Learn how to flash a TV set-top box in just a few simple steps. Update the firmware for improved performance and new features. Flash your TV set-top box today!If your TV set-top box suddenly starts to malfunction, try reflashing it. In the vast majority of cases, this will solve the problem. Reflashing may also be necessary to install a more recent version of the software. From our guide, you will learn how to update the firmware on the most popular TV set-top box models.
Xiaomi Mi Box Update
What you will need
- A computer running Windows;
- 8GB flash drive (formatted in FAT32);
- Official or custom firmware in .zip format;
- Keyboard or remote control for control in recovery mode.
How to install firmware
- Download the firmware and rename the file to update.zip;
- Copy the firmware to a flash drive;
- Connect the flash drive to the console;
- Turn off the device. Press and hold the power and back buttons on the remote control (you can use the Ctrl + Home key combination on the keyboard);
- Hold the buttons and turn on the device;
- In the Recovery menu, select Apply update from USB;
- Wait until the installation is complete and reboot the set-top box.
How to Update HiMedia Q10 Pro and Q5 Pro
What you will need
- A computer running Windows;
- 8GB flash drive or SD card (formatted in FAT32);
- Firmware file in .img format;
- PC with Windows;
- Firmware program ( TFTP can be used ).
How to install firmware
- Download the firmware . Its file must be in .img format;
- Insert a flash drive or SD card formatted in FAT32 into your PC and copy the firmware file (update.img) to the root directory;
- Disconnect the console from the power supply. Then connect a flash drive or SD card to it;
- Press and hold the “Reset” or “Recovery” button on the back of the console. While holding it, turn on the console’s power button until the boot menu appears;
- Once the Recovery menu appears, select the option “Apply update from USB” or “Apply update from SD” depending on the storage medium;
- The installation process will start automatically. Wait until it is finished;
- After the installation is complete, the set-top box will automatically reboot, but with the new software.
Allwinner TV boxes
What you will need
- A computer running Windows;
- USB cable for connecting the set-top box;
- Firmware program (for example, PhoenixSuit ;
- Firmware file in .img or .bin format;
- Flash drive or SD card (if the firmware requires it);
- Program for extracting archives (if the software file is archived).
How to install firmware
- Download and install PhoenixSuit;
- Download the firmware . If the file is compressed, unzip it;
- Disconnect the console from the power supply and connect it to the PC using a USB cable;
- If the firmware requires activating the “Recovery” or “Bootloader” mode, follow these steps:
- Launch PhoenixSuit or LiveSuit and select the “Open Image” option. Then specify the path to the .img or .bin firmware file;
- Click “Start” or “Upgrade” (depending on the software). The program will automatically download the firmware;
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- Wait until the operation is completed and disconnect the console from the PC;
- Connect it to your TV and turn it on. The first launch may take longer.
For some models, you may need to press and hold the “Reset” or “Recovery” button when connecting the console to the computer. This action activates the boot mode, in which you can flash the device.
TV boxes based on Amlogic processor
What you will need
- Windows computer;
- USB cable (male-to-male) for connecting the set-top box to a PC;
- USB Burning Tool ;
- Firmware file in .img format corresponding to your set-top box model;
- A tool for pressing the Reset button (a paperclip or toothpick will do).
How to install firmware
- Download and install USB Burning Tool. Then run the program as administrator;
- From the menu, select File > Import Image and upload the firmware .img file;
- Disconnect the set-top box from the power supply and find the Reset button (usually hidden in the AV connector);
- Connect one end of the USB cable to your PC;
- While holding the Reset button, connect the other end of the USB cable to the console;
- After the Connect success message, release the Reset button;
- In USB Burning Tool, click Start and wait for the operation to complete. This will be indicated by the message “100% Burning successfully;
- Press Stop and disconnect the console from the computer;
- Connect the device to your TV and turn it on. The first launch may take a little longer.
TV set-top boxes based on Rockchip chips
What you will need
- A computer running Windows;
- USB cable for connecting the set-top box to a PC);
- Specialized firmware software (for example, Rockchip Batch Tool );
- Firmware file in .img format.
How to install firmware
- Download and install Rockchip Batch Tool;
- Find the firmware for your Rockchip-based console model in .img format. Make sure it matches the model;
- Disconnect the console from the power supply. Then connect it to the PC;
- To enter Loader mode, press the Reset Recovery button depending on your model. Without releasing it, connect the console to the computer;
- The TV set-top box should go into boot mode, which will be indicated by the phrase Rockchip Batch Tool. Launch Rockchip Batch Tool;
- In the program, select Firmware and specify the path to the firmware file .img. Make sure that your model is displayed in the program and click the Start button;
- Wait until the process is complete. This usually takes between 3 and 10 minutes;
- Disconnect the console from the PC and connect it back to the TV. Turn it on, but be prepared that it may take a little longer.
Zidoo TV Set-top Boxes
What you will need
- A computer running Windows;
- USB drive (optional);
How to install firmware
- Connect the Zidoo TV box to your TV and turn on the power;
- Download the firmware to a USB drive or to the internal memory of the device. In the first case, insert it into the USB port of the console;
- Go to the Settings menu on your console. Select Upgrade and click Update;
Specify the path to the firmware file (either from a USB flash drive or from the device memory);
- Select the firmware file and confirm its selection;
- The update process will begin after confirmation by pressing the Update button. The console will reboot and the update will be installed.
Firmware for iconBIT
What you will need
- A computer running Windows;
- micro-SD card;
- Firmware file;
- Specialized software like PhoenixCard.
How to install firmware
- Insert the micro-SD into your computer. Format the card to FAT32;
- Download the firmware. Run the PhoenixCard program (as administrator);
- In the program interface, select your memory card in the disk field. In the img file field, specify the path to the firmware file;
- Press the Burn button to write the image to the card. After the writing is complete, remove the card from the PC;
- Insert the memory card into the TV set-top box. Connect the set-top box to the TV via HDMI cable;
- Turn on the power. The installation will start automatically. After the firmware is complete, disconnect the console from the power supply and remove the micro SD card;
- The first boot will take a little longer than usual as the system is configured.
The best sites for searching firmware
4PDA
The largest Russian-language website/forum dedicated to mobile gadgets, including TV set-top boxes. Here you can find official and custom firmware, installation instructions, and troubleshooting tips.
XDA Developers
An international forum where developers and enthusiasts publish modified firmware and tools for Android TV boxes. You can find updates and instructions on how to unlock specific devices.
FreakTab
Specializes in firmware and modifications for TV boxes, including models on Amlogic, Rockchip and Allwinner processors. Here you can find alternative versions of software that allow you to improve performance.
Need
A site dedicated to firmware for Android devices. Official and custom software is posted here. Convenient because it allows you to sort firmware by model.
Geekbuying Blog
A popular online store selling electronics, including TV boxes. Their blog often publishes official firmware for the devices they sell. A good place to find stable firmware versions from manufacturers.