As there is no official word on the release of Android 5.0.2 Lollipop OS to 2013 flagship smartphone Mi3, Xiaomi device owners can install XenonHD custom ROMs to explore the new features of Google's latest mobile OS series.
Xenon HD custom ROM is based on AOSP (Android Open Source Project) v5.0.2_r1 Lollipop and is said to be stable and enhance the performance of Xiaomi Mi3.
Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM):
- This new XenonHD Android 5.0.2 Lollipop firmware has to be installed on Xiaomi Mi3 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.
- Users need to have USB drivers on the PC, or else the smartphone (Xiaomi Mi3) will not be recognised by the computer.
- Make sure your device has more than 80 percent battery or else there is chance of the smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted in 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. 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 guide of XenonHD Android 5.0.2 Lollipop custom ROM on Xiaomi Mi3-
Step 1: Download XenonHD Android 5.0.2 Lollipop custom firmware (build date: 19/05/ 2015)- (HERE) and Google Apps (HERE) in to your PC.
Step 2: Connect Xiaomi Mi3 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 5.0.2 Lollipop zip file and Google Apps 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 installing the custom software, be sure that the device must have been rooted and has installed ClockworkMod Recovery 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 (up)'and 'Power' buttons.
Step 6: After entering the RECOVERY mode, clear the phone memory, by choosing 'wipe data/factory reset' option.
[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 selecting '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 5.0.2 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 (Xiaomi Mi3) will take at a few minutes to complete the booting process.
Users then head to Settings >> select About phone to confirm the installation of XenonHD Android 5.0.2 Lollipop custom ROM.
[Credits: Team Horizon, XDA Developers Forum senior member, audahadi]
