Android recovery mode explained

The Android recovery mode is a mode of Android used for installing updates and wipe data.^{[1] [2]} It consists of a Linux kernel with ramdisk on a separate partition from the main Android system.

Recovery mode can be useful when a phone is stuck in a bootloop or when it has been infected with malware.^[3]

Enablement

The way of entering recovery is different for every vendor.^[4]

Examples:^[5]

• Zebra and symbol devices: left scan/action button
• Nexus 7: Volume Up + Volume Down + Power
• Samsung Galaxy S3: Volume Up + Home + Power
• Motorola Droid X: Home + Power
• Older Samsung devices [home]
• Samsung Galaxy A10s: Volume Up + Power

Features

Features of the recovery mode usually include:

• Applying updates using the Android Debug Bridge
• Applying updates from the SD card
• Hard resetting
• Mounting partitions
• Running a system test

Custom recovery

The recovery that is preinstalled on Android can be replaced by other software, such as TWRP, OrangeFox or ClockWorkMod. It can include features such as:^[6]

• Full backup and restore functionality
• Applying unsigned update packages
• USB mass storage access to SD cards
• Full ADB access, with ADB running as root

See also

• Bootloader unlocking
• Qualcomm EDL mode

Notes and References

1. Book: Morgillo, Ivan. Learning embedded Android N programming: create the perfectly customized system by unleashing the power of Android OS on your embedded device. 2016. Stefano Viola. 978-1-78528-328-4. Birmingham, UK. 171. 957278992.
2. Book: Tamma, Rohit. Learning Android forensics: a hands-on guide to Android forensics, from setting up the forensic workstation to analyzing key forensic artifacts. 2015. Donnie Tindall. 978-1-78217-444-8. Birmingham, UK. 61–63. 910639389.
3. Hill . Simon . How to Use Android Recovery Mode . en-US . Wired . 2022-05-17 . 1059-1028.
4. Web site: Whitson. Gordon. 2021-08-14. What to Do If Your Phone Won't Turn On. 2021-09-11. PCMag Australia. en-au.
5. Web site: Hoffman. Chris. How to Factory Reset Your Android Phone or Tablet When It Won't Boot. dead. 2021-09-15. How-To Geek. en-US. 2022-01-01. https://web.archive.org/web/20220101123049/https://www.howtogeek.com/130611/how-to-factory-reset-your-android-phone-or-tablet-when-it-wont-boot/.
6. Book: Skulkin, Oleg. Learning Android Forensics: Analyze Android Devices with the Latest Forensic Tools and Techniques, 2nd Edition.. 2018. Packt Publishing Ltd. Donnie Tindall, Rohit Tamma. 978-1-78913-749-1. 2nd. Birmingham. 63–65. 1082187226.