How to update Galaxy Note 4 to Android 5.1 Lollipop via CyanogenMod 12.1 ROM

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 users are spoilt for choice, as the industrious CyanogenMod (CM) developers have unleashed the new CyanogenMod 12.1 based Android 5.1 custom ROM for the flagship handset, close on the heels of Team Emotroid releasing another popular custom ROM, the Android 5.1 AICP ROM.

With Samsung unlikely to release the stock Android 5.1 update for the Galaxy Note 4 anytime soon, the CM12.1 ROM gains precedence over all existing custom ROMs given its indispensable features built into a highly-stable release.

There is more good news for Lollipop fans and Note 4 users alike, as it is officially confirmed that the CM12.1 ROM is fully stable with all its functions working without hitch.

On the downside, it is ascertained that the new CyanogenMod ROM removes S-Pen and other native features along with Samsung's unwieldy TouchWiz UI in favour of the world's most sought after stock material design UI for Lollipop.

Interested Note 4 users may go ahead and install the latest custom Android 5.1 Lollipop update on their handset via CM12.1 ROM, using the step-by-step guide provided below.

IBTimes UK reminds readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after the ROM installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Downloads Required

CyanogenMod 12.1 based Android 5.1 custom ROM for Galaxy Note 4

Android 5.1 Google Apps

Pre-requisites

• The instructions given in this guide are meant for the European variant of Galaxy Note 4 with model number SM-N910F and SM-N910G only. Verify device model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone.
• Ensure the phone has at 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 4 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.

Steps to Install official CyanogenMod 12.1 Android 5.1 ROM on Galaxy Note 4 SM-N910F and SM-N910G

Step 1 - Download CM12.1 Android 5.1 custom ROM for Galaxy Note 4 on the computer.

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

Step 3 - Now, copy the downloaded CM12.1 ROM 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 - Boot the device into Recovery Mode by pressing and holding the Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together.

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 Power button to select an option in the Recovery Mode.

Step 7 - Perform Wipe Cache Partition and wait until the process completes.

Step 8 - Perform Wipe Dalvik Cache as well. To do this, go to '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 - Click Choose Zip from SD card. Use volume keys to navigate to the CyanogenMod 12.1 ROM 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.

Step 11 - Once the ROM and Gapps installation completes, 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 4 N910F/N910G is now running the latest Android 5.1 Lollipop via CyanogenMod 12.1 ROM. Go to Settings > About phone to verify the firmware version installed.

[Source: XDA]