Flashing Cyanogen Mod custom rom on your Andriod Device

This is a simple, step by step guide to help you flash Cyanogenmod custom rom on your device. Have included all required software download links at appropriate places.

Happy flashing!

Prerequisites:

Custom Recovery like TWRP flashed on device (refer my post - http://crazymonkblogs.blogspot.in/2016/02/how-to-root-any-android-using-supersu.html  for assistance)

& In order to flash a custom recovery you need to unlock your device bootloader (for assistance refer post above)

Complete these two requirements to proceed further

Step 1

Download latest CM release (snapshot version – most stable & qualifies as a release in CM community terms) Latest snapshot available as on 10.03.2016 – CM 12.1 based on Android Lollipop 5.01

Official Cyanogen Mod download link - https://download.cyanogenmod.org

Take extra care in downloading the correct file listed for your specific device model, else you end by bricking your device

Step 2

Download the corresponding version Gapps(Google aplications) package – i.e. – if your custom rom version is 5.01 then download Gapps version 5.01

Nano or Micro package is preferred) you can always download additional requirements from play store (You need to flash Gapps as the default set of Google apps are not included in custom roms)

http://opengapps.org/

Refer Package comparison here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/android/software/tk-gapps-t3116347

Step 3

Connect phone to PC & paste CM & GApps zip files in internal storage & disconnect

Step 4

Remove Sim card/s

Step 5

Boot in Fastboot mode & enter recovery (TWRP)

You can flash in two styles - Clean install & regular flashing 

For a Clean Install (this formats the internal storage of device)

Click àWipe à advance wipe à Check (Dalvik cache, data, cashe, internal storage & system) àSwipe to wipe

Regular flashing

Click àWipe à advance wipe à Check (Dalvik cache, data, cashe, system) (Don’t check internal storage) àSwipe to wipe

Step 6

Connect phone to PC & paste CM & GApps zip files in internal storage & disconnect

Step 7

Back to home screen à Select Install àCheck CM image zip & swipe to install

Click Wipe cache & swipe to wipe

Step 8

Back & select GApps zip file & swipe à Click Wipe cache & swipe to wipe

Step 9

Reboot system – (takes a good 10 to 15 minutes, don’t panic)

Complete phone setup

Insert Sim/s

Congratulations you are all set to explore Cyanogen Mod’s take on Android! 

If this guide has helped you march towards your endeavor, please like, 1+ & share this guide with others who can benefit - cheers! 

Do check out these links containing useful information about CM custom rom, they will help you make informed decisions.

http://www.howtogeek.com/192602/8-reasons-to-install-cyanogenmod-on-your-android-device/

http://www.androidauthority.com/cyanogenmod-12-12-1-new-features-599895/

http://www.androidbeat.com/2013/06/top-reasons-to-install-cyanogenmod-on-android-device/

https://www.quora.com/topic/CyanogenMod-product

*Disclaimer*

Do this at your own risk, read about the risks rooting involves. Author would not be held responsible for any misadventure or losses.