How to Install a Custom ROM on Android Without Rooting

Ready to give your Android a fresh look without rooting it? Installing a custom ROM can update your device’s style and features, often making it feel new again. This guide walks you through every step so you know exactly what to do. Let’s dive in!

Compatibility: Most Android devices will work with this guide. For Samsung users, the Odin method might be easier.

Prerequisites

Here’s what you’ll need before starting:

• Unlocked Bootloader – Check your device’s support page for unlocking instructions. For general instructions, see this bootloader unlocking guide on XDA.
• Custom Recovery (like TWRP) – Download TWRP for your device model from the official TWRP download page.
• Custom ROM – Download a compatible ROM for your device.
• GApps (optional) – For Google services, download GApps specific to your device’s setup from OpenGApps. Select your architecture and Android version.
• PC with Android SDK Platform Tools – Download Android SDK Platform Tools for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
• Original USB Cable – The one from the manufacturer is best.
• Data Backup – Flashing will delete data, so back up anything important.

Important: Make sure your battery is fully charged.

Install Custom ROM Using TWRP Recovery

To install a custom ROM without rooting, we’ll start by setting up TWRP, which lets you install the ROM.

Unlock Bootloader

Think of the bootloader as the part that helps your phone start up securely. Here’s how to unlock it:

1. Turn on Developer Options: Go to Settings > About Phone > Build Number and tap 7 times until you see “You are now a developer!”
2. Enable OEM Unlocking: In Settings > System > Developer Options, turn on OEM unlocking.
3. Enter Bootloader Mode: Connect your phone to the PC, open Command Prompt, and type:
   adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flashing unlock
   Confirm on your device screen if it asks.

Install TWRP Recovery

TWRP lets you install the custom ROM in a clear, organized way:

1. Download the TWRP .img file for your device from the TWRP download page and save it to your platform-tools folder on your PC.
2. Open Command Prompt in the folder where TWRP is saved. Then type:
   adb reboot bootloader
fastboot flash recovery twrp.img
fastboot reboot
3. Boot into TWRP: Turn off your device, then hold Volume Up + Power button to enter TWRP recovery.

Backup Your System

Creating a backup in TWRP is essential to restore your device if anything goes wrong:

1. In TWRP, select Backup.
2. Choose System, Data, and Boot.
3. Swipe to confirm. Now you’ll have a copy to restore if anything goes wrong.

Wipe Your System

1. Go to Wipe > Advanced Wipe in TWRP.
2. Select Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, and Cache.
3. Swipe to start the wipe.

Install the Custom ROM

1. Copy the Custom ROM ZIP and GApps (optional) file to your device’s storage.

2. In TWRP, go to Install and find the ROM ZIP file.
3. Swipe to install the ROM. Repeat this for GApps if you want Google services. OpenGApps provides GApps packages suited to most devices.

Reboot into Your New Custom ROM

1. Once the ROM is done installing, return to the TWRP main screen.
2. Select Reboot > System.

Nice job! Your device should now boot up with the new ROM you installed.

Install Custom ROM Using Odin for Samsung Devices

For Samsung users, Odin is a reliable tool for flashing custom ROMs without root. It’s widely used and gets the job done quickly.

Enable OEM Unlocking

1. Developer Options: Follow the steps above to enable OEM unlocking.

Enter Download Mode

1. Power off your device.
2. Hold Volume Down + Power + Home (or Bixby) until you see the Download Mode screen.
3. Confirm by pressing Volume Up.

Flash TWRP Recovery with Odin

1. Download Odin from this Odin download link.
2. Download the TWRP tar file specific to your Samsung model from the TWRP Samsung download page.
3. Open Odin on your PC and connect your device via USB.
4. In Odin, click AP and select the TWRP .tar file.
5. Click Start to begin the flash. Odin will notify you once it’s done.

Install Custom ROM in TWRP

1. Boot into TWRP Recovery by holding Volume Up + Power + Home.
2. Back up your current system with the Backup option.
3. Wipe the necessary sections (System, Data, Cache).
4. Transfer the Custom ROM ZIP to the device, then Install it in TWRP.
5. Reboot once the installation completes.

Enjoy Your New ROM! Now that your custom ROM is installed, explore its features and settings to get it working just the way you like. If you face any issues, check forums like XDA, and don’t hesitate to revisit these steps if you want to try another ROM!