How To Install Custom ROM on Android

Custom ROMs are one of the best things about Android! If you’re ready to ditch your stock ROM and reap the many benefits of loading a custom ROM such as improved battery, better performance, and updates to the latest Android versions, then follow this guide. Backup your data before you proceed!

For this guide, you will need:

Unlocked bootloader
Custom Recovery
Android Device
GApps
Custom ROM

Step 1: Download a ROM

Find a ROM for your device, using the appropriate XDA forum. Make sure you download the right one for your device. Many phones have several variants. The Sony Z Ultra has more versions than I have friends, and both of them require different ROMs based on the carrier it comes on. So make sure you are getting the correct ROM, by verifying that it’s compatible with your phone model.

Once you have found the ROM you want, download the .ZIP file, which is going to be 500mb up to 1.5Gb. Do not extract it! Then find the corresponding GApps. If you are installing a ROM running on 4.4.2, you’ll want a GApps package for 4.4.2. Save your ROM and GApps to your SD card, internal storage, or flash drive.

Step 2: Boot into Recovery

To boot into recovery use your recovery combo buttons. If you don’t know which buttons to press, to access recovery. On most devices it is Hold Vol Down + Power for 5 seconds. Once you are in recovery, you should see something like this…