TL; DR: You can install any android version on your old device.
Android 10, oneUI J7 prime
Custom ROMs are the saviors for your old device, breathing new life into it with the latest features and updates.
If you’re holding onto an older Samsung device and feeling frustrated by the lack of updates, there’s a way to revitalize it and bring it up to date with the latest features and security patches: installing a custom ROM. Custom ROMs are modified versions of Android developed by the community, offering new functionalities and updates that might not be available from the manufacturer.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing a custom ROM on your Samsung device. From unlocking your bootloader to flashing a new recovery and installing the ROM, we’ll cover each step to ensure you can enjoy a refreshed experience on your beloved device.
Note: There are lots of guides available on Youtube and XDA Developers. You can follow those guides for your specific device.
Installing a Custom ROM on Your Samsung Device
Preparation
1. Backup Your Data: Before proceeding, ensure you back up all your important data. Installing a custom ROM involves wiping your device, which will erase all data.
2. Charge Your Device: Make sure your device is fully charged or has at least 70% battery to prevent any issues during the process.
Steps for Installing a Custom ROM
1. Enable Developer Options and OEM Unlock:
1.1. Go to Settings > About Phone.
1.2. Tap on Build Number multiple times until developer mode is activated.
1.3. Go back to Settings > Developer Options.
1.4. Enable OEM Unlock.
2. Unlock the Bootloader:
2.1. The bootloader will be unlocked when you enable OEM Unlock. This step might require you to confirm on the device.
3. Install Odin on Your PC:
3.1. Download Odin from a reliable source (e.g., the official XDA thread).
3.2. Install and open Odin on your PC.
4. Install Samsung Device Drivers:
4.1. Download and install Samsung USB drivers from the official Samsung website or a trusted source to ensure your PC can communicate with your device.
5. Flash Custom Recovery:
5.1. Turn off Your Device.
5.2. Enter Download Mode: For devices with a physical home button, press and hold Volume Down + Power + Home buttons until you see a warning screen. Press Volume Up to continue. For devices without a home button, use Volume Down + Power + Bixby (if available) buttons.
5.3. Connect Your Device to Your PC via a USB cable.
5.4. Open Odin: It should detect your device, showing “Added!” in the message box.
5.5. Load the Custom Recovery: Click the AP or PDA button in Odin, and select the custom recovery file (e.g., twrp.img or orangefox.img).
5.6. Flash the Recovery: Click Start to flash the custom recovery. Wait until the process completes and your device restarts.
6. Boot into Custom Recovery:
6.1. After flashing, turn off your device again.
6.2. Enter Recovery Mode: For most devices, press and hold Volume Up + Power buttons simultaneously. For devices without a home button, use Volume Up + Power + Bixby buttons.
7. Backup Current ROM (Optional):
In custom recovery (e.g., TWRP or OrangeFox), go to Backup and create a full backup (Nandroid Backup) of your current system. This will allow you to restore your device if anything goes wrong.
8. Wipe Current System:
8.1. Go to Wipe and select Advanced Wipe.
8.2. Wipe Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, and Cache. Do not wipe internal storage unless you have backed up everything important.
9. Install the Custom ROM:
9.1. Go to Install in custom recovery.
9.2. Locate and select the custom ROM ZIP file you’ve transferred to your device.
9.3. Swipe to confirm the flash.
10. Flash GApps (Optional):
10.1. If the custom ROM does not include Google Apps (GApps), download the appropriate GApps package and flash it in the same way as the ROM.
11. Reboot Your Device:
11.1. Once the installation is complete, go to Reboot and select System.
11.2. The first boot may take several minutes as the new ROM is configured.
12. Set Up Your Device:
12.1.
Android 12 running on J7 Prime, PixelOS
Android 12 running on J7 Prime, PixelOS
Android 10, oneUI J7 prime
Android 10, oneUI J7 prime
After rebooting, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device with the new custom ROM.
Feel free to ask if you need any more details or if something isn’t working as expected!
