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Recovering Crashed Android after a Failed Update

You’ve heard all about it, and finally, your day has arrived. You are the recipient of a brand-new system update. But then something goes terribly wrong. It might just be that nothing changes; the update is nowhere to be found.

Or it might cause even greater problems like your entire system crashing. Suddenly, that change that was supposed to bring wonderful things to your phone has actually taken a turn for the worst. But don’t stress, because there are common reasons why updates fail and common solutions to overcome this issue. Recovering crashed Android after a Failed Update. Why your update failed, & what you can do to recover data, stabilize your system, & update successfully. Additionally, we can help you restore any lost data.


Problem 1: Unstable Network Connection

Maybe your device is set to disconnect from Wi-Fi as soon as the Android falls asleep. Updates don’t take kindly to interruptions, and this will almost undoubtedly cause issues. As a preventative measure, set your Wi-Fi connection to Always before you update and ensure that you have plenty of battery life left.

Solutions:

Reboot

If this works—congratulations—because this is, by far, the easiest solution.

Reflash Firmware

Depending on the manufacturer of the device, there can be various ways to do this. Search our site to see how to update your particular device manually.

Recover Lost Data Using Recovery Software

One example is EaseUS. It’s a popular solution that will help you recover lost photos, files, music, etc.

lost treasure

Perform a Factory Reset

If you hadn’t lost your data before, you will now, so back it up.

Factory Reset3

Update via Computer Software

Some manufacturers provide software to update your Android with your desktop computer using a USB cable. One such example is Verizon’s Software Update – Software Upgrade Assistant for Samsung. Additionally, there are third-party apps on Google Play, like Upgrade for Android.

Download: Upgrade for Android Go Next


Problem 2: Update Failed with Errors

If it looks like your update starts to work, but then stops and shows Error, try these fixes.

Solutions:

Use Carrier-Provided Assistance 

Whether it’s a carrier-provided app or the help of one of their technicians, service providers will often assist with update issues.

Wipe Cache Partition

Go into Recovery Mode using the key combination that works for your device. You can then use the Volume buttons to navigate and make your selections. Choose the option to Wipe Cache, then return to the Main Menu and choose Reboot System Now. Wiping the Cache will be available under the Advanced option if you have installed a custom recovery, and could prove very helpful if you have recently tried to flash a new ROM. Also visit Mounts and Storage and Wipe Data as well as Wipe Cache there. The majority of the time, this solution will fix your Android boot problem.

Wipe Data

Factory Reset

Boot into the bootloader or recovery if necessary, and factory reset. Backup any data you can first.

Factory Reseet

Flash ROM

It’s likely that an incompatible file or malfunctioning code is causing the problem. If you are able to access Bootloader or Recovery Mode, and you have a system backup, all that’s needed is to restore that backup from the menu. If not, you will want to install a new official stock ROM onto your device, or a custom ROM that has worked in the past. Flash the ROM and reboot.  If you have a Samsung, you can use the Odin program to help you. For Motorola, there’s RSD Lite. HTC stock ROMs can be installed directly from Bootloader Mode. Sony users can use Flashtool. ADB is another tool commonly used.


Problem 3: Stuck in Android System Recovery

Do you see a cute little robot with an exclamation point inside a red triangle, or that looks like it’s in the middle of blue laser surgery? Or maybe you have a list of commands in front of you. If you don’t see any options, press the Power key. Welcome to System Recovery! It’s not always like Hotel California. Believe it or not, the Recovery screen is actually meant to help you. It can be an essential tool when recovering crash Android after a failed update.

Solutions:

Contact Your Service Provider

If you don’t feel comfortable and want to play it safe, it might be best to call your carrier or have a technician take a look at your Android.

Check for a Defective Key

Look for buttons that are being pressed down. This could be due to dust, dirt, spilled liquid, oil, or even the case you are using. You can clean around the buttons very carefully. You’ll first want to power down your Android and remove the battery if your device permits. You can apply some isopropyl alcohol to a Q-tip to clean, or employ a canned air duster. If it’s your case, try a different one that fits better.

Canned air

Use Manufacturer-Provided Software

Connect your device to a computer and get a little help from manufacturers’ software. Samsung provides Samsung Kies, LG offers the LG PC Suite, Sony Xperia users may benefit from Sony’s PC Companion, etc. These programs can help you backup data and complete any necessary updates.

Samsung KiesHard Reset

Select Wipe Data/Factory Reset with the Volume buttons, then use either the Power or Menu key to confirm.

Manually Install Firmware

If you have a Samsung, you should be able to use Odin. If you can download the official firmware to your SD card, you simply make that selection (Apply update from SD Card) from the Recovery menu.

Apply Update

Problem 4: Where did the Update Go?

Even once you finally get your Android back up-and-running, you are still left with the problem of the missing update. Why did it just cause trouble and disappear? How can you get it back and update successfully?

Solutions:

Manually Check for Update

Go to Settings > About Phone > System Update.

Software Update

Error Message: “Software update is temporarily unavailable.”

You might need a new SIM card.

Sim card

For Error Code “410”

Reboot, then wipe cache.

Sideload Update

Enable Developer Settings and USB Debugging. Unlock bootloader, if necessary. Go to the manufacturer’s official website from a PC browser. Flash the ROM and reboot.  If you have a Samsung, you can use the Odin program to help you. For Motorola, there’s RSD Lite. HTC stock ROMs can be installed directly from Bootloader Mode. Sony users can use Flashtool. ADB is another tool commonly used.

flash file

Problem 5: Stuck in Bootloop

This is, unfortunately, very common after an update. Thankfully, you should be able to recover without losing any data.

Solutions:

Reboot

Power your device off and back on, if possible.

Soft Reset

So simple, if it works. Long-press the Power button for about 10 seconds. Some devices require that you hold both the Power and Volume Up button together at the same time. Restart your phone.

Use Recovery Mode

Recovery Mode allows you to Restart, Apply your update from external storage, Wipe data/Factory reset, Wipe cache partition, and/or Apply updates from cache.

Recovery Mode

Recover Data and Factory Reset

Boot into Recovery Mode using your specific device’s key combination, and select Wipe data/Factory reset from there.


Problem 6: Apps Also Crash

Apps may crash or mysteriously disappear. Recovering a crashed Android after a failed update can also include apps.

Solutions:

Boot Device into Safe Mode

It can vary by device, but one way to enter Safe Mode is to long-press the Volume Down and Power keys. Safe Mode allows you to boot into the system without running any third-party software. this is what you can use to determine whether your problem is more app or system-related, because it boots with only those apps that came with your Android right out-of-the-box. If your system functions normally in Safe Mode it’s very likely the issue is with an app you downloaded.

Safe Mode

Soft Reset

Pull the battery from your Android and put it back.

Remove Battery

Reinstall Apps

Uninstall and then reinstall your problem apps.

Uninstall App

Look Through Files

If your apps have disappeared, but you still have the same amount of space, use a file manager to peruse your files.

Download: ES File Explorer

Install/Uninstall App Updates

Go to Google Play > My Apps to find out if updates are available. If the app update is what caused the issue, if at all possible, roll it back.

My apps

Problem 7: ROM Flashing Program Can’t Find Device

If you are trying to install a ROM and using a custom recovery, you very well may encounter this problem or a Status 7 error.

Solutions:

Update Custom Recovery

Since the Status 7 error tends to happen on outdated CWM Recovery, update it to its latest version using ROM Manager.

Download: ROM Manager

Enable USB Debugging

Navigate to Settings > About Device. At the bottom you will find Build number. Tap it 7 times. When you see the announcement that you are a developer, go back to Settings and select Developer Options > USB Debugging.

USB Debugging3

Use TWRP Instead

If CWM is the problem, try an alternative.

Download: TWRP Manager (Requires ROOT)

Check USB Cable

The one that comes with your device usually works best.

phone PC

Conclusion

Were you able to recover your crashed Android after a failed update? Or are you still having issues? Let us know in the comments below.

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