How to update android version to asus. Flashing or flashing Asus Zenfone smartphone

ASUS smartphones deservedly enjoy a high level of demand among buyers of modern devices, including due to the excellent performance of most of their functions. At the same time, you can find flaws in any device, especially in its software part. The article will focus on one of the most popular solutions among smartphones from the Taiwanese manufacturer ASUS - the ZenFone 2 ZE551ML model. Let's take a look at how the software is installed on this phone in various ways.

Before proceeding to manipulations with the software part of the device, it should be noted that ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML is a smartphone, quite protected from outside interference in the software, built on the basis of an Intel processor. Understanding the ongoing processes, as well as a preliminary acquaintance with all the steps of the instructions will help to determine the success of future procedures.

Accurate implementation of instructions leads to minimization of possible negative consequences. At the same time, no one is responsible for the results of manipulations carried out by the user with his smartphone! All of the following is performed by the owner of the device at your own peril and risk!

Before proceeding to the procedures involving the interaction of special programs and sections of the device's memory, as in all other cases, it is necessary to prepare. This will allow you to carry out the process quickly and get the expected result - a flawlessly working Asus ZenFone 2 ZE551ML device with the desired software version.

Step 1: Install Drivers

To work with the device in question, almost all methods use a PC. To pair a smartphone and a computer, as well as the correct interaction of the device with applications, drivers are needed. You will definitely need ADB and Fastboot drivers, as well as Intel iSocUSB Driver. The driver packages used for manipulations in the methods below are available for download from the link:

About the process of installing drivers required when working with programs for android firmware, described in the article:

Step 2: Back up important data

Before proceeding to the execution of the instructions below, you should understand that firmware is manipulation of the device's memory sections and many operations imply their complete formatting. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out procedures to ensure the safety of user data in any acceptable / accessible way. How to save the information contained in the Android device is described in the article:

Step 3: Prepare the required software and files

Ideally, the software you need to perform the manipulation should be downloaded and installed in advance. The same goes for the required firmware files. Download and unpack everything into a separate folder on the disk FROM:, whose name should not contain spaces and Russian letters. There are no special requirements for the computer that will be used as a tool for manipulation, the only thing is that the PC must be in good working order and operate under the control of the operating room. windows systems 7 or higher.

Firmware

As with most other Android devices, ZenFone 2 has several installation methods. software... The location of the methods described below in the article is from the simplest to the most complex.

Method 1: Reinstall software and update without using a PC

This method is considered the official solution to the issue of reinstalling the software and is quite simple, and most importantly, practically safe. Suitable for performing software updates if OTA updates are not received for various reasons, as well as for reinstalling Android without losing user data. Before proceeding to the manipulations, it should be noted that for ASUS Android devices there are different types firmware.

They are presented, depending on the region for which the smartphone is made:

  • TW - for Taiwan. Contains Google services. An unpleasant feature is that there are programs in Chinese;
  • CN –For China. Does not contain google services and is replete with Chinese applications;
  • CUCC - carrier version of Android from China Unicom;
  • JP - software for users from Japan;
  • Ww (stands for World Wide) - for Asus smartphones sold around the world.

In most cases, ZE551ML sold in our country are initially equipped with WW software, but there are often exceptions. You can find out what type of firmware is installed in a particular instance of the device by looking at the build number, following the path in the phone menu: "Settings""About the phone""System update".

  1. Download the update for your region from the official Asus website. OS - "Android", tab "Firmware".
  2. When choosing an update to download, you should be guided not only by the region, but also by the version number. The version number of the file used for the firmware must be higher than the one already installed in the phone.
  3. Copy the resulting file * .zip to the root of the internal memory of the smartphone or to the root of the memory card installed in the device.
  4. After copying, we just wait until the ZE551ML displays a notification about the availability of a new software version. It may take 10-15 minutes until the corresponding message appears, but usually everything happens instantly.
  5. If the notification does not come in any way, you can restart the device in the usual way. As soon as the message appears, click on it.
  6. A window will appear with the choice of the update file. If several packages have been copied to memory, select the desired version and press the button "OK".
  7. The next step is to confirm the notification about the need for sufficient battery charge of the device. It is better that the device is fully charged. We are convinced of this and press the button "OK".
  8. After pressing the button "OK" in the previous window, the device will turn off automatically.
  9. And it will boot in software update mode. The process runs without user intervention and is accompanied by animation, as well as a filling progress bar.
  10. Upon completion of the installation of the new version of the software, the device will automatically reboot into Android.

Method 2: Asus FlashTool

For a complete flashing of Asus smartphones, the ASUS Flash Tool (AFT) Windows utility is used. This method installing software into devices is quite radical and can be used in a number of cases. The method is suitable not only for a regular update, but also for a complete reinstallation of Android with preliminary cleaning of the device's memory sections. Also, using the method, you can replace the software version, including rollback to an older solution, change the region, and restore the device's performance when other methods are not applicable or do not work.

As you can see, working with the device's memory via AFT is an almost universal solution. The only factor hindering its widespread use is the rather difficult process of finding RAW firmware used when working with the program, as well as some failures that sometimes occur in the application. As for the ZE551ML in question, the RAW file from the example below can be downloaded from the link:

Alternatively, you can use the RAW search on the official forum Asus ZenTalk.

To successfully perform manipulations with ASUS ZE551ML, it is recommended to use RAW firmware version up to 2.20.40.165 inclusive. In addition, we use Asus FlashTool versions 1.0.0.17 ... It is permissible to use newer versions of the program, but experience shows that in this version, errors in the process are not excluded. You can download the required version of AFT.

  1. We put the device into mode "Bootloader"... To do this, turn off the smartphone completely and hold down the " Volume + "... Then, without releasing it, press the button "Nutrition" and hold both buttons until a double vibration, after which we release "Nutrition", and "Volume +" we continue to hold.

    "Volume +" you need to hold until the screen with the image of the robot and the mode selection menu appears.

  2. Install drivers if they were not installed earlier. We check the correctness of their installation in "Device Manager"by connecting the device in Fastboot mode to the USB port. A similar picture should be observed:

    Those. device will be detected correctly "Asus Android Bootloader Interface"... After making sure of this, we disconnect the smartphone from the PC. From mode "Bootloader" do not leave, all subsequent manipulations are carried out precisely in this state of the apparatus.

  3. Download, install

    and launch the Asus Flash Tool.

  4. In AFT, select the ZE551ML model from the drop-down list in the upper left corner of the window.
  5. We connect the smartphone to the USB port. After connecting to AFT, the serial number of the device should be determined.
  6. Specify the path to the preloaded RAW file. To do this, press the special button (1) in the program, in the explorer window that opens, we find the desired file and confirm the selection by pressing the button "Open".
  7. Everything is almost ready to start the process of recording information into the memory sections of the device. It is recommended to clean up memory partitions "Data" and "Cache" before burning the image. To do this, we translate the switch "Wipe data:" into position "Yes".
  8. Select the serial number of the identified device by clicking the left mouse button on the corresponding line.
  9. Push the button "Start" at the top of the window.
  10. We confirm the need to format the section "Data" by pressing a button "Yes" in the request window.
  11. The firmware process will start. The circle near the serial number of the device will turn yellow and in the field "Description" an inscription will appear "Flash image ...".
  12. We are waiting for the completion of the procedures. At their end, the circle near the serial number will turn green and in the field "Description" confirmation is displayed: "Flash image successfully".
  13. The smartphone will restart automatically. You can disconnect it from your PC and wait for the Android start screen to appear. The first launch of ZE551ML after manipulations through the Asus Flash Tool is rather long.

Method 3: Factory recovery + ADB

Another effective way to manipulate Zenfone 2's memory partitions is to use a combination of tools such as factory recovery environment, ADB and Fastboot. This method of installing software in a smartphone can be used to roll back the software version or update. Also, in some cases, using the instructions below, you can restore an inoperative device.

Difficulties in applying the method may arise due to the confusion of the versions of the files used. Here's where to stick simple rule... The device must have a recovery corresponding to the version of the installed firmware. That is, in the case, as in the example below, if the goal is to install the software WW-2.20.40.59, you will need factory recovery from the same firmware version in the format * .img... All the necessary files that were used in the example below are available for download at the link:

  1. Download everything you need and unpack it into a separate folder on the C: drive. File * .zipcontaining software components for writing to sections of the smartphone's memory, rename it to firmware.zip... The file folder should look like this.

  2. We put the phone into mode "Bootloader"... This can be done by following steps 1 and 2 of the AFT installation method above. Or send a command via ADB to the device connected to the USB port - adb reboot-bootloader.
  3. After loading the device into "Bootloader" connect the device to the USB port and write the recovery via fastboot. Command - fastboot flash recovery recovery.img
  4. After appearing in command line answer "OKAY ... finished .." on the device, without disconnecting it from the PC, select the item with the volume buttons "RECOVERY MODE"... After making a selection, briefly press the key "Nutrition" on your smartphone.
  5. The device will reboot. We are waiting for the appearance of the image of a small android on the screen with the inscription "Error".

    To see the menu items of the recovery menu, hold down the button on the smartphone "Nutrition" and briefly press the key "Volume +".

  6. Moving through the points of the recovery is carried out using the keys "Volume +" and "Volume-", confirmation of the command selection is pressing the button "Nutrition".
  7. It is advisable to carry out a wipe - the procedure for formatting partitions "Data" and "Cache"... We select the appropriate item in the recovery environment - "Wipe data / factory reset".

    And then we confirm the beginning of the procedure - paragraph "Yes - delete all user data".

  8. We are waiting for the end of the cleaning process and proceed to writing the software to memory sections. Choose an item "Apply update from ADB"

    After the transition at the bottom of the phone screen, an invitation will appear to write the corresponding software package to the phone via ADB.

  9. In the Windows command line, enter the adb sideload firmware.zip command and press the key "Enter".
  10. A rather lengthy process of transferring files to the memory sections of the device will begin. We are waiting for its completion. At the end of the procedure, the command line will display "Total xfer: 1.12x"
  11. The software installation is complete. You can disconnect the smartphone from the PC and, for reliability, perform "Wipe data / factory reset" again. Then we restart the smartphone by selecting the item "Reboot system now".
  12. The first launch is quite long, we are waiting for the version that was flashed to load in Android.

Method 4: custom firmware

Installing unofficial versions of Android has become an extremely popular way to completely replace the software on many smartphones. Without going into the enumeration of the advantages and disadvantages of custom, we note that for ZenFone 2, including the variant of ZE551ML we are considering, many modified and completely modified versions of Android have been released.

The choice of this or that custom depends only on the preferences of the user and his needs. Installation of all unofficial firmware is carried out by following the steps below.

As an example, I have chosen one of the most popular solutions to date - the fruit of the work of the Cyanogen team. Unfortunately, not so long ago the developers stopped supporting their project, but at the same time, the Official CyanogenMod 13 used below is one of the most stable custom for the device in question to date. You can download the required file for installation by following the link:

Step 1: unlock the bootloader

By Asus, the ZenFone 2 bootloader is locked by default. This factor makes it impossible to install various modified recovery environments, and therefore custom firmwares. At the same time, the popularity of such solutions is certainly recognized by the developers and the user, if desired, can unlock the bootloader, and in an official way.

The official way to unlock the Asus ZE551ML bootloader is available only on Android 5. Therefore, if a newer version is installed, we flash the fifth Android via AFT. We follow the steps of method 2 described earlier in this article.


Step 2: Install TWRP

To write custom firmware to ZenFone 2 memory partitions, you need a modified recovery. The most suitable solution is TeamWin Recovery. In addition, the developer's website has an official version of the environment for Zenfone 2 ZE551ML.


Step 3: Install CyanogenMod 13

To install any custom firmware in ZenFone 2, you need to perform generally standard steps in a modified recovery environment, i.e. write information from a zip file to sections of the device's memory. The details of the TWRP firmware steps are described in the article at the link below. Here we will focus only on some of the nuances for the ZE551ML.


In conclusion, I would like to note that manipulations with the software part of ASUS ZenFone 2 ZE551ML are not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. It is important to pay due attention to the preparation of the process and strictly follow the recommendations. In this case, the procedure for installing new software in a smartphone will not take much time and will bring the desired results.

Timely smartphone firmware update is the ability to use all the functions provided by the developers. But what if the official updates do not come and do not know how to update Asus Zenfone Max or another model? In this case, you initially need to check their presence manually through the settings, and then use one of several methods. How to install the Asus Zenfone 6 update to Android 6 will be discussed later in the text.

First, check if the appropriate firmware has been released for your specific smartphone model. To do this, go to the main Asus website, look for the update tab there and view the available devices. If your smartphone model is among this list, then you need to use one of the following methods:

  • Updating through the main Android settings menu.
  • Installing an archive with firmware via Recovery.
  • Updating Android on a smartphone using a computer.

Each method has its advantages, the simplest and most prioritized update looks like "over the air", through the phone settings. Let's start with him.

Upgrade over the air

As with other smartphones, Asus has an item in the main settings menu to check and install official updates. To use it, you should first connect to wireless Wi-fi networks. Mobile 3G / 4G can also be used to install updates, but a stable connection without traffic restrictions is required.

So, you need:

  1. Open the settings menu through the notification curtain or by clicking on the corresponding item on the desktop.
  2. Go to the "Help" tab, then "system update".
  3. Select the item to search for the latest updates.
  4. If a new version of the firmware is found, then agree to download it to your mobile phone and install it.

In addition, in the update menu, the user can check or uncheck the automatic search box. For more details, see the video below.

Using the Recovery Menu

Sometimes the downloader does not find new software versions for your mobile phone in the settings menu. Try installing updates or alternate firmware via recovery menu... In both cases, the algorithm of actions will be almost the same:

  1. Download the software version in the form of a zip archive, preferably from the developer's official website, and place it in the memory of the mobile phone.
  2. Turn off your smartphone and start it in recovery mode. To do this, hold down the key combination: volume down / up + lock button. In some Asus smartphones it is possible to use the menu return key instead of the power button.
  3. Once in the recovery menu, navigation is carried out by those power and volume buttons. Select "Apply update".
  4. Further, depending on the location of the archive with the firmware, select the item "Choose from internal storage" or "Choose from sdcard".
  5. It remains to open the directory where the file with the firmware is located, and select it, confirming the installation with the power key.

Update via the Recovery menu

After the update is complete, return to the main Recovery menu and select the Reboot system now item to restart the smartphone. When installing custom firmware, it is recommended to format the internal memory first. Also, creation will not be deprived backup data, because the firmware may not fit or install crookedly.
We recommend watching a training video with updating the Android OS through the recovery menu.

Update via computer

To get the firmware version, you need to use a computer:

  1. We go to the official Asus website and follow the steps: "Service"\u003e "More".
  2. Next, the system will ask you to enter the name of your mobile device into the search bar and will provide an opportunity to download the latest firmware version. In this case, the archive can be downloaded from one of the three official sources with detailed information about the changes contained.
  3. After downloaded latest version firmware on a PC, unzip the data folder and connect a mobile phone via a USB cable. The system will start installing the drivers and display the smartphone memory as a separate drive. Copy the archive with the firmware to the root directory of the mobile phone.
  4. Next, disconnect the USB cable, and in the meantime, an alert appears in the system notification line on the phone screen.
  5. To install the downloaded update, you need to click on this icon, select the System Update File Detected item and follow the further instructions.

Updating the Android operating system is not only a recommended, but also a necessary process for the stable operation of a smartphone. For the owner of the phone, this is primarily an increase in the performance of the device, the emergence of new features, and not only the manufacturer's correction of errors. Therefore, every user should know how to update Android on their phone.

The process of changing the current version of Android on a device requires attention and several conditions from the user.

Before moving on to changing the operating system, you need to make sure the following:

  • that the phone is charged (the recommended battery charge level should be at least 50%);
  • what wi-Fi network reliable and stable (important only if the computer is not used when downloading the software);
  • that the USB cable with which the phone is connected to the computer is working.

During the update to 9.0, 8.0, 7.0, 6.0 or an earlier version of Android, it is forbidden to remove the battery or turn off the smartphone.

Interrupting the update process for one of these reasons can lead to irreparable consequences (without the help of specialists service center not enough).

There are two main ways to change Android yourself:

  1. Launching the update on the smartphone itself.
  2. Changing the software modification using a computer.

How to install a new Android without connecting to a computer

The easiest way to change the OS version is to start the process on the smartphone itself.

Usually the system notifies about the availability of a new version (the notification appears at the top of the gadget screen):

Note: the update algorithm on new version Android always the same: it doesn't matter if the operating system is updated to 5.0, 7.0 or 9.0.

Depending on the phone model and the current firmware version, the text and design of the notification on the screen may differ.

After receiving the notification, you should click "download" and wait until the software is loaded onto the device.

When Android is downloaded, a message will appear in the notification bar and the user will be prompted to install or delay the process.

Important: before clicking "install now", it is recommended that you read the information provided above, where the developers warn about the possible loss of personal data, and the need to make a backup.

The system does not always notify the user about a new version of Android. The reason may be the lack of an Internet connection or refusal to receive notifications (you can set it in the "Software update" section).

In this case, you can manually download the new Android. To do this, follow these steps:

How to update Android OS using a computer

You can change the Android operating system using an application from the manufacturer.

The main purpose of such programs is to create a data backup, transfer photos and videos to a computer and vice versa.

Among such applications are Samsung kies or Smart switch for Samsung smartphones and Xperia Companion for Sony phones.

Before you change android 4.4.2, you need to activate a special setting intended for developers - "USB debugging". In later versions of the OS, this setting is hidden, and to activate it, you need to do the following:

How to download new Android using Xperia Companion

To download the firmware to your smartphone using Xperia Companion, you need to:


Attention: it is impossible to return to the previous OS version, about which the user will receive a notification before installation.

How to update with Smart Switch

For installation new Android on tablets and samsung smartphones Smart Switch and Samsung Kies are used.

To update to 7.0, 8.0 or 9.0 using Smart Switch, you need:


Note: if the screen does not display a notification about the opportunity to download the new versionAndroid - this means that the device has the latest updates.

How to update Android with Samsung Kies

To update, for example, android 4.2.2, with using Samsung Kies need to do the following:


New firmware may not meet user expectations (changes appearance menu, new applications appear and old applications are removed, etc.). Therefore, it is important during installation to read what changes will occur and whether it is worth updating.

ASUS ZenFon 5 firmware

Instructions for flashing Asus Zenfone 5 (A500CG, A501CG, A500KL) smartphone to a new one android version, custom firmware in the official way from Asus or phone firmware via ADB. Instructions for installing custom CWM / TWRP recovery on Asus Zenfone 5 (A500CG, A501CG, A500KL) and also getting Root rights (super user rights).

Firmware Asus Zenfone 5 (A500CG, A501CG, A500KL)

For owners of firmware below 1_14_40_50, flash first to 1_14_40_50 or WW_1_15_40_20, only then to a new firmware!

Official phone flashing method (from ASUS)

When switching CN—\u003e WW, all data disappears, when updating TW—\u003e TW, CN—\u003e CN, WW—\u003e WW, the data remains.

0. Download the firmware in * .zip format (you can download the firmware at the office website, select OS: Android -\u003e Firmware)
1. We connect the phone to your PC using the USB cable that comes with the kit and unpack the previously downloaded firmware file, you should get this UL-ASUS_T00F-WW-1.15.40.20-user.zip.secure or ***. Zip
2. If the name contains UL-ASUS_T00F-WW-1.15.40.20-user.zip.secure then rename to UL-ASUS_T00F-WW-1.15.40.20-user.zip, then copy to internal memory smartphone.
3. Disconnect the phone from the PC and the system will see the update itself - you need to confirm by selecting the update itself and after that the firmware will go.
notes:
If you are trying to flash, but you do not see the firmware, then double-check, everything should be like this: UL-ASUS_T00F-CN-1.15.40.21-user.zip, instead of 1.15.40.21 your firmware version
In future updates, nothing in the name needs to be changed.
When switching from CH -\u003e WW or TW -\u003e WW of the firmware, you must change the file name from UL-ASUS_T00F-WW-1.15.40.20-user to UL-ASUS_T00F-CN-1.15.40.20-user
If there is only one firmware for T00J and T00F, then in the unpacked firmware you need to change the file name from UL-ASUS_T00F-WW-1.15.40.20-user to the version for your device.
If everything is observed, but does not see the firmware, then restart the smartphone.

ASUS ZenFone 5 phone firmware via ADB


To flash latest firmware unzip the downloaded archive to the phone memory, turn it off and on again. The system will automatically detect updates and offer to flash them.
You can install the latest firmware by repeating steps 8-15 using UL_ASUS_T00F_WW_1_16_40_50.zip

How to install custom CWM / TWRP recovery on Asus Zenfone 5 (A500CG, A501CG, A500KL)

First of all, we need to download ADB, if you have not done this yet, then download it from the link above.

Then you need to download the installation file of the most custom recovery for the phone to your PC, here I offer you a choice (you only need one) zenfone_5_cwm_installer.zip or zenfone_5_twrp_installer.zip
1. We make root in any convenient way
2. Install Busybox
3. Turn on USB debugging
4. Rename using any file manager with root access file “recovery-from-boot.p” in the system folder in “recovery-from-boot.bak”
5. In the same folder, unpack the files from the archive with CWM or TWRP (I installed CWM for myself)
6. We connect Zenfone 5 to the computer, the phone must be turned on, we confirm the request that we trust this computer, if we have not done it before
7. Run the install.bat file in the adb folder, confirm the request for root rights on the device itself
8. After that, the phone should reboot with the already installed custom recovery

How to enter custom recovery:
1. Turn off the phone
2. We hold down the power key, until the vibration response
3. Release the power key, hold down the volume down button

How to get ROOT rights to Asus Zenfone 5 (A500CG, A501CG, A500KL)


I want to note right away that the author of the file separately indicated that this file is not suitable for devices with a CN-version of the firmware! He is not responsible for an accident! For the CN version, there is a separate"* .Apk".

1. Download the RootZenfone-1.2r.apk program
2. Install it on your smartphone, after checking that in “Settings” -\u003e “Security” there is a check mark “unknown sources” that allows you to install applications on asus phone Zenfone 5 from unknown sources.
3. Disable WiFi. We translate the device into “flight mode” (in order to exclude any penetration of the device into the Internet when “* .apk” is running).
4. Launch installed application... A warning will appear stating that “… you are at risk… I am not responsible… etc.”. We press “Do not ask” (“leave me alone” in Russian).
5. After that, select the program for assigning root rights (I recommend SuperSU) and press the button below (With the inscription “Come on! Do RUT!”)
6. Then the demo mode starts. When it comes to the image of the device with the inscription Zenfone 5, quickly press (hold) the power button and select "reboot".
7. After rebooting, we return to the “Root Zenfone” program and grant it root rights (click “grant” in the “SuperSU” question window). Then press the button “Save ROOT after update” in the program.
This way you will not lose your root rights after the OTA update.

What we need to flash an ASUS device via ASUS.Flash.Tool:

  • ASUS device itself with USB cable.
  • Computer PC or LAPTOP.
  • Flash.Tool program which you can download here.
  • If your phone is inoperative (brick), then you need to download uSB driver your ASUS device from the Internet. (preferably from the official website of your device).
  • If your device turns on, then it's much easier. You just need to connect the included device via a USB cable to a PC or LAPTOP and wait until the drivers are installed.
  • To install drivers on a PC or LAPTOP, you may need to connect your device in the off state to a PC or LAPTOP, then turn on the device with the volume up or down button pressed (the up or down button depends on the model of your device).

Let's start your device firmware (INSTRUCTIONS)

  1. Downloading and unpack the ASUS.Flash.Tool archive and install it on your computer.
  2. Launch program as administrator from the shortcut on the desktop (to run as administrator, select the Flash.Tool shortcut on the desktop and right-click, there will be a line run as administrator)
  3. After after we launched the ASUS.Flash.Tool program, we select the model of your device (your device must be disconnected from your PC or LAPTOP)

  4. Further we select the previously downloaded firmware that we want to install (the firmware can be inserted directly in the archive without unpacking)

  5. Then select the formatting of the device. (YES is to erase all data from the device during the firmware process, NO means to install only the firmware without touching your data)

  6. Now we turn on ASUS device in fastboot mode. To do this, on the switched off device, simultaneously hold down the power key and the volume key up. Then we connect the device to a PC or to a LAPTOP. If you did everything correctly, then you will have your phone serial number here.

  7. Farther we click on the USB icon with serial number and press the START button.
  8. Yellow the icon means - FIRMWARE IN PROCESS.

  9. We wait when the icon lights up in green (GREEN MEANS DONE)

Download Asus Flash Tool

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