Update Samsung Galaxy S5 with Android Nougat via CyanogenMod CM 14.1 custom ROM [How to install]

Samsung is reportedly testing Android Nougat on Galaxy S7, S6 and Note 5 series phones, which are supposed to get the update before the end of the first quarter of 2017.

However, the former flagship phone Galaxy, S5, which has been in the market for more than two years, is more eligible to get the new software updates.

Having said that, there is no reason to dump the 2013 phone just yet. Device owners can still get a taste of Google's new candy-flavoured Android Nougat right now via third-party ROMs.

Popular custom ROM developer CyanogenMod has released Nougat-based CM 14.1 firmware to eight global variants of the Samsung Galaxy S5 series.

Also read: Android 7.0 Nougat released: 16 key upgrades of Google's new mobile OS update over Marshmallow

Users should note that this CyanogenMod CM 14.1 custom ROM is a nightly version and is missing some features. However, the software does not contain any bugs and is safe to install on the device. CyanogenMod developers have promised to incorporate the missing features and also new ones in the upcoming update slated to be rolled out later this week.

Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM)

• 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].
• Make sure the device is rooted before going forward for custom ROM installation.
• This new Android 7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod [official] CM 14.1 custom ROM nightly has to be installed on the Samsung Galaxy S5 models — klte/kltedv/kltespr/klteusc/kltevzw/klteduos/kltechn/kltechnduo only; if tried on other devices, it might brick them [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 up all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone.
• Make sure you have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else your smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S5) smartphone will not be recognised by the computer.
• 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 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. 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.]

Step-by-step installation procedure of Android 7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod [official] CM 14.1 custom ROM nightly on Samsung Galaxy S5 models:

Step 1: After downloading Android 7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod [official] CM 14.1 custom ROM nightly and Google Apps on to your PC, connect Samsung Galaxy S5 to the computer via USB cord

Step 2: Place Android Nougat custom ROM 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.]

Step 3: Now, turn off the device and disconnect from the PC.

Step 4: Then perform the regular Recovery Mode sortie by press holding 'Volume (up)', 'Home' and 'Power' buttons.

Step 5: 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 6: Now, clear the cache memory by choosing 'wipe cache partition'.

Step 7: 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 8: Navigate back to the main recovery screen and then tap 'install zip from SD card'.

Step 9: Tap 'choose zip from sdcard' and go to Android N ROM .zip file in SD card and enter the installation process. Once again reboot to Recovery mode and then flash Google Apps .zip file [Note: use 'Volume' keys to navigate and 'Power' button to select options].

Step 10: 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 (Samsung Galaxy S5) will take a few minutes to complete the booting process.

Then head to 'Settings' >> select 'About phone' to confirm the installation of Android 7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod [official] CM 14.1 custom ROM nightly.

Downloadable files:

Google Apps: HERE and USB driver: HERE

[Credits: CyanogenMod]