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Complete Custom ROM Installation Guide (2025 Edition)

Transform your Android experience - Install privacy-focused, security-enhanced custom ROMs to revive and enhance your device.

🔗 Essential Resources ​

Table of Contents ​

Understanding Custom ROMs ​

Custom ROMs are alternative Android distributions that replace your device’s stock firmware, offering enhanced privacy, performance, and customization.

Why Choose Custom ROMs? ​

  • Extended device lifespan — updates beyond OEM EOL
  • Enhanced privacy — reduce tracking/telemetry
  • Bloatware-free — clean system without vendor apps
  • Performance gains — better battery, responsiveness
  • Deep customization — theming, features, system tweaks
  • Faster security patches — community-maintained
  • Optional Google services — choose microG/sandboxed Play/none

ROM Categories ​

Privacy & Security Focused: ​

  • GrapheneOS — Maximum security for Pixel devices (relockable bootloader)
  • CalyxOS — Privacy-first, optional Sandboxed Google Play (no longer microG-first)

General Use & Features: ​

  • LineageOS — Most popular, widest device support
  • Pixel Experience — Pixel-like UX for non-Pixel devices
  • crDroid — Feature-rich with heavy customization
  • PixelOS / ArrowOS — Lightweight, clean, frequent updates
  • iodéOS — Privacy-focused with built-in ad/tracker blocking

Gaming & Performance: ​

  • Evolution X — Balanced features and performance
  • Project Sakura — Performance-focused builds

Notes:

  • GrapheneOS is Pixel-only and supports secure bootloader re-locking. Most other ROMs require leaving the bootloader unlocked; do NOT relock unless the ROM explicitly supports AVB re-lock.

Critical Warnings ​

⚠️ Custom ROM Risks

  • Warranty implications — may void warranty depending on region (statutory warranty rights may still apply in some jurisdictions)
  • Brick risk — wrong images or wrong partition can hard-brick
  • App compatibility — Banking/government apps rely on Play Integrity and may refuse to run
  • Your responsibility — updates, security patches, backups, and recovery
  • Bootloader re-locking — relocking on unsupported ROMs can hard-brick; only relock when ROM explicitly supports AVB 2.0 with proper vbmeta signing

Prerequisites and Requirements ​

Essential Prerequisites ​

  1. Unlocked bootloader
  2. Custom recovery (TWRP/OrangeFox) or ROM’s own recovery
  3. Compatible ROM — for your exact device codename/variant
  4. Backup everything — consider both a NANDroid (if supported) and app/data backups
  5. Stock firmware on hand — for emergency restore (EDL/Odin/Mi Flash/fastboot images)

Required Tools ​

  • Latest Android Platform Tools (ADB/Fastboot) from Google
  • USB drivers (Windows): OEM or Google USB Driver
  • Custom recovery image/installer ZIP (device-specific)
  • ROM ZIP/Images + optional GApps (see notes below)
  • A computer (Windows/macOS/Linux) and reliable USB cable

Device Preparation ​

  • Charge to 70%+
  • Use a quality USB cable/port
  • Back up user data (Photos, 2FA/keys, eSIM details where applicable)
  • Note device info: model, region, codename, current firmware/Android version
  • Disable screen lock before recovery if your recovery can’t decrypt data
  • Remove Google/Samsung/Xiaomi accounts where FRP/anti-theft may interfere

ROM Selection Guide ​

Decision Matrix ​

NeedRecommended ROMWhy
Maximum privacyGrapheneOS (Pixel)Hardware-backed security, strict app sandboxing, relockable
Privacy + broad app compatibilityCalyxOSPrivacy defaults with optional Sandboxed Play
Most devicesLineageOSBroadest device support, mature updates
Pixel UXPixel Experience / PixelOSPixel look-and-feel on non-Pixel devices
CustomizationcrDroid / Evolution XGranular feature set
Lightweight performanceArrowOSClean, lean builds

GApps notes:

  • LineageOS recommends MindTheGapps; NikGapps also popular.
  • OpenGApps is not maintained for the newest Android versions on many devices.
  • Many ROMs ship in “vanilla” (no GApps) and “with GApps” variants. Match to your preference.

Device Compatibility Check ​

Find your device: ​

  1. CustomROMBay.org
  2. XDA Forums
  3. Official ROM websites

Verify model/codename: ​

  • Settings → About Phone → Model
  • adb shell getprop ro.product.device (codename)
  • fastboot getvar product
  • Beware of regional/carrier variants (e.g., SM-G991B ≠ SM-G991U)
  • Xiaomi anti-rollback (ARB) can brick if you flash older firmware — always match required base firmware

Installation Process ​

There are two primary install flows:

  • Recovery-based (TWRP/OrangeFox/Lineage Recovery) via Install or ADB Sideload
  • Fastboot-based (images/graphical web installers) — common for Pixels/GrapheneOS

Step 1: Create Complete Backup ​

Backups on modern devices: ​

  • TWRP/OrangeFox NANDroid may not fully support dynamic partitions on every device; verify your recovery’s backup/restore capability.
  • Consider Seedvault (LineageOS), Swift Backup (root), or manual data backups.
  • Never wipe persist/modem/EFS; losing these can break Wi‑Fi, sensors, IMEI.

Actions: ​

  1. Boot to recovery
  2. If supported: Recovery → Backup → Select boot/system/data/vendor (avoid super unless advised)
  3. Copy backups to PC or external storage

Step 2: Download ROM Files ​

  • ROM ZIP/images for your exact device/codename
  • GApps (if needed; e.g., MindTheGapps for LineageOS or NikGapps)
  • Required firmware/vendor packages (Xiaomi/OnePlus often require specific base firmware)
  • Optional: Magisk/KernelSU/APatch, custom kernel, modules

Verify downloads:

  • Prefer SHA-256 over MD5
  • Check release signatures/digests when provided
  • Ensure Android version/firmware requirements match your device

Step 3: Prepare Device ​

  • Transfer ROM and add-ons to device/SD card or prepare to ADB sideload from PC
  • Boot to recovery
  • On dynamic partition devices, some operations require fastbootd:
    • From bootloader: fastboot reboot fastboot (enters fastbootd)

Step 4: Wipe / Format ​

⚠️ Data Loss Warning

Switching ROM families or coming from stock usually requires a full “Format Data” (not just factory reset), which erases internal storage. Back up first.

  • Factory reset for minor updates/dirty flash (same ROM family)
  • Full clean install:
    • In TWRP/OrangeFox: Wipe → Format Data (type yes)
    • Advanced Wipe: System, Data, Cache, Dalvik/ART Cache
    • Do NOT wipe persist/modem/EFS

Note: Recovery decryption varies by device. If your recovery can’t decrypt /data, use ADB sideload or external SD/OTG.

Step 5: Flash Custom ROM ​

Recovery install (typical):

  1. Install → Select ROM ZIP → Swipe/confirm
  2. Immediately flash GApps (if using a vanilla ROM). GApps must be flashed before first boot.
  3. Flash add-ons: Magisk (root), KernelSU (kernel-based root), custom kernels, etc.

ADB sideload (LineageOS/others): ​

  1. In recovery: Apply Update → Apply from ADB
  2. On PC: adb sideload rom.zip
  3. Then: adb sideload gapps.zip (if needed)
  4. Then: adb sideload addons (e.g., Magisk ZIP if supported by your recovery)

Fastboot images (Pixel/GrapheneOS/Some ROMs): ​

  • Use the vendor’s install script or web installer (see ROM-specific section)
  • For dynamic partitions, the script may reboot to fastbootd automatically
  • Never mix init_boot/boot images incorrectly; follow device-specific docs

AVB/vbmeta (advanced): ​

  • Only disable verity/verification if your device/ROM instructions explicitly say so.
  • Incorrect vbmeta steps can cause boot failure or brick.

A/B slots: ​

  • Generally handled by the installer/recovery. For manual fastboot:
    • fastboot getvar current-slot
    • fastboot set_active a or b
    • Some images support _ab targets (e.g., fastboot flash boot_ab boot.img)

Step 6: First Boot & Setup ​

  • First boot can take 5–20 minutes; don’t interrupt
  • Complete setup wizard
  • Validate basics: Wi‑Fi, mobile data, calls/SMS, camera, sensors, fingerprint, NFC, Bluetooth, GPS
  • For eSIM: activation may be cleared by wipes; check with your carrier before wiping

ROM-Specific Installation ​

GrapheneOS (Pixel Only) ​

Web Installer method:

  1. Visit https://grapheneos.org/install/web
  2. Use Chrome/Chromium (WebUSB)
  3. Follow the guided process (handles fastboot/fastbootd, images, and slotting)
  4. No custom recovery required

Benefits: Maximum security posture, verified boot, hardened toolchain, Sandboxed Google Play (optional)

Bootloader: Can safely relock on GrapheneOS. Do not relock on ROMs that don’t explicitly support it.

LineageOS (Most Devices) ​

Standard method:

  1. Download official builds: https://download.lineageos.org/
  2. Use Lineage Recovery or TWRP/OrangeFox per device guide
  3. ADB sideload recommended by Lineage docs
  4. Use MindTheGapps (recommended) or a compatible GApps package if needed
  5. Seedvault backup integration available

Benefits: Broad support, stable updates, trustable infrastructure

Pixel Experience / PixelOS ​

Notes:

  • Some builds include GApps; others are “vanilla”
  • Install via recovery/ADB sideload; follow device thread instructions
  • Monthly security patches common

Post-Installation Setup ​

Essential Configuration ​

  • Run updates (Settings → System → Updater)
  • Restore data (Seedvault, Swift Backup, app-native backups)
  • Review permissions and privacy settings
  • Configure IMS (VoLTE/VoWiFi/5G) if your carrier/ROM supports it

Privacy Optimization ​

  • Disable telemetry/analytics in ROM and apps
  • Private DNS (e.g., dns.adguard.com, 1.1.1.1, NextDNS)
  • Consider F-Droid, Obtainium, Aurora Store for privacy-friendly app sourcing
  • Use a reputable firewall (e.g., NetGuard) and limit background activity
  • Be mindful: aggressive adblocking/VPNs may break push notifications; exclude FCM if needed

App Installation ​

  • F-Droid — open-source apps
  • Aurora Store — access Play Store without Google account
  • APKMirror — verify signatures; prefer official dev sources where possible

Banking/Government Apps ​

  • Many now enforce Play Integrity API (hardware-backed attestation).
  • Magisk DenyList helps hide root from selected apps; Shamiko and “Play Integrity Fix” modules exist but may violate app ToS and are not guaranteed to work.
  • Respect local laws and app ToS. If mission-critical, consider a non-rooted, stock or relockable-secure ROM profile/device.

Troubleshooting Guide ​

Common Installation Issues ​

  • Confirm correct ROM for exact codename/variant
  • Format Data (not just wipe) if switching ROM families
  • Reflash ROM + correct GApps
  • Ensure required base firmware/vendor is installed
  • Check active slot; try switching slots
  • Last resort: restore backup or reflash stock

Decryption issues in recovery: ​

  • Use the ROM’s recovery + ADB sideload
  • Remove screen lock before flashing (if safe)
  • Update to a recovery build that supports your Android version

Missing features (camera/IMS/sensors): ​

  • Flash/update required vendor/firmware package
  • Check device thread for proprietary blobs/camera fixes
  • IMS provisioning varies; some ROMs include toggle/tools

Performance/battery issues: ​

  • Clean flash if coming from a different ROM
  • Let the ROM settle 1–3 charge cycles (indexing)
  • Update kernel/ROM; consider a known-stable kernel for your device
  • Reduce animations; restrict misbehaving apps

Play Integrity/SafetyNet: ​

  • Many custom setups won’t pass strong integrity. Basic/weak may be achievable.
  • Passing strong integrity on unlocked devices is typically not possible by design.

Recovery Solutions ​

Emergency Recovery: ​

  1. Boot to bootloader/fastboot
  2. For dynamic partitions: fastboot reboot fastboot (fastbootd) if needed
  3. Flash stock images (Pixel: flash-all; Xiaomi: Mi Flash; Samsung: Odin)
  4. Qualcomm EDL (9008) is last resort; research carefully or seek professional help

Backup Restoration: ​

  1. Boot to recovery
  2. Restore NANDroid (if supported/consistent with current partition layout)
  3. Or reflash ROM and restore app data from Seedvault/Swift Backup

Staying Updated ​

Update Strategies ​

  • Manual updates:

    • Track official releases/Telegram/XDA/GitHub
    • Dirty flash within same ROM family is usually fine for monthly updates
    • Clean flash for major Android version jumps or when advised

  • OTA updates:

    • Many ROMs support seamless A/B OTAs
    • LineageOS/Pixel Experience often include an Updater app
    • If using custom recovery, ensure OTA compatibility (virtual A/B may sidestep recovery entirely)

Community Resources ​

Official Resources:

💡 Custom ROM Success Tips

  • Always keep a known-good backup and stock firmware handy
  • Read your device’s XDA/official thread end-to-end before flashing
  • Use the ROM-recommended recovery and GApps
  • Never relock your bootloader unless the ROM explicitly supports AVB re-lock
  • Verify checksums/signatures for every download

Need more help? Visit our FAQ section or check the main rooting guide for additional troubleshooting and techniques.

Congratulations! You’ve installed a custom ROM.

What’s Next? ​