Samsung Galaxy Note 3 gets Android Nougat via CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM 14.1 custom ROM [How to install]

Since, Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is more than three years old, it is unlikely to get to the latest Android 7.1 Nougat update.

But, if anybody is still hanging on to the 2013 flagship phone, we have good news to share. Industrious CyanogeMod community member, who goes by the moniker Trader418 has come up with CM14.1 series custom ROM.

Read more: Android Nougat release update: See if your smartphone is eligible for Google's new mobile v7.0 OS

It weighs around 360MB and comes with all the Nougat features and numerous value-added short cuts, performance tweaks and more to enhance user experience on the Galaxy Note 3.

Having said that, we like to advise our readers that this CyanogenMod's Nougat custom ROM is an experimental version and may contain some bugs in it.

Read more: Android 7.0 Nougat: 16 key upgrades of Google's new mobile OS update over Marshmallow

Prerequisites (Things to remember before installing the custom ROM):

1. This Android 7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM 14.1 custom ROM has to be installed on the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 (SM-N9005) LTE 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
2. 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.
3. Make sure the PC has USB driver software, or else the device (Galaxy Note 3) will not be recognised by the computer.
4. Make sure the device has more than 80% battery, or else there is chance of the smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted midway.
5. 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 Indiacannot 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 Android 7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM 14.1 custom ROM on Samsung Galaxy Note 3 LTE via TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project)-

Step 1: After downloading Android 7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM 14.1 custom ROM and Google Apps in to your PC, connect Galaxy Note 3 to it.

[Note: Before plugging the phone to the computer, be sure that you have installed USB driver software]

Step 2: 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 3: Turn off device and disconnect it from PC

Step 4: Perform Recovery mode sorties by long pressing Volume (Down) + Power buttons

Step 5: 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 6: Return to TWRP settings and tap 'Install' by the selecting .Zip file in the phone's memory downloaded from PC

Step 7: Come back to TWRP menu setting to approve the installation by tapping 'Swipe to Confirm Flash'

Step 8: Flashing of the custom ROM begins and after few minutes, a message 'Successful' appears on the screen, thus completing installation.

Step 9: 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:

Android 7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM 14.1 custom ROM: HERE

Google Apps: HERE [Recommended: arm - 7.0 - pico ]

USB Driver:HERE

[Credit: XDA Developer Forum, CyanogenMod and Trader418]