Hello everyone. I have come up with a lazy way to install custom ROM (such as Cyanogenmod) in *most* phone (I tried this on S3mini and Galaxy MEGA). Please note that this method moght not work on your phone and I am not responsible for bricking your phone.
Things you need:
-Your phone, fully charged
-Your precious time (About 30-60minutes)
-One click root app (I use Kingroot, download it with apk) (You may use other apps, of course)
-TWRP manager from playstore
-ZIP file of TWRP in latest version (V3?)
-ZIP file of the custom ROM matching the version of your device
-ZIP file of GApps matching the version of the custom ROM (Google for gapps and download it)
Steps:
1. Backup your personal information
Copy your personal information such as music, photo, documents out of your phone (e.g.: Cloud drive, USB, SD card). Safety first.
2. Root your phone
Download Kingroot and install the apk with package installer. Run the app and follow the instruction in the app to root.
3. Install TWRP manager
After rooting, install TWRP manager. In the app, install TWRP that match your device.
4. Create a backup for your phone
Boot your phone into recovery (Every phone have different method, so please google about this). In TWRP, press 'Backup' to create the backup.
5. Flash the latest version of TWRP
As the TWRP manager does not offer the latest version of TWRP, you have to flash the latest version by installing ZIP. The latest version of TWRP can install ROM with higher success rate.
To do this, press 'Install' in TWRP. Find the ZIP file of TWRP in latest version and install it.
6. Reboot your device to Recovery mode
7. Wipe your device
In TWRP, press 'Wipe'. Select Cache, Dalvik Cache, System and Data partition and wipe them.
8. Flash custom ROM
In TWRP, press 'Install'. Select the Custom ROM ZIP and install it.
9. Flash GApps
Most custom ROM does not have Google apps such as play stote, so you have to install it.
In TWRP, press 'Install'. Select the GApps ZIP and install it.
10. Wipe Cache and dalvik cache
In TWRP, press 'Wipe'. Select Cache and Dalvik Cache partition and wipe them.
11. Reboot your device
Now the ROM should be properly installed. First boot might take longer, so please wait patiently.
Shall you brick your phone, try to recover by using backup created in step 4.
PS: I am a newbie here and this is my first guide
While you have to wipe your device to flash the custom rom, it will wipe your data, including the actual Gapps and rom. This shows that your method won't work.
THIS THERAD WILL NO LONGER BE UPDATED. TAKE A LOOK ON MY UNIFIED GUIDES/COLLECTION
CLEAN & DIRTY FLASH STOCK OR CUSTOM ROM
Note: These guides have mostly specific links for the S4 GT-I9505 Roms TWRP, Modems & Bootloaders but the steps are the same for all other S4 Models - You just need to find specific Roms,TWRP, Modems & Bootloaders for your device model. You can take a look at "Usefull Links" section below.
THIS IS A COMPLETE GUIDE FOR THE BEST CLEAN INSTALL OF A CUSTOM OR STOCK ROM FROM THE SCRATCH:
1*. Download a stock LOLLIPOP Rom from here or here (doesn't really matter which country you will choose, just be sure to download one of the latests firmwares-recommend is QK1 or PK2) and recommend is latest QK1Modem / QK1Bootloader or PK2Modem / PK2Bootloader. For the all others Modems/Bootloaders, you can find them here. Also Download a windows program Odin. Next, move all your personal data such pictures,music etc from your internal storage to your external sd card or to your pc.*
2*. If you are going to flash a Custom Rom, Download the Custom Rom you want (Recommened any JDC Roms of your preference), Pico or Nano Gapps (or Super Gapps if you have a custom gapps-confg file) be sure you have choosed Platform: ARM and the proper android version of the rom you are going to flash) [If the Rom you want to flash include Gapps, no need to download and flash any Gapps at all] and the latest Magisk for root. After you finished with downloads move your Custom Rom,Magisk,Gapps to one folder in ur external sdcard. *
3. Reboot to Download Mode(power button+vol.down+home button) and Flash TWRP 3.3.1-1 or JDC TWRP 3.3.1-0 via Odin. (You put the .tar file in AP)
4*. Reboot to TWRP Recovery (power button+vol.up+home button) go to Advanced-File Manager-external_sd and delete all folders on ur ext sd card (For example you should delete: Android, .android_secure, LOST.DIR, DCIM, etc) except your personal files/folders and the folder with your custom Rom/Magisk/Gapps you want to flash. *
5. Now still on TWRP select Wipe-Format Data and type yes-then go back and press-Advanced Wipe-Select Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage, Cache and then Swipe to Wipe.
6. Now Boot to Download Mode(power button+vol.down+home button) and Flash Stock LOLLIPOP Rom via Odin. (You put the file in AP section)
7*. When Stock Rom is Flashed go to Odin again,
Reboot your device to Download Mode, connect it to PC and put Modem(CP Section) Untick Auto Reboot in options, flash it and reboot your device to system by holding Power Button.
Then Reboot to Download Mode again, put the Bootloader(BL Section) and do the same steps as before.
Check what Modem and BL you have, if Modem and BL didn't changed do the same steps again.
If for some reason Odin fail to flash, try to change USB Port in your PC and don't move the cable during flash. Also if you have Odin and the files on an External hard drive, move Odin and all the files you want to flash to your C: drive.*
8. Now Reboot to Download Mode once again and Flash TWRP 3.3.1-1 or JDC TWRP 3.3.1-0 via Odin. (You put the .tar file in AP)
9. Reboot to TWRP(power button+vol.up+home button) and do the steps 4. and 5. Then flash your Custom Rom--->Magisk--->Pico or Nano Gapps (or Super Gapps if you have a custom gapps-confg file) (If Rom doesn't include).
10. Let the Rom boot and Install Magisk Manager manually if it's not preinstalled. Enjoy!
1*For Stock Rom to have your WiFi working you need to have the same version of Modem/BL as your Firmware. For example if you have PK2 Stock Rom then you need to have PK2 Modem/BL.
On Custom Roms doesn't matter. You can have any of the latest Modem/BL you want but recommend is QK1.
If you want to use KitKat Rom custom or Stock you should flash the proper KitKat Modem/Bootloader. It will not work if you have Lollipop.
2*Skip the step 2. if you are going to flash only Stock Rom.
4*Each app on your phone with the WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission may create files or folders in ur sdcard. Most of these folders have once been created by one of these apps and many of them may be deleted with a few exceptions (e.g. Android, .data, .android_secure, these contain important system or app data like a game's downloaded content):
.android_secure: apps installed and then moved to sdcard
Android: app data/cache
data: app data
.estrongs: ES file manager
LOST.DIR: sort of trash folder (collects recovered files after phone crashes)
DCIM: phone gallery's photos and previews
OTA-update: Over The Air update service
ppy_cross: an unknown third-party app's data.
So I recommend to delete them so you can put your phone/sdcard in a clean state and is guaranteed to be able to re-create these folders.
7*If you wanted only to flash stock Rom you done on step 7. If you have any problem with Force Close Apps etc go to Settings->Accounts->Backup and reset->Factory data reset.
***** You can follow the same steps for other variants too but you need to find and choose the proper Firmware-Rom/Modem-Bootloader/TWRP for your variant. *****
THIS IS A COMPLETE GUIDE FOR CLEAN INSTALL OF A CUSTOM ROM BUT NOT FROM THE SCRATCH:
1. Download the custom Rom you want (Recommened any JDC Roms of your preference), Magisk for root solution and Pico or Nano Gapps (or Super Gapps if you have a custom gapps-confg file)[If the Rom you want to flash include Gapps, no need to download and flash any Gapps at all], be sure you have choosed Platform: ARM and the proper android version of the rom you are going to flash. Then move all those files to one folder in ur sdcard.
2*.Reboot to Download Mode(power button+vol.down+home button) and Flash TWRP 3.3.1-1 or JDC TWRP 3.3.0-0 via Odin. (You put the .tar file in AP)*
3.Reboot to TWRP Recovery (power button+vol.up+home button), go to Advanced-File Manager-external_sd and delete all folders on ur ext sd card (For example you should delete: Android, .android_secure, LOST.DIR, DCIM, etc) except your personal files/folders and the folder with your custom Rom/Magisk/Gapps you want to flash.
4. Now still on TWRP select Wipe-Format Data and type yes-then go back and press-Advanced Wipe-Select Dalvik / ART Cache, System, Data, Internal Storage, Cache and then Swipe to Wipe.
5. Flash your Custom Rom--->Magisk--->Gapps.
6. Let the Rom boot and Install Magisk Manager manually if it's not preinstalled. Enjoy!
2*Skip the step 2 if you already have TWRP Recovery installed.
THIS IS A COMPLETE GUIDE FOR DIRTY INSTALL OVER YOUR CUSTOM ROM:
1. [Optional]Make a full nandroid backup., just in case something goes wrong. You can use TWRP to do that. (TWRP-->Backup-->Select everything)
2. Uninstall all Substratum overlays if you have any installed.
3. Remove previous root solution with Magisk Unistaller and optional UnSU to ensure all root remnants are gone. (TWRP-->Flash the unistaller.)
4. Reboot to TWRP and Wipe system, cache and art / dalvik.
5. Flash the Rom-->Magisk-->Gapps.
6. Reboot and Enjoy!
***** I've skipped some explanations, because if you are going to dirty flash, you already know for example how to boot to TWRP . *****
USEFUL LINKS (USB DRIVER, TWRP, ODIN, PIT FILES, ROOT-MAGISK, FIRMWARES, MODEMS AND BOOTLOADERS)
SAMSUNG USB DRIVER
If you have a problem while plug-in the device to your PC and PC can't recognize it, you may miss the Samsung USB DRIVER. To fix follow these steps:
1. Download SAMSUNG USB DRIVER.
2. Unzip it and install it to your PC.
3. Connect your device and done! Now should be ok.
TWRP
Download the TWRP version for your specific model of your device HERE.
Installation Process:
1. Without any custom recovery installed on your device: Download the .tar file of the version you choosed.
Reboot to Download Mode(power button+vol.down+home button) and Flash the TWRP version you choosed via Odin. (You put the .tar file in AP)
Done!
2. With TWRP already installed to your device (UPDATE to latest version): Download the .img file of the version you choosed.
Reboot to TWRP(power button+vol.up+home button) and press Install--->Install Image--->Navigate to .img file you downloaded before---->Flash.
Done!
ODIN
You can download ODIN HERE
PIT FILES
GT-I9505: You can find the link HERE. Flash it in Odin at PIT tab.
ROOT - MAGISK
You can root your device via MAGISK. Just download the .zip from HERE and flash it in TWRP.
SAMSUNG FIRMWARES
You can find all Samsung Firmwares HERE or HERE.
Just search for your device model.
MODEMS & BOOTLOADERS COLLECTION
GT-I9505:
Latest Modem QK1Modem
Latest Bootloader QK1Bootloader
You can find most of the Modems & Bootloaders HERE. Just search for your device model.
Steps:
1. Open Odin
2. Reboot your device to Download Mode, connect it to PC and put Modem(CP Section) Untick Auto Reboot in options, flash it and reboot your device to system by holding Power Button.
3.Then Reboot to Download Mode again, put the Bootloader(BL Section) and do the same steps as before.
4. Done! Check what Modem and BL you have, if Modem and BL didn't changed do the same steps again.
If for some reason Odin failed to flash, try to change USB Port in your PC and don't move the cable during flash. Also if you have Odin and the files on an External hard drive, move Odin and all the files you want to flash to your C: drive.
Some explanation:
- For Stock Rom to have your WiFi working you need to have the same version of Modem/BL as your Firmware. For example if you have QK1 Stock Rom then you need to have QK1 Modem/BL.
- On Custom Roms doesn't matter. You can have any of the latest Modem/BL you want but recommend is the latest QK1 for GT-I9505 or the latest for your variant.
Great Tutorial, thanks @Retrial!
I wanted to ask if you could add some additional hints, e.g. like you did in response to a question of @InTheY2K here:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=78100797&postcount=2175
Then I realized, you've already done so. Thanks again!
But I've got some additional questions:
In step 4 you describe how to clean external sd. In step 5 you advise to clean internal storage. But if you wipe internal storage, all personal data (e.g. downloaded files, music etc) is lost. Wouldn't it be sufficient to delete the same folders as on external sd card and leave the personal folders?
In step 6 you flash an actual lollipop rom, in step 7 modem and bootloader. I thought an actual stock rom comes with modem and bootloader, so that a separate flash of modem and bootloader would not be neccessary. Am I wrong?
As this is a guide for clean flash, one could not expect to find information about a dirty flash . But I think, this is the best place to at least leave a hint to a place where this information can be found. I remember @Buff99 has one for his roms. @Buff99, @Retrial - wouldn't it be a good idea to add this information directly or as a link to this description?
Additional question: When reading the post with my beloved i9505 and XDA Labs I can't see the colour difference in the asterisks, they all look the same. Perhaps you can replace them with additional ones (meaning *, **, ***) or list your remarks with the corresponding number from your main list (meaning 1), 2) etc.)
pocketrule said:
In step 4 you describe how to clean external sd. In step 5 you advise to clean internal storage. But if you wipe internal storage, all personal data (e.g. downloaded files, music etc) is lost. Wouldn't it be sufficient to delete the same folders as on external sd card and leave the personal folders?
We are doing the best clean install from the scratch so the internal storage must be wiped. You should move all your personal data in your sdcard before you wipe. I will add it as clue to the guide.
In step 6 you flash an actual lollipop rom, in step 7 modem and bootloader. I thought an actual stock rom comes with modem and bootloader, so that a separate flash of modem and bootloader would not be neccessary. Am I wrong?
That's not exactly true. If you have an old modem/bootloader and u flash for example PK2 firmware, you will not have same Modem/BL as ur firmware and then ur WiFi etc will not work. Flashing Stock Rom doesn't change them. You need to separate flash them.
As this is a guide for clean flash, one could not expect to find information about a dirty flash . But I think, this is the best place to at least leave a hint to a place where this information can be found. I remember @Buff99 has one for his roms. @Buff99, @Retrial - wouldn't it be a good idea to add this information directly or as a link to this description?
Hmm yeah this guide is for clean flash, but probably I will say something for dirty flash too.
Additional question: When reading the post with my beloved i9505 and XDA Labs I can't see the colour difference in the asterisks, they all look the same. Perhaps you can replace them with additional ones (meaning *, **, ***) or list your remarks with the corresponding number from your main list (meaning 1), 2) etc.)
Maybe the xda app has some issues. I've added numbers near asterisks, I guess it can help. Thanks for feedback.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks mate, I've answered with green color under ur questions.
Up
Update:
Added recommendation for JDC Roms
Added JDC Roms Universe Link
Added JDC TWRP 3.3.0-0 Link
Updated Visual Color Titles for each guide
Updated some Links.
Updated some steps in the guide "clean install not from the scratch"
Update:
Added note that other S4 Models can follow the same steps.
Added Usefull Links Section with quick guides.
Visual changes on Titles
Update:
Added PIT Files section with links at "Usefull Links"
Minor general changes at steps.
Update:
Change the recommended Modem/ Bootloader to the latest QK1.
Added links for recommended Modem/Bootloader for GT-I9505 (latest QK1 links) at "Usefull Links" section.
Added steps with explanation how to flash Modems/Bootloaders at "Usefull Links" section.
Update:
Changed the steps of flashing Modem and Bootloader and added an additional tip.
Will this firmware work with T-Mobile Galaxy S4? (SGH-M919)?
varunkp said:
Will this firmware work with T-Mobile Galaxy S4? (SGH-M919)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, FQA1 should be the latest for your variant.
However, all the steps in my guide are the same for all variants. You just need to find the latest Firmware/Modem/Bootloader/TWRP for your variant.
Retrial said:
No, FQA1 should be the latest for your variant.
However, all the steps in my guide are the same for all variants. You just need to find the latest Firmware/Modem/Bootloader/TWRP for your variant.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where can I find the latest FQA1 firmware other than SamMobile? The firmware from that website is only available for premium members.
EDIT: I couldn't find the FQA1 firmware in SamMobile. Where else can I find it?
varunkp said:
Where can I find the latest FQA1 firmware other than SamMobile? The firmware from that website is only available for premium members.
EDIT: I couldn't find the FQA1 firmware in SamMobile. Where else can I find it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try from here.
Retrial said:
Try from here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. It's now downloading ?
Update:
Updated Firmware Links
Updated TWRP Links
Updated PIT File Link for GT-I9505
I am working to reform-rewrite from the scratch the guides these days. I will unified the guides with adding the latest "stuff", links for all variants, change some steps and more
EDIT: NEW UNIFIED THREAD HERE
Mod Edit
Thread closed at the request of the [OP]
malybru
Senior Moderator
Step by Step Installation of/Upgrade to Android Pie Custom Roms
Following this guide, you will lose all your data if haven't backed it up yet!!
Also NO USING GSI PIE!!!
Requirements:
- Twrp is already installed.
What you need:
- LineageosTWRP (Attached to thread)
- Custom Rom (can be found here)
- Open Gapps (Pico or Nano)
Only if Root is wanted: Chose either of them
Magisk(Recommended) or SuperSU
- A brain and a body
- The Knowledge that you will wipe your phone by doing this. Be Warned.
Installation:
1. Backup all the files that you have either by copying them to a usb drive ,a micro SD or your computer.
2. Check that all files are copied successfully and can be opened or viewed.
( Some apps have a cloud synchonisation feature, use it if you have it as an option since it is really helpful!)
3. Now, get your preferred rom, gapps and if wanted, your root method ready, also unzip the twrp file aswell.
Copy them to your micro SD.
4. Boot into twrp via adb or by using some app(root needed).
In Twrp, go into wipe option, then select change file system. Change file System to ext4.
4.1 Now use Twrp Reboot-Menu Option to reboot into recovery(twrp) again.
4.2 Wipe system, data, cache and dalvik-cache partitions using the Wipe option
5. Go into Install Option and Press on "Install IMG" , select pietwrp image and flash it. (The name should be lineagerecovery.img or something if downloaded via telegram)
(If you don't have it yet and are in the Lenovo P2 Telegram group, type #pietwrp in chat and make sure to safe it to your download folder. Otherwise it's also attached to this thread.)
6. Reboot back to recovery like you did in step 4.1.
7. Now install your rom and gapps.
8. Wipe cache and then reboot .
9. Setup your phone and Enjoy.
( For Root, reboot to recovery. Flash your Root Method, wipe cache and reboot)
Enjoy and thank your Devs
FAQ
Q: Instructions unclear, phone stuck in bootloop
A: Either do this:
Download this folder and use one of the two ".bat" files. Boot into Bootloader via Volume Down and Power Button. --
It will flash S048 Firmware of our Lenovo P2, after the flash-process is finished it will boot up on its own. Recommended: Do all the ota updates via ota app.
Or: Boot into bootloader, via adb cmd prompt use: fastboot boot lineagerecovery.img , then use reboot menu to reboot into twrp. Clean Wipe phone(Wipe system,data, cache and dalvik-cache Partitions) and try flashing your Rom etc. again.
Q: Instructions unclear, hardbricked my phone!!
A: Thaat shouldn't have happened. Did you screw up somewhere?...
Luckily you backed up your most important files!
Here is Simple guide for Flashing Every Android Pie or 10 on Decrypted Device..
Here I Prefer to Make Guide On Decrypted Device only Because Decrypted Device Giv's more flexibility while Switching ROM's.
Reasons are simple.. Flashing ROM over Encrypted device might Loose data if anything goes wrong..
For Decryption, Follow @HatRiGt Guide..
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-6/how-to/tutorial-decrypt-flash-rom-pie-oreo-roms-t3838643
Now Here is Steps to follow
When Flashing New ROM
Download OOS(Beta), TWRP 3.3, ROM, Gapps, Magisk 20, No-Verity-Treble zip & Copy them into Device
Reboot Into Recovery
Wipe > Advanced Wipe > Select Cache, System & Data & Swipe to wipe it
Flash OOS, TWRP & Reboot to Recovery
Flash OOS, TWRP Again & Reboot to Recovery
Flash ROM, TWRP & Reboot to Recovery
Flash Gapps, Magisk, No-Verity-Treble & Reboot to System
Done
When installing New Update
Download ROM Update ZIP, TWRP 3.3,, Gapps, Magisk, No-Verity-Treble zip & Copy them into Device
Reboot Into Recovery
Flash ROM, TWRP & Reboot to Recovery
Flash Gapps, Magisk, No-Verity-Treble & Reboot to System
Done
Few Point's to highlight
1. This Guide is Strictly for Decrypted Devices..
2. Follow Exactly Same Steps & Flash Exactly same ZIP's for avoid Potential data loss..
3. Flashing Magisk is totally upto you. Flash it if you want to keep rooted(You migh need it if you pay Google Pay as SafetyNet not passing on Android 10 & need module to fix it)..
4. Use No-Verity-Treble zip only from this Post as One Given in @HatRiGt Guide is only for Pie Based ROM's.. Attached ZIP is Working on Both Android 9 & 10.. Don't complain/Blame me if you did something wrong..
<Mod edit - removed>