Check MD5 on Windows, Linux, Android

What is MD5 Sum?

      MD5 is a widely known term in the tech world but if you are an active Android users, you must have confronted the terms like “md5sum”, “md5 hash” or “md5 checksum” quite frequently. Most official and custom ROMs, mods and recovery flashable ZIPs come pre-encrypted with an unique code for security reasons. It’s a kind of password that is used to ensure the integrity of files inside a ZIP or a software package.
      Thus, there are the two main reasons if the MD5 hash value of a file you downloaded does not match against the original sum:

1. The file might be modified by someone else in an unauthorized way.
2. The file was not downloaded properly and some of its elements might have been corrupted.

The MD5 checksum or hash value of a file might look like these:

• 25912deacc5d55528e223ec7b99705cc
• 220c41f3b03f42190899db8cb081b5c6
• a578d837343fe2542ecf405a630d46a0
• 8223ec1c2aa71503b431a0daabb23154

Why to Verify MD5?

      Installing an official firmware, a custom ROM or even a Kernel file with corrupt MD5 value can lead to a bricked phone or tablet. It is, therefore, very important that whenever you download such files with a purpose to install them on your device, make sure to compare/match the computed MD5 checksum against the one provided on the download page to verify their integrity. I have seen various cases where people report that their device went to bricked state after installing a certain file. In many cases, you might get an installation failed error if the MD5 hash value is not correct.
      It is a customary practice among Android developers to mention the MD5 sum of their ROMs, mods and kernels when they share them. Having downloaded such files, you can run a MD5 checker program on your computer to match the MD5 value. It the sum matches perfectly, you can proceed to install the file. In case there is mismatch between the values, you should avoid installing such files.
      To make sure that it is just a case of bad download, try downloading the file again, preferably from a different mirror or browser. If the match fails again, contact the developer and report it. He/she might  check if the MD5 they provided was correct or give you an alternate link to get the file.

Checking MD5 Value on Windows

If you are a Windows user. you can find variety of MD5 checksum programs available on the internet that can be used for the purpose. Personally, I use a  very nice and easy to use tool called File Spliter  & Joiner. Here is how you can use it to verify:

1. Download the latest version of File Spliter  & Joinerfrom the official site: Click Here 
 and follow image

You can also use another noce tool called  HashTab too to check MD5. Click this link to download.

Checking MD5 Sum on Linux

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Now type the following command:

   md5sum [type file name with extension here] [path of the file]

3. You also drag the file to the terminal window instead of typing the full path.
4. Then hit the Enter key. Bingo!
5. You’ll see the MD5 sum of the file. Now match it against the original value.

Checking MD5 Signature on Android

      If you want to check MD5 on your Android phone or tablet, there are a few good apps that you can download from the Play Store with app Hash Pro: Hash File, Hash Text

   Decription: 

The hash algorithm often used to authenticate password authenticate the integrity of the data file.
Hash Pro application support features to retrieve the file hash hash code and compare it with the hash code provided to authenticate the integrity of the file. Support for text strings hash out the hash code.
Feature highlights:
- Having fast processing speed, support large files hash.
- It displays the percentage of work completed while the file was hashing.
- Copy and share the hash code.

- Check sum when install new ROM
- Supports most popular hash code types.List hash algorithm support: MD2, MD4, MD5, RIPEMD-128, RIPEMD-160, SHA-1, SHA-256, SHA-384, SHA-512, Adler-32, CRC-32, Haval-128, Tiger and Whirlpool.