We have some good news for the Android One owners that the latest Android 5.1 Lollipop update is now available for the Android One devices via CyanogenMod 12.1 ROM. Thanks to the CyanogenMod team for releasing CyanogenMod 12.1 ROM, this custom ROM is based on the Android 5.1 Lollipop and according to the folks at XDA Developers; this latest build of CM12.1 ROM is working nicely and all the Lollipop features are fully functional except a minor bug in single-SIM handling.
Known CM bug:
If you insert only 1 SIM, Settings >Mobile Networks will Force Close.
So if you are interested to get this latest CM12.1 custom firmware build on your Android One device then follow the given instructions.
image credit: forum.xda-developers.com
Note:
The CyanogenMod 12.1 based Android 5.1 Lollipop custom ROM and instructions given in this guide can be used only for the Android One devices.
Warning:
Before Getting Started:
- Create a proper backup of all your existing data and settings on the phone before proceeding to the installation guide using a recommended custom recovery.
- Enable USB Debugging Mode on the Android One by navigating to Settings > Developer Options.
- Verify that you’ve properly installed the Android One USB Drivers on the PC.
- The Android One device should be rooted with the latest version of custom recovery like CWM or TWRP installed.
- The bootloader of your Android One must be unlocked.
- Make sure that the battery level of the Android One is at least above 80% before going ahead.
Required Files:
- Download CyanogenMod 12.1 ROM [Unofficial] for Android One
- Download Google Apps (Gapps Package)
Steps to Install Android 5.1 Lollipop on Android One Devices via CyanogenMod 12.1 ROM:
Step No 1:- First, download Android 5.1 CyanogenMod 12.1 ROM (cm-12.1-20150329-UNOFFICIAL-sprout.zip) and Google Apps on the desktop of the PC.
Step No 2:- Plug your device to the PC using its USB data cable and mount its USB memory storage.
Step No 3:- Transfer Android 5.1 CyanogenMod 12.1 ROM .zip file which you’ve already downloaded from the above link, to the root folder of your SD card on the phone.
Step No 4:- Power OFF the Android One and then press and hold Volume Up and Power keys at the same time enter the phone into Bootloader Mode.
You can use Volume Up key to highlight Recovery option, and then press Volume Down to select the option.
Step No 5:- While your device is now in CWM Recovery, perform wipe data/factory reset, wipe cache partition and wipe dalvik cache also by navigating to Advanced > Wipe Dalvik Cache.
Note:- wipe dalvik cache will help you to prevent boot loops and other errors while ROM installation.
Step No 6:- Go back to the main Recovery Menu and choose install zip from SD card → choose zip from sdcard.
Step No 7:- Navigate to the Android 5.1 CyanogenMod 12.1 custom build .zip file which you’ve already transferred to the SD card of your device previously. Select the ROM .zip file using the Power button and confirm the installation to begin.
Step No 8:- Install Google Apps on your device by repeating the above steps.
Step No 9:- Navigate to +++++Go Back+++++ once the installation is completed. From Recovery Menu, reboot your device by selecting reboot system now.
The Android One will be rebooted and it may take about 4 to 5 minutes to boot for the first time after installation.
Done! You’ve successfully updated Android One device to Android 5.1 Lollipop via CyanogenMod 12.1 custom ROM.
Let us know in the comments section below if you have any query or problem regarding the above tutorial to install CM12.1 custom ROM based on Android 5.1 Lollipop on your Android One.