[Android] What is ClockworkMod (CWM) recovery and why do we use it? [dotTech Explains]

Godwin August 20, 2012 20

What is ClockworkMod recovery?

When it comes to recovery for Android, ClockworkMod has been and still is the most famous and extensive custom recovery tool for Android devices. ClockworkMod, which is often abbreviated as CWM, is developed by Koushik Dutta, more popularly known as Koush. (Yes, he is the same developer behind ROM Manager for Android.) ClockworkMod recovery has, over time, become the favourite choice for Android users as well as developers.

What about the default Android Recovery?

The default Android recovery that comes pre-installed with all Android devices is pretty basic as far as functionality is concerned and thus doesn’t allow an Android user to play with and experience the full power of the device he owns. Simply putting it, the basic recovery console that comes with the Android devices is primarily a partition (that can be booted into) in the device that provides some basic (though handy) functionalities like doing factory reset and/or manually recovering or upgrading the operating system to stock ROMs (official releases). Default Android recovery does not allow users to install custom ROMs, such as CyanogenMod.

Why ClockworkMod Recovery?

ClockworkMod offers Android users with an extensive list of functionalities which the default Android recovery cannot even hope to match. Using ClockworkMod, one can install, update, or upgrade both official and unofficial ROMs (known as ‘custom’ ROMs). It also enables advanced recovery and backup methods, and one can mount the USB storage to transfer files between the device and a PC while remaining in the recovery mode (very helpful for if you have a bricked device and can’t boot into Android or if you simply don’t want to do another reboot to transfer a file you forgot). Partitioning the SD card and wiping user data, dalvik cache, and battery stats are some other capabilities of ClockworkMod.

Aside from installing custom ROMs, ClockworkMod often makes it easier to perform other Android hacks such as rooting, enabling lagfixes, etc.

How to install ClockworkMod recovery?

Installation method of ClockworkMod recovery varies from device to device and there is usually more than one effective method to replace the default Android recovery with ClockworkMod. Though the process is different for different devices, it is typically quite simple and safe.

One of the common options ‘that just works’ for installing ClockworkMod recovery on your device is to first root your device then download and install the ROM Manager application from the Google Play Store; after installing the application, you just have to run it and select the first option in it — “Flash ClockworkMod recovery”. If your device has an official version of ClockworkMod recovery released for it, you will most likely be successful in flashing ClockworkMod recovery to your device. But, this method doesn’t work on some devices like the Samsung Galaxy S series devices (due to some extra layer of protection) and on certain other devices (due to reasons related to the availability of ClockworkMod for the devices or due to some limitations of the devices). Plus Google has started protecting recovery on Android 4.x and higher so that adds another level of complexity when it comes to installing ClockworkMod. Bottom line: There is no one standardized way to install ClockworkMod and it varies from device to device.

If flashing ClockworkMod recovery using the ROM Manager method doesn’t work for your device or if you are looking for alternative guides for installing ClockworkMod on your device(s), just keep following the dotTech guides on installing ClockworkMod recovery; we will be writing guides on how to install ClockworkMod recovery on various devices. You can let us know which device(s) you would like us to write about specifically through the comments below and we will try to fulfill your requests.

How to access the Recovery Console?

Once you have ClockworkMod recovery, you want to access it, right? Or maybe you haven’t installed ClockworkMod recovery and want to access your default recovery. How do you do that? I may sound like a broken but just like ClockworkMod installation procedures vary from device to device, so does the method for accessing recovery. The good news is that manufacturers like to standardize how to access recovery for all there devices so most devices of the same manufacturer share the same method.

For most Android devices manufactured by Samsung, the recovery console (Android recovery or any other custom recovery like ClockworkMod) can be booted into by turning off the device, and then turning on the device while holding the ‘Volume down’ and ‘Home’ buttons pressed until you see the Samsung logo. For devices from other manufacturers, other methods include: turning off the device and holding the ‘Volume down’ or ‘Volume up’ button pressed while switching on the device (Volume down/up + Power); turning off the device and holding the ‘Volume down’ and ‘Volume up’ buttons while powering on the device; etc. — it varies. In many situations you aren’t taken directly to recovery mode but rather have to select “RECOVERY” option after performing the two/three finger salute.

If you have managed to install ClockworkMod, you can easily reboot into recovery by selecting “Reboot into Recovery” option from the ROM Manager app.

If you have ADB installed on your computer, you can choose yet another path to access recovery that works for all devices. Enable USB debugging from Settings -> Applications -> Development (or System settings -> Developer options on Android 3.x and 4.x). Then, connect your device to the computer, and enter “adb reboot recovery” (without quotes) in a command prompt.

Conclusion

ClockworkMod is probably one of the best things to happen to Android. It has helped open doors that might have remained closed otherwise. But be sure to use it wisely otherwise you may have a bricked device!

TAGS » Android, Android Recovery, ClockworkMod, Custom recovery, Featured, Flash ClockworkMod, ROM Manager

POSTED IN » Android Hacks

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About the author: Godwin View all posts by Godwin

Happily remaining a bachelor, Godwin has often been the odd one. ;) Godwin's Law states that, as an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches 1. When such an event occurs, the person guilty of invoking Godwin's Law has effectively forfieted the argument.

20 Comments »

AU August 20, 2012 at 7:48 PM (comment permalink) -

how to install this for an acer aod 255 netbook custom install of android ver 4 (asus ver)

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Ashraf August 20, 2012 at 10:33 PM (comment permalink) -
Mr. Boss

@AU: Um… how exactly did you install Android on that without already having custom recovery?

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Godwin August 20, 2012 at 10:41 PM (comment permalink) -
Minion

@AU: If I am right, the Android on your netbook “was” a customised version by Acer until you flushed it for the custom Android x86 project. And, as per what I could infer with a little of researching on it, I found that you wouldn’t most probably be able to get CWM for your netbook.

At the same time, you can use “Acer Configuration Manager for Android” on your Windows installation to restore the ‘original’ Android operating system on your netbook: http://acer–uk.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5870/~/how-to-restore-android-on-the-aspire-one

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suhail December 7, 2012 at 6:42 PM (comment permalink) -

@AU: hey if u want to install download cmw recovery zip any version put it on sd not inside folder restart ur device in recovery mode choose update from sd and choose the cmw recovery zip ur done any prob pls comment iam s2k xda senior member

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Milind Dave December 13, 2012 at 2:23 PM (comment permalink) -

How nd where can I find clockworkmod recovery for gt-i5801 and install it
Since it is not shown in the rom manager cwm device lists.. :(

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Tapas Ghosh January 9, 2013 at 2:15 AM (comment permalink) -

I want clockworkmod recovery for my HCL me G1 tab, since it is not shown in the rom manager cwm device list.

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srikanth_leo7 January 11, 2013 at 4:21 AM (comment permalink) -

I tried to install cwm.zip on celkonA95 android phone but I am getting signature verification failed error. how can I get the correct clockworkmod recovery for my device.

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Godwin January 11, 2013 at 3:23 PM (comment permalink) -
Minion

You would be better off searching around and asking at XDA Developers Forum, since support for some lesser known smartphones are not easily findable and IMO, trusting any other resource would demand a much higher risk factor.
@srikanth_leo7: I did try searching for CWM ports for your device. But it seems that the only support available for your device is: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1875166

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Jamie January 18, 2013 at 5:37 PM (comment permalink) -

I’ve recently rooted my Impression 7 android tablet by leader international, but ROM manager says device unsupported. I’ve read up on flashing Clockworkmod recovery manually using Android Emulator, but I don’t know what version (of CWM) is compatible with my tablet. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am so excited to finally be able to get the most out of such a generic device… Specs– Model no. I7, Android version 2.2-1103-en, Kernel 2.6.26.9, Build FRF85B. Thank you! :-)

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Joseph M January 24, 2013 at 5:08 AM (comment permalink) -

my micromax a57 refuses to come on.. it just keeps restarting when i try.. i tried all kinds of button combinations to invoke the recovery menu.. can you tell me the correct combination?

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kishore January 26, 2013 at 8:19 PM (comment permalink) -

How to install cmw on my lg l5 e612

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VelKumar February 6, 2013 at 11:08 AM (comment permalink) -

Mine is galaxy Ace 5830i … my device is unsupported and In “Flash ClockworkMod Recovery”… It s asking which version ClockworkMod 2.x or ClockworkMod 3.x+ to use?… which one should I need to use ??

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milind bhaliwade February 9, 2013 at 8:03 AM (comment permalink) -

hello guys, I have micromax a57, which already rooted. I unable to boot in recovery console as well as format mobile, when I selected wrong mobile model in flash recovery in Rom Manager apps. Pls give me solution.

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Martin March 3, 2013 at 12:51 AM (comment permalink) -

I have rooted Samsung Galaxy Ace GT-S5830 running on Android 2.3.5. Which CWM I should use? ROM Manager doesn’t support my device. Some tutorials say that after install I should clear cache and dalvik cache. What are these things? How I’m supposed to do that? What does it delete? Thank you!

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john March 13, 2013 at 5:57 PM (comment permalink) -

i have a coolpad quattro ive tried recoverX and clockworkmod recovery yet my device isnt supported on either. im not sure what to do at this point. its already rooted, any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

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optimchic March 23, 2013 at 2:56 AM (comment permalink) -

Hi,
How can I get Clockworkmod on my LG E720? There is no official release, would it be effective if I used the version for Optimus One? Afterall the are very similar.

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Prashant March 24, 2013 at 2:07 AM (comment permalink) -

Can you help me in installing CWM for Celkon A88 android.. I’ve already rooted it…

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mleimnek April 19, 2013 at 1:28 PM (comment permalink) -

so, i allready got CWM on my LG P708g… what now… its rooted… but to be honest i just dont know what im doing… its just that im kinda bored with the ICS looks… isnt there something else to do?!?! can you guys help me out?!

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katlego April 29, 2013 at 1:04 AM (comment permalink) -

Can you please advise me as to where I can cwm recovery for samsung galaxy chat B5330. thanx

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katlego April 29, 2013 at 1:06 AM (comment permalink) -

Can you please advise me as to where I can cwm recovery for samsung galaxy chat B5330. thanx.

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