Android is an open-source operating system that is customisable to an immense extent. This means that phone manufacturers can put their own skins and software alterations on top of Android. While it’s great that users have a choice of different Android phone models from different manufacturers, these customisations can slow down the phone’s performance and sometimes come with bloatware. That’s where stock Android comes in; it’s a clean and streamlined version of Android without all the bloatware, and it’s a widely popular option among users. In this article, we’ll show you how to put stock Android on any phone and enjoy the best Android experience with faster performance and no bloatware eating up storage space.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
- A custom recovery like TWRP or CWM installed on your phone
- A device running on Android (Any device, anywhere)
- A computer running on Windows or macOS with ADB and Fastboot installed
- A USB cable to connect your phone to the computer
- Your phone’s stock firmware (download the firmware from your phone manufacturer’s website)
- Patience and a bit of technical know-how
What Requires Your Focus?
To install stock Android on your phone, you need to have access to the phone’s firmware and get your device rooted to install a custom recovery like TWRP or CWM. You must also install ADB and Fastboot on your computer to transfer files and issue commands to the phone.
Different Methods to Put Stock Android on Any Phone
Method 1: Via ADB Sideload
This method uses ADB sideload to install stock Android onto your phone. ADB is a command-line tool that’s part of the Android SDK. ADB sideload is a feature that allows you to transfer a file onto your Android device via USB and install it from the computer.
Steps:
- Power off your device
- Boot your device into recovery mode by pressing the POWER + VOLUME UP button simultaneously
- Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable
- Launch the command prompt on your computer
- Type “adb devices” to confirm your device is connected
- Type “adb sideload [filename.zip]” to start the sideload process
- The installation process starts automatically
Pros:
- Faster installation process compared to other methods
Cons:
- Requires ADB installation
- May not work for all phone models, especially for those that are not supported by the manufacturer
Method 2: Via Custom Recovery
This method uses a custom recovery like TWRP or CWM to install the stock firmware onto your phone. Custom recoveries are often installed after rooting the phone, which gives users access to special features and the ability to bypass certain restrictions put in place by the manufacturer. On the other hand, installing custom recoveries can be risky, and mistakes can cause your phone to become unusable.
Steps:
- Power off your device
- Boot your device into recovery mode by pressing the POWER + VOLUME UP button simultaneously
- Make a complete backup of your current firmware using the custom recovery’s backup feature
- Wipe the data to avoid issues with the new firmware (wipe data/factory reset)
- Flash the stock firmware from your phone manufacturer or the internet
- Reboot your phone and enjoy the stock Android experience!
Pros:
- You have access to special features that stock firmware doesn’t offer
- Custom recoveries can bypass restrictions imposed by the manufacturer
Cons:
- Can render your phone unusable if something goes wrong
- Requires technical knowledge to use
Method 3: Via Third-Party Apps
This method uses third-party apps like Flashify, Rashr, or ROM Installer to install stock firmware onto your phone. These apps are usually available on the Google Play store and make it much easier to install the firmware, even for a user with no technical knowledge. However, this method is less reliable than the others, and the apps may not work for all phone models.
Steps:
- Install a third-party app like Flashify, Rashr, or ROM Installer from the Google Play store
- Download and save the stock firmware on your phone
- Open the app and navigate to the install option
- Select the option to install the firmware from your phone’s storage
- Wait for the installation process to complete and reboot your phone
- Enjoy the unadulterated stock Android experience!
Pros:
- Easy to use even for those without technical expertise
- No need for a computer or specialised software
Cons:
- May not work for all phone models
- Could potentially harm your device if the app is not reliable
Why Can’t I Use Stock Android?
There are several reasons why someone may not be able to use stock Android on their phone. Below are the most common reasons:
- Phone manufacturer not offering stock firmware for device model, or firmware not available in your region
- Your device’s bootloader is not unlockable
- Your device has hardware-specific drivers that are not compatible with the stock firmware
Here are some possible solutions to each reason:
- Contact the manufacturer’s support team to see if a firmware upgrade is available. If not, consider switching to a different device with stock Android.
- Some devices can only be unlocked if you root them first. If unlocking the bootloader is not an option, then you may not be able to use stock Android.
- This problem often occurs with older devices. Consider searching for custom ROMs made specifically for your device’s hardware drivers instead of installing stock Android.
Implications and Recommendations
Putting stock Android on your phone has several implications. For one, it frees your phone from the bloatware and pre-installed apps that come with the manufacturer’s firmware. This means more storage space and faster performance. Moreover, stock Android has a reputation for being more secure than customised firmware, so if you are security-conscious, this could be the choice for you.
Here are some recommendations to follow when installing stock Android:
- Backup your data before you begin, so you don’t lose any important information in the process.
- Research thoroughly before starting. Make sure you know your device’s hardware specifications, firmware, and the risks that come with installing custom software.
- Consider the source of the firmware you will use. Official firmware from the manufacturer is always the best choice, but if it’s unavailable, look for custom firmware from reputable sources.
5 FAQs about Putting Stock Android on Any Phone
Q1: Is it legal to install stock Android on any phone?
A: Yes, it is legal to install stock firmware on your phone. However, that does not mean that the practice is always safe or risk-free.
Q2: Will installing stock Android on my phone result in losing all my data?
A: Yes, installing a new firmware on your phone will erase all your data. It’s always best to backup your device before carrying out this task.
Q3: How do I choose the right firmware for my phone?
A: You can download the stock firmware from your phone manufacturer’s website or search for reliable custom ROMs that are compatible with your phone model.
Q4: What is a custom recovery, and why do I need it to install stock Android?
A: A custom recovery is a third-party recovery mode that allows users to install custom firmware, backup the device, clear data, and perform other useful tasks. You need a custom recovery to install stock Android because it’s the software that enables you to flash the firmware onto your phone.
Q5: Can I revert back to my original firmware if I change my mind?
A: Yes, it’s always possible to flash your phone back to its original firmware. Just ensure that you keep your original firmware saved before installing any custom software.
Final Words
Putting stock Android on any phone requires some technical know-how, but the benefits are worth the effort. You’ll enjoy a faster and cleaner operating system with more storage space and fewer bloatware apps. Just remember to backup your device, research thoroughly, and choose the firmware wisely. If you follow these steps and precautions, you’ll have a great stock Android experience!