You are not limited to standard Android. You can flash lightweight Linux-based distributions optimized entirely for media playback.
The most reliable way to install a new firmware .img file on an Amlogic device is by using the official Amlogic USB Burning Tool. Step 1: Install the Tools and Drivers
The Amlogic S805 was first introduced in 2014, offering a robust quad-core Cortex-A9 CPU, Mali-450MP3 GPU, and support for 4K video playback. Since then, numerous firmware updates have been released, addressing bugs, improving stability, and adding new features. These updates have been crucial in maintaining the device's performance and security, as well as ensuring compatibility with the latest Android versions and applications.
This is the number one issue with S805 firmware. The S805 was used in hundreds of different boards with different Wi-Fi chips (e.g., Broadcom AP6181, RTL8189, or Mediatek MT7601). If you flash generic firmware, the driver for your specific chip likely won't be there.
This is the safest method as it often allows you to boot from the SD card without overwriting the internal memory immediately. amlogic s805 firmware new
: These builds allow older boxes to run Kodi 18.9 (Leia) , providing a much smoother streaming experience than stock Android. Armbian (General Linux) :
A predecessor to CoreELEC, you can still find working builds on GitHub for the S805 that offer a more customized Kodi experience.
: If you want to use the box as a mini-PC or home server (e.g., Pi-hole), Armbian offers the most "current" Linux experience. Newer builds for S805-based devices like the OneCloud are often compatible.
These offer a cleaner, faster version of the original interface. You are not limited to standard Android
Open the tool, click on File -> Import Image , and select your downloaded S805 .img firmware file. Prepare the Box: Unplug the power cable from your TV box.
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While not "new" in the modern sense, modified ROMs (originally for K1 boxes) have been refined to work on S805 hardware, providing slightly better app compatibility than KitKat.
To hold down the hidden recovery button in the AV port. How to Flash New Firmware on S805 (Step-by-Step) Step 1: Install the Tools and Drivers The
This remains the gold standard for media playback. As of April 19, 2026 , new maintenance builds like LibreELEC 9.2.8.20 have been released, featuring updated time zones and security patches.
Users who must have Android apps but need something slightly newer than KitKat.
Since official support for the S805 has long ended, the "new" firmware is primarily developed by the community. Here are the best options for 2026: 1. Updated LibreELEC / CoreELEC (Kodi Specialized)