What is dirty flash ROM and How to do?

Dirty flashing is a term used in the world of custom ROMs and firmware updates. It refers to the process of updating a phone’s software (ROM) without wiping its data. This means that the user can update their custom ROM without losing any important files, photos, or contacts stored on their device.

The process of dirty flashing can seem intimidating, especially for those who are new to custom ROMs. However, with the right steps and precautions, it can be a relatively straightforward process.

In this article, we will be covering the full process of dirty flashing and providing helpful tips to ensure a smooth and successful update. Whether you are a seasoned flashaholic or a beginner, this article will provide all the information you need to get started.

What is Dirty Flash ROM and Why is it Done?

Dirty flashing is a method of updating the Android operating system (OS) without wiping any data stored on the device. This process involves using a custom recovery or ADB fastboot to flash the updated ROM onto the phone. The term “dirty” refers to the fact that the existing data is not wiped before the update is installed, as opposed to a “clean” flash, which would erase all data before installing the new ROM. Dirty flashing is done for the convenience of the user, as it allows them to keep their personal files and settings intact after the update.

How to Dirty Flash using TWRP

Dirty flashing using TWRP (or any other custom recovery) is a simple process that can be done in three steps:

• Wipe Dalvik / ART Cache
• Wipe Cache
• Flash the new ROM.

By following these steps, you can update your custom ROM without losing any data. Note that this process may vary slightly depending on the specific custom recovery you are using, but the general steps remain the same. Always make sure to backup your important data before attempting to dirty flash, as there is always a risk of data loss during the update process.

How to Dirty Flash using ADB Fastboot

If your phone does not have a custom recovery, you can still dirty flash the ROM by using ADB fastboot. Here are the steps to dirty flash using ADB fastboot:

• Download the Android SDK Platform tool on your computer.
• Boot your phone into fastboot mode.
• Attach your Android phone to your computer using a USB cable.
• Open a command prompt on your computer and navigate to the location where you have installed the SDK Platform tool.
• Use the following command to wipe the cache: “fastboot erase cache”
• Use the following command to flash the new system image file: “fastboot flash system [system.img file location]”

Note that you do not need to wipe the data when using ADB fastboot to dirty flash.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Here, we have addressed the most commonly asked questions about dirty flashing. If you have any additional questions, please leave a comment on this article.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dirty flashing is a useful and convenient way to update your Android operating system without wiping any data. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily dirty flash your ROM using either a custom recovery like TWRP or ADB fastboot. While dirty flashing is generally safe, it’s important to always backup your important data before attempting any updates, as there is always a risk of data loss during the process. We hope this article has been helpful in clearing up any questions you may have had about dirty flashing, and that you feel more confident in attempting a dirty flash on your own device.