CyanogenMod CM 14.1 custom ROM brings Android Nougat features to OnePlus One [How to install]

The 2014-series flagship smartphone OnePlus One, has a very slim chance of getting Android Nougat update, it is more than two years old.

Most Android phones get software update for a minimum of 18 months and beyond that, its OEM's (Original Equipment Manufacturer) call to continue the service for few more months or not. Likewise OnePlus did a commendable job of providing timely updates, but the company has so far confirmed to release the update OnePlus 3 and 3T, but is maintaining a stony silence over OnePlus One's future update service status, leading many to believe that the 2014 model has run its course and time has arrived to move on.

Read more: OnePlus 3T to get Android Nougat next month

That being said, there are options to upgrade the OnePlus One through custom ROM available in abundance in the internet.

Coincidently the CyanogenMod, the open-source cousin of the official Cyanogen OS, which powers the OnePlus One, has been made is available to the public.

CyanogenMod CM 14.1 firmware is based on Google's latest Android 7.1 Nougat software. It brings night mode, bundled notification, improved battery optimisation, multi-window options and numerous other value-added features to enhance user experience.

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

Prerequisites [Things to remember before installing Custom ROM]:

• This new Android 7.1 Nougat-CyanogenMod CM14.1 custom ROM nithgly has to be installed only on OnePlus One aka Bacon models only; if tried on other devices, it might brick them [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 and it 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 (v3.0.2-0).
• Make sure you have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else the device will not be recognised by the computer.
• Make sure your device has more than 80 percent battery, or else there is a chance of the 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.]

Tutorial: Step-by-step installation procedure of CyanogenMod CM 14.1 Android Nougat custom ROM nightly on OnePlus One via TWRP recovery method:

Step 1: DownloadCyanogenMod CM 14.1 Android Nougat custom ROM nightly and Google Apps on to your PC.

[Note: downloadable file links are provided at the bottom]

Step 2: Connect OnePlus 3 to the computer

Step 3: Place the CyanogenMod CM 14.1 Android Nougat custom ROM nightly 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.]

Step 4: Turn off device and disconnect it from PC

Step 5: Perform Recovery mode sorties by long pressing Volume (Down) + Power buttons

Step 6: Once entering the TWRP settings menu, clear phone's memory (full) by selecting 'Wipe' option. Once done, select – 'Swipe to Factory Reset' perform factory reset

Step 7: Return to TWRP settings and tap 'Install' by the selecting .Zip file in the phone's memory downloaded from PC

Step 8: Come back to TWRP menu setting to approve the installation by tapping 'Swipe to Confirm Flash'

Step 9: Flashing of the custom ROM begins and after few minutes, a message 'Successful' appears on the screen, thus completing installation.

Step 10: If faced with boot loop problem, navigate back to TWRP settings, and select 'Wipe cache/dalvik'. This procedure will help resolve any issue with regard to custom ROM installation

Downloadable files:

CyanogenMod CM 14.1 Android v7.1 Nougat custom ROM nightly: HERE

CyanogenMod Recovery: HERE

Google Apps: HERE

USB driver: HERE

[Credits: CyanogenMod]