Help How to make an image of my android OS to reflash it when I want

[TronFourtyTwo]

Hello! I'd like to make an image of my tablet android to reflash when I need. it's possible? Which program I have to use? (I'm on linux). Thanks for the answers

 

[scary alien]

Welcome to our AndroidForums, @TronFourtyTwo .

Well, to make a complete (or as near complete as you can get) image of your Android device, you'd need to have a rooted device (or at least one that has a custom recovery installed or is bootable) in order to make what is called a "Nandroid backup".

Rooting and installing custom recoveries (if available) are often device, Android version, and sometimes carrier dependent as to their existence and availability--never mind the knowledge and risk associated with using each.

Lots of folks can and do do this, though, which gives them the ability to backup the various partitions of their Android device (/data, /system, /cache, /recovery are the main-typical-biggies that are backed-up).

 

[TronFourtyTwo]

Thanks!

 

[Bg260]

su
dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p?? of=/storage/external_SD/system.img

Of course you would use whatever block your system is mounted on and your sd card might have a different name, but that will create a system.img. As for as reflashing it....?

 

[scary alien]

As for as reflashing it....?

Reflashing it basically is just the reverse of what you posted ("if" (input file) source becomes the "of" (output file) target and vice-versa).

But you need to remember that the "dd" utility is a very (if not the most) dangerous command because it's pretty unforgiving (i.e., it will do exactly what you tell it to and the consequences of a bad command (i.e., wrong target or option or format) can ruin your day and your device).

So, treat the "dd" command with the utmost respect and caution.

 

[Bg260]

 

[TronFourtyTwo]

Thanks!
The dd command will also save the bootloader partition?

 

[scary alien]

Well, you very likely need to be rooted to even have access to both the dd utility and to be able to read / copy the raw partitions with the dd command.

You'd then need to figure-out what the device names for the partitions are--there are several ways to do this, but it's a bit device-specific and warm-and-fuzzy confirmation (i.e., checking the /cache/recovery/last_log) also requires root access.