Perhaps the most enticing aspect of an android device is the customization options you get with it. One of these customization aspects includes the complete overhaul of the operating system with another operating system.
You can do this too by flashing your head unit. However, it can be baffling to people who’ve never even opened their head unit before.
Don’t worry, as we’ll be going over the instructions that will help you better understand how to flash android head unit without resorting to mechanics!
Table of Contents
What Is Flashing?
Android devices run on primary software called Firmware. They are vast packages of coding and data that provide a user interface to an android device.
Upon further inspection of your android head unit, you will find that it runs on android firmware that you can identify using the build number of the gadget.
Flashing, in general, is the method of installing new Firmware onto an android device, erasing the previous one in the process. As for why people do it, there are varying reasons for its existence.
Some want to fix the corrupt operating system on their head unit, and others want to spice up their head unit with feature-laden Firmware.
Whatever your intention, flashing is an excellent method that allows you to better understand how your devices work while also improving their performance.
Prerequisites of Flashing
Before you can sit down and flash your android head unit, there are some steps that you have to take. These steps are crucial to the process as they prime your head unit to install new Firmware.
Backing up Data
Since you are completely replacing the operating system of your head unit, all of your data and settings will also be wiped from the unit in the process.
You must back up all of your essential data in a separate storage drive and keep it safe from flashing.
Backing up NVRAM
In short, NVRAM is a partitioning map for your head unit. It details how it can connect to network signals.
Before you can flash your head unit, you must back up your NVRAM appropriately.
Backing up the Stock ROM
The Firmware that comes with your head unit on purchase is called the stock ROM.
By backing up the stock ROM, you can restore the factory system in the worst-case data corruption scenario.
Flashing Your Head Unit
Now that you know what you need to do before you can flash your device, it is time to flash your unit with new Firmware.
Downloading the Firmware
Firstly, you have to download the appropriate firmware file from the internet. You can download the firmware file by looking up your android head unit’s model number.
Chances are, you’ll find an entire website that contains all of the possible Firmware that would work with your device. Please pick one from the selection, and download it onto your computer.
Firmware files are large in size, so make sure that you have the space and internet connection to download them in completion.
Installing the Drivers
For your computer to detect the head unit, you have to install appropriate drivers as they contain the necessary options to detect the device.
A well-known head unit driver is the Mediatek Vcom driver that works with most of the prime android head units on the market. You can download it from the website of Mediatek easily.
SP Flash Tools
Apart from the driver and firmware files, you will also need a flashing tool that will facilitate the entire process. Our recommendation is SP flash tools, an easy-to-use android flashing tool that flashes devices in no time.
Download it from their website, and Run SP Flash Tools.exe.
Installing the Firmware
Once you have all of the necessary software at hand, you can proceed with flashing your unit. Plug the head unit in with a USB cable, and wait for SP flash tools to detect the device.
After the device is found, locate the firmware file, and load it into the flashing tools.
When the software gives you the green light, you can click on Download, and it will start flashing your head unit with the new Firmware.
Completion
After SP flash tools are done flashing, you can unplug the device from the computer and switch it on. The device should automatically adjust the Firmware and show you the new user interface upon successful boot.
Congratulations, you’ve just successfully flashed your Android head unit and installed new Firmware!
Final Words
Flashing your android head unit has never been easier. Most people used to think that messing with the inner systems of an operating system could ruin their device.
But, as we’ve demonstrated today, anyone can know how to flash the android head unit with the proper knowledge and instruction!