OnePlus One
OnePlus OneIBTimes India/Anirban Roy

Custom ROM developer community Team Radium has rolled out a new updated Android 5.1.1 Lollipop firmware for the 2014 flagship smartphone OnePlus One.

It's about 295MB in size and is based on the popular CyanogenMod firmware. Developers have claimed that the Radium custom ROM will include value-added features, stability, tweaks to enhance performance and extend battery life of the OnePlus One.

Things to remember before installing Custom ROM:

  • The new custom ROM should be installed on OnePlus One aka Bacon models only; if tried on other devices, they might get bricked [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> Model Number]
  • Make sure the device is rooted (Bootloader unlocked) before going forward. [How to unlock Bootloader]
  • Though installing custom ROM improves the device's performance and UI experiences, it makes the company warranty void; the company will no longer be liable to provide updates in future [users can restore warranty by flashing the device with stock-ROM].
  • 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.
  • Ensure you have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else the device will not be recognised by the computer.
  • Ensure your device has more than 80% battery, or else there is a chance of the smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted midway.

[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 procedure for instaling Radium Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM on OnePlus One (aka Bacon) model:

Step 1: Download Radium Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM (HERE) and Google Apps (HERE) on to your PC.

Step 2: Connect the OnePlus One 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 HEREto download the firmware]

Step 3: Place Android 5.1.1 Lollipop Custom ROM zip file and the Google Apps .zip file 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.]

[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 (Down)' 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: Navigate 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: Return to the 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 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 (OnePlus One) will take a few minutes to complete the booting process.

Users can then head to 'Settings' >> select 'About phone' to confirm the installation of Radium Android 5.1.1 Lollipop custom ROM.

[Credits: Team Radium]