How To Restore Android Device’s Original Firmware – A Comprehensive Guide

Stock ROMs are the original firmware that comes pre-installed on Android devices. They are the pure, unmodified versions of Android, designed specifically for each device by the manufacturer. If you’ve ever modified your device with custom ROMs, root access, or other tweaks, you may need to restore your device’s stock ROM to return it to its original state or for warranty purposes.

How To Restore Android Device’s Original Firmware – A Comprehensive Guide

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of restoring your Android device’s original firmware, providing you with detailed instructions, necessary tools, and helpful links.

Benefits of Stock ROMs

• Stability and Compatibility: Stock ROMs are designed by the device manufacturer, ensuring the firmware is optimized for your specific device.
• Warranty: Restoring a stock ROM can reinstate your device’s warranty if it was voided due to modifications.
• Updates: Stock ROMs receive official updates from the manufacturer, ensuring access to the latest features and security patches.

Drawbacks of Stock ROMs

• Limited Customization: Stock ROMs don’t offer the same level of customization as custom ROMs.
• Bloatware: Manufacturers often include unnecessary pre-installed apps that can’t be removed without root access.

Preparing for the Stock ROM Restoration Process

Charge Your Device: Ensure your device has at least 70% battery life to prevent unexpected shutdowns during the restoration process.

Backup Your Data: Before restoring your stock ROM, back up your personal data to avoid losing it during the process. Use Google Drive, an external SD card, or a computer for this purpose.

Download the Necessary Tools and Files:

• Download the appropriate stock ROM for your device from the manufacturer’s website or a trusted source such as SamMobile for Samsung devices or LG Firmware for LG devices.
• Download and install the required drivers for your device on your computer.
• Download ADB and Fastboot tools for your computer.
• For certain devices, you may need to download a flashing tool such as Samsung Odin, [SP Flash Tool](https://spflashtool.com/), QFIL, or Mi Flash Tool.

Enable USB Debugging

Enable USB debugging on your device by following these steps:

• Go to Settings > About Phone > Software Information.
• Tap the Build Number seven times to enable Developer Options.
• Go back to Settings > Developer Options.
• Enable USB Debugging.

Here we have given the following 3 methods for Stock ROM Restoration:

Method 1: Official Firmware Update Tools

Some manufacturers provide official tools for updating or restoring your device’s firmware. Examples include Samsung Smart Switch, LG Bridge, and Sony Xperia Companion.

Samsung Smart Switch

1. Download and install Samsung Smart Switch on your computer.
2. Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Launch Smart Switch and click on the “Update” button to download and install the latest firmware.

LG Bridge

1. Download and install LG Bridge on your computer.
2. Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Launch LG Bridge, click on the “Software Update” tab, and follow the on-screen instructions to update your device.

Sony Xperia Companion

1. Download and install Sony Xperia Companion on your computer.
2. Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Launch Xperia Companion, select “Software Repair,” and follow the on-screen instructions to restore your device.

Method 2: Fastboot/ADB Method

1. Extract the downloaded stock ROM to a folder on your computer.
2. Launch ADB and Fastboot tools by opening a command prompt or terminal window in the folder where you extracted the files.
3. Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
4. Reboot your device into bootloader mode using the appropriate key combination or by typing adb reboot bootloader in the command prompt/terminal window.
5. Flash the stock ROM files using the appropriate Fastboot commands (usually provided in a text file within the stock ROM folder). For example, fastboot flash system system.img, fastboot flash boot boot.img, etc.
6. Once the flashing process is complete, reboot your device by typing fastboot reboot in the command prompt/terminal window.

Method 3: Flashing Tools

Samsung Odin

1. Download and install Samsung Odin on your computer.
2. Extract the downloaded stock ROM to a folder on your computer.
3. Reboot your device into download mode by powering it off and pressing the appropriate key combination.
4. Launch Odin, and connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
5. Load the stock ROM files into the appropriate sections in Odin (e.g., BL, AP, CP, and CSC).
6. Click “Start” to begin the flashing process. Your device will reboot once the process is complete.

SP Flash Tool (MediaTek Devices)

1. Download and install SP Flash Tool on your computer.
2. Extract the downloaded stock ROM to a folder on your computer.
3. Launch SP Flash Tool, and click on the “Scatter-loading” button to load the scatter file from the stock ROM folder.
4. Select the “Firmware Upgrade” or “Download Only” option, depending on your requirements.
5. Power off your device and connect it to your computer using a USB cable.
6. Click the “Download” button in SP Flash Tool to begin the flashing process. A green checkmark will appear upon successful completion.

QFIL (Qualcomm Devices)

1. Download and install QFIL on your computer.
2. Extract the downloaded stock ROM to a folder on your computer.
3. Power off your device and boot it into EDL mode by holding the appropriate key combination.
4. Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
5. Launch QFIL and ensure your device is detected in the “Qualcomm HS-USB QDLoader 9008” section.
6. Load the stock ROM files (prog_emmc_firehose, rawprogram0, and patch0) into their respective sections in QFIL.
7. Click “Download” to begin the flashing process. Your device will reboot once the process is complete.

Mi Flash Tool (Xiaomi Devices)

• Download and install Mi Flash Tool on your computer.
• Extract the downloaded stock ROM to a folder on your computer.
• Power off your device and boot it into Fastboot mode by holding the appropriate key combination.
• Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
• Launch Mi Flash Tool and click on the “Select” button to choose the extracted stock ROM folder.
• Click “Flash” to begin the flashing process. Your device will reboot once the process is complete.
• Restoring Stock Recovery and Unrooting

Restoring Stock Recovery

If you have a custom recovery installed on your device, you may need to restore the stock recovery to complete the restoration process. Follow these steps:

1. Download the stock recovery image for your device from the manufacturer’s website or a trusted source.
2. Place the stock recovery image in the same folder as your ADB and Fastboot tools.
3. Reboot your device into bootloader mode using the appropriate key combination or by typing adb reboot bootloader in the command prompt/terminal window.
4. Flash the stock recovery image by typing fastboot flash recovery stock_recovery.img in the command prompt/terminal window (replace “stock_recovery.img” with the actual filename).
5. Reboot your device by typing fastboot reboot in the command prompt/terminal window.

Unrooting Your Device

If your device is rooted, you may need to unroot it to fully restore the stock ROM. This process varies depending on the root method used. For devices rooted with Magisk, follow these steps:

• Launch the Magisk Manager app on your device.
• Tap on “Uninstall” and then “Complete Uninstall.”
• Reboot your device once the process is complete.

Final Words

Restoring your Android device’s stock ROM can be a relatively simple process, depending on your device and the method chosen. Follow this comprehensive guide to restore your device’s original firmware, ensuring you have the necessary tools and files before proceeding. Always remember to back up your data and exercise caution during the restoration process.

Remember, it’s essential to follow instructions carefully and ensure you have the correct firmware, tools, and drivers for your device. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the restoration process, consult online forums or seek help from knowledgeable friends or community members before proceeding.

By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to restore your Android device’s stock ROM, returning it to its original, unmodified state. This can help you regain your warranty, receive official updates, or restore your device’s stability and performance.