How to Install Custom ROM on Rooted Galaxy S5

For those of you who’ve never installed a custom ROM before, here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to install a custom ROM on a rooted Galaxy S5.

Before we begin, you will need a rooted Galaxy S5 with CWM or TWRP recovery installed.  If you have not done this, see How to Root Galaxy S5, first.

Step 1. Go ahead and download the custom ROM zip file you want to install on your Galaxy S5.  Since these files are large and sometimes over 1GB, I do recommend downloading them on your Desktop computer and copying over to your phone.

Step 2. Power off your S5 then hold down Volume Up, Center Home, and Power buttons for about 3-4 seconds until you see “RECOVERY BOOTING…” on top-left corner of your screen.

Step 3. Once in CWM or TWRP recovery, choose “Wipe Data/Factory Reset”.  This will erase your settings, apps, app data, and everything except your personal files such as videos and photos.

Note: You can try installing without doing this step but it is not recommended for most custom ROMs.  You can always do this step “after” installing ROM by the way.

Step 4. Next, choose “Install Zip” from main menu.

Step 5. Find the ROM zip file you want to install and install it!

Step 6. Some custom ROMs may have AROMA graphical installer, which allows you to choose different features to be installed.

Step 7. Once ROM has been installed, simply reboot from the main menu.  If you are installing AOSP custom ROMs, you may have to install Gapps also before rebooting.

Step 8. Your phone should reboot and if you see a welcome screen like below, congratulations!  You’ve successfully installed a custom ROM on your rooted Galaxy S5