However, the original factory Android firmware is almost certainly bloated, slow, and stuck on an outdated version (likely Android 4.4 KitKat or 5.1 Lollipop).
Download BalenaEtcher or Rufus on your PC. Insert your SD card and flash the LibreELEC/Lakka .img.gz file onto it.
: Ensure the ROM matches your RAM (usually 1GB) and storage (usually 8GB) to avoid boot loops.
The Amlogic S805 is a powerful and popular system-on-chip (SoC) used in a wide range of Android-based devices, including TV boxes, mini PCs, and set-top boxes. While the stock firmware provided by the device manufacturers is often stable and feature-rich, many users crave more control and customization options. This is where custom ROMs come into play. In this article, we'll explore the world of custom ROMs for Amlogic S805 devices and show you how to unlock the full potential of your device with a free custom ROM. amlogic s805 custom rom free
: This allows you to turn your TV box into a lightweight Linux server. Recent unofficial builds (up to late 2024) have been confirmed to work on certain S805 boxes. You can find community-maintained versions on
The Amlogic S805, a 32-bit system-on-chip (SoC) released in 2014, occupies a peculiar space in the history of embedded computing. Powering a generation of low-cost "HDMI sticks" (e.g., MXQ, Odroid-C1) and set-top boxes, it offered remarkable performance for its price. However, like most consumer electronics, these devices shipped with proprietary, often unmaintained, Android firmware. This created a classic digital rights dilemma: a powerful, owned piece of hardware whose software remained under the vendor's control, laden with bloatware, security vulnerabilities, and lacking updates.
The S805 is surprisingly capable of running older emulators. is a fork of LibreELEC that booted directly into EmulationStation for a console-like gaming experience. While the original repository has moved, this branch was instrumental in demonstrating the S805's gaming capabilities with video previews and support for ROMs via USB. However, the original factory Android firmware is almost
: Upgrade from outdated Android versions to Lollipop (5.1.1) or even Armbian Linux for server use.
(Only because the hardware can still technically run Linux; otherwise, it's e-w
If you only need a → LibreELEC 9.2.8 is stable and fast. : Ensure the ROM matches your RAM (usually
CoreELEC is a fork of LibreELEC that now leads in Amlogic support, though its mainline builds require more modern chips (S905X4, S922X). For S805, the can be made to work via trial and error. It uses the latest Kodi 20.x (Nexus) codebase and features Dolby Vision and modern Linux kernels. If you can get it to boot on your box, it offers the newest Kodi features. You can find downloads on their GitHub repository or the official wiki.
A popular universal Android TV ROM project that supports various Amlogic chipsets. It aims to bring a modern Android TV 7.1 or 9.0 feel to older hardware, though performance on the S805 can vary depending on the specific box brand. Essential Tools for Flashing
the firmware files (usually update.zip , factory_update_param.aml , and/or recovery.img ) to the root of the SD card. Phase 2: Installing with the "Toothpick Method" Power off your box completely. Insert the SD card into the box.