Upgrading your Amlogic S805 TV box with a custom ROM or alternative operating system can breathe new life into older hardware, allowing you to run modern media centers like Kodi or retro gaming systems. Because this processor is older, most "custom ROMs" today are Linux-based distributions that run alongside or instead of the original Android. Popular Custom ROMs and OS Options
The following systems are highly recommended for the S805 chipset, particularly the MXQ S805 series.
LibreELEC A lightweight "Just enough OS" for Kodi. Legacy builds (v9.2) are specifically maintained for S805 devices. It is widely considered the most stable alternative for media playback on this hardware.
AlexELEC A popular fork optimized for older Amlogic hardware like the S805 and S812. It allows users to run updated versions of Kodi (v18 and above) that are no longer supported by the stock Android OS.
Lakka The official Linux distribution of RetroArch. This transforms your S805 box into a dedicated retro gaming console, capable of dual-booting from an SD card. amlogic s805 custom rom free
Armbian A Debian/Ubuntu-based Linux distribution for developers. While more technical, it allows the S805 to function as a server or desktop, though some hardware features like HDMI or Wi-Fi may require manual configuration. How to Flash Your Device
There are two primary methods to install these custom ROMs: using an SD card for portable/dual-boot systems or using a PC tool for a full internal wipe. Method 1: The "Toothpick" Method (SD Card)
This is the safest method as it often allows you to keep your original Android system while booting the new OS from an SD card.
Do not pay for “premium” S805 ROMs — they are stolen open-source builds. Upgrading your Amlogic S805 TV box with a
| Source | Notes | |--------|-------| | FreakTab.com (Amlogic S805 section) | Best forum, direct links (MEGA, Google Drive) | | 4PDA (Russia) | Very active, requires translation | | Chinagadgetsreviews (Firmware section) | Stock + modded ROMs | | GitHub (search “aml-s805”) | Mostly Linux/u-boot |
Example search:
site:freaktab.com MXQ S805 5.1.1 custom rom
If you own an old Android TV box powered by the Amlogic S805 chipset—such as the MXQ S805, Odroid-C1, or various generic “Quad-core” media players—you have likely experienced the frustrating slowdowns, app incompatibility, and security vulnerabilities that come with outdated stock firmware.
Manufacturers rarely provide updates for these budget devices. But instead of throwing your hardware away, there is a powerful, cost-free solution: Custom ROMs. Unlocking the Potential of Your Old TV Box:
In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about finding, installing, and optimizing an Amlogic S805 custom ROM free of charge, turning a sluggish set-top box into a snappy media center or retro gaming console.
Don't do it.
Unless you are an expert who knows how to use the Amlogic USB Burning Tool and has a paperclip ready to short the NAND pins to unbrick the device, walk away.
Score: 2/10 (Only because the hardware can still technically run Linux; otherwise, it's e-w
.img file using BalenaEtcher (free) to your microSD card.Now your S805 runs LibreELEC. To revert, simply remove the SD card and reboot.