How to Update a Custom ROM on Android
If you use a custom ROM, it’s important to keep it up to date. With each new update, you’ll get features and bug fixes that contribute to enhancing your overall smartphone experience. Updates can be for performance optimization or may include the latest Android version that you don’t want to skip.
Here’s how to update a custom ROM so you will never miss any new features and improvements.
How to Update a Custom ROM
There are many ways to update a custom ROM, like viaADB or fastboot commands. We’re using the most popular methods; via an over-the-air update and through acustom recovery like TWRPor Orange Fox.
Before starting the update process, you must take care of a few things:
Take a Backup of Your Android Phone
Before starting the process, back up all the data on your phone. If your phone is rooted, you could use theTitanium Backupapp to create a full backup of your phone. If not, our guide oncreating a backup of your Android phonewill help you create a proper backup of everything on your phone.
Check You’ve Got the Right Files
Always check if you’ve downloaded the compatible ROM files before flashing any updates. If you flash a wrong file, there are chances that your device might go into a bootloop—where the device refuses to boot—or, in the worst case, get hard bricked and show no signs of life at all.
If you’ve bricked your phone by flashing the wrong zip, our guide onunbricking an Android phonemay help you fix it.
Likewise, check that you have the correct recovery installed on your phone. Sometimes developers recommend a specific recovery in the update notes, so when you see something like that, use the recommended recovery only.
Check You’ve Downloaded All the Files You Need
Always have a backup ROM that you know will boot on your device. You can flash that ROM if your phone fails to boot after flashing the update.
Lastly, check that you have downloaded all the required files mentioned in the update notes, like vendor or firmware zips. you’re able to also download the Magisk zip file to root your phone or the DFE (Disable Force Encryption) file to stay decrypted after flashing.
Once you’ve done all this, it’s time to update the ROM.
Method 1: Update Your ROM via an OTA Update
An OTA, or over-the-air, update for a custom ROM is the same method you use to install normal security or OS updates on any Android phone. Developers push the over-the-air updates to devices, and you can download them on your phone from the System Updater app. This is the easiest method, but it’s only available on a few select ROMs.
Here’s how to do it:
The installing options vary with the updater. Some show the Download option first and the Install option only appears after completing the download. Others have a single Download and Install button.
OTA method is identical to the “dirty flash” method we’ll outline below. The only difference is, the OTA flashing process is automatic. You don’t need to erase any system partition or choose files and flash them manually as you do in the other methods.
Use this method only when you’re upgrading to the next version. Using it for other versions may give your device a bootloop.
Method 2: Update Your ROM Using the “Dirty Flash” Method
A “dirty flash” refers to updating a ROM by installing it without wiping any system partitions first. It is essentially a manual version of the OTA method.
In this method, you flash the update files manually from the recovery without wiping anything. Most users prefer this method for updating custom ROMs as they can alsoflash Magisk modules, custom kernels, or some audio mods along with the update. It also means you don’t have to set up your device again after you’ve done it as your data remains intact.
Here’s how to dirty flash an update. We’re using the Orange FOX recovery as it’s recommended for the ROM we’re using. If you’re on any other recovery, don’t worry, the process is the same. All you need to do is navigate to the mentioned sections and perform the actions.
Like the OTA method, only use this method to update to a new version of the ROM you’re currently using. Don’t use it to flash a different ROM.
Method 3: Update Your ROM Using the “Clean Flash” Method
A “clean flash” refers to updating a ROM after wiping system partitions like the vendor, data, internal storage, and others. It’s identical to a factory reset as it wipes all the data and saved settings from your phone, and after booting, you need to set up the device from scratch. It isn’t as convenient but should go through without any problems.
Here’s how to do a clean flash:
Update Your Custom ROM Regularly
Keep your ROM updated to get the most out of your Android phone. The flashing process is easy, and the custom ROM community is vast. If you’re facing any issues, post your query in the Telegram group or on the XDA forum for your device to get assistance from users around the globe.
And if you’re still learning about ROMs, check our jargon-busting guide to familiarize yourself with some of the terms you’ll encounter along the way.
Want to understand the absolute basics of rooting and custom ROMs? This jargon buster breaks down some of the more complex Android terms.
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