Shenzhen Tomato has finally sent me an updated firmware (password: 17r0) for M8 / TM8 Android TV box powered by Amlogic S802. This firmware is rooted, and adds support for Google Apps (Play Store, Gmail and so on), among others things. So it’s a good time to try out and write about the firmware update instructions which are very similar to AML8726-MX firmware instructions. Bear in mind that firmware is usually specific to a given hardware platform, and if you try it on another non-compatible S802 TV box, you may brick your device.
Standard “OTA” Method
Any Windows, Mac OS, Linux computer or even your own Android device should be able to handle is as you just need to download, extract and copy files to an SD card. I’ve done the procedure from a computer running Ubuntu 13.04:
- Download the firmware (e.g. TM8 ap6330_03102014A_0410_ROOT.rar), and extract it
- Copy the files (factory_update_param.aml, k200-ota-20140410.zip, and recovery.img) to the root of an SD card formatted with FAT32
- Insert the SD card in your S802 device.
- Using a sharp non-conductive object to press the recovery button, In M8 (aka TM8), this is located in the AV connector, and I used a toothpick to press the button. Keep pressing, and connect the power, waiting for an animated Android with a progress bar showing firmware upgrade is in progress.
- The box will then automatically reboot, and start with the new firmware. You’ll then go through a wizard to select your language (simplified Chinese, English, or traditional Chinese), adjust the screen size, and configure the network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
This method might also work with any Amlogic S802 based device. However, even though Tronsmart Vega S89 hardware also features the same type of recovery button via the AV ouput, GeekBuying has provided another, Windows only, method requiring you to use a tool called BootcardMaker that makes the SD card bootable, before you copy the above files + u-boot.bin to the SD card before proceeding to the firmware upgrade, also using the recovery button.
Firmware upgrade with USB Burning Tool
Most firmware distributed online will probably use the method above, but if you’ve been given a single firmware file, often using img extension, you need to use another Windows tool called USB Burning Tool. If for some reasons, your firmware is badly damaged, and can’t access the recovery mode, that may be the only way to unbrick your board.. Here’s how to proceed. (I haven’t tried myself).
- Download amlogic_tools.rar
- You may also want to install Moborobo to make sure you’ve got the right drivers.
- Extract USB_Burning_Tool_v2.0.0.140306_Alpha_x86.rar from amlogic_tools.rar and click on setup_v2.0.0.140306_Alpha_x86.exe to install the tool
- Start the USB burning tool
Click on File->Import image and select your .img firmware. - make sure your S802 device is powered powered off, with the USB OTG port connected to your PC. Use a toothpick to press the recovery button, and power the device. The USB burning tool should automatically detect your device. (If not, install the moborobo tool).
- Now click on the Start button button to proceed with the firmware update which should last several minutes.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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Please note, the M8 stock firmware is not the same as vega s89, so you can’t flash each other, or you will brick your device, be careful.
Where’s the review of the firware you promised
@Eric
Thanks. I’ve added one sentence to warn people they should not use firmware not designed for their box.
@Paul
I’ve only been able to upgrade the firmware this morning, so the review is obviously not complete…
Hello..I don’t know how to get the original upgrade package for my M8.here is this link, but it’s in Chinese,I am not able to register.sorry for my English. I tried to update this box with M8 latest zip, WiFi won’t turn on.ever since I tried many firmwares, they work, but the same issue:no wifi. I am looking for the original firmware I can burn with USB burning tool with image,I have no blue light,so I can’t flash from SD or USB stick.i only need the original fabric installation and that’s just fine!I already bought another box MXQ, cheaper and better… Read more »
Thank-you.
Yeah cant wait for the review here too 🙂
I’m lost in translation when trying to download the firmware. Can someone help me out or upload the firmware to some other filehost? Mega.co.nz maybe?
here it is:
http://goo.gl/LX8ezF
Thanks Eric! I’ve got it! @Eric
I got the M8 ROM to boot on the Tronsmart S89 including the M8 kernel. BUT DO NOT TRY IT YOURSELF! Ask me how I know. I hard bricked my S89!
I figured out what to change to make the M8 ROM work on the s89. Stay tuned for that. But I also learned how to unbrick. IT IS NOT EASY! I will publish a how to as soon as I nail down how to unbrick 100% as I managed to do it but cant repeat it at this time.
Bob
@Finless Bob
I have flashed the firmware on my Tronsmart S89. Now works only standby. Can you help me.
Thanks Chris
Hi, I’ve just bought me an S802 device.
This one http://www.tinydeal.com/s802-android-44-2g-8g-quad-core-4k-tv-box-92-keys-keyboard-p-127544.html
Can I flash this Rom? And if yes what method I should use? I’ve got an W7 computer.
And where can I find other Rom’s for this device?
Thanx for your help
@patience88
This looks very similar to Tronsmart Vega S89 Elite / Beelink M8 with 8GB flash.
You can check my review to make sure – http://www.cnx-software.com/2014/04/12/tronsmart-vega-s89-review/
Don’t flash the ROM in this post, and instead install Vega S89 Elite firmware.
Latest @ http://blog.geekbuying.com/index.php/2014/06/13/rom-download-new-stock-firmware-105k4-for-tronsmart-vega-s89-elite-standard-and-s89-h/ . Use USB Burning Tool.
Hi
I’ve just bought M8 device like http://www.cnx-software.com/2014/04/04/m8-android-tv-box-powered-by-amlogic-s802-unboxing/
1- Could you please give me the latest firmware upgrade for it, the current version is : 20.2013.0913, Base version : 1.0
2- I need to use my phone as a remote how can I do that ?
Thanks for your kindly help
@Anees
You can use the link at the top of the post. They put new firmware there. One has been released today actually (16/06/2014).
You can use DroidMote to control the device with your phone.
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) Thanks for your kindly reply
This link is Chinese and ask me to insert the verification code which is Chinese also 🙂
I downloaded this One : http://pan.baidu.com/share/link?shareid=2312305150&uk=1275463718#dir/path=%2FTM8%2FTM82014.06.16
But I didn’t found “factory_update_param.aml”
Can I use the same file for another version ?
Thanks
@Anees
I’m not quite sure… These are text-based script, so maybe they do not change between firmwares.
If you want to be extract safe, try an earlier version with the .aml file.
Could you please send the latest one before that one
Because I am confused, different between the latest date and the version number
Thanks
Hi;
I upgraded it to this version : M8_K200A_ap6330_03282014A_0516
And Installed latest XBMC 13.1
But XBMC doesn’t display the movies only sound and black screen
Please advise
Thanks for your kindly help
@Anees
Did you install XBMC from xbmc.org/download? I’m not sure it works with this box yet. There should be a specific XBMC for S802 somewhere. Normally it’s part of the firmware, but you can search for xbmc s802 apk, or something like that.
@Anees
There’s a new firmware for M8: http://blog.geekbuying.com/index.php/2014/06/18/new-firmware-0617-for-m8-amlogic-s802-quad-core-android-tv-box/#.U6D50_7ybs8
Thank you very much
I know I asked you very mush, I am sorry for that
I upgraded the new version
1- But I can’t access the regular launcher only MediaBox launcher, do you how can I access the regular launcher for android
2- I bought a webcam but it doesn’t work, the system can’t detect it
Thank you for your kindly help 🙂
@Anees
1. There may not be a regular launcher in the firmware. I think SomeCoolTech (check on youtube) managed to change it.
2. You need an UVC webcam. It should work without driver in Windows or Linux. Both Skype and Hangouts worked for me with the older firmware.
Additional Review 🙂 1- Many times I can’t power off the device (The system makes restart not stand by) 2- No sound if you used Mele Pro remote, The result is that video playback becomes choppy and stutters a bit on your android box.The button to change the audio output setting on the controller doesn’t work with anything, The only way to fix this is to pull out the remote receiver dongle when you start a video 3- Can’t move the Apps to SD card 4- I could not use Miracast at all (No help about it, my be it… Read more »
I bought a M8 Amlogic S802 tv box with OS Android. I prefer Linux. There is some image with Linux for the M8?
@Jose Mendoza
I had the system boot (headless), but I have not been working on it since then… http://www.cnx-software.com/2014/05/15/how-to-boot-linux-server-amlogic-s802/
There was no HDMI output at the time (not sure why), but somebody said they had XBMC Linux and full ARM distro working on similar hardware.
@cz26m
Hi….i flash a diff firmware to my android box n now it is not booting up at all..I open up the box n it is using Amlogic s802 chipset.Could anyone help me to revive my box.
Friends,
I bought an HDMI cable with M8 TV BOX, but did not get the image, what should I do.
Thanks for the answer.
@altobel45
First, check if the HDMI cable works with other equipments. If it’s still not working, try to flash the firmware again with the method shown above. (SD card).
I need help.I have MXIII but now he’s dead.I tried to put in a new firmaware but now I can not turn it on.I ask everyone for help.Thanks
@gora71
Looks like you are not the only one – http://www.cnx-software.com/2014/07/18/amlogic-s802-tv-boxes-are-getting-cheaper-meet-72-mx3-m82-tv-box/#comment-242423
There are three versions, so they may require different firmware. Ask for the firmware where you bought it.
If it does not work, try to return it for a refund or replacement.
Hello everyone. I have bought a this box: http://www.ebay.com/itm/171401659091?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
and try to upgrade with new firmware and the box is dead pow. just red light. Can anybody please help to tell me how to flash a new software. thanks a lot.
@Shahin
You need to find the firmware for your device. I’m not sure of your device name. Maybe check in Android Settings->About Device/MediaBox section to check the model number, or with CPU-Z.
Another way is to open it to check the name written on the board.
Hello. The name is : MX80 Android TV Box Amlogic AML S802 Quad Core . regards
Hello everyone. Im new in this embedded linux field. Currently, Im studying to create my own customised firmware for m8 Android TV box(s802 squre one). I have downloaded sources from http://openlinux.amlogic.com:8000/download/ARM/filesystem/arm-buildroot-2014-08-26-d954cd3742.tar.gz and compiled with meson8_k200_release_defconfig including xbmc. Now, I have got some files as a result following below, boot.img, meson8_k200a_1G.dtb, rootfs.cpio, rootfs.tar, uImage, u-boot.bin, etc,.. The problem is I dont know how to flash those files to my target board(m8 s802) or create update.zip. Can anybody help me or please let me know where I can get information about that.
I recently purchased an no matter what ever options I select I can’t seem to get my bluetooth keyboards working. Anyone else had this issue?
@CARL BOYD
Which device? Does Bluetooth work with your phone for example?
Urgent: Hey guys, I think I bricked my Amlogic Quad Core S802B smart TV.
The PCB has M908A_V1.1_14165 this tag on it.
I was updating the firmware and after reboot the box is stuck on red light, it won’t turn on.
It’s not even being detected by my laptop.
Can someone please help? Let me know how to unbrick it.
Your response is appreciated.
Thanks Guys
This firmware worked for me from the off set up in 10 minutes
box arrived from ebay booted straight to xbmc no android system , no use to me lol
Thanks again
I have recently purchased an M8 android box and although most things are working well (XBMC, WiFi etc) I am having problems with Google play store as it says connection error try again. I have tried doing all the force stop and clear data/cache steps but no luck. Is it worth updating the firmware do you think and will that mean i need to set up XBMC and all the addons again. Thank you in advance for your input.
Hi guys..I have a MBox S82, which decided it was going to only load to a phone pad and demo screens after a while, and I couldn’t figure out how to switch out of it..so I tried to flash it with a firmware upgrade from http://blog.w2comp.com/2014/08/20/firmware-upgrade-method-for-mbox-s82-s82b-beelink-m8b-minix-neo-x8-x8-h-probox2-ex/ ….but the USB burning tool gets an error at 3% every time, but I can’t figure out what it is stuck with because it’s in an chinese I believe..even though I have english selected as the language..it only translates some of it. WHen I turn the media box on on it’s own..it comes up… Read more »
@Al
I think I’ve read somebody had the same 3% issue, but I can’t quite remember if it was with Rockchip or Amlogic.
The solution was to use a newer version of the USB burning tool.
It’s also possible trying another USB port on your PC (or another PC/laptop) may work around your firmware upgrade issue.
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)
hmm..I’m using the version of USB burning tool from here, is there a newer one available? I did a quick search but only came up with a couple of scammy chinese sites that didn’t seem to actually have ‘v2.02’ anywhere downloadable.
Thanks.
@Al
OK. I’ve found the comment and link to USB burning tool 2.0.4 -> http://www.cnx-software.com/2014/12/18/cx-s806-unboxing/#comment-328315
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)
OK..so I downloaded the new USB burning tool (thank you)….but when I load the img file, plug my box into my pc through the OTG cable…then hold the reset button down and power it on..it doesn’t seem to recognize it? nothing at all happens with the app, with the older one it would show up in the device list..nothing happens with this one..am I missing a something do you think?
@Al
It’s possible the device gets power when you connect it via USB, so better hold the reset button down, before connecting the USB cable.
Al : @Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft) OK..so I downloaded the new USB burning tool (thank you)….but when I load the img file, plug my box into my pc through the OTG cable…then hold the reset button down and power it on..it doesn’t seem to recognize it? nothing at all happens with the app, with the older one it would show up in the device list..nothing happens with this one..am I missing a something do you think? The “Trick” I found with it (on Windows 7 x86-64), was to… a) Make sure at the time you install the AMLogic USB Burning Tool.… Read more »
@Ichijoe
Wow 90 seconds :p
They really need to stop asking people to use these USB burning tools, and find something better for firmware update.
hi
I am very new to mx boxes, I have mxiii which i give to my friend to update my box when it goes down.
I have downloaded interfacing software to connect it to my computer, but I do not know where do I get update for my box though?
Hi,
Please need help to have a firware for this device
Model D1310
CPU – Rockchip RK3066 Dual-Core A9 CPU 1.6GHz
Memory – 1GB DDR3
Flash Memory – 4GB
OS – Android 4.2.2
Wifi- IEEE 802.11b/g/n
http://www.lelong.com.my/dual-core-cpu-android-1080p-hd-tv-box-1gb-ddr3-screen-mirroring-qineticlife-I1846897-2007-01-Sale-I.htm
thanks
I am trying to flash the Mega-tron ROM and inside of stock recovery I keep getting E: footer is wrong E: signature verification failed. Instead of trying to update a .zip I then tried extracting the .zip and the .zip had two files inside: recovery.img and Factory_update_param.aml. I now have those two files on the SD Card BUT in factory recovery where do I apply the update, especially since it is not an update, now? When I apply update from EXT the files are hidden since it isn’t in .zip format. Is my only option now the Amlogic Recovery Tool?… Read more »
@Nikolai
SD card method requires zip.
You may have to use amlogic usb burning tool.
I like to have new firmware in my Zoomtak T8 s802 box for a better optical audio support but don’t know if I can use the Tonsmart or M8 for this?
Soon there will be Android V5 and this will be a big step forward because of the 24 bit audio support and I love good audio so I have to flash it.
Hi, as a few ones above, I used this firmware and same as them, now the device seems dead, it just has the red light, and when I plug it in nothing happens, no blue light. Any ideas how to fix this, it looks like I’m not able to add another firmware … Thanks in advance. I really hope I can have my M8 S802 450 Mali alive again 🙁
Hi can Anyone help me please?
I have a M8 K200b Android TV Box Google play Store closes as soon as I open it? And I cannot update or download from Google Play Store Can this be fixed without Flashing New Firmware ? I it can does anyone have the Google Services I will need?
Also I am thinking that Flashing is the only solution How can I be sure I have the right Firmware for my M8 K200b Android TV Box ? Thank you for any help provided
I require assistance for proper firmware. Here’s the details: Model: MXIII M82 Amlogic S802 Quad-Core Cortex-A9 2.0GHz CPU + ARM Mali-450MP Octa-Core GPU 2GB DDR3 RAM + 8GB Nand flash ROM (max. support 32GB) 802.11 a / b / g / n WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless connectivity with Android 4.4 OS Not only do I need a firmware upgrade which is at 110k4, I would like to know if I can upgrade the entire operating system to Android 5.x. My MediaBox rapidly running out of storage space, and I would like to move my apps to external USB. I… Read more »
i did a firmware update to megatron firmware using the tooth pick method i must have downloaded the wrong firmware i guess now my t8 k200 has lost the clock and the unit reads nexus 10 em8 i have tried to flash it back to the right model etc. but when i insert the tooth pick and turn the unit on it only gos to the megatron logo and stays there note the unit work like this but i have lost a lot of functions someone please tell me they know how to bring my unit back….i also noticed that… Read more »
Can we revers the process. I want to create an image of an M8 box, then flash it to another M8.
sorry but i have bought a device today (MX III) and it doesn’t start (the red light never changes to blue), any idea how to fix it ? (sorry also if this isn’t the correct section).
Hi!
I have the CX-s806 and openelec zip file but it has no SD card reader. Anyone know how to do this?
On the other method, using the USB OTG port. What does that look like? number 5?
After mount data partition by update-script, box is giving the network issue, it’s not connectiong with wifi/ethernet.. any solution, how to mount data and delete some file from data partition.??
Anyone know how to update the rippl tv box? Cheers guys
@Anthony
The methods should be the same. Rippl TV should support OTA firmware update though, so you’d only need to use those methods in case of issues.
Do you have a problem with your device? If so, I could ask them the firmware.
hello
what is the procedere to change from open elect to the original firmware. or to activate enigma2 in vitmod os on sd card.
the box is K1 combo s905
thx
@eweid
OK with the corect Firm and the instruction at first of this thread -the original soft ist running on my box
thanks
Hello
How can i make a full backup of my actual ROM before flashing with USB Burning Tool ?
I would like to get a .img file for reflashing later with USB Burning Tool…
Hello
My M8 android tv box is bricked, i will need the aml.upgrade package.img for my M8 that i can flash with usb burning tool.
Can someone provide a link for the .img file
Thank you
Hi ! They are 2 models of M8 S802 ! The M8 or M8N the Firmware works in two box ?
@Eric
Do you have the link for the M8 s802 firm in .img form?
My box amlogic s805 burning tool displayed ket key failed error please help
@viju
Please check this updated post @ http://www.cnx-software.com/2016/11/06/amlogic-usb-burning-tool-still-sucks-in-2016/
You probably need to install a license key.
hi need some help pls fix my mx box jelly bean 4.2.2 i try to updated the other day all it does now the blue light stay on can’t find the rite firmware ne help thank you
hi i have MXIII 4K BOX AND I TRIED TO UPGRADE TO LOLLIPOP BUT I THINK I MADE MISTAKE NOW BOX HAVE RED LIGHT IT IS NOT WORKING ANY MORE CAN U GIVE ME SITE LINK FOR FIRMWARE AND HOW TO USE THAT.THANX.
sir please help to find out the official stock firmware of my android mbox s82 tv box
does any one know if this will work on Tronsmart Vega S89-H?
i would like to have android 5, i herd you can use the 102L1_5.1 Beta Firmware for Tronsmart.
any one tried it or know of any working custom firmware running android 5 for the Tronsmart Vega S89-H
Hi Guys,
Can anyone help…….
I have an MXQ quad core running Amlogic Meson 8B
Processor Arm V7 rev1.
Im looking for the firmware to upgrade to lolipop if i can. Ive tried different tech sites but cant find the right firmware.
Thanks in advance of your answers,
Karlos.
Hi guys, i have this Pigflytech MX3 Plus tv box with Andriod Kit Kat. I want to upgrade to latest firmware/stock rom. Can anyone assist me pls.
Hi good day , I have an matricom MX2, it’s started to boot with the android “G” logo and its stuck there . It would not boot past that. I tried flashing via SD, however it won’t go into recovery. Any suggestions ?. Thanks