Android 5.1 Lollipop For OnePlus One: Install Latest Lollipop Via OmniROM

Last month, OnePlus released a major CyanogenMod 11S system update for Android 4.4.4 KitKat. Reports suggest it is the final KitKat update before OnePlus finally releases the long-awaited Android 5.0 Lollipop update. A release date for the official 5.0 Lollipop for the OnePlus has yet to be announced. Meanwhile, XDA developer eagleeyetom recently introduced a new Android 5.1 Lollipop based OmniROM for the OnePlus.

According to Gizmodo, the new Android 5.1 delivers new updates that improve speed and security. New anti-theft technology will make it difficult for thieves to replace your phone's primary account, add a new account, or access the phone if they attempt to wipe the phone and log on with their own account. The new Android will also be smarter at selecting only the strongest Wi-Fi signals by remembering and eliminating signals that do not do well.

The AOSP-based aftermarket firmware OmniROM enables developers to bring the best features from the latest Android 5.1 Lollipop to Android devices. Before we begin the installation process, OnePlus users are advised to install Android 5.1 Lollipop via OmniROM at their own risk. Without further ado, let's begin:

Pre-requisites

1. The instructions given in this guide are meant for the European variant of OnePlus One only. Verify device model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone.
2. Ensure the phone has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) while installing the ROM.
3. Back up data and settings using a recommended custom recovery tool, like ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP, as it creates a complete image of the existing phone setup. In Recovery, choose Backup and Restore and tap Backup.
4. Verify correct USB drivers for the phone are installed on the computer (download OnePlus One USB drivers).
5. Enable USB Debugging mode via Settings > Developer Options (if running Android 4.0 or above) or Settings > Applications > Development (if running Android 2.3 or earlier).
6. Ensure that the device is rooted with CWM recovery installed and its bootloader isunlocked.

Downloads Required

Android 5.1 OmniROM

Google Apps

Steps to Install Android 5.1 Lollipop on OnePlus One via OmniROM custom ROM

1. Download Android 5.1 OmniROM custom ROM for OnePlus One on the computer.
2. Connect and mount the phone's USB mass storage on computer with USB cable.
3. Now, copy the downloaded OmniROM zip file to the root folder on the phone's SD card.
4. Power off the phone and disconnect its USB cable from computer.
5. Boot the device into Recovery Mode by pressing and holding Volume Down and Power buttons together.
6. Once the phone enters CWM Recovery, perform a full data wipe task by clicking Wipe Data/Factory Reset. Use the Volume keys to navigate between options and Power button to select an option in the Recovery Mode.
7. Perform Wipe Cache Partition and wait until the process completes.
8. Perform Wipe Dalvik Cache as well. To do this, go to 'advanced' option and then clickWipe Dalvik Cache. This will help in preventing boot loop issues or any boot ROM related errors during firmware installation.
9. Then return to the main recovery menu and choose Install Zip from SD card.
10. Click Choose Zip from SD card. Use volume keys to navigate to the OmniROM zip file that you copied earlier to your phone's SD card and choose it by tapping the Power button. Confirm the ROM installation on next screen and the installation process will begin.
    Note: Repeat Step 9 and Step 10 to install Google Apps (Gapps) as well.
11. Once the ROM and Gapps installation completes, go to "+++++Go Back+++++" and select Reboot System Now in the Recovery menu.

Reboot your OnePlus. The first boot following t he installation may take approximately five minutes. Finally, Go to Settings > About phone to make sure the latest firmware has been installed.