How to flash Android 5.1.1 official CyanogenMod 12.1 stable build on Galaxy Note 2 LTE (GT-N7105)

Galaxy Note 2 LTE (GT-N7105) users are in for some great news, as the industrious CyanogenMod team has rolled out the official stable build of Android 5.1.1 based CyanogenMod 12.1 ROM for Samsung's former flagship phablet. This CM12.1 stable release is based on the original AOSP ROM, which brings a handful of enhanced customisations along with some vanilla Android improvements.

Check out CyanogenMod's official blogpost to learn more about this new official release. Avid Cyanogen fans and Android fanatics alike must note that the stable releases are the final builds and the best versions of CM12.1 ROM released till date.

Interested users may follow the step-by-step guide outlined below to install the Android 5.1.1 CM12.1 stable release on their Galaxy Note 2 LTE devices. IBTimes UK will not be held responsible for any damage to device during or after the firmware installation and users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-requisites

• The instructions given in this guide are meant for the international variant of Galaxy Note 2 (GT-N7105) only. Verify device model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone
• Ensure the phone has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) while installing the ROM
• 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
• Verify correct USB drivers for the phone are installed on the computer (download Galaxy Note 2 USB drivers)
• 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)
• Ensure that the device is rooted with CWM recovery installed and its bootloader is unlocked

Downloads Required

Android 5.1.1 based CyanogenMod 12.1 stable release

Android 5.1 Google Apps

Steps to Install Android 5.1.1 based CyanogenMod 12.1 stable build on Galaxy Note 2 (GT-N7105)

Step 1 - Download Android 5.1.1 CyanogenMod 12.1 stable build for Galaxy Note 2 LTE on the computer.

Step 2 - Connect and mount the phone's USB mass storage on computer with the USB cable.

Step 3 - Now, copy the downloaded CM12.1 official stable build zip file to the root folder on the phone's SD card.

Step 4 - Power off the phone and disconnect its USB cable from computer.

Step 5 - Now boot the device into Recovery Mode by pressing Volume up, Home and Power buttons on your phone.

Step 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 the Power button to select an option in the Recovery Mode.

Step 7 - Then, perform Wipe Cache Partition and wait until the process completes.

Step 8 - Now perform Wipe Dalvik Cache as well. To do this, go to the 'advanced' option and then click Wipe Dalvik Cache. This will help in preventing boot loop issues or any boot ROM related errors during firmware installation.

Step 9 - Then return to the main recovery menu and choose Install Zip from SD card.

Step 10 - Now click Choose Zip from SD card. Use volume keys to navigate to the CM12.1 stable build 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 the next screen and the installation process will begin.

Note: Repeat Step 9 and Step 10 to install Google Apps (Gapps) as well.

Step 11 - Once both the Gapps and ROM are installed, go to "+++++Go Back+++++" and select Reboot System Now in the Recovery menu.

The phone will now reboot and the first boot may take about five minutes to complete. So, please be patient.

Your Galaxy Note 2 (GT-N7105) is now running the latest Android 5.1 Lollipop via CyanogenMod 12.1 stable build. Go to Settings > About phone to verify the firmware version installed.

[Source: Android Geeks]