📦 Tutorial: Flash a stock ROM on an Android TV box with a Rockchip processor (beginner)

5 May 2025 · 3 min read

🛑 1. Precautions and warnings

1. Risk of bricking: an incorrect flash can permanently disable the box.
2. Warranty: this operation generally voids the warranty.
3. Stable power supply: use a reliable power socket.
4. Quality USB cable: essential for a stable transfer.
5. Backup recommended: although hard to do on TV boxes, back up everything you can.

🧰 2. Required hardware and software

⬇️ 3. Required downloads

3.1 Download the stock ROM

Go to one of the following forums and search for the exact model of your box plus its processor (RK3318, RK3328, RK3399, etc.):

• 📥 XDA Developers – Rockchip section
• 📥 FreakTab – Rockchip section
• 📥 Rockchip Open Source

The ROM will usually be in .img format, or a .zip containing update.img.

3.2 Download Rockchip Batch Tool

• 🧰 Rockchip Batch Tool (v1.8) or try Tool Factory if it doesn't work.

Download it, then extract the .zip folder (e.g. RKBatchTool_v1.8) to your desktop.

3.3 Download the Rockchip USB drivers

• 🔌 Rockchip Driver Assistant

⚙️ 4. Install the Rockchip drivers

1. Extract the Driver Assistant ZIP file.
2. Run DriverInstall.exe in administrator mode (right-click).
3. Click "Install Driver".
4. Windows may display an unsigned driver warning: click “Install anyway”.

🔍 Check: open Device Manager → you will see a “Rockusb Device” once the box is connected in special mode (see section 5).

🧩 5. Put the box into bootloader mode (mask-ROM)

1. Turn off the TV box.
2. Find a small hole marked RESET or RECOVERY (often underneath the box).
3. Insert a paperclip into this hole and hold it down.
4. While doing so, connect the USB cable (type A to microUSB/USB-C) between the PC and the box.
5. Release the paperclip after 3–5 seconds.

🟢 If all goes well, Rockchip Batch Tool will display a green box ("Connected").

🧱 6. Flash the ROM

1. Open RKBatchTool.exe in administrator mode.
2. Click the “…” button and load the .img file you downloaded.
3. Wait while the software analyses the file.

4. Click "Upgrade" or "Restore":

   • “Upgrade” keeps some data
   • “Restore” wipes everything (preferred if the box is unstable or has been modified)

⚠️ Do not touch anything during the flash. Duration: 2 to 5 minutes.

1. The software will display: “Upgrade Done Success” (in green).
2. Unplug the box.

🔁 7. First start-up

1. Reconnect the box to the power supply and the TV.
2. The first boot may take 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Set up Android as you would on a new device.

🛠️ 8. Troubleshooting

📚 Useful resources

• 🧵 FreakTab Rockchip forum: https://freaktab.com/rockchip/
• 🧵 XDA Rockchip: https://forum.xda-developers.com/f/rockchip-processors.3029/
• 🧑‍💻 Rockchip Open Source (docs and tools): https://opensource.rock-chips.com/wiki_Main_Page

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