How to Install a Custom ROM on Android: A Step-by-Step Guide & Top ROMs for 2025

How to Install a Custom ROM on Android: A Step-by-Step Guide & Top ROMs for 2025

Mar 10 ·
17 Min Read

Is your Android phone starting to feel sluggish? Are you bored with the same old interface? Do you wish you had more control over your device’s features and functionality? If so, you’re not alone. Many Android users crave a more personalized experience than their phone manufacturers provide. That’s where custom ROMs come in.

Custom ROMs are community-developed operating systems for Android devices. Think of them as alternative versions of Android that you can install to replace the stock OS that came with your phone. They’re built by passionate developers and offer a way to breathe new life into your device, enhance its performance, and unlock a whole new level of customization.

With a custom ROM, you can transform your phone into something truly unique. You can tweak the user interface, improve battery life, remove pre-installed bloatware, and even gain access to the latest Android features long before your manufacturer releases an update. In some cases, you can even improve your device’s privacy and security.

While it’s true that custom ROMs aren’t as popular as they once were—largely due to manufacturers offering longer software support and Google’s increasing security measures—they still hold immense value for certain users. If you’re someone who loves tinkering with your device, wants to extend the lifespan of an older phone, or simply craves more control over your Android experience, then custom ROMs are worth exploring.

This guide will walk you through the process of installing a custom ROM on your Android device, step by step. We’ll cover everything from the necessary prerequisites to the actual installation process. Plus, we’ll introduce you to some of the top custom ROMs available in 2025, so you can choose the one that’s right for you.

Understanding Custom ROMs: What They Are and Why Use Them?

Before we jump into the installation process, let’s take a closer look at what custom ROMs are and why you might want to install one.

What is a Custom ROM?

At its core, a custom ROM is a modified version of the Android operating system. It’s built by independent developers and communities, often based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). AOSP is the publicly available source code for Android, which forms the foundation for many custom ROMs.

Since custom ROMs are community-driven, they’re often developed by enthusiasts who are passionate about Android customization and performance. They take the AOSP code and add their own tweaks, features, and modifications to create a unique experience.

The open-source nature of Android allows developers to freely modify the operating system, leading to a vast ecosystem of custom ROMs, each with its own distinct characteristics. The options include ones focused on privacy, ones emphasizing performance and others offerring extensive customization.

Why Install a Custom ROM? (Benefits Explained)

There are many reasons why you might consider installing a custom ROM on your Android device. Here are some of the most compelling benefits:

The Downsides to Consider: A Balanced View

While custom ROMs offer many benefits, it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides:

Prerequisites: Before You Begin

Before you start installing a custom ROM, there are a few things you need to do to prepare your device:

Device Compatibility:

This is the most important thing to consider. Not all ROMs are compatible with all devices. Installing a ROM that’s not designed for your specific phone model can lead to serious problems, including bricking your device.

Before you download a ROM, make sure to check the developer’s website or forum to confirm that it’s compatible with your phone model. Pay close attention to the model number and hardware version.

Backing Up Your Data:

Installing a custom ROM will erase all of the data on your phone, including your photos, contacts, messages, and apps. It’s essential to back up your data before you proceed.

Here are a few ways to back up your Android device:

Unlocking Your Bootloader:

The bootloader is a piece of software that loads the operating system on your phone. It’s locked by default to prevent unauthorized software modifications. Before you can install a custom ROM, you need to unlock your bootloader.

Unlocking your bootloader will erase all of the data on your phone, so be sure to back up your data first. It may also void your warranty, so proceed with caution.

The process for unlocking your bootloader varies depending on your phone manufacturer. Here are some links to official guides for unlocking bootloaders for different brands:

Installing a Custom Recovery (TWRP):

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery environment that allows you to flash custom ROMs, create backups, and perform other advanced tasks on your Android device. It’s an essential tool for installing custom ROMs.

To install TWRP, you’ll need to download the TWRP image file for your specific phone model. You can find the TWRP image file on the official TWRP website.

Once you’ve downloaded the TWRP image file, you can flash it to your phone using ADB and Fastboot commands. Here’s how:

  1. Enable USB debugging in developer options.

  2. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.

  3. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.

  4. Type the following command to reboot your phone into bootloader mode:

    adb reboot bootloader
  5. Type the following command to flash the TWRP image file:

    fastboot flash recovery twrp.img

    Replace “twrp.img” with the actual name of the TWRP image file.

  6. Type the following command to reboot your phone into TWRP recovery mode:

    fastboot boot twrp.img

TWRP is now installed on your phone.

Step-by-Step Guide: Installing a Custom ROM

Now that you’ve completed the prerequisites, you’re ready to install a custom ROM.

Disclaimer: Installing a custom ROM can be risky. If something goes wrong, you could brick your device. Proceed at your own risk. I am not responsible for any damage that may occur to your device.

Here are the steps involved in installing a custom ROM:

  1. Download the Custom ROM: Download the custom ROM file for your specific phone model. Make sure to download the correct file. You can find ROMs from official sources such as websites, XDA Developers, or other trusted communities. After the download, verify that the file has not been tampered with by comparing the MD5 hash (a digital fingerprint) provided by the ROM developer with the hash of the downloaded file. This can be done using software designed to calculate MD5 hashes. If the hashes don’t match, the file is corrupted and you shouldn’t flash it.
  2. Boot into Recovery Mode (TWRP): Boot your phone into TWRP recovery mode. The method for doing this varies depending on your phone model. Here are some common methods:
    • Press and hold the power button and volume up button simultaneously.
    • Press and hold the power button and volume down button simultaneously.
    • Press and hold the power button, volume up button, and home button simultaneously.
    • Check your phone manufacturer’s website for specific instructions.
  3. Wipe Data/Factory Reset: In TWRP, select “Wipe” and then “Format Data”. Type “yes” to confirm. This will erase all of the data on your phone. This is required and will delete all data.
  4. Flash the ROM: In TWRP, select “Install” and then choose the ROM file that you downloaded earlier. Swipe to confirm the flash.
  5. (Optional) Flash GApps: If the ROM doesn’t include Google apps (GApps), you’ll need to flash them separately. Download the GApps package for your Android version and architecture from a reputable source (e.g., OpenGApps). Then, in TWRP, select “Install” and choose the GApps package. For privacy-focused users, consider alternatives such as MicroG.
  6. Wipe Cache/Dalvik Cache: After flashing the ROM and GApps (if applicable), select “Wipe” and then “Advanced Wipe”. Select “Dalvik / ART Cache” and “Cache” and then swipe to wipe. This will clear the cache files, which can help to prevent problems.
  7. Reboot: Select “Reboot” and then “System”. Your phone will now reboot into the new custom ROM. The first boot may take a while, so be patient.

Troubleshooting Tips:

If you encounter any problems during the installation process, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

Top Custom ROMs for Android (2025): Reviews & Recommendations

With so many custom ROMs available, it can be difficult to choose the right one. To help you make a decision, here’s a look at some of the top custom ROMs for Android in 2025:

Before we start, here are the criteria for the selection of the Top Custom ROMs.

LineageOS:

LineageOS is one of the most popular and well-established custom ROMs available. It’s known for its stability, wide device support, and open-source nature.

GrapheneOS:

GrapheneOS is a security-focused custom ROM that’s designed to protect your privacy. It’s based on AOSP but includes a number of security enhancements, such as sandboxing and hardened kernel.

Derpfest:

Derpfest is a custom ROM that aims to provide a Pixel-like experience with a wide range of customization options. It’s based on AOSP and includes a number of unique features and enhancements.

EvolutionX:

EvolutionX is a custom ROM that’s known for its smooth performance and Pixel-inspired user interface. It’s based on LineageOS and includes a number of features and improvements.

Project Elixir:

Project Elixir is another AOSP ROM that delivers very close to Stock Android with Pixel features. It comes with Essence which is based on the Substratum theme and delivers an elegant lock screen experience.

PixelOS:

PixelOS offers a Pixel-like UI, enhancements, improvements, and solid stability.

crDroid:

CrDroid is one of the oldest LineageOS-based ROMs still in existence. The best way to sum it up is that it’s LineageOS with a focus on features.

Bliss ROM:

Bliss ROM is an AOSP-based ROM that includes certain tweaks to the customizability and functionality of your phone and offers customization, security, and a good user experience.

Xiaomi.eu:

Xiaomi.eu is a custom ROM for Xiaomi devices that removes bloatware and ads from the stock MIUI ROM.

OmniROM:

OmniROM is one of the oldest custom ROMs with a clean AOSP-based and rock-solid stability

Choosing the Right ROM: Key Considerations

When choosing a custom ROM, there are several factors you should consider:

Conclusion

Custom ROMs offer a way to customize your Android devices and extend their lifespan. They allow you to breathe new life into old devices, remove bloatware, and unlock a wide range of features and customization options. However, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved and to choose a ROM that’s right for your needs. Remember to back up your data, unlock your bootloader, and install a custom recovery before you begin.

Before you flash, I recommend doing a bit of research, if you value stability, you can go for LineageOS. However, if customization is your goal then you can choose EvolutionX, Project Elixir, and Derpfest which are some of the best Android custom ROMs for customizations.

Ready to take the plunge? Follow our step-by-step guide and unleash the potential of your Android device! Feel free to share your experiences in the comments section below.

FAQ Section

Last edited Mar 14