| Use Case | Best Free ROM | |----------|----------------| | Video streaming (Kodi) | LibreELEC 9.2.8 | | Retro gaming | Android 5.1.1 + RetroArch | | Old apps / IPTV | Android 5.1.1 (neomode ROM) | | Linux server | Armbian legacy (kernel 3.10) |
Avoid any “Android 7+” ROM for S805 — they are broken, slow, or malware-risks.
Would you like direct links to the most stable LibreELEC or Android 5.1 build for your specific S805 box model (e.g., MXQ, HD18Q, ODROID)?
Here’s a breakdown of the features you can typically expect when searching for a free custom ROM for an Amlogic S805 device (e.g., MXQ S805, Beelink, or generic Android TV boxes):
| ROM Name | OS Version | Best For | Where to Find | |----------|------------|----------|----------------| | MXQ S805 5.1.1 (by neomode) | Android 5.1.1 | General TV box use | FreakTab / Chinagadgetsreviews | | Oman’s 5.1.1 (ODROID-C1) | Android 5.1.1 | Hardkernel ODROID-C1 | Official Hardkernel archive | | LibreELEC 9.2.x (Kodi 18) | Linux (Kodi) | Media player (fast) | LibreELEC forum / GitHub | | Armbian (community) | Debian/Ubuntu | Headless server / NAS | Armbian archive (legacy) | | CoreELEC (older build) | Kodi 19 | Video playback | CoreELEC (S805 dropped now) |
⚠️ Most “Android 7/8/9” ROMs for S805 are fake (just build.prop edits).
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have likely experienced the frustrating slowdowns, app incompatibility, and security vulnerabilities that come with outdated stock firmware.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. amlogic s805 custom rom free
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.
Even with a custom ROM, the S805 is not a speed demon. Apply these tweaks:
If you want, I can:
Now your S805 runs LibreELEC. To revert, simply remove the SD card and reboot.
If you want a free, stable, and feature-rich custom ROM for Amlogic S805, start with a Android 5.1.1 debloated build from FreakTab (matched to your Wi-Fi chip – e.g., Realtek 8189 or 8723).
For pure media center use, LibreELEC is faster and more reliable than Android.
Would you like help identifying your exact S805 box version to find a compatible ROM?
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 | Use Case | Best Free ROM |
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. Would you like direct links to the most
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