Update Galaxy Note 2 to Android 5.1 Lollipop with unofficial CyanogenMod 12.1 ROM

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (GT-N7100) is among the lucky few Android devices to enjoy regular custom ROM updates such as the latest CyanogenMod 12.1 based Android 5.1 Lollipop ROM, with due credit to XDA Developers senior member Ivan_Meler.

The CM12.1 ROM for Note 2 gains precedence, especially given the fact that Samsung is unlikely to release any official Lollipop updates for the ageing second generation phablet anytime soon.

The folks at XDA have listed out the complete set of working features for the latest creation from the popular CyanogenMod (CM) team, while also disclosing the complete changelog for the CM12.1 based Android 5.1 ROM.

The full list of working features for the latest CyanogenMod 12.1 ROM for Galaxy Note 2 is given below:

• OpenGL (CPU rendering)
• MALI blobs (GPU rendering)
• HWComposer and MALI R3P2 drivers
• Rotation
• Camera
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• NFC (Android Beam)
• Sensors (ALL!)
• Internal / External SD Card
• Vibration
• Home Button wake
• Simlock
• RIL
• GPS
• Signal Icon
• Soft Keyboard on first boot
• Mouse pointer
• H/W Video playback

Interested users can also check out the complete changelog for the new CM12.1 ROM through the source link provided below, before installing the same using the step-by-step guide provided below.

Also, if you are curious to know what new features are in store with the latest CM12.1 ROM for Note 2, then you should check out the video review (below) about the same (courtesy @savadam via XDA developers):

IBTimes UK reminds readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after the CM12.1 ROM installation. 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-N7100) 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 based CyanogenMod 12.1 Nightly ROM (Alternate Link)

Android 5.1 Google Apps

Steps to Install Android 5.1 based CyanogenMod 12.1 ROM on Galaxy Note 2 (GT-N7100)

Step 1 - Download Android 5.1 CyanogenMod 12.1 custom ROM for Galaxy Note 2 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 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 - Now boot the device into Recovery Mode by pressing Volume up, Home and Power buttons on your phone.

Step 6 - Once the phone enters into 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 fromSD card. Use volume keys to navigate to the CM12.1 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 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-N7100) 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]