Amlogic S805 Custom Rom Free Now
The ultimate expression of a "free ROM" is booting a stock, unmodified Linux kernel from kernel.org on the S805. Thanks to work by the Linux-sunxi (Allwinner) and Amlogic communities, mainline Linux supports many S805 features: SMP (multi-core), USB, Ethernet, SDIO, and even the Lima driver. However, the boot process remains a challenge. Most S805 devices require a proprietary first-stage bootloader (the vendor’s u-boot binary) because the SoC’s boot ROM expects a specific signature. While U-Boot itself is open-source, the specific configuration for each S805 clone board must be extracted from the vendor’s binary.
Now your S805 runs LibreELEC. To revert, simply remove the SD card and reboot.
The Amlogic S805 is 32-bit ARM Cortex-A5 with Mali-450 MP2.
Most community development stopped after Android 4.4 / 5.1.
You will not find official LineageOS 16+ or modern Android TV for S805.
✅ Free, working custom ROMs exist — but they are mostly Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) or LibreELEC (Kodi).
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have likely experienced the frustrating slowdowns, app incompatibility, and security vulnerabilities that come with outdated stock firmware. amlogic s805 custom rom free
Manufacturers rarely provide updates for these budget devices. But instead of throwing your hardware away, there is a powerful, cost-free solution: Custom ROMs.
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.
| ROM Name | Base OS | Best For | Wi-Fi Support | Free Download Link |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| LibreELEC 9.2.8 | Kodi 18.9 | Media center | Realtek 8188/8192 | libreelec.tv/downloads/s805 |
| Armbian Bullseye | Debian 11 | Retro gaming (RetroPie) | Limited (check forums) | armbian.com/odroid-c1 |
| AOSP 5.1.1 Slim | Android 5.1 | APK streaming | Broadcom & Realtek | FreakTab (search "S805 SlimBOX") |
Note: No official Android 7+ or Android TV ROMs exist for S805 due to kernel limitations (Linux 3.10). The ultimate expression of a "free ROM" is
| ROM Name | Android Version | Focus | |-----------------------|----------------|---------------------| | Nexus ROM | 5.1.1 | Stock Android look | | AtvXperience (old) | 5.1.1 | Android TV UI | | LibreELEC | Linux/Kodi | Media center only | | CyanogenMod 12.1 | 5.1.1 | Performance + root |
The Amlogic S805 custom ROM free ecosystem is alive and surprisingly robust. While you won’t run the latest Android apps, you can transform your dusty old TV box into a dedicated:
Start by identifying your PCB, visit FreakTab or LibreELEC’s forum, and download a verified image. With patience and this guide, you’ll avoid the spam traps and enjoy a faster, more secure device.
Have a success story or a bricked box? Share your PCB number and experience in the comments below – and remember: the best things in tech are still free. If you own an old Android TV box
Keywords used naturally throughout: Amlogic S805, custom ROM, free, install, download, LibreELEC, Armbian, firmware, TV box, MXQ S805, Odroid-C1, unbrick, tweak.
Review verdict: This is a high-risk search with very low reward.
If you are looking for a "free custom ROM" for a device running the Amlogic S805 chipset, you are likely looking for software for a device that is roughly 8 to 10 years old (circa 2014-2015).
Here is a solid breakdown of the reality, the risks, and what you can actually expect.