Update OnePlus One to Android 5.1 Lollipop Custom ROM via OmniROM [How to Install]

A new custom ROM based on the latest Android 5.1 Lollipop has been released to the 2014 flagship smartphone OnePlus One.

Tier-1 brands like Samsung, Sony, HTC , Motorola and others have all rolled out the new 5.0.2 Lollipop to their marquee phones, but OnePlus One is still running on a generation-old Cyanogen 11 (Android 4.4.4 KitKat) OS.

It is learnt that Cyanogen is expected to release the CM 12 (5.0 Lollipop) series for global 'One' models later this month, whereas the India specific models are also slated to get the all new in-house built Oxygen series firmware in March from OnePlus.

[Read more: OnePlus One, YU Yureka to Get Cyanogen 12 OS (Lollipop) Update in Few Weeks Time, Confirms Software Maker]

Tech savvy device owners, who are tired of waiting for the new update, can install the new OmniROM custom ROM to explore Lollipop's refurbished material design language, animation graphics, fluid interface and other new features.

This OmniROM [unofficial] custom firmware is based on the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) 5.0.2 Lollipop update. It is built by the XDA Developer Forum's recognized senior member/portal moderator, going by the moniker eagleeyetom.

It is around 198.4 MB in size and is an experimental Alpha version, so there are some unresolved issues and bugs yet to be detected.

Here are the features which are working on the phone:

• Boots
• RIL
• WLAN
• Sound
• Vibration

Not working:

• Camera
• Other bugs are yet to ascertained

So, we like to advise our readers go through the whole tutorial article first before going ahead with the custom ROM installation.

Prerequisites (Things to remember before installing the Custom ROM):

1. Make sure the device is rooted before going forward for custom ROM installation
2. This new OmniROM Android 5.0.2 Lollipop firmware has to be installed on the OnePlus One model only ; if tried on other devices, it might get bricked [To check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number]
3. 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 in the smartphone.
4. Users make sure you have installed USB drivers on the PC, or else your smartphone (OnePlus One) will not be recognized by the computer.
5. Make sure your device has more than 80 percent battery, or else there is a 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. 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 procedure of OmniROM [Un-0fficial] Android 5.0.2 Lollipop Custom ROM on OnePlus One model-

Step 1: Download OmniROM [Unofficial] Android 5.0.2 Lollipop custom ROM (HERE) and Google Apps (HERE/HERE) in to your PC.

Step 2: Connect 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 HERE to download the firmware]

Step 3: Place OmniROM Android 5.0.2 Lollipop Custom ROM zip file and the Google Apps .zip file into the phone's SD memory.

[Note: Before users' begin installing the custom software, be sure that the device must be rooted and has installed ClockworkMod Recovery/TWRP 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 (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: Now, clear the cache memory by choosing '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: Tap 'choose zip from sdcard' and go to Android 5.0.2 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 then head to Settings >> select About phone to confirm the installation of OmniROM [Unofficial] Android 5.0.2 Lollipop custom ROM.

[Credits: Moderator/Senior XDA Developers Forum member - eagleeyetom ; if any issues are detected, please leave your feedback, HERE]