How to Use ADB Sideload in Android [Stock and TWRP Recovery]

In this guide, we will show you the steps to use the ADB Sideload feature and flash or install ZIP files in both the stock and custom recovery (TWRP). IF you are ever going to prepare a list of the most useful functionalities that you could carry out via ADB commands, the Sideload feature would definitely occupy a respectable spot in this list. This is one of the very few commands that are equally used by tech enthusiasts and general users alike. The former set of users could use it to install files when their device is booted to TWRP.

On the other hand, everyday users could use it to install official OTA updates via stock recovery. However, in spite of all the goodies involved, there is still some confusion surrounding this feature. But with this guide, you could put all these doubts to rest. Today, we will show you all the required information on how you could use the ADB Sideload feature to flash or install ZIP files in both the stock and custom recovery like TWRP. Follow along.

• Detailed Guide to Fix All ADB and Fastboot Errors
• How to Execute Android ADB Fastboot Commands Wirelessly
• How to Use ADB and Fastboot Commands on Android Without PC
• Run ADB Fastboot Commands directly on Android without Root

What is ADB Sideload

ADB sideload is the feature in Android devices that allows you directly install or flash ZIP files onto your device via a single ADB command. Its usage scenario depends on the user set, the enthusiasts mostly use it to flash mods and tweaks that come in ZIP packages. On the other hand, the general user makes use of this feature to manually install OTA updates.

However, no matter to which domain you belong, one thing stays the same- you could only install ZIP files via it. Furthermore, for the users who would be using it via TWRP, there’s another thing to keep in mind. The Sideload feature isn’t used to transfer files from your PC to your device. Rather, it will directly install the ZIP file onto your device.

If you are just looking to transfer files, then you should instead look out for other TWRP options such as Mount, MTP, among others. Likewise, the same stands true in the case of stock recovery. The OTA update file will directly be installed onto your device, without being transferred first.

So with this, we hope that you have got a decent idea regarding the adb sideload command and its importance. Let’s now check out the steps to use ADB Sideload and install ZIP files in stock and TWRP Recovery. The requirements are slightly different for both these methods, so we have mentioned them under separate sections. Follow along.

How to Use ADB Sideload in Stock Recovery

The major use of ADB sideload in stock recovery is for the installation of OTA or firmware updates. In this regard, there are two different options: Apply Update from ADB and Apply Update from SD Card. So what’s the difference between them? Well, the Apply Update from ADB option allows you to install the ZIP file via ADB commands.

Whereas the Apply Update from SD Card directly installs the update ZIP file from your device. As for this guide, our focus will be on the former. So without further ado, let’s get going. Droidwin and its members wouldn’t be held responsible in case of a thermonuclear war, your alarm doesn’t wake you up, or if anything happens to your device and data by performing the below steps to install ZIP via adb sideload and TWRP or stock recovery.

Manually Install OTA via Apply Update from ADB

We are listing the required instructions under separate sections for ease of understanding. Proceed ahead in the exact sequence as mentioned:

Install ADB Tools on your PC

To begin with, download and extract the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC. This is the official ADB and Fastboot binary collection provided by Google and you should use this only. Once extracted, you should get the platform-tools folder. Keep this folder open, as we will be using it throughout this section.

Enable USB Debugging [For Working Devices]

UPDATE: Just to clarify, ADB Sideload does not require you to have USB Debugging enabled. We have only listed this step here so that we could boot the device to the stock recovery via ADB Command. If your device is stuck in Fastboot/Bootloop, then it’s not a cause of concern, you could still use the ADB Sideload method (explained in subsequent steps below). So if your device cannot access the OS, then just skip this step and move over to the next one.

If your device is working, you will have to enable USB Debugging on your device. This is required so that the PC is able to identify the device in ADB Mode. So head over to Settings > About Phone > Tap on Build Number 7 times > Go back to Settings > System > Advanced > Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking. [Don’t Miss: Workarounds to Enable USB Debugging on a Broken Android Device Screen].

Download Update File

Now download the required OTA or firmware update file for your device. Make sure that it is in a ZIP format. Likewise, rename this file to update.zip, so that it would be easy to write in the CMD prompt. Then transfer this file to the platform-tools folder as well.

Boot Android Device to Stock Recovery

There are two case scenarios here- when your device is in a perfectly working condition, and when your device is stuck in Fastboot Mode. We have listed the steps to boot to Recovery Mode for both these cases. You may refer to the one that meets your current device condition.

Boot to Recovery when Device is working

1. Connect your device to the PC via USB cable. Make sure USB Debugging is enabled.
2. Then head over to the platform-tools folder, type in CMD in the address bar, and hit Enter. This will launch the Command Prompt.
   
3. Type in the following command in the CMD window to boot your device to Stock Recovery

   adb reboot recovery

4. If you face any issues, then refer to our guide on How to Fix All ADB and Fastboot Errors.

Boot to Recovery When Device is Stuck in Fastboot

1. To begin with, power off your device.
2. Then press and hold the Power and Volume Down to boot it to the Fastboot Mode.
   
3. Now use the Volume Keys to bring up the Recovery Mode option and press the Power key to confirm it.
   
4. Your device will now boot to the No command screen.
   
5. So press and hold the Power Button and while doing, so press and release the Volume Up key and then release the Power key as well. You would have bypassed the No command screen.

Use ADB Sideload to Manually Install OTA Update

1. Once your device boots to stock recovery, use the Volume keys to select the “Apply Update from ADB” option and press the Power key to confirm.
   
2. You should now see a message along the following lines on your device:
   
3. Now head over to the platform-tools folder, type in CMD in the address bar, and hit Enter. This will launch the Command Prompt.
4. Type in the following command in the CMD window to verify the ADB Sideload Connection:

   adb devices

   

5. If you get the sideload keyword in the Command Prompt, then the connection stands successful and you may proceed ahead.
6. So go to the CMD window (that you have opened inside platform-tools) and type in the below command to install the file:

   adb sideload update.zip

7. In the above command, update.zip is the name of the file to be flashed (rename it accordingly, if needed). The installation process shall now begin and could take a few minutes.
8. Once done, use the Volume keys to select the Reboot System Now option and press the Power key to confirm it.

That’s it, your device will now boot to the newly installed update. So this is how you could use the ADB sideload command in the stock recovery. Let’s now turn our attention towards the usage of this adb sideload feature in the custom development field i.e TWRP Recovery.

How to Use ADB Sideload in TWRP Recovery

While the usage of Sideload in TWRP is also limited to flashing ZIP files, but in this instance, this file takes a broader approach. As opposed to stock recovery usage where the ZIP was treated as a firmware update file, here a ZIP file could mold into various scenarios. For example, it could be a Magisk Module or even a Custom ROM. The instructions steps, however, remain the same. So on that note, let’s check out the steps to use the ADB sideload feature in the TWRP Recovery.

Install ADB on your PC

First off, download Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC. These are the official ABD and Fastboot binary provided by Google. So download and extract it to any convenient location on your PC. doing so shall give you the platform-tools folder. We will be using this folder only to flash ZIP via adb sideload and TWRP in the below steps, so keep it open.

Unlock the Bootloader

To begin with, you will have to unlock the device’s bootloader (this is the first prerequisite for installing a custom recovery like TWRP). Do keep in mind that doing so will wipe off all the data from your device and might also make the warranty null and void. So if that’s well and good, then refer to our guide to Unlock Bootloader of Any Android Device.

Install TWRP Recovery

Next up, you will also have to install TWRP Recovery on your Android device. To do so, there are two different approaches- you could either temporarily install TWRP for one-time usage or permanently install it. Here are the instructions for both:

• Temporary Installation How to Boot into TWRP Recovery
• Permanent Installation: How to Install TWRP Recovery on Android

Boot Android Device to TWRP Recovery

1. Connect your device to the PC via USB cable. Make sure USB Debugging is enabled.
2. Then head over to the platform-tools folder, type in CMD in the address bar, and hit Enter. This will launch the Command Prompt.
3. Type in the following command in the CMD window:

   adb reboot recovery

   

4. Your device will now boot to the TWRP Recovery. You may now proceed to the next step to flash the required ZIP file via adb sideload and TWRP.

Root your device [Optional, Depends on the File Type]

This is an optional step and depends on the type of ZIP files that you are going to flash via adb sideload and TWRP. If it’s a custom ROM, then you don’t need to root your device. On the other hand, if you are planning to flash a Magisk module or any related mods, then rooting is a must. For this, you may refer to our following guides:

• How to Root Android Devices via TWRP Recovery
• Root Android Devices Without TWRP Recovery
• How to Root any MediaTek ARMv8 Device
• Root Spreadtrum Devices via Magisk Patched boot.img
• Root any MediaTek Device on Locked Bootloader

Install ZIP via TWRP ADB Sideload

1. First off, transfer the required ZIP file to the platform-tools folder on your PC.
2. Furthermore, rename it to something shorter, say mod.zip so that it becomes easier in typing in the CMD window.
3. Likewise, type in CMD in this folder’s address bar to open Command Prompt.
4. Now from the TWRP’s home screen, go to Advanced and select ADB Sideload.
   
5. Then perform a right swipe on the Swipe to Start Sideload button situated at the bottom.
6. After this, go to the CMD window and type in the below command, and hit Enter.

   adb sideload mod.zip

7. In the above command, mod.zip is the name of the file being flashed via TWRP.
8. Once the flashing is complete, you may reboot the device to OS via the Reboot > System option in TWRP.

That’s it, the process stands complete. So with this, we conclude the guide on how to use the adb sideload command on both the stock as well as custom TWRP Recovery. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments. We will get back to you with a solution at the earliest.

About Chief Editor

Sadique Hassan

administrator

A technical geek by birth, he always has a keen interest in the Android platform right since the birth of the HTC Dream. The open-source environment always seems to intrigue him with the plethora of options available at his fingertips. “MBA by profession, blogger by choice!”

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