Both, OnePlus and Cyanogen had promised to release the new OS update in March, but we are almost at the end of the month and still there is no word from the companies. People who are just tired of waiting for the firmware, can try installing the un-official CyanogenMod CM12.1 update (no bugs discovered yet) on your device.
This new custom ROM is based on the recently released AOSP (Android Open Source Project) Android 5.1 OS. It is developed by senior XDA Developers forum member, going by moniker- CraZY_BoY^.
However, we would like to remind readers that this an unofficial custom ROM, an experimental version, so some issues are yet to be fixed. We advise our readers go through the whole tutorial article before going ahead with the installation.
Prerequisites (Things to remember before installing the Custom ROM):
- Make sure the device is rooted before going forward for custom ROM installation
- This new CyanogenMod [Unofficial] Android 5.1 Lollipop custom firmware has to be installed on the OnePlus One model only ; if tried on other devices, it might get bricked [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number]
- Installation of custom ROM requires clearing of memory in the smartphone, so make sure to back all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone.
- Users make sure you have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else your smartphone (OnePlus One) will not be recognised by the computer.
- Make sure your device has more than 80% battery, or else there is a chance of smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted mid-way.
[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. International Business Times, India Edition 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 procedure of CyanogenMod [unofficial] Android 5.1 Lollipop CM12.1 custom ROM on OnePlus One model:
Step 1: Download CyanogenMod [unofficial] Android 5.1 Lollipop CM12.1 custom ROM (HERE) and Google Apps (HERE/HERE) in to your PC.
[Note: This is a new build version v03.25 dated: 25/03/2015; it is made available via Google Drive, courtesy, CraZY_BoY^]
Step 2: Connect OnePlus One to PC via USB cord.
[Note: Before plugging the phone to the computer, be sure that you have installed USB driver software, if not, click HERE to download the firmware]
Step 3: Then, place Android 5.1 Lollipop Custom ROM zip file and the Google Apps .zip file 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.]
[Note: Before users' begin installing the custom software, be sure that the device must have rooted and has installed ClockworkMod Recovery/TWRP tool.]
Step 4: Now, turn off the device and disconnect from the PC.
Step 5: Then perform the regular Recovery Mode sortie by press holding 'Volume (Down)' and 'Power' buttons.
Step 6: After entering the RECOVERY mode, clear the phone memory, by selecting 'wipe data/factory reset'
[Note: use 'Volume' keys to navigate and 'Power' button to select options, while operating under Recovery Mode]
Step 7: Now, clear the cache memory by choosing 'wipe cache partition'
Step 8: Then to go back to ClockworkMod recovery, and select 'advanced' and tap 'wipe dalvik cache' [Note: This step is optional, but many recommend this procedure so that user will not face boot loops or any other errors in the middle of custom ROM installation]
Step 9: Again come back to main recovery screen and then tap 'install zip from SD card'
Step 10: Then tap 'choose zip from sdcard' and go to Android 5.1 Lollipop ROM .zip file in SD card and enter the installation process. Repeat the same procedure to install Google Apps [Note: use 'Volume' keys to navigate and 'Power' button to select options]
Step 11: Once done with the installation process, navigate to '+++++Go Back+++++' and re-start the device by opting 'reboot system now' seen in the recovery menu.
Now, your device (OnePlus One) will take a few minutes to complete the booting process.
Users then head to Settings >> select About phone to confirm the installation of CyanogenMod Android 5.1 Lollipop CM12.1 custom ROM.
[Credits: XDA Developers Forum member- CraZY_BoY^, CM (CyanogenMod) Team, Euphoria team, smoki3 ]
If users discover any bugs in the custom ROM, please share your feedback, HERE.
