A Guide to Flashing AOSP Images Using Fastboot

Chapter 1: Introduction to Fastboot and AOSP Image

Fastboot is a versatile command-line tool that allows various system-level operations on Android devices. It is typically used in bootloader or recovery mode, and is utilized for tasks such as flashing system images to the device, or unlocking the device's bootloader. Understanding and using Fastboot is a critical skill in Android development and debugging.

On the other hand, AOSP (Android Open Source Project) Image refers to the open-source version of the Android operating system. By flashing the AOSP image to the device, users can install the pure Android operating system on their device. This is useful for users who want to install custom ROMs beyond the default operating system provided by the manufacturer.

Understanding Fastboot

Fastboot is a powerful tool for controlling Android devices. It is critically used in tasks such as flashing firmware updates or installing new custom ROMs.

Understanding AOSP Image

AOSP Image refers to the open-source version of the Android operating system provided by Google. Using this, users can install Google's pure Android version on their device, rather than the software provided by the device manufacturer.

Relationship between Fastboot and AOSP Image

Fastboot is mainly used to install the AOSP image on Android devices. By flashing the AOSP image via Fastboot, users can use Google's pure Android instead of the software from the device manufacturer.

Chapter 2: How to Use Fastboot Commands

Fastboot commands are a powerful tool for controlling Android devices. In this chapter, we will learn the basics of how to use Fastboot commands.

Basic Understanding of Fastboot Commands

Fastboot is a command-line tool, mainly used to control Android devices from a PC. When connected to a device booted in Fastboot mode, various system-level tasks can be performed.

How to Execute Fastboot Commands

To use Fastboot commands, you first need to enter the command 'fastboot'. Then, depending on the task you want to perform, you enter the corresponding command. For example, to unlock the device's bootloader, enter 'fastboot oem unlock', and to flash an image to the device, enter 'fastboot flash'. Each command must be separated by a space.

Examples of Fastboot Commands

Here are a few examples of Fastboot commands.

fastboot devices - Displays a list of connected devices.
fastboot oem unlock - Unlocks the device's bootloader.
fastboot flash recovery recovery.img - Flashes the recovery image to the device.
fastboot reboot - Reboots the device.

Fastboot commands are essential tools for users to control Android devices and install custom ROMs. It is important to understand and use the commands accurately.

Chapter 3: Step-by-Step Guide to Flashing AOSP Image to Device

In this chapter, we will learn how to flash an AOSP image to an Android device using Fastboot. The following explains the process step by step.

Step 1: Download Necessary Files

First, you need to download the AOSP image and Fastboot tool. The AOSP image can be downloaded from Google's Android Open Source Project website, and Fastboot can be downloaded from Android SDK Platform-Tools.

Step 2: Boot Device into Fastboot Mode

Next, long press the volume down button and power button simultaneously to boot the device into Fastboot mode.

Step 3: Connect and Verify Device

Connect the device to the PC using a USB cable, then verify that the device is properly connected using the 'fastboot devices' command.

Step 4: Flash AOSP Image

Now it's time to flash the AOSP image to the device. You can do this using the 'fastboot flash' command. At this time, you need to accurately enter the path of the image file to be flashed. For example, if the AOSP image file is in the download folder under the name 'aosp_image.img', enter the command as follows.

fastboot flash system <path_to_the_image_file>/aosp_image.img

Step 5: Reboot Device

Finally, reboot the device using the 'fastboot reboot' command. If the device boots up normally afterwards, the flash of the AOSP image has been successfully completed.

Chapter 4: Verification and Troubleshooting After Flashing

After flashing the AOSP image to the device, you need to verify that it was installed correctly and troubleshoot any problems that occurred. In this chapter, we will learn how to do this.

Verification After Flashing

After flashing, you need to check if the device boots up normally. If the device boots up normally and the Android version matches the flashed AOSP image version when you check 'About phone' in the settings menu, the flash was successful.

Troubleshooting When Problems Occur

If problems occur during the flashing process, they can be resolved in the following ways.

1. Check Fastboot and AOSP Image File: Check if the Fastboot tool and AOSP image file are correct. If the file is damaged or the wrong version is used, problems can occur.
2. Check Device Connection: Check if the device is properly connected to the PC. The USB cable may be damaged, or there may be a problem with the USB port.
3. Try Again: If the problem persists, reboot the device into Fastboot mode again and try the flashing process from the beginning.