Test/Flashing your device/Flashing your device

Notes About Terminology

• Firefox OS is frequently referred to by its code name (and original name) B2G.
• The files we use to flash the device are referred to as images, ROMs or builds.
• The proper abbreviation for Firefox OS is FxOS.
• The process of flashing refers to writing the ROMs to the device to update the operating system to a different version.
• Flatfish is the code name we use to refer to the 10" tablets being tested.

Flashing Your Device

Before beginning, it is best if your device is not almost dead (if the battery's red, it's almost dead).

• Download a recent build you would like to flash.
  • Tip: Using the Download (as zip) option will save time and make for a much smaller download.
  • Check the build status page to see if there are notes about major issues with the listed builds.
  • If none of the listed builds are viable ("good"), download the build in the stable folder.
• Extract [this zip file] into the same folder as your build files.
• Windows users: If you have not installed Android USB drivers previously, you likely need to follow [these directions] to do so. If you do not and the device is "not found" you'll need to install them.
• Linux users: If you have not, you need to add udev rules for the device (use idVendor 18d1 and 0bb4 - that's two separate rules).
• Turn on your device and plug it in to your computer via the USB cord.
• Run the flash file.
  • On Windows the file will be called flash or flash.bat (if you have file extensions unhidden). The icon may have gears in it.
  • On Linux the file will be called flash-flatfish.sh
• You should then be asked if you want to flash user data. Saying yes will clear any user data such as apps you have installed and emails. Some data, such as that stored on an SD Card will survive.
  If you are moving between a major version of FxOS (e.g. 1.4 -> 2.0 or 2.0 -> 1.4) we recommend that you choose to flash the user data (thereby deleting it).
• Windows users: If the tablet is plugged in to your PC but you see error: device not found then you probably need to install the OEM USB drivers for your computer.
• After making your userdata selection the tablet will reboot into "fastboot" mode and display the Firefox OS logo. In the command window, if you see < waiting for device > for longer than 30 seconds, try unplugging the USB cord from your computer and plugging it back in.
• The flash will take a couple of minutes and the screen may display random colors. Do not unplug, disturb or mock the device during this time.
• Once finished, press any key to reboot.

A technical note: Our current packaged zip does not include boot.img (aka gonk) or recovery.img.