Flashing an Android ROM: the 7 mistakes that brick a phone

Installing LineageOS, GrapheneOS or /e/OS gives a phone a second life, but a handling mistake can make it unusable. Here are the seven most common traps.

1. Picking the wrong model

The same commercial name can hide several hardware variants. Use the device's codename shown on the project page, and check it in the phone's info. A ROM for another variant can prevent booting.

2. Forgetting that unlocking erases everything

Unlocking the bootloader resets the phone. Back up photos, messages, contacts and authenticator apps beforehand.

3. Neglecting the battery and the cable

A power cut in the middle of a flash is the number one cause of unusable phones. Charge above 60 % and use a good cable plugged straight into the PC, with no hub.

4. Mixing procedures

Each project has its own procedure. Follow only the one on your model's page, in order, without skipping a step. Our ROMs page links to the official sites.

5. Not verifying the files

Check the checksum of the downloaded files, as for an ISO (see verifying an ISO).

6. Forgetting the stock firmware updates

Some ROMs require a specific version of the manufacturer firmware. Read the project's prerequisites.

7. Not knowing how to go back

Before starting, find out how to reinstall the original firmware: factory images at Google, repair tools at other manufacturers.

In short

Take the time to read the whole procedure, tick the checklist, and only flash a device you have time to repair.