How to Install a Custom ROM on Android

Installing a custom ROM on your Android device is the best way to customize the look and performance of your device’s software. It will provide new options and practically new horizons for improving your experience with Android.

Installing a custom ROM is not without its risks. It is recommended that your read more on custom ROMs and only proceed when you are confident. We will not be held responsible for any damaged caused to your device.

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Part 1 of 4: Rooting Your Device

1. 
   1
   Get a rooting package. Search on the web for the rooting package of your particular device and download it.
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2. 
   2
   Download your device’s USB drivers. Do a quick search on the web as manufacturers always provide USB drivers.
3. 
   3
   Download Odin. Again, search online for this and download it. Extract the root package and Odin in the same folder.
4. 
   4
   Put your device in "Download" mode. You can do this by shutting it off and holding the "Power" button and the "Volume Down" button at the same time.

   • Button sequences may vary for each device, so if that doesn’t work, look for instructions in the web for your particular model.
5. 5
   Plug your device into your PC. Once your device is in Download mode, plug it to your PC using the USB cable usually included when you bought your Android.
6. 
   6
   Run Odin. There should be an “Added!” message in the Odin message log once your run it.
7. 
   7
   Click "PDA." Choose the root file (usually a .tar.md5 file).
8. 
   8
   Click on "Run." This will start the rooting process; please wait for the process to finish to avoid any errors. The device should reboot upon completion.
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Part 2 of 4: Installing a Custom Recovery

1. 
   1
   Download GooManager. Go to the Play store, search for GooManager, and download it to your device.
2. 
   2
   Launch GooManager. Locate the application on your device and tap it to open.
3. 
   3
   Press Menu and tap “Install OpenRecoveryScript.” Confirm the prompts that pop up, and give the app root access as well. Wait for the downloading and installation process to finish.
4. 
   4
   Confirm the installation. Tap on the menu in GooManager and tap "Reboot Recovery." If the installation was successful, it should take you to the TWRP Custom Recovery menu.
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Part 3 of 4: Downloading a ROM for Your Device

1. 
   1
   Head to the XDA forums: ^[1]. This is where a large portion of the Android Developer Community post their work and host their files.
2. 
   2
   Find the forum for your device. Type in your device name and model in the “Find your Device” search bar.
3. 
   3
   Head to the Android Development section. Once you’re at your device’s forum menu, search for a ROM with the features you want. Read up and download the ROM .zip package from the forum post.
4. 
   4
   Place the ROM package in a directory in your internal memory. Make sure that you remember where you placed the ROM package.
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Part 4 of 4: Installing Your Custom ROM

1. 
   1
   Reboot to Recovery by using GooManager. This is the easiest way to reboot to Recovery.
2. 2
   Make a Nandroid Backup in TWRP. Do this by tapping on “Backup” in the recovery menu. This makes a comprehensive backup of your Android system so you can restore it if something goes wrong.

   • Naming the backup is optional but ideal.
3. 3
   Head back to the main menu and tap on "Install." Do this when you’ve finished backing up your system.
4. 4
   Search for the ROM .zip file you downloaded. You can do the search In the directory panel. Tap the file and swipe the slider to begin installation.

   • Follow the on-screen instructions if your ROM package features it.