Update LineageOS Using Fastboot and USB

How to Update LineageOS Using Fastboot and USB

Keeping your LineageOS device updated means peak performance, security, and all the newest features. This update of LineageOS by means of Fastboot and USB is a rather reliable update, highly manual in nature, usually carried out when advanced installation is needed, or when using other methods doesn’t work. The following guide will take you through this in detail for updating LineageOS using Fastboot.

What is Fastboot and Why Update LineageOS with It?

Fastboot is a protocol that is part of the Android bootloader. It allows you to directly flash firmware, kernels, or partitions to your device. With Fastboot and a USB connection, you are able to install updates, recover from system issues, and make manual changes to your Android system. This is very helpful when:

OTA Updates Fail: Over-the-air updates may fail due to customizations or errors.
Custom Recovery Issues: If your recovery partition is damaged, Fastboot can sidestep it.
Clean Install Requirements: Fastboot makes way for a fully clean install, with no residual files from the old system.

Preparing to Update LineageOS Using Fastboot

Preparation is key to a successful update. Follow these steps to ensure your device is ready for the process.

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

Flashing LineageOS using Fastboot may wipe your data. Do a complete backup of your files, apps, and settings. You can do it using TWRP, ADB backup, or any other cloud-based solution.

Step 2: Download the Required Tools and Files

ADB and Fastboot Tools: Download the official ADB and Fastboot tools from Android Developers website and install it on your system. Make sure they are added to your system’s PATH for easy access.
LineageOS Firmware Package: Go to the official LineageOS download page and download the package compatible with your device.
**Device-Specific Files: Some devices have further requirements, such as a vendor or bootloader image. Please see your device’s page for information on this.

Step 3: Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging

Enable Settings > About Phone > Build Number and then tap the build number seven times to enable Developer Options
Go into Settings > Developer Options and then enable USB Debugging

Steps to Update LineageOS Using Fastboot

Follow these detailed steps to update LineageOS on your device.

Step 1: Boot Your Device into Fastboot Mode

Power off your device.
Press and hold the appropriate button combination for your device to enter Fastboot Mode commonly Power + Volume Down.
Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.

Step 2: Verify Fastboot Connection

Open a terminal or command prompt on your computer.
Run the following command to verify if your device has been detected:
```
fastboot devices
```
If your device shows up, proceed with the next step.

Step 3: Unlock the Bootloader (If Necessary)

If your bootloader is locked, you will need to unlock it before flashing the update. Remember that this procedure wipes all data from your device.

Issue the following command to unlock the bootloader:

  fastboot oem unlock

Follow the in-device menu to confirm.

Step 4: Flash the LineageOS Firmware

Go to the directory where the LineageOS firmware package downloaded.
Extract the ZIP to see a folder with a few files in it, including some image files (e.g. boot.img, system.img, etc.)
Flash the individual partitions with the following commands:

 fastboot flash boot boot.img
 fastboot flash system system.img
 fastboot flash vendor vendor.img

Replace the filenames as needed for your device.

Once all files are flashed, the following command can be used to wipe the cache:
```
fastboot erase cache
```

Step 5: Reboot Your Device

After successful flashing of all required partitions, use the following command to reboot your device:

fastboot reboot

Troubleshooting Common Fastboot Update Issues

Device Not Recognized by Fastboot

Enable USB Debugging and put the device in Fastboot Mode.
Use a different USB cable or port.
Reinstall the Fastboot drivers on your computer.

Error: Partition Not Found

Make sure you are flashing the appropriate firmware package for your device.
Ensure that all required partitions are included in the update package.

Device Stuck in Bootloop

Boot into recovery mode and do a **factory reset.
Re flash the firmware to ensure a proper update of all partitions.

Reflash Magisk After Update

In case of using Magisk to manage root, an update might wipe the boot partition and remove Magisk. For the reflashing of Magisk, you can follow this:

Download latest Magisk ZIP from the source magiskmodule.gitlab.io/magisk-modules-repo.
Reboot to recovery mode and immediately sideload it with ADB or from recovery menu.
Reboot your device to retain root access.

Advanced Tips for Updating LineageOS via Fastboot

Custom Recovery: After updating, consider flashing a custom recovery like TWRP for easier future updates and backups.
Backup Before Flashing: Use fastboot boot twrp.img to temporarily boot into recovery and create a backup before flashing.

Conclusion

The LineageOS update with Fastboot and USB is the most powerful method of updating as it gives full control over the updating process. If you follow this guide step by step, then you will be able to install with minimal errors. For more tools and modules, check out magiskmodule.gitlab.io. Unlock true power for your Android today!

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