Like any other technology, tablet computers running Android OS need software updates or reinstallation from time to time. Many users mistakenly believe that in order to carry out this procedure, it is imperative to contact a service center or specialists. In fact, you can reinstall the Android OS on the tablet yourself, spending quite a bit of time on this task.
Why do you need to reinstall Android?
First of all, the owner of the tablet needs to make sure that it is really time to reinstall the operating system. Usually, this is done in several cases:
- in case of failures in the operation of the installed operating system;
- to expand the functionality of the device, increase user privileges and the ability to install certain applications that did not work on the tablet before;
- to increase the level of security and privacy by getting rid of a number of "factory" features. For example, to disable the ability to transfer the device's GPS coordinates, phone number and other personal information directly to Google's servers without the user's knowledge;
- sometimes experienced users decide to replace the factory OS with the so-called custom firmware, which is more convenient to use, uses less system resources and allows you to get rid of pre-installed applications;
- if the tablet computer was purchased abroad (or through an "overseas online store"), it may not contain the Russian language. Reinstalling the operating system may help resolve this issue;
- some custom firmware, unlike the standard pre-installed Android OS, give the user more opportunities to personalize and modify the system to their liking.
If you decide to update or completely reinstall Android for one of the above or for any other reason, carefully read the instructions on how to do it correctly.
Where to begin?
First you need to find the right version of the operating system for your tablet. The fact is that even standard versions of the OS can be quite different from each other. And almost every device model has its own optimal firmware.
In order not to make a mistake with the Android OS version, first of all, look at the exact model name of your device on the box or in the settings, and then go to the manufacturer's website, find the version of software you need by the model name and download it.
Let's start installation
- Make sure your tablet battery is fully charged. It is also advisable to connect the device to the network for the entire time while the reinstallation is being performed.
- Next, you should create a backup copy of the already installed OS in case something goes wrong during the flashing. To do this, you can use special programs (MyBackup RootApps, Nandroid Backup or Titanium Backup) or simply copy the “env.bin”, “wload.bin” and “u-boot.bin” files from the internal memory of the device to the memory card.
- Next, copy the above files to your computer and use it to format the memory card, and then create a folder called "SCRIPT" in its root directory. In this folder, you should copy all the files of the firmware (operating system), which was previously downloaded from the official website of the tablet manufacturer or third-party (preferably verified) resources.
- Then you should completely turn off the tablet computer, insert a memory card with the loaded "OS" into it and turn on the power. Now you just need to wait for the end of the installation process, which takes place completely automatically. Please note that this process may take quite a long time. In no case do not try to turn off or restart the tablet - after the reinstallation of Android OS is completed, it will turn on by itself.
If for some reason (the OS version did not fit, a failure occurred, etc.) the reinstallation failed, you can restore the old version of Android at any time using the created backup copy, and then try updating the operating system again.
