One of the perks of owning a Xiaomi product is that the company offers software support longer than any another Android device maker in the market.
Earlier in the year, Xiaomi announced to release Marshmallow-based MIUI v8.0 to the Mi 2 series, which was unveiled way back in 2012. Even Google doesn't offer software support to its Nexus series this long.
However, Xiaomi is a bit slow in delivering firmware updates to its devices. That's where custom ROM come into play, as they offer latest features in quick time. Among the numerous third-party ROM developers in the market, CyanogenMod is the most popular. They have a bunch of dedicated freelance software developers who release timely updates to almost all Android-branded devices in the market.
After releasing Nougat-based CM 14.1 series custom ROM to the Redmi Note 3, they have rolled out the similar software update to the budget Redmi 3 and 3 Prime series.
In addition to Nougat features, it also offers an array of exclusive themes, shortcuts, Microsoft apps including Cortana virtual assistant, improved performance, enhanced battery life and more.
Also read: Android 7.0 Nougat: 16 key upgrades of Google's new mobile OS update over Marshmallow
Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM):
- This new CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM 14.1 Android 7.1 Nougat firmware has to be installed on the Xiaomi Redmi 3/Prime (with Snapdragon 616 CPU) aka ido model only; if tried on other devices, it might get bricked [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number]
- Make sure the device is rooted before going forward for custom ROM installation
- Installation of custom ROM requires clearing of memory in the smartphone, so make sure to back all the data by installing TWRP in the smartphone
- Make sure to install USB drivers on the PC, or else your smartphone (Xiaomi Redmi 3/Prime with Snapdragon 616 CPU) will not be recognised by the computer
- Make sure the device has more than 80 percent battery, or else there is a chance for smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted mid-way
- If you face force close, go to Settings >> Setupwizard >> Give permission
- Though installing custom ROM improve the device's performance and UI experiences, it makes the company warranty void and they will no longer be liable to provide updates in future [users can restore warranty by flashing the device with stock-ROM]
[Disclaimer: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation) Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or being permanently irreparable. IBTimes India cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if the smartphone is bricked. Hence, users are advised to proceed with caution.]
Tutorial: Step-by-step installation guide of CyanogenMod [official] CM 14.1 Android 7.1 Nougat on Xiaomi Redmi 3/Prime (with Snapdragon 616 CPU) via TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project)-
Step 1: Download Android 7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod [official] CM 14.1 custom ROM and Google Apps on your PC
[Scroll to find the downloadable files]
Step 2: Connect Xiaomi Redmi 3/3 Prime to the computer
Step 3: Place the Android Nougat ROM into the phone's storage memory
[Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in the storage root folder, not in any other folder.]
Step 4: Turn off device and disconnect it from PC
Step 5: Perform Recovery mode sorties by long pressing Volume (Down) + Power buttons
Step 6: Once entering the TWRP settings menu, clear phone's memory (full) by selecting 'Wipe' option. Once done, select – 'Swipe to Factory Reset' perform factory reset
Step 7: Return to TWRP settings and tap 'Install' by the selecting .Zip file in the phone's memory downloaded from PC
Step 8: Come back to TWRP menu setting to approve the installation by tapping 'Swipe to Confirm Flash'
Step 9: Flashing of the custom ROM begins and after few minutes, a message 'Successful' appears on the screen, thus completing installation
Step 10: If faced with boot loop problem, navigate back to TWRP settings, and select 'Wipe cache/dalvik'. This procedure will help resolve any issue with regard to custom ROM installation
Downloadable files:
CyanogenMod [official] CM 14.1 Android 7.1 Nougat firmware for Xiaomi Redmi 3/Prime (with Snapdragon 616 CPU): HERE (build date: 15/12/2016)
CyanogenMod Recovery: HERE (build date: 15/12/2016)
Google Apps: HERE
USB Driver: HERE
[Credits: CyanogenMod.org]
