Android Enthusiasts Stack Exchange
Android Enthusiasts Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [rom]

Questions concerning the firmware image (i.e. a system image) for an Android device. See full tag wiki for details.

What is a ROM?

A firmware image (i.e. a system image) for an Android device. Originally derives from the fact that system firmware is often stored on Read-Only Memory chips, though the chips used in Android devices are not entirely "read-only". The term "ROM" in the context of Android devices and system images should not be confused with the concept of a physical read-only memory chip, though any such chip may also be referred to as "ROM".

Many Android devices can be readily "flashed" with new ROMs manually, including custom ROMs which are created by third-parties rather than the carrier or manufacturer. If you are interested in finding ROMs for your device, please see Where can I find stock or custom ROMs for my Android device?

Related tags

  • : questions/issues specific to Custom ROMs (also called "After Market" or "Third Party ROMs"). See the custom-rom tag-wiki for a list of tags for specific custom ROMs.
  • : questions/issues with "stock ROMs" (i.e. "the official ones" from the manufacturer/provider)
  • : questions/issues "flashing" (i.e. "installing") a ROM, be it stock or custom
  • : an Android app that wants to help you finding and flashing ROMs

Related questions you might want to look up

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1 answer

Where can I find stock or custom ROMs for my Android device?

There are several reasons to be looking for a ROM: Upgrading or downgrading your stock ROM Looking for firmware from a different region/language Flashing a custom ROM for different features, removing bloat, etc. But where can one find ROMs in the…
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What are the differences between a system app and user app?

As I've played around with different ROMs and used Titanium Backup, I see that apps are categorized into system and user apps. Several ROM developers state that Titanium Backup should only be used for user apps and not for system apps, and when I…
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A rather complex wifi issue (android tablet)

Straight to the point. My wifi has not been working properly since after a few days after upgrading its firmware and android version. Issue description The issue is rather inconsistent. Wifi will usually not detect any networks. Sometimes it will…
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What is the meaning of "flashing a custom ROM"?

Possible Duplicate: What is the difference between: Rooting, Jailbreak, ROM, Mod, etc.? What is a custom ROM, and what does "flashing a custom ROM" mean?
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Why are there so many different Android kernels?

Isn't Android a common kernel that is used across all devices? For example, CentOS will install on Dell, HP, and a variety of other hardware. Sure there are different modules, but it's still CentOS nonetheless. What is the reason why CyanogenMod is…
user974896
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How to unpack and edit boot.img for ROM porting?

I recently downloaded this ROM for my Allview P5 (Allview P5 is the equivalent of Gionee GN700W/FLY IQ441/QMobile Noir A8). It`s called Primonex ROM and is made for the Gionee version of the phone. Firstly, I tried to install it as it is but it got…
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Why are there not generic phone OS installers?

I am used to install and remove various operating systems in my PCs, even having several at a time. Usually, to install a new OS means: Burn the ISO to a CD/DVD/USB. Insert it. Boot. (Maybe you have to tweak a bit the BIOS first). The only…
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Why is root access required for a custom ROM?

I'd like to be clear, and as my question indicates, I'm very ignorant of mobile devices in general so my apologies if this is common knowledge. Say I want to install a custom ROM onto a device, then it would appear I need root access. I'm able to…
R4D4
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Is there an official Android "Google" ROM?

So I have an old unlocked phone and I'd like to load up my own OS. I've seen some mods out there. CyanogenMod seems to be the most popular. However, I was curious if I could just install a pure untouched version of the OS -- as distributed by…
Sen
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What is the difference between AOSP and AOKP?

What is the difference between AOSP and AOKP? Are they related to Stock ROM?
geffchang
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Alarm which could Ring even when Device is Off

Android smartphones are smarter than traditional mobile phones in all aspects, but I am unable to find this smartness in one aspect: In those classic mobile phones, there was an option to ring the alarm even when device was off. The device was…
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ROM Manager - What Is It's Purpose?

I just finished rooting my phone (Moto Droid) for the first time using the z4root application. It worked great (one-click, no computer involved). However, before I start messing with my phone, I wanted to make a backup of my phone so, in case I…
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What is the purpose of a ramdisk in Android?

I am reading a link that explains what partitions exist in Android. Can someone tell what is the purpose of ramdisk in Android ? The link says ramdisk is present (along with the kernel) in /boot partition. However, when I try to do some searching…
Jake
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Can I install a ROM made for a different device?

I own a MicroMax A100. I want to install the latest version of a different ROM (Samsung or Nexus). Is it possible? If so, can you tell me how? If not, can I install a ROM made for a different device, but from the same manufacturer? For example,…
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Bootloader/BIOS, flashing ROMs and related risks. Why are Android devices more brickable than PCs?

I have solid experience with installing different OSes (Linux, Windows,...) on PCs. I would like to try just for fun to install Linux on an unbranded Android low cost tablet acquired in 2015. I spent some time browsing the web and as far as I…
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