Amlogic S805 Custom Rom Free ✦ Top-Rated & Direct

The Amlogic S805 is a 32-bit, Cortex-A5 quad-core processor clocked at 1.5GHz with a Mali-450 GPU. While modest by today’s standards, it is perfectly capable of:

However, stock Android 4.4 (KitKat) or Android 5.1 (Lollipop) that ships with these boxes is bloated, spyware-ridden, and often forced to communicate with dead Chinese update servers. The result? Overheating, crashing, and a broken Google Play Store.

This is where custom ROMs come in.

Breathing New Life into Your Amlogic S805: Top Free Custom ROMs

The Amlogic S805 chipset, once the powerhouse of budget TV boxes like the iconic MXQ S805, may feel outdated in 2026, but it is far from obsolete. Many of these devices still sit in drawers, functional but held back by ancient, sluggish stock firmware. Installing a free custom ROM can bypass these software bottlenecks, repurposing your hardware for modern streaming, retro gaming, or even a lightweight Linux server. Why Install a Custom ROM on S805?

Most S805 devices originally shipped with Android 4.4 KitKat, which no longer supports modern apps or security standards. Custom ROMs offer:

Modern Media Playback: Access updated versions of Kodi (v18 and above).

Improved Performance: Slimmed-down OS versions that remove manufacturer bloatware.

Specialized Use Cases: Transform your box into a dedicated retro console or a Linux-based PC. Top Free Custom ROM Options for Amlogic S805 1. LibreELEC (Best for Media Centers)

If your primary goal is to run a fast, efficient media player, LibreELEC is the gold standard. It is a "Just enough OS" for Kodi, meaning it boots directly into the media center software without the overhead of Android.

Current Status: Legacy v9.2 LTS builds are still maintained for S805/S8X2 devices as of early 2026.

Key Feature: Extremely low resource usage, allowing for smooth HD playback on 1GB RAM hardware.

Download: Check the LibreELEC Forum for specific S805 community builds. 2. Android 5.1.1 Lollipop (Best for App Support)

While higher versions of Android are rare for this specific chipset, a ported Android 5.1.1 Lollipop ROM (originally developed by Abdul_pt) remains a popular upgrade for MXQ S805 users.

Advantage: Provides slightly better app compatibility than the stock KitKat ROM.

Risk: High. S805 hardware varies significantly; what works on one "MXQ" box might brick another. 3. Lakka (Best for Retro Gaming)

Lakka is a lightweight Linux distribution that transforms your S805 box into a full-blown retro gaming console using RetroArch.

Capabilities: Easily play classics from NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and even some PlayStation 1 titles.

Installation: Can be run directly from an SD card, leaving your internal storage untouched. Source: Official builds can be found via Lakka.tv. 4. Armbian (Best for Mini-PC/Server Use) amlogic s805 custom rom free

For power users, Armbian brings a Debian-based Linux environment to the S805. YouTube·MXQ PROJECThttps://www.youtube.com

Reviving Your Amlogic S805: Top Free Custom ROMs and Installation Guide

If you have an old Android TV box gathering dust, chances are it’s powered by the Amlogic S805 chipset. While the stock firmware on these devices—like the popular MXQ S805—is often stuck on Android 4.4 KitKat, installing a free custom ROM can breathe new life into your hardware.

This guide explores the best custom firmware options available in 2024 and 2025 to help you upgrade to modern versions of Android or specialized media center operating systems. Why Install a Custom ROM?

Performance Boost: Custom ROMs often remove "bloatware," making the interface faster and more responsive.

Modern Features: Upgrade from outdated Android versions to Lollipop (5.1.1) or even Armbian Linux for server use.

Extended Software Support: Access newer versions of apps like Kodi (via LibreELEC) that are no longer supported on older Android systems. Top Free Custom ROMs for Amlogic S805 1. Android 5.1.1 Lollipop (Abdul_pt Build)

One of the most stable Android-based upgrades for S805 devices. Originally built for the K1 box, it has been widely ported to various MXQ models.

Best For: Users who want a familiar Android experience but with better app compatibility.

Where to find it: Guides and files are often hosted on community forums like Freaktab or XDA Developers. 2. LibreELEC (Media Center Specialist)

If you only use your TV box for movies and shows, LibreELEC is the best choice. It replaces Android entirely with a lightweight "Just enough OS for Kodi" system.

Key Advantage: Extremely fast and supports newer Kodi versions (up to 18.x on legacy builds).

Installation: Can be run from an SD card, preserving your original Android system. 3. Armbian Linux

For power users, Armbian turns your S805 box into a low-power Linux server. [7.0.3.3d] LibreELEC 7.0 for S805 - Page 49 - Amlogic

Reviving Your Old TV Box: Amlogic S805 Custom ROM Guide The Amlogic S805 is a classic chipset found in many budget TV boxes like the MXQ S85. While these devices often come with outdated software, you can breathe new life into them using custom ROMs and lightweight operating systems. Top Custom Firmware Options for Amlogic S805

Rather than sticking with a slow, outdated Android build, many users opt for dedicated media center or server-grade operating systems: LibreELEC (Legacy v9.2 LTS)

: Specifically designed for a pure Kodi experience, this is often considered the most stable "safe" option for S805 devices. Newer builds like are available through community developers like dtech on the LibreELEC forums

: This allows you to turn your TV box into a lightweight Linux server. Recent unofficial builds (up to late 2024) have been confirmed to work on certain S805 boxes. You can find community-maintained versions on The Amlogic S805 is a 32-bit, Cortex-A5 quad-core

: A specialized fork of LibreELEC that focuses on maximizing performance for older Amlogic hardware. Android 5.1.1 Lollipop

: While rare, there are custom Android Lollipop builds (originally for K1 boxes) that can be ported to MXQ S85 devices, though these carry higher risks of hardware incompatibility. How to Install a Custom ROM

The installation process typically varies depending on whether you are "burning" a new firmware to internal memory or booting from an SD card. Method 1: The "Toothpick" SD Card Method (Safest)

This method is ideal for LibreELEC or Armbian as it runs from the SD card without overwriting your original system.

The Amlogic S805 is a legacy chipset primarily found in older Android TV boxes like the MXQ. While officially deprecated, it still has a community of free custom ROMs and alternative operating systems designed to keep the hardware functional for media playback. Available Free Custom ROMs & OS Options

LibreELEC (Kodi-focused): This is widely considered the best option for the S805. It replaces Android entirely with a lightweight Linux distribution built solely to run Kodi. As of April 2026, legacy v9.2 LTS builds are still maintained for S805 devices.

Android 5.1.1 Lollipop: While the stock OS is often Android 4.4, custom versions of Android 5.1.1 (developed by community members like Abdul_pt) are available for MXQ devices.

AlexELEC: A specialized fork designed to run Kodi 18.2 on older Amlogic hardware, including the S805 and S812.

Linux Distributions: For advanced users, Armbian (Debian/Ubuntu-based) can be installed on S805 devices, though performance is limited by the aging quad-core hardware.

Lakka: An open-source retrogaming console based on LibreELEC, allowing the S805 to act as a dedicated emulator. Popular Repositories & Resources

To find and download these files for free, users typically refer to the following community hubs: Freaktab: A major forum for Amlogic firmware development.

LibreELEC Forum: The official source for Legacy S805 Builds.

MXQ Project: A dedicated site for MXQ-specific guides and firmware files. Installation Methodology

Installing a custom ROM on S805 hardware generally requires the "Toothpick Method" to enter recovery mode:

Preparation: Download the firmware and copy the files to the root of a FAT32-formatted Micro SD card.

Recovery Access: Insert a toothpick into the AV port to press the hidden reset button while plugging in the power.

Flashing: Use a custom recovery like TWRP to wipe the existing system and install the new image.

PC Alternative: For "bricked" devices, the Amlogic USB Burning Tool can flash .img files directly from a Windows PC using a USB male-to-male cable. How to install armbian to Amlogic S805 android box However, stock Android 4

If you have an old Amlogic S805 TV box (like the popular MXQ "all black" models) sitting in a drawer, you can breathe new life into it with a custom ROM or a dedicated media OS. These legacy devices may struggle with modern Android, but they are still highly capable for lightweight streaming, retro gaming, or as a Linux micro-server. Top Custom OS Options for S805

The S805 chip is best served by "Just Enough OS" (JEOS) builds that bypass heavy Android overhead to run Kodi or Linux directly. LibreELEC (Kodi-centric):

This is the most popular choice for turning an S805 box into a dedicated media player. It boots directly into Kodi, making the device feel fast and responsive again. Best Version: Look for the Legacy v9.2 LTS builds by developers like dtech or kszaq. Where to find: LibreELEC Forum's legacy section Armbian (Linux):

If you want a mini-PC or a home server (for Pi-hole, file sharing, etc.), Armbian is the way to go. Compatibility:

Some builds (like those for the "OneCloud" device) have been adapted for S805 boxes. You may need specific files (Device Tree Blobs) to get Ethernet or Wi-Fi working. Lakka (Retro Gaming):

For a dedicated gaming console, Lakka provides a lightweight environment. Android Lollipop (5.1.1):

While older, some "Lollipop" custom ROMs are available to replace the original KitKat (4.4) firmware, though app support is increasingly limited. How to Flash Your Device

Most S805 boxes use the same recovery method, often called the "Toothpick Method." How to install armbian to Amlogic S805 android box

There are instructions for installing Armbian on TV boxes with AMLogic CPUs at https://forum.armbian.com/topic/17106-installation- Armbian Community Forums Need a firmware for MXQ S805 with 9083C WiFi

For older Amlogic S805 devices (like the popular MXQ S85 or S805 boxes), custom ROM options typically focus on reviving the hardware for specific uses like media centers (Kodi) or lightweight Linux servers. Available Custom ROM Options LibreELEC / AlexELEC (Best for Kodi)

: These are dedicated OS builds that boot directly into Kodi. AlexELEC is a popular fork optimized for S805 hardware. Armbian (Best for Linux Servers)

: If you want to use the box as a mini-server, Armbian provides a Debian-based Linux environment. Note that HDMI or Wi-Fi support can be limited in newer kernel versions. Android Lollipop 5.1.1

: Some unofficial builds exist to upgrade older KitKat (Android 4.4) boxes to Lollipop, though compatibility varies wildly between different board revisions. Installation Guide: The "Toothpick" Method

The most common way to flash a new ROM or boot a custom OS from an SD card on an S805 box is the "toothpick" method. Firmware Upgrade Guide for Amlogic devices - Ugoos

Do not pay for “premium” S805 ROMs — they are stolen open-source builds.

| 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

We’ll use LibreELEC as the example, as it’s the easiest and most robust S805 custom ROM free of cost.