If you use a custom ROM, it's important to keep it up to date. With each new update, you'll get features and bug fixes that contribute to enhancing your overall smartphone experience. Updates can be for performance optimization or may include the latest Android version that you don't want to skip.

Here's how to update a custom ROM so you will never miss any new features and improvements.

How to Update a Custom ROM

There are many ways to update a custom ROM, like via ADB or fastboot commands. We're using the most popular methods; via an over-the-air update and through a custom recovery like TWRP or Orange Fox.

Before starting the update process, you must take care of a few things:

Take a Backup of Your Android Phone

Before starting the process, back up all the data on your phone. If your phone is rooted, you can use the Titanium Backup app to create a full backup of your phone. If not, our guide on creating a backup of your Android phone will help you create a proper backup of everything on your phone.

Check You've Got the Right Files

Always check if you've downloaded the compatible ROM files before flashing any updates. If you flash a wrong file, there are chances that your device might go into a bootloop—where the device refuses to boot—or, in the worst case, get hard bricked and show no signs of life at all.

If you've bricked your phone by flashing the wrong zip, our guide on unbricking an Android phone may help you fix it.

Likewise, check that you have the correct recovery installed on your phone. Sometimes developers recommend a specific recovery in the update notes, so when you see something like that, use the recommended recovery only.

Check You've Downloaded All the Files You Need

Always have a backup ROM that you know will boot on your device. You can flash that ROM if your phone fails to boot after flashing the update.

Lastly, check that you have downloaded all the required files mentioned in the update notes, like vendor or firmware zips. You can also download the Magisk zip file to root your phone or the DFE (Disable Force Encryption) file to stay decrypted after flashing.

Once you've done all this, it's time to update the ROM.

Method 1: Update Your ROM via an OTA Update

An OTA, or over-the-air, update for a custom ROM is the same method you use to install normal security or OS updates on any Android phone. Developers push the over-the-air updates to devices, and you can download them on your phone from the System Updater app. This is the easiest method, but it's only available on a few select ROMs.

Here's how to do it:

  1. Navigate to your phone's settings, scroll down, tap on System, and then System Updates or Updater.
  2. Tap on the Check for updates or Refresh option if the new update is not showing on your device.
  3. Once you see the update, start the installation by tapping the Install button.
  4. Once you tap the button, your phone will boot to the recovery, flash the update, and boot the updated ROM.
Updater option in system settings
Update showing in the updater

The installing options vary with the updater. Some show the Download option first and the Install option only appears after completing the download. Others have a single Download and Install button.

OTA method is identical to the "dirty flash" method we'll outline below. The only difference is, the OTA flashing process is automatic. You don't need to erase any system partition or choose files and flash them manually as you do in the other methods.

Use this method only when you're upgrading to the next version. Using it for other versions may give your device a bootloop.

Method 2: Update Your ROM Using the "Dirty Flash" Method

A "dirty flash" refers to updating a ROM by installing it without wiping any system partitions first. It is essentially a manual version of the OTA method.

In this method, you flash the update files manually from the recovery without wiping anything. Most users prefer this method for updating custom ROMs as they can also flash Magisk modules, custom kernels, or some audio mods along with the update. It also means you don't have to set up your device again after you've done it as your data remains intact.

Here's how to dirty flash an update. We're using the Orange FOX recovery as it's recommended for the ROM we're using. If you're on any other recovery, don't worry, the process is the same. All you need to do is navigate to the mentioned sections and perform the actions.

  1. Reboot your phone to the recovery.
  2. Head to the Files section and select the update file. If you want to flash another file with the update, tap Add to Queue and choose the file. Repeat this process if you need to flash multiple zips.
  3. After adding files to the list, select Reboot after installation is complete, then swipe the slider at the bottom to start the process.
  4. After flashing all the files, your phone will automatically boot up if you've selected the Reboot after installation option. If not, tap Reboot to System to restart your phone. After booting, you may get a notification saying your device is successfully updated.
files section in a custom recovery
adding zips to queue
Flashing files in queue

Like the OTA method, only use this method to update to a new version of the ROM you're currently using. Don't use it to flash a different ROM.

Method 3: Update Your ROM Using the "Clean Flash" Method

A "clean flash" refers to updating a ROM after wiping system partitions like the vendor, data, internal storage, and others. It's identical to a factory reset as it wipes all the data and saved settings from your phone, and after booting, you need to set up the device from scratch. It isn't as convenient but should go through without any problems.

Here's how to do a clean flash:

  1. Boot your device to recovery and go to the Wipe section.
  2. Now, wipe the following items.
    • Dalvik/ART Cache
    • Cache
    • System
    • Vendor
    • Data

  3. You can also wipe the internal storage if you want. You should leave it if you don't have a backup of your phone's data or if you're planning to store the ROM files on your phone. If you're wiping the internal storage, transfer the ROM files to your PC or on a USB stick.
    • If you haven't erased the internal storage, flash the ROM files from it, but if you've wiped it, connect your phone to the PC with a USB cable, and the PC will be able to access the phone's storage. Transfer the ROM files to your phone to flash it.
    • If the files are on a USB drive, connect the USB to your phone via OTG connector, select USB Storage from the Files section, choose the files and start flashing.

  4. Select the ROM from the Files section and swipe the slider to begin flashing. Don't interrupt your phone until it is done.
  5. When it has finished, boot the ROM by tapping on Reboot to System. As it's the first boot after a clean flash, your phone may take more time than usual to boot up.
  6. After booting, you'll need to set up everything as you do with a new phone, like signing in to your Google account, downloading apps, restoring your backups, and tweaking the phone's settings.
options-to-choose-in-clean-flash-method-1
custom roms in a recovery
adding zips to queue

Update Your Custom ROM Regularly

Keep your ROM updated to get the most out of your Android phone. The flashing process is easy, and the custom ROM community is vast. If you're facing any issues, post your query in the Telegram group or on the XDA forum for your device to get assistance from users around the globe.

And if you're still learning about ROMs, check our jargon-busting guide to familiarize yourself with some of the terms you'll encounter along the way.