New CyanogenMod based CM12.1 series custom ROM has been released to Asus' 2015 flagship Zenfone 2 series models.
It is created by a senior XDA Developer Forum member 'crpalmer' and is based on the latest Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. It brings numerous customisation options, performance tweaks and also battery-life enhancing optimisation features as well.
We also like to remind our readers that this CM12.1 version is an experimental CyanogenMod custom ROM, so there are some bugs in the firmware, but it is benign and not serious enough to impact the phone's overall function.
Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM)
- This new Paranoid Android 5.1.1 Lollipop firmware has to be installed on the Asus Zenfone 2 (Z00A/ ze551ml and Z008/ ze550ml) models 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
- Users make sure they have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else your smartphone (Asus Zenfone 2) will not be recognized by the computer.
- 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.
- Also make sure your device has more than 80 percent battery, or else there is chance of smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted in the mid-way.
- Though installing custom ROM improves 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 procedure for CyanogenMod [Unofficial] CM12.1 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop Custom ROM on Asus Zenfone 2 models-
Step 1: Download Paranoid Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM in to your PC
For Zenfone 2 Z00A/ ze551ml: HERE
For Zenfone 2 Z008/ ze550ml: HERE
Google Apps: HERE
Step 2: Connect Asus Zenfone 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: Place CyanogenMod CM12.1 Android v5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM zip file and Google Apps .zip file into the phone's SD card memory. [Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in SD card root, 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: Turn off the device and disconnect from the PC.
Step 5: Perform the regular Recovery Mode sortie by press holding 'Volume (up)', 'Home' 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: Clear the cache memory by choosing 'wipe cache partition'
Step 8: 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: Tap 'choose zip from sdcard' and go to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop ROM .zip file in SD card and enter the installation process. Repeat the same procedure for Google Apps installation [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 (Asus Zenfone 2) will take a few minutes to complete the booting process.
Users then head to Settings >> select 'About phone' to confirm the installation of CyanogenMod [Unofficial] CM12.1 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM.
[Credits: XDA Developers Forum, crpalmer ]
