Android Recovery reset for Head Unit with no buttons

Your android headunit won’t boot into android and you think the solution can be found in the Android Recovery. This article can help guide you to accessing the Android Headunit recovery partition that can help solve some android boot loop problems.

Still booting and rooted?

If your android already boots and you have root privilege, there are easier ways to get your head unit into android recovery

No Boot, No Buttons

If you have a non booting android headunit and you want to access recovery menu it can seem like an impossible task. The guides tell you to press volume buttons or tap the the power button, but what if there are no buttons?

Luckily there is one tiny and sometimes very well hidden button on the android headunit that can be used. The name of this almost secret button on some android headunits does not relate to its use for android recovery. But what is the secret android recovery route when there are no physical buttons?

RST – Reset button

For android headunits that don’t have physical buttons the RST button is the key to communicate your commands. This RST button is well know as a reset button and you may have already use the button as a reset but it can do more.

Android Recovery mode via RST button

This is where it gets very confusing. With so many different android headunits produced over the years, the options for Android recovery via the RST button has grown. There is no one solution. There are many potential solutions. Some are aimed at the older 8227L DEMO ALPS while others are targeted at the PX5 and PX6 android headunits.

8227L DEMO no keys reset recovery

With the headunit in the car, accessories – ignition in the off position

1. Press and hold the RST – reset button
2. Keep the RST button depressed and switch on the accessories – ignition key.
3. Count 10 seconds
4. Release the RST button
5. Quickly press and release the RST button for two times
6. On the 3rd press do not release the button immediately
7. Count a further 5 seconds
8. Release the RST button
9. Wait for the headunit to reboot into Android Recovery mode

PX5 RK3368 based android headunit reset recovery guide

With the PX5 Android Headunit power on and booted up

1. Press and hold in the Reset (RST) button
2. Wait for the RGB LEDS to flash
3. When the lights flash quickly release RST
4. Quickly tap the reset button
5. When the RGB lights go out, quickly tap the reset again
6. The RGB LEDs will cycle and the headunit restart in recovery

PX6 RK3366 based android headunit reset recovery guide

With the Android Headunit power on and booted up

1. Press and hold in the RST button
2. The head unit will power down
3. The RGB LEDs will flash
4. Release the RST button
5. Quickly press and release the RST button several times
6. Until the RGB lights stay steady on (may take 3 to 4 quick presses)
7. With the RGB LEDs on the head unit will reboot into Android Recovery
   
   Touch screen will be active so navigate with the touch, swipe and tap.

Two tap reset to recovery

Some android headunits respond to two taps for recovery

• Press the power button and keep it pressed
• Release the power button when RGB LEDs blink
• Quickly press and release the power button
• Wait for recovery menu as it reboots
  
  may also work with the reset button
  
• Press the RST button and keep it pressed
• Release the RST button when RGB LEDs blink
• Quickly press and release the RST
• Wait for recovery menu as it reboots