Any smartphone, in fact, is the "younger brother" of a full-fledged personal computer. It contains a central processor, RAM blocks, a storage device, interface device controllers, etc. A certain set of programs called the operating system serves to control this entire complex. One of the most popular is Android from Google. It is installed on more than 70% of mobile devices. It is not difficult to guess that this system is most often subjected to various modifications, moreover, not by developers, but by smartphone users themselves. Oddly enough, the manufacturers of mobile gadgets are in no hurry to please the owners of their devices with the release of updates and optimizations of the operating system. The reason is quite simple - the desire to sell new smartphones, and not modify the series already implemented.
What is firmware
Reading news from the world of smartphones, you can come across a number of specific terms. One of them is firmware. It is interpreted in two ways: as a process of updating a device’s control software complex or as a set of system files intended for loading into a smartphone’s memory, that is, a “distribution”, if we draw an analogy with computers. Most often, however, the second is implied. And, as mentioned earlier, this software package is created by craftsmen making certain changes to the existing original firmware. Such decisions are called custom.
Zoo firmware
Despite the apparent diversity of existing software systems, basically all of them are identical. Many of them simply copy the interfaces (appearance, way of interaction) of solutions installed on other brands of smartphones. So, lovers of Windows Phone can easily "turn" their "Android" -phone into a gadget from Nokia, and connoisseurs of the creativity of Chinese developers feel the beauty of "Miui" or Lewa. Other custom, on the contrary, optimize some functions, for example, use a graphics accelerator in all applications, increase the volume level, etc. But you should always remember that almost all of them are based on the official base firmware.
"Cyanogen"
At the same time, there are a number of firmware called CyanogenMod. In them, the user part, the menu, and everything through which the owner interacts with the device, underwent significant refinement. Many key settings have also been changed , and protection against spam and viruses has been improved . In a word, if a person wants to see the true capabilities of his smartphone, then he simply must figure out how to install the CyanogenMod firmware.
Distribution Search
One of the main conditions for the successful installation of such a custom system is the selection of the correct firmware. Although initially these solutions are going to work with Qualcomm, nVidia and Intel processors, there is still the possibility to “get” them to work with MTK. Where the distribution kit is downloaded from, as a rule, it is certainly indicated how to install CyanogenMod. Therefore, to avoid the need to restore the functionality of the software part of the phone after an unsuccessful update, you need to carefully read the accompanying recommendations. In the ideal case, the firmware should be designed specifically for the same model of smartphone.
How to install CyanogenMod firmware via Installer
There are several ways to download management software to a smartphone. Their difference is that some require root-rights beforehand, while others circumvent this limitation using the capabilities of the changed bootloader menu. Note that there is no “initially simple” method - each of them is simple and complex at the same time, so the user must choose one thing. Let's see how to install the CyanogenMod Installerer. This software package consists of two blocks, the first of which is intended for installation on an “Android” device, and the second on a computer to which a smartphone will be connected by cable. After installing the client part in the phone, the program needs to be launched. A menu will appear warning that all user data will be deleted, i.e. a reset will be made to the factory settings. It is further proposed to connect the device to a computer and change the operating mode from “MTP Drive” to “RTR Camera”. After this, the cable can be temporarily disconnected.
In general, there are usually no difficulties with how to install CyanogenMod. After installing the appropriate computer application, you need to run it. A search of the current firmware on the Web will occur. It takes 5 to 15 minutes. If a suitable option is found, the program will display a message stating that it is necessary to connect the smartphone to the USB port, without forgetting to turn off anti-virus protection (some exploits are detected as malicious). Next, loading of custom firmware, the Recovery file and gapps into the phone will begin, providing integration with Google services. When everything is completed, it remains to click on the Install button and wait for the window to appear with a message about the successful installation.
Those who are not the first time interested in how to install CyanogenMod should be well aware that this method has recently lost its relevance. Moreover, it does not always work. The reason is that support for the search and download mechanism has ceased due to Google complaints. In addition, the computer part of the application does not work correctly on the latest versions of Windows.
Roll up your sleeves ...
An equally interesting way to install CyanogenMod is to independently prepare the necessary files. First of all, you need to choose a custom "Recovery". This file can be found on network resources where this smartphone model is discussed. In the case of the MediaTek processor, it can be assembled using MTK Droid using your Boot.img and Recovery from a compatible device. After that, using the Flash Tool, you need to flash this file into your smartphone. Then go to the "Recovery", holding the power button and the "volume down". After that, it remains to specify the previously downloaded CyanogenMod firmware file and install it. It is recommended that you reset using the WIPE command.
Different versions
Sometimes smartphone owners ask the question: “How to install CyanogenMod 11?” This version is based on Android 4.4 Kit Kat. But the latter are 12.1 (system 5.1.1) and 13 (6.0, respectively). There is also CyanogenMod 10.1. How to install this software? It is based on Android 4.3. Owners of mobile devices need to remember that the installation process for all versions of "Cyan" is the same. The main thing is to choose the right files for the device. Recall how to install CyanogenMod 11. The procedure is as follows: custom "Recovery" is selected and flashed into the phone; the found distribution intended for this model is written to the memory card; the system file is flashed from the recovery menu.
Features
Slower discharge, loud sound, stable network reception, interface acceleration, a changed menu - all this is CyanogenMod. How to install applications on this system? This question worries many who have not yet had time to work with this solution. In fact, there is nothing complicated about this. Since “Cyan” is based on the Android OS, the principles of operation have remained the same: installing an APK-file - launching through a shortcut. Unless the latter can be located both on the main screen and in the application submenu, depending on the launcher.
Old means verified version
Briefly consider CyanogenMod 7. How to install firmware? It is based on the Android 2.3 OS, therefore the procedure is identical to the new “Cyan”. You need to select Wipe in the custom “Recovery”, then select “Select from SD card”, specify the downloaded file and click Install. After the "fill" is completed, it remains to click Reboot. Depending on the "Recovery" used, the names of the indicated items may differ.