Any smartphone, in fact, is the "little brother" of a full-fledged personal computer. It contains a central processor, RAM blocks, a storage device, controllers for interface devices, 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, and not by developers, but by smartphone users themselves. Strange as it may sound, manufacturers of mobile gadgets are in no hurry to please the owners of their devices with the release of updates and optimizations for the operating system. The reason is quite simple - the desire to sell new smartphones, and not to finalize a series of already implemented ones.
What is "firmware"
Reading the 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 the control software complex of the device, or as a set of system files intended for loading into the smartphone’s memory, i.e., a “distribution kit”, if we draw an analogy withcomputers. Most often, however, the second is implied. And, as mentioned earlier, this software package is created by craftsmen who make certain changes to the existing original firmware. Such solutions are called "custom".
"Zoo" firmware
Despite the apparent diversity of existing software systems, they are basically identical. Many of them simply copy the interfaces (appearance, way of interaction) of solutions installed on other brands of smartphones. Thus, lovers of Windows Phone can easily “turn” their Android phone into a gadget from Nokia, and connoisseurs of the creativity of Chinese developers can feel the beauty of Miui or Lewa. Other customizations, on the contrary, optimize some functions, for example, they 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 basic official firmware.
Cyan
At the same time, there are a number of firmwares called CyanogenMod. In them, the user part, the menu and everything through which the owner interacts with the device has undergone a significant improvement. Also changed many key settings, improved protection against spam and viruses. 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 a successfulinstalling such a custom system is the selection of the correct firmware. Although initially these solutions are assembled to work with Qualcomm, nVidia and Intel processors, it is still possible to "make" them work with MTK. Where the distribution is downloaded from, as a rule, it will certainly indicate how to install CyanogenMod. Therefore, in order 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. Ideally, the firmware should be designed specifically for the same smartphone model.
How to install CyanogenMod firmware via Installer
There are several ways to download the control software to your smartphone. The difference between them is that some require you to get root rights first, while others bypass this restriction using the capabilities of the spoofed bootloader menu. Note that there is no "initially simple" way - each of them is simple and complex at the same time, so the user must choose one thing. Let's see how to install CyanogenMod Installer. 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 have to be connected by cable. After installing the client part in the phone, the program must be launched. A menu will be displayed warning that all user data will be deleted, i.e., a factory reset will occur. Next, it is proposed to connect the device to the computer and changeoperating mode from "MTR drive" to "RTR camera". After that, the cable can be temporarily disconnected.
In general, there are usually no difficulties with how to install CyanogenMod. After installing the appropriate computer application, it must be launched. It will search the web for the latest firmware. This takes 5 to 15 minutes. If a suitable variant is found, the program will display a message that you need to connect your smartphone to the USB port, remembering to turn off anti-virus protection (some exploits are detected as malicious). Next, the phone will start downloading custom firmware, the Recovery file and gapps, which provide integration with Google services. When everything is done, it remains to click on the Install button and wait for a window with a message about successful installation to appear.
Those who are not the first time interested in how to install CyanogenMod should be well aware that recently this method has lost its relevance. Moreover, it doesn't always work. The reason is the end of support for the search and download mechanism due to complaints from Google. In addition, the computer part of the application does not work correctly on the latest versions of the Windows system.
Roll up your sleeves…
An equally interesting way to install CyanogenMod is to prepare the necessary files yourself. First of all, you need to pick up a custom "Recovery". This file can be found on network resources where this smartphone model is discussed. ATIn the case of a 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 "Recovery" by holding the power button and "volume down". After that, it remains to specify the previously downloaded CyanogenMod firmware file and install it. It is recommended to reset with 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 package? 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 order is as follows: a custom "Recovery" is selected and flashed into the phone; the found distribution kit intended for this model is written to the memory card; the system file is flashed from the recovery menu.
Features
Slower discharge, louder sound, stable network reception, faster interface, redesigned menu - all this is CyanogenMod. How to install applications on this system? It is this question that worries many who have not yet had time to work with this solution. In fact, there is nothing complicated about this. Because"Cyan" is based on the Android OS, the principles of operation remain the same: installation of the APK file - launch 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
A quick look at CyanogenMod 7. How to install the firmware? It is based on the Android 2.3 OS, so the procedure is identical to the new Cyans. It is necessary to select Wipe in the custom "Recovery", then "Select from SD card", specify the downloaded file and click Install. After the end of the "fill" it remains to press Reboot. Depending on the Recovery used, the names of the indicated items may differ.
