Manually Upgrading Infinix Zero 5 to Android 8: A Comprehensive Guide

Broadly speaking, the native software updates for mobile devices can be painfully slow, or your device manufacturer might not support it anymore. In such cases, manually upgrading your Infinix Zero 5 to Android 8 Oreo can be a viable solution. This article provides a step-by-step guide to achieve this, ensuring that you perform the process with caution and due preparation.

Ensure Official Updates

Before initiating the manual upgrade, check for any official updates that might be available through the Infinix support channels. This can be done by going to Settings > About Phone > System Updates. While official updates might be available at this stage, they are generally not for the exact version of Android 8 Oreo. Hence, proceed with manual upgrade only if no official update is found.

Backup Critical Data

Data loss is a significant risk during manual upgrades. To mitigate this, it is crucial to back up your valuable data. Use the built-in backup feature or a third-party app to ensure that your contacts, messages, photos, and other important files are safely stored. This step is non-negotiable to protect your important information.

Download Required Files

The critical component for the upgrade is the firmware for Android 8 Oreo. Download the official firmware from the Infinix support website or trusted forums like XDA Developers. Ensure you are downloading the correct firmware version for your model. Incorrect firmware can cause severe issues and brick your device.

Install ADB and Fastboot

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot are essential tools for flashing firmware. Download the Android SDK Platform Tools from the official website to install these tools. This step is necessary to communicate with your device and perform the firmware installation.

Enable Developer Options

To enable USB Debugging, follow these steps:

Go to Settings > About Phone. Tap on Build Number seven times to unlock Developer Options. Go back to Settings > Developer Options. Enable USB Debugging.

Unlock Bootloader (if necessary)

Some devices have locked bootloaders which need to be unlocked. Unlocking the bootloader can typically be done through the Developer Options. However, be aware that this process will wipe your device, so make a final backup before proceeding.

Connect Your Phone to the Computer

Use a USB cable to connect your Infinix Zero 5 to your computer. Ensure your device is in Recovery Mode before transferring the firmware.

Transfer Firmware to the Device

Copy the downloaded firmware file to your device's internal storage or SD card. This file will be used to flash the new firmware.

Boot into Recovery Mode

Power off your device and press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously. Release the buttons when the Infinix logo appears, which indicates that your device has entered Recovery Mode.

Install the Firmware

In Recovery Mode, use the volume buttons to navigate to Install Update (?) or Apply Update ( Propel) and select the firmware file you transferred earlier. Confirm the installation and wait for the process to complete.

Reboot Your Device

Navigate to Reboot System Now ( Gear usually) in the recovery menu to complete the upgrade. Your device will restart and begin the installation process.

Post-Upgrade Steps

After the device restarts, check if the upgrade was successful by going to Settings > About Phone. Ensure the Android version has been updated to 8.0 Oreo. Reinstall your apps and restore your data from the backup if needed.

Additional Notes

Ensure your device has at least 50% battery before starting the upgrade process. If you encounter any issues, consult user forums or the Infinix support community for troubleshooting. Proceed with caution, as manual upgrades can be risky. Always have factory reset and firmware recovery procedures ready.

Remember, manual updates are a significant step that comes with risks, including data loss and potential device failure. However, if you are prepared and follow the steps carefully, you can successfully upgrade your Infinix Zero 5 to Android 8 Oreo, providing a smoother and more efficient user experience.