You will need a Windows PC, a high-quality USB Type-A to Type-A male cable, and a toothpick.
Custom ROMs remove background carrier apps and resource-heavy launchers, freeing up the limited 1GB of RAM typical of S805 devices.
This usually indicates a bad USB cable, using a USB 3.0 port instead of USB 2.0, or insufficient power. Try using a shorter cable or a different PC port.
Ensure the TV box is completely powered off and unplugged from the wall. Plug one end of your Male-to-Male USB cable into the PC.
Progress will show in a percentage bar. Do not disconnect the cable under any circumstances. amlogic s805 custom rom free
Replace clunky, outdated tablet-style interfaces with clean Android TV Leanback launchers or modern media center dashboards.
– Best for Kodi Media Center
This is the most critical part of this review. The search term "free custom rom" combined with old hardware is a primary vector for malware.
If you have an old Amlogic S805 TV box (like the popular MXQ "all black" models) sitting in a drawer, you can breathe new life into it with a custom ROM or a dedicated media OS. These legacy devices may struggle with modern Android, but they are still highly capable for lightweight streaming, retro gaming, or as a Linux micro-server. Top Custom OS Options for S805 You will need a Windows PC, a high-quality
: Download the firmware and copy the files to the root of a FAT32-formatted Micro SD card.
In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about finding, installing, and optimizing an of charge, turning a sluggish set-top box into a snappy media center or retro gaming console.
Flashing firmware carries a risk of bricking your device if done incorrectly. Gather these tools before proceeding: Hardware Requirements
: While the stock OS is often Android 4.4, custom versions of Android 5.1.1 (developed by community members like Abdul_pt) are available for MXQ devices. Try using a shorter cable or a different PC port
Open your box or use an app like AIDA64 to confirm your chip is an S805. Check the motherboard revision number printed on the circuit board (e.g., MXQ_S805_V3.1). Flashing firmware meant for a different board will brick your device.
Experience an Android TV-like interface tailored for remote controls. Best Free Custom ROMs for S805 (2026) When looking for an Amlogic S805 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
A minimal Linux OS designed strictly to run Kodi.
It offers plug-and-play support for most USB and Bluetooth gaming controllers. Prerequisites Before Flashing
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.