Revive an Old Android Phone with Custom ROMs and Rooting: A Guide

Understanding the Benefits of Custom ROMs and Rooting

Are you the proud owner of an older Android phone that has started to feel a bit sluggish? Or maybe you’re looking to breathe new life into a device that’s no longer supported by the manufacturer? Fear not, IT enthusiasts – custom ROMs and rooting could be the solution you’ve been searching for.

Custom ROMs, which are essentially alternative operating systems for your Android device, can unlock a world of possibilities. By replacing the stock firmware with a custom version, you can enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• Improved Performance: Custom ROMs are often optimized to run more efficiently on your device, providing a smoother and more responsive user experience.
• Extended Battery Life: Many custom ROMs are designed with power management in mind, helping to extend the battery life of your phone.
• Expanded Customization: Custom ROMs offer a vast array of customization options, allowing you to tailor your device’s appearance and functionality to your personal preferences.
• Removal of Bloatware: Stock Android devices often come with pre-installed apps and services that you may not use. Custom ROMs allow you to get rid of this unwanted “bloatware,” freeing up valuable storage and system resources.
• Enhanced Security: Some custom ROMs prioritize security, providing additional safeguards and the latest security patches, even for older devices.

Rooting your Android device, on the other hand, grants you “superuser” access, enabling you to make deeper system-level changes and unlock even more advanced features. While rooting does carry some risks, it can be a powerful tool in the right hands, allowing you to:

• Optimize System Performance: Rooting allows you to tweak system settings, overclock the processor, or even install custom kernels for a performance boost.
• Enhance Battery Life: With root access, you can use specialized apps to monitor and manage battery consumption, further extending your device’s runtime.
• Unlock Hidden Features: Rooting can give you access to hidden features and functionalities that are not available in the stock Android experience.
• Install Incompatible Apps: Some apps may require root access to function properly. Rooting your device can enable you to install and use these apps.

However, it’s important to note that the process of rooting and installing custom ROMs can be complex and carries some risks, such as the potential for bricking your device if not done correctly. That’s why it’s crucial to thoroughly research and understand the steps involved before embarking on your custom ROM and rooting journey.

Preparing Your Device for Custom ROM Installation

Before you dive into the world of custom ROMs, you’ll need to ensure that your device is ready for the process. The first and most crucial step is to unlock the bootloader, which is the software that loads the operating system when you turn on your device.

Unlocking the bootloader is a necessary prerequisite for installing custom ROMs, as it allows you to make changes to the system and replace the stock firmware. This process typically involves creating a Mi (Xiaomi) account and submitting a request to unlock the bootloader, which can take up to 7 days to complete. During this time, it’s a good idea to research and download the necessary files for your custom ROM installation.

Once the bootloader is unlocked, you’ll need to install a custom recovery on your device. The most popular custom recovery option is TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project), which provides a user-friendly interface for flashing custom ROMs, performing backups, and more.

To install TWRP, you’ll need to download the appropriate version for your device’s model and codename. You can find the latest stable TWRP builds on the official TWRP website. After downloading the TWRP image file, you’ll need to transfer it to your computer’s platform tools folder and rename it to “TWRP.img”.

With the bootloader unlocked and TWRP installed, you’re now ready to take the plunge and flash a custom ROM onto your device.

Flashing a Custom ROM: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of installing a custom ROM on your Android device can vary slightly depending on the specific ROM and your device’s model, but the general steps are as follows:

1. Download the Custom ROM: Research and select the custom ROM that best suits your needs. Popular options include ArrowOS, LineageOS, and Pixel Experience. Make sure to download the correct version for your device’s codename.

2. Prepare Your Device: Ensure your device is charged to at least 50-60% to avoid any power-related issues during the installation process. Also, remove any screen locks, Google accounts, and other security measures to prevent getting locked out of your device.

3. Boot into Fastboot Mode: With your device powered off, simultaneously press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons to enter Fastboot mode. The specific key combination may vary depending on your device, so be sure to research the correct method for your model.

4. Open the ADB Command Prompt: On your computer, navigate to the platform-tools folder (where you placed the TWRP.img file earlier) and open a command prompt or terminal window by typing “cmd” in the address bar.

5. Boot into TWRP Recovery: In the command prompt, type “fastboot boot TWRP.img” and press Enter. This will temporarily boot your device into the TWRP recovery environment.

6. Wipe the Device: Once in TWRP, select “Wipe” and then “Advanced Wipe”. Make sure to select the Dalvik, System, and Data partitions, then swipe to confirm the wipe.

7. Install the Custom ROM: Navigate back to the TWRP main menu and select “Install”. Locate and select the custom ROM file you downloaded earlier. Make sure the “Flash TWRP after install” option is checked, then swipe to confirm the installation.

8. Wipe Data and Reboot: After the ROM installation is complete, go back to the TWRP main menu and select “Wipe”, then “Format Data”. Type “yes” and swipe to confirm. Finally, select “Reboot” and then “Reboot System” to boot into your newly installed custom ROM.

Keep in mind that the first boot-up process may take several minutes, so be patient. Additionally, some custom ROMs may require additional steps or have slightly different installation procedures, so be sure to research the specific requirements for the ROM you’ve chosen.

Unlocking the Power of Rooting

While installing a custom ROM can already provide a significant performance boost and customization options for your older Android device, taking the additional step of rooting your device can unlock even more advanced features and capabilities.

Rooting your device grants you “superuser” access, allowing you to make deeper system-level changes and modifications. This can include:

• Overclocking the Processor: Rooting enables you to overclock your device’s processor, potentially improving overall system performance.
• Enhancing Battery Life: With root access, you can use specialized apps to monitor and manage battery consumption, further extending your device’s runtime.
• Removing Bloatware: Rooting allows you to uninstall pre-installed apps and services that you don’t use, freeing up valuable storage and system resources.
• Installing Incompatible Apps: Some apps may require root access to function properly. Rooting your device can enable you to install and use these apps.

However, it’s important to note that rooting your device does carry some risks, such as the potential for bricking your device if the process is not carried out correctly. Additionally, rooting may void your device’s warranty, so be sure to research the potential consequences and proceed with caution.

Maintaining Your Custom ROM and Rooted Device

Once you’ve successfully installed a custom ROM and (optionally) rooted your device, it’s important to maintain and keep it up-to-date. This includes:

1. Regularly Updating the Custom ROM: Custom ROM developers often release updates to address bugs, improve performance, and introduce new features. Be sure to regularly check for and install these updates to keep your device running smoothly.

2. Backing Up Your Data: Before making any significant changes to your device, it’s always a good idea to create a backup of your important data, such as contacts, messages, and photos. This will ensure that you can restore your data in case of any issues.

3. Monitoring Battery and Performance: Use specialized apps to monitor your device’s battery usage and overall performance. This can help you identify any potential issues and make adjustments to improve battery life and system responsiveness.

4. Troubleshooting and Seeking Support: If you encounter any issues or have questions about your custom ROM or rooted device, don’t hesitate to reach out to the IT Fix blog or the broader Android enthusiast community for assistance. Many forums, such as XDA Developers, have dedicated sections for custom ROMs and rooting, where you can find helpful guides and troubleshooting advice.

Remember, the world of custom ROMs and rooting can be complex, but with the right approach and a bit of research, you can breathe new life into your older Android device and enjoy a more personalized and powerful user experience.