure you download the correct custom ROM for your specific device before proceeding.

Why Should You Flash Your Phone?

1. Expand Internal Memory: A partition of your SD card can be used as internal memory, which is especially useful for devices with limited internal storage. This allows you to install larger apps without sacrificing space.
2. Create Directory Links: Link specific directories on your SD card to internal storage, enabling seamless access and management.
3. Install Custom ROMs and Kernels: Enhance performance, battery life, and customization options by installing custom ROMs and kernels tailored to your needs.
4. Increase RAM: If your device has insufficient RAM, you can create virtual RAM (swap) from your SD card. While not as fast as actual RAM, it can improve multitasking capabilities.
5. Compress Memory Data: Enhance storage capacity by compressing memory data, allowing more efficient use of available space.
6. Install a Custom Loader: Simplify the installation of ROMs, updates, and kernels with a custom loader.
7. Remove Bloatware: Eliminate unwanted pre-installed apps or adware that manufacturers include on your device.
8. Customize UI: Change your device’s UI to match your preferences, such as making it resemble the OnePlus Oxygen OS or using theme engines like Substratum.
9. Utilize Xposed Modules: Enhance your device’s functionality with Xposed modules, allowing you to customize hardware buttons, status bars, navigation bars, screen DPI, and more.
10. Modify System Settings: Change your GPS location or adjust your CPU’s max and min frequencies, provided you know what you’re doing.

Note: To flash custom ROMs, you need to root and unlock your bootloader. Each ROM is designed with specific purposes, such as improving performance, battery life, or offering extensive customization options.

Download Custom ROMs:

1. LineageOS
2. OmniROM
3. AOSPA
4. Resurrection Remix
5. Pixel Experience
6. AospExtended

A Step-by-Step Guide to Flash Your Phone

In this guide, we’ll be using the SP Flash Tool as it’s user-friendly and efficient. You can also use other tools if you prefer. If you’d like a separate article on a different tool, feel free to comment below.

Follow our guide to flash your smartphone smoothly. Stick to the instructions to avoid any bricking or crashing issues.

Ensure you select the ROM that suits your needs and only download trusted ROMs from reputable sources.

Charge your phone completely before starting the flashing process.

Step 1: Download the SP Flash Tool from here.

Step 2: Install the application on your PC and unzip the downloaded file.

Step 3: Once unzipped, open the SP Flash Tool with administrative privileges.

Step 4: Download the appropriate firmware for your phone from here.

Step 5: Unzip the firmware folder once the download is complete.

Step 6: Shut down your phone and connect it to your PC via USB. If possible, remove the battery.

Step 7: In the SP Flash Tool, click on “Download Agent” and open “MTK_AllInOne_DA.bin” from the SP Flash Tool folder.

Step 8: Click on “Scatter-loading” and open “MT6577_Android_scatter_emmc” from the firmware folder.

Step 9: Click on “Download” to start the flashing process.

Step 10: Once the download is complete, reboot your phone.

Risks Involved in Flashing Your Android

1. If you lack proper knowledge, incorrect flashing can soft or hard brick your phone.
2. Flashing requires patience and experience to minimize potential damages.
3. Increasing your phone’s memory through flashing won’t match the performance of actual hardware upgrades.
4. Rooting your phone voids the warranty. Manufacturers often void warranties once rooting is detected. To avoid this, unroot your phone and restore the original firmware before seeking repairs.
5. Rooted devices are more vulnerable to viruses, malware, and cyber-attacks due to the absence of official security patches. Be cautious of downloading apps from untrusted sources.
6. Incorrect flashing can lead to bricking your device. Always research and ensure compatibility before proceeding.
7. Some applications, especially banking apps like Google Pay, may not work on rooted devices as they detect modifications that compromise security.

If You Can’t Root Your Phone

Here are some of the best flashing tools compatible with various smartphones:

• Samsung Smartphones: Odin, Kies, Smart Switch.
• iPhone: iTunes, 3uTools.
• MediaTek-Based Phones (like Huawei, Lenovo, Xiaomi, Karbonn, Lava, Gionee, Micromax, ZTE, etc.): SP Flash Tool.
• Motorola: RSD Lite.
• Qualcomm-Based Phones: QPST, Qualfast.
• Xiaomi: Mi PC Suite, Xiaomi Flash Tool.
• LG: LG Flash Tool.
• Sony: Sony PC Companion, Xperia Flash Tool (by Androxyde).

Summary

Despite the risks, flashing offers numerous advantages. At Gossipfunda, we flash old phones to breathe new life into them, turning devices that would otherwise be discarded into functional backups or emergency phones. These refurbished phones can serve various purposes, such as GPS trackers in your car, allowing you to monitor its location or recover it if stolen.

Always follow the steps meticulously and educate yourself thoroughly about flashing before attempting it to ensure a smooth and safe process.