Every so often, an Android TV box will need a factory reset or the Firmware updated, which is easy enough to do with a few steps.
What is a Factory Reset?
A Factory Reset sets a box back to its original settings wiping any user data.
This is usually done when selling a box to delete all your data, such as apps, passwords, and so on.
What is a Firmware Update?
The Firmware is the software part of the box that controls everything such as WiFi and Video.
A Firmware update, done wrong, can brick a box, making it unusable.
Using the correct Firmware version is very important; even new versions of an Android box can make a difference.
Should You Factory Reset or Update the Firmware?
Factory Resetting a box sets a unit to the original state it came in, deleting any settings that were changed.
Since there is no update, much less can go wrong, and Factory Resetting Android devices such as phones are done all the time.
Firmware updates can brick a box if done wrong.
For this reason, a Firmware update should only be done if absolutely necessary.
Updating the Firmware is not difficult; the main thing to usually causes problems is using the wrong Firmware file.
Steps To Set an Android TV Box in Android Recovery Mode
The first step is to set a box in Android Recovery Mode.
Basically, with the power Off, the reset button is held. Power is turned On while holding the reset button for 8-10 seconds, and then let go.
- Locate the Reset button and Power Plug/Button.
- Press and hold the Reset button and plug in the box powering it on (Sometimes the power button is used). Keep pressing the Reset Button for 10 seconds, and then let go.
- The box should come up into Recovery Mode with several options.
Steps to Factory Reset an Android TV Box
Once in Recovery Mode, the following steps will set the unit back to its default settings erasing all user data.
- To Factory Reset the box, select Wipe data/factory reset.
- A warning box will come up; click Yes.
- All the data will be erased.
- After it is done wiping the data, select Reboot system now. Sometimes it can take a while to reboot.
Steps to Update the Firmware on an Android TV Box
- Locate and download the Firmware file for your box. Usually, this can be done with a simple Google search or the manufactures website.
- Copy the Firmware file to an SD-card or flash drive and insert it into your box.
- Go to Recovery Mode and click on Apply update from SD card.
- Click on the Firmware file.
- The box will flash the new Firmware to the unit and show the results on the screen. If it was successful or there was an error it will show the results.
- If it doesn’t restart automatically select Reboot system now. Sometimes it can take a while to reboot.
Be sure to get the correct version for your box. The main reason Android TV boxes get Bricked while updating Firmware is the wrong Firmware file.
Summary
Resetting an Android TV box and erasing all the data is easy to do with a few steps.
Flashing new Firmware also is only a few steps but can Brick your box if done wrong.
When it comes to Firmware every manufacturer does things differently. Some will do updates and have a download page, while others will have no information.
Often many would also like to update to the newest Android version. Some boxes will not be able to update to the newest Android version depending on the unit and Firmware, be sure to read the documentation.
Flashing the Firmware is done all the time, even with custom versions; simply be aware of what can go wrong and read forums, websites, and so on to get the best information for your box.
I have an ott box model M8S running 4.4.2 looking for a firmware update to at least 5.0 Thanks
i have an m8pro OTT box, app keep being install into the “internal” storage and not the “nand flash” nor “external sd” is there a fix for this ? firmware update using rockchip batch tool ? All i can find online is the original image files which bring me back to square one.
My wechip v8 just display no command when i on it,i reset it to factory set,since that its just display only wechip on the screen
I would like to know if there is an update for my T95R Pro
I DON’T FIND ANYTHING ABOUT FIRMWARE ,SOFTWARE FOR Pendoo x10 pro rk3318 (32gb) Android 9
SOME HELP ?
THANKS
After pressing reset my android box boots in recovery mode with no command. It has no options to navigative. Black screen with only android logo i can see. Help me how get all options in recovery mode.
I can not get into google play store to download kodi 18.6 can you help
My box gets stuck on wechip logo screen when I add power. If I hold down reset pin before I add power ,I don’t get any signs of life. Any suggestions?
I’ve got an Android MBox from China and have Kodi/IPTV on it. I updated my Google password recently but there is no way that I can see to update on the device. Thus I can no longer use Google play store or Plex. If I do a factory reset will I still be able to access my IPTV, and will that allow me to update my Google password?
Good day. I have a Geniatech MX Enjoy TV Box, Model ATV1600, running Android 4.1.2. and has 4gb Memory with 32GB Storage, Dual Core, wifi, & bluetooth. Their own site no longer supports any upgrades (only 1 listed).
I can’t download Apps even though there is over 14GB free space showing. I get a message that the Internal SD Card needs to be mounted because of lack of storage. In Settings, I hit MOUNT INTERNAL SD and get no results. If I insert an SD card on the side, then yes, I can mount it as External Storage. There’s little to no documentation on this model because it’s discontinued. Any suggestions, links, downloads?
Thank you.
Hey my mini box andowl 5g tv box, I tried to switch it on but it reboot the hole time.. Please can you help me to fix the problem.. Cables and etc are ok..
I need to know how to remove the streamtv and also I am getting a lot of lag on my data and it’s just got paid
I recently updated my Allwinner T95 android box after the update my wifi stopped coming on, please I need your help
i cant navigate with the remote to factory reset on tv box need pc programs
hi
I had Hitmedia Tv box s905x amlogic but i can not find the reset button on logic borad . even i opend and saw the logic board . now how cani reset or update with firmware . because from where i purchased he locked the tv box and do not want to release this .Please help me i already spen 180€ for this TV box . Hhow can i factory reset this.
Hi.Most of reset buttons are inside the AV port.Try to push a needle inside your AV port and you will feel a click, that is the reset button.
I have the same problem, my tv box does not have the button anywhere. Have you been able to solve it? How? Tell me please!
Same
I have nexbox A95X. Unable to watch drama cha nels because they have changed the channel. How do I update the new channel in rhe nexbox?
Tthank you
Serene
Hi , i have a humax h3 tv box but i can not use the other apps like YouTube play store Netflix can you help me to get out from this problem and update the new android firmware which is correct this device
I am so many times tried but not done. Still i am looking for solve
I have the same problem, but I found the software files in the tar.gz format, but I did not find a way to install it … Did you find a solution
What about reset on fire TV box ?????
i have amlogic s802quad core
android kit kat 4.4 os
ubox
looking for firmare
i have a firmware from a “dragonbox” that was advertised as s802quadcore but took it apart and it was s805 amlogic quadcore with 2g 8g rom…i can’t get it loaded on my box because i installed other firmwares that didn’t work out and pretty much stuck me with 1g instead of 2g and i wiped out android os messing around with other stuff. I’ve been using a decent mod but. Im looking to start from scratch but can’t find base android os. If you have copy could i possibly get a copy? if your looking for other firmware that works on our old boxes lookup AlexELEC on github.com its initially in russian but translates to english and you can boot from sd card. i haven’t had any problems with it but id like to have android reinstalled on the box. Im passively looking at other options. AlexELEC is great and they regularly release updates. here is link. “https://github.com/AlexELEC/AE-AML/tree/3.2.9”