We tested and verified the following tools. Each is designed to handle different ROM formats (MediaTek, Qualcomm, Exynos, Unisoc).
If you are comfortable with the command line, you can create your own auto tool using Python and existing libraries.
The Ultimate Guide to Unpacking and Repacking Android ROMs in 2026
Customizing an Android ROM is the ultimate way to breathe new life into an old device or strip away unwanted bloatware from a new one. Whether you are a budding developer or a seasoned tinkerer, knowing how to safely unpack, edit, and repack system images is a foundational skill.
This guide explores the best "auto" tools available today to streamline this technical process. Why Use Automated ROM Tools?
Manually handling Android partition images (like system.img, vendor.img, or the complex super.img) involves tedious command-line work, mounting filesystems, and managing specific permissions. Automated "Kitchen" tools simplify this by providing:
One-Click Unpacking: Automatically handles various formats like .img, .dat.br, and payload.bin.
Environment Stability: Ensures that file permissions remain intact during the edit process.
Error Checking: Validates the repacked image to prevent bootloops. Top Automated Tools for ROM Editing 1. CRB Android Kitchen (Crbuilder)
CRB remains one of the most powerful and regularly updated tools for Android firmware. It is particularly known for its support of Android 14 and 15.
Key Features: Supports a massive range of formats including ext4, f2fs, and EroFS. It includes a "Debloater" for one-click app removal and a "Deodexer" for deeper system modifications.
Best For: Users who need a comprehensive, menu-based interface that handles everything from super.img unpacking to Magisk patching. 2. IMG-Editor-Tool
For those looking for a lightweight, Windows-based solution, the IMG-Editor-Tool offers a straightforward workflow using batch scripts.
Workflow: You simply place your .img files in the tool's folder, run imgeditor.bat, and the files are extracted into an "editor" folder. Once your changes are made, running the script again repacks them into a flashable image. auto tool unpack repack rom android
Best For: Quick edits to system and vendor images without setting up a full Linux environment. 3. SAT (System Archive Tool)
SAT is a specialized script designed for handling Generic System Images (GSIs). It is unique because it can run directly on Linux or even on Android devices themselves.
Key Features: It automates the reduction of system image sizes and can convert AB architecture systems to A-only for older device compatibility.
Best For: GSI developers and those who want to modify ROMs without a PC. 4. RomTools-Android
A powerful terminal-based kitchen designed for unpacking and repacking via CLI. It is ideal for users who prefer a lightweight command-line interface but want the automation of a dedicated tool.
Key Features: Handles conversion and partition utilities for erofs and ext4 filesystems. Quick Start: How to Unpack and Repack
While each tool varies, the general automated workflow follows these steps:
Preparation: Obtain your device's firmware. If it’s in a payload.bin format (common in OnePlus/Pixel), use a payload dumper to extract individual .img files first.
Unpack: Open your chosen tool (e.g., CRB Kitchen) and select the "Unpack" option. Point it to your system.img or super.img.
Modify: The tool will create a "workspace" or "editor" folder. This is where you can add/remove apps, modify build.prop for performance tweaks, or change boot animations.
Repack: Return to the tool and select "Repack." The tool will re-compress the files into a new image, usually stored in a "REPACKED" or "OUTPUT" directory.
Flash: Use Fastboot or a custom recovery like TWRP to flash your modified image back to your device. Important Safety Tips
Always Backup: Never modify a ROM without a full Nandroid backup of your current working state. We tested and verified the following tools
Check File Systems: Modern Android 13+ devices often use EroFS. Ensure your tool supports this (like CRB Kitchen) before attempting to repack, or the device won't boot.
WSL for Windows: If using Linux-based tools on Windows, setting up Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is highly recommended for proper file permission handling.
ravindu644/Android_Image_Tools: CRB Kitchen, but ... - GitHub
Auto Tool for Unpacking and Repacking ROMs on Android Devices
Abstract
The increasing popularity of Android devices has led to a growing demand for customizing and modifying the operating system. One of the essential steps in this process is unpacking and repacking ROMs (Read-Only Memory). However, manual unpacking and repacking can be time-consuming and prone to errors. This paper proposes an auto tool for unpacking and repacking ROMs on Android devices, making the process more efficient and user-friendly.
Introduction
Android is an open-source operating system widely used in mobile devices. The ROM, a critical component of the Android system, contains the operating system, applications, and data. Unpacking and repacking ROMs are essential steps in customizing and modifying the Android system. However, these processes require technical expertise and can be tedious and error-prone if done manually.
Background
ROMs are typically distributed in a compressed format, such as ZIP or TAR.GZ. To modify the ROM, users need to unpack it, make changes, and then repack it. The unpacking and repacking processes involve several steps:
Existing Tools
Several tools are available for unpacking and repacking ROMs, including:
However, these tools have limitations:
Proposed Auto Tool
To address the limitations of existing tools, we propose an auto tool for unpacking and repacking ROMs on Android devices. The tool, called ROM Auto Tool, provides a user-friendly interface for automating the unpacking and repacking processes.
Architecture
The ROM Auto Tool consists of the following components:
Implementation
The ROM Auto Tool is implemented using Java and Android SDK. The tool uses the following libraries and frameworks:
Features
The ROM Auto Tool provides the following features:
Conclusion
The ROM Auto Tool provides an efficient and user-friendly solution for unpacking and repacking ROMs on Android devices. The tool automates the unpacking and repacking processes, reducing the risk of errors and saving time. The proposed tool has the potential to become a valuable asset for Android developers and enthusiasts.
Future Work
Future work includes:
References
Using an auto tool unpack repack rom android is legal for personal use on devices you own. However, keep in mind:
Auto tools do not bypass DRM or licensing. They merely provide access to the file system.