5 Precautions To Take Before Installing A Custom Rom On Your Android Device
Well, a fancy custom ROM with its fast installation, exciting speed, and tweaks is enough to make you hop in anticipation. You get all ready to discard the default firmware and opt for a custom ROM, that too, at the earliest. Sadly, the age old adage, “there’s many a slip between the cup and the lip” springs to mind on finding you in such a situation. Remember that there may be issues arising from custom ROMs that you had no inkling of and worse, you are going to lose the warranty that came with the stock ROM installed in your high end Android device.
Do not rush to get rid of the original firmware readily though. Review the custom ROM carefully and be prepared for all eventualities, if you are still determined to go through it. Do read about the risks and precautions to take before you begin flashing. Good Luck!
- Backup– Be sure to do a full backup or get an android backup for your Android device that will definitely help you to resume with the phone/tablet even, if something goes wrong. Remember that third party ROMs are usually not as stable as the users would have you believe. There are plenty of bugs in them too. Flashing it may not be a smooth operation at all and you may find yourself upset and worried, if the new ROM fails to be installed. Do opt for a complete restoration at once courtesy your backup and only try to go for a custom ROM again, if you are definite about the quality and usability of the product.
- Contacts & SMS– While a full backup is sure to have your contacts as well as the text plus video messages stored, you need to check the internal storage of your device carefully before you resort to flashing. No worries about your SD card though. All content stored there is going to remain in your possession as the flashing process only wipes out the internal data.
- Compatibility– Sure, Android are the new devices on the block with almost everyone using it in some form or the other. However, it is not advisable to try to flash a new custom ROM without checking whether it would work on your device. Please conduct a research online and find out whether the said ROM and model is compatible with your device and proceed accordingly.
- Check Reviews– It does not hurt to be over cautious especially when you are going to lose your warranty for an unknown product. Do check out the competitor websites and read user reviews carefully. It makes sense to go along with the flashing once you are convinced of its efficacy and safety for your Android device.
- Installation– Be sure of the basic understanding and do take some time out to check the DIYs online. It might help to request assistance from a pro at flashing. Do not ever try to flash, if you are not too sure of the procedure. You may inadvertently damage your expensive Android phone as a result.