Firmware: Difference between revisions

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While this will restore RetroidOS functionality for those that don't have it, the steps are still useful even for users who have RetroidOS intact as it will install the necessary Update.APK which is Retroid's OTA app.
While this will restore RetroidOS functionality for those that don't have it, the steps are still useful even for users who have RetroidOS intact as it will install the necessary Update.APK which is Retroid's OTA app.


[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/757645077429616780/774579764861206548/Upgrade_Repair_apk_Installation_method.docx Click here for the procedure.]<br>
[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/757645077429616780/774659498732158976/Upgrade_Repair_apk_Installation_method.docx Click here for the procedure.]<br>
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Please note Retroid does NOT update via Google's OTA facility.
Please note Retroid does NOT update via Google's OTA facility.

Revision as of 15:41, 7 November 2020

Retroid Official Over-the-Air (OTA) method

Update Repair App

In order to use the Retroid Upgrade app, you are required to have a working version of RetroidOS on an externally formatted SD card. If you need to repair RetroidOS or reinstall it (if you're moving from internally formatted, or just deleted it) follow the procedure linked below.

While this will restore RetroidOS functionality for those that don't have it, the steps are still useful even for users who have RetroidOS intact as it will install the necessary Update.APK which is Retroid's OTA app.

Click here for the procedure.

Please note Retroid does NOT update via Google's OTA facility.

Once the above is finished, you can run the Updater tool to immediately update to the newest version of Android currently available for the device.

Link to the Upgrade Repair APK file is available HERE

Manual Flashing

RetroidOS

Downloading the RetroidOS Files

Here is a stock SD Card image (2.6GB ZIP) for use with the RP2, in case your original card is damaged, formatted, or erased. This will restore your ability to use RetroidOS and the Retroid store, but no games are included.


Android

Downloading the Android Files

If you uninstalled any preinstalled apps and would like to reinstall the stock versions, here is a folder with all the APKs.

A backup of the stock internal storage files (6.5MB) can be found here. This is useful if you mess up the configs that come with the device.

Here is a Google Drive folder with all the files contained on this wiki page. You can add it to your Google Drive and find it in the "Shared with me" section for easy future access.

Root Access

Download this ZIP archive and root your RP2 at your own risk. There is a guide available inside the zip called 'Installation.txt'.

You will also need ADB Drivers for windows. You can easily achieve this by using this program:

Download ADB Drivers

Re-flashing Your RP2 with Android 6.0

Here is a re-flash guide (498KB PDF) for Android 6. It includes a link to download the necessary files. This will NOT restore your RetroidOS files (see above).

Tip: If you are having any issues with connecting your device to your PC or if you are trying to re-flash the device, make sure to install the Android SDK suite. It will include the drivers for USB support. If you have previous drivers please make sure to uninstall them. If you do not want the entire suite, you can install just the USB drivers. Make sure to read the instructions, and download here.

Notes before we get started: Here is the source folder with all the files you'll need to re-flash your Retroid.

Tip: If for whatever reason you have changed default usb drivers on your PC, you will reach a point in this process where you hit download and connect your device, but nothing happens. The fix is to download Android Studio and install it, then run it once. As soon as you see a pop up, close it, and try the re-flash process once more. It should work this time. We recommend this option because it is less complex than installing drivers and running the risk of not having the correct drivers for your RP2. After you flash, you can safely delete android studio, as you will no longer need it.


Lets get started:

  1. Download this zip file containing everything you will need. When you first come to the mega.nz page you should see a button on the top right that says “Download as Zip”. If your initial emulators were somehow corrupted, you made changes that you can’t revert or deleted software you can’t get back, re-flashing may be necessary. Before anything else you’ll want to backup all saves and save states from emulators you have used.
  2. After the download completes, extract the zip.
  3. Open the newly extracted folder and navigate to the SP_Flash_Tool_exe_Windows_v5.1832.00.000 directory and open flash_tool.exe. Note: If you have any anti-virus software, now would be a good time to disable it for a bit.
  4. When the flash tool first opens, it looks pretty daunting but don’t worry, it’s pretty easy to setup. At this point it’s important to make sure that your Retroid Pocket 2 is OFF and NOT CONNECTED to your computer.
  5. You should see “Download Agent” as the top editable box with the word “choose on the right side. Click “choose” and navigate to the MTK_AllInOne_DA.bin file located in the SP_Flash_Tool_exe_Windows_v5.1832.00.000 directory.
  6. Below that you’ll see an editable field called “Scatter-loading File”, once again, click “Choose” to the right of this. For this file, navigate back to the root of the folder you extracted, go to the Images directory and select MT6580_Format_All_scatter.txt.
  7. At this point, many green and white rows should have appeared with their boxes checked on the left side. Uncheck every box EXCEPT FOR userdata and system. (ignore the directory paths in the photo for the checked rows).
  8. If everything looks right, click download on the top left. This will put your computer in stand-by mode, waiting for a device to be connected. Once again, make sure your Retroid Pocket 2 is off and your saves are backed up! Now plug it into your computer and you should see a progress bar at the bottom start moving. If you don't see this bar happen don't panic. You're RPV2 will show a battery drained symbol then the amount of battery you actually have, you'll hear an audible click then wait a few seconds (5 max) unplug and power on the device. You can choose to find and download Android USB Drivers either individually by OEM or if you can find a pack. The safest bet is to download Android Studio directly. This is a big download so be patient. once it's downloaded install it, run it once and as soon as something pops up you can go ahead and close it, the drivers will already be installed (it will prompt you to install more things after you finish the first install wizard, no need to do that just close the program).
  9. Once this is finished the screen will display an image letting you know.
  10. At this point, it’s safe to unplug your Retroid Pocket 2 and power it on. The first boot will take a while and when it boots into the OS, you’ll have to wait for it to install all of the emulator APKs. Also, the main screens resolution may be distorted, wait a minute and it will auto correct. Once everything has finished installing, restart the system once and you’ll be good to go. Enjoy!

Remember to uninstall Android studio from your computer if you no longer have a need for it.

Upgrading Your RP2 to Android 8.1

(October 2020) The Android 8.1 update is still in beta. We are expecting the update to be released soon. We recommend that general users wait for final version to drop via OTA. For more information about what to expect from the update, see here.


Credit to Jecklen, Taki, Kaoshade92, Dsachs420, uncletrunks, /silverdusk/ and TotallyTerry.