Samsung Galaxy A21 Custom ROM Installation

The Samsung Galaxy A21 is a popular smartphone that offers a range of features and capabilities. One way to enhance the functionality of the device is by installing a custom ROM. Custom ROMs provide users with a unique and customizable user experience, allowing them to personalize their device to their liking. In this article, we will explore the process of installing a custom ROM on the Samsung Galaxy A21, providing step-by-step instructions and valuable insights along the way.

What is a Custom ROM?

A custom ROM is a modified version of the Android operating system that is developed by third-party developers. It offers a range of enhancements and additional features that are not found in the stock ROM provided by the device manufacturer. Custom ROMs are created by a community of developers who work to improve the performance, stability, and functionality of Android devices.

Custom ROMs can provide users with a variety of benefits, including:

• Improved performance and speed
• Extended battery life
• Additional customization options
• Access to the latest Android updates
• Removal of bloatware and unnecessary pre-installed apps

Why Install a Custom ROM on the Samsung Galaxy A21?

The Samsung Galaxy A21 is a powerful device that offers a range of features, but installing a custom ROM can further enhance the user experience. Here are a few reasons why you might consider installing a custom ROM on your Samsung Galaxy A21:

• Performance: Custom ROMs are often optimized for performance, providing a smoother and faster user experience. This can be particularly beneficial for resource-intensive tasks such as gaming or multitasking.
• Customization: Custom ROMs offer a wide range of customization options, allowing users to personalize their device to their liking. This includes the ability to change the look and feel of the user interface, customize system settings, and install custom themes and icon packs.
• Updates: Custom ROMs often provide access to the latest Android updates, even before they are officially released by the device manufacturer. This ensures that you can enjoy the latest features and security enhancements without having to wait for the official update.
• Bloatware Removal: Many device manufacturers pre-install unnecessary apps and bloatware on their devices. Custom ROMs often allow users to remove these apps, freeing up storage space and improving performance.

Preparation

Before you proceed with installing a custom ROM on your Samsung Galaxy A21, it is important to take some necessary precautions and prepare your device. Here are a few steps you should follow:

1. Backup Your Data

Installing a custom ROM will wipe all the data on your device, including apps, settings, and personal files. Therefore, it is crucial to backup your data to prevent any loss. You can use various backup methods, such as Google Backup, Samsung Smart Switch, or third-party backup apps.

2. Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging

To install a custom ROM, you will need to enable Developer Options and USB Debugging on your Samsung Galaxy A21. Here’s how:

1. Go to the “Settings” app on your device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “About phone”.
3. Find the “Build number” and tap on it seven times. This will enable Developer Options.
4. Go back to the main settings menu and tap on “Developer Options”.
5. Toggle on the “USB Debugging” option.

3. Unlock the Bootloader

Before you can install a custom ROM on your Samsung Galaxy A21, you will need to unlock the bootloader. Unlocking the bootloader allows you to install custom software on your device. However, it is important to note that unlocking the bootloader will void your device’s warranty and may cause security risks. Here’s how to unlock the bootloader:

1. Enable Developer Options on your device (as explained in the previous step).
2. Go to the “Developer Options” menu.
3. Scroll down and toggle on the “OEM unlocking” option.
4. Read and accept the warning message.
5. Connect your Samsung Galaxy A21 to your computer using a USB cable.
6. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
7. Enter the following command: adb reboot bootloader
8. Your device will reboot into bootloader mode. Use the volume keys to navigate and the power key to select “Unlock bootloader”.
9. Follow the on-screen instructions to unlock the bootloader. This may vary depending on your device and the custom ROM you plan to install.
10. Once the bootloader is unlocked, your device will automatically reboot.

Choosing a Custom ROM

With your Samsung Galaxy A21 prepared and the bootloader unlocked, it’s time to choose a custom ROM to install on your device. There are several custom ROMs available for the Samsung Galaxy A21, each offering different features and customization options. Here are a few popular custom ROMs:

• LineageOS: LineageOS is one of the most popular custom ROMs for Android devices. It offers a clean and stock Android experience, along with a range of customization options.
• Resurrection Remix: Resurrection Remix is a feature-rich custom ROM that combines the best features from various other ROMs. It offers a high level of customization and performance optimization.
• Pixel Experience: Pixel Experience is a custom ROM that aims to provide a Pixel-like experience on non-Pixel devices. It offers a clean and minimalistic user interface, along with the latest features from Google’s Pixel devices.

Before you choose a custom ROM, it is important to research and read reviews to ensure that it is compatible with your device and meets your requirements. You can visit XDA Developers or other Android forums to find more information about different custom ROMs and user experiences.

Installing the Custom ROM

Once you have chosen a custom ROM for your Samsung Galaxy A21, it’s time to install it on your device. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Download the Custom ROM

Visit the official website or forum thread of the custom ROM you have chosen and download the latest version of the ROM for your Samsung Galaxy A21. Make sure to download the correct ROM for your device model and variant.

2. Download and Install a Custom Recovery

A custom recovery is required to install the custom ROM on your Samsung Galaxy A21. The most popular custom recovery for Android devices is TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). Here’s how to install TWRP recovery:

1. Download the TWRP recovery image file for your Samsung Galaxy A21 from the official TWRP website.
2. Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
4. Enter the following command: adb devices
5. Your device should be listed. If not, make sure you have installed the necessary USB drivers for your device.
6. Enter the following command to reboot your device into bootloader mode: adb reboot bootloader
7. Once your device is in bootloader mode, enter the following command to flash the TWRP recovery image: fastboot flash recovery twrp.img (replace “twrp.img” with the actual file name of the TWRP recovery image you downloaded)
8. Wait for the process to complete, then enter the following command to reboot your device: fastboot reboot

3. Boot into Recovery Mode

With TWRP recovery installed on your Samsung Galaxy A21, you can now boot into recovery mode. Here’s how:

1. Turn off your device.
2. Press and hold the volume up and power buttons simultaneously until the device vibrates and the Samsung logo appears.
3. Release the power button, but continue holding the volume up button until you see the TWRP recovery screen.

4. Wipe Data and Cache

Before installing the custom ROM, it is recommended to perform a factory reset and wipe the data and cache partitions. This will ensure a clean installation and prevent any conflicts or issues. Here’s how:

1. In TWRP recovery, tap on the “Wipe” button.
2. Swipe the “Factory Reset” slider to the right to perform a factory reset.
3. Tap on the “Back” button to go back to the main menu.
4. Tap on the “Wipe” button again.
5. Tap on the “Advanced Wipe” option.
6. Select the “Dalvik/ART Cache”, “System”, “Data”, and “Cache” partitions, then swipe the slider to the right to wipe them.

5. Install the Custom ROM

Now it’s time to install the custom ROM on your Samsung Galaxy A21. Follow these steps:

1. In TWRP recovery, tap on the “Install” button.
2. Navigate to the location where you saved the custom ROM file and select it.
3. Swipe the slider to the right to start the installation process.
4. Wait for the installation to complete.
5. Once the installation is complete, tap on the “Reboot System” button.

Post-Installation Steps

After installing the custom ROM on your Samsung Galaxy A21, there are a few additional steps you should follow:

1. Install Google Apps (GApps)

Most custom ROMs do not include Google Apps (GApps) by default. To use Google services and apps, you will need to install GApps separately. Visit the Open GApps website and download the appropriate package for your device and the custom ROM you have installed. Boot your device into TWRP recovery, then follow the same steps as installing the custom ROM to flash the GApps package.

2. Set Up Your Device

After rebooting your device, you will need to go through the initial setup process, just like when you first got your Samsung Galaxy A21. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device, including signing in with your Google account and restoring your data from the backup you created earlier.

3. Customize and Enjoy

With the custom ROM installed on your Samsung Galaxy A21, you can now customize your device to your liking. Explore the various customization options, install custom themes and icon packs, and enjoy the enhanced performance and features that the custom ROM provides.

Conclusion

Installing a custom ROM on your Samsung Galaxy A21 can provide you with a range of benefits, including improved performance, customization options, and access to the latest Android updates. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully install a custom ROM on your device and enjoy a unique and personalized user experience.

FAQs

Q1: Does installing a custom ROM void the warranty of my Samsung Galaxy A21?

A1: Yes, installing a custom ROM on your Samsung Galaxy A21 will void the device’s warranty. It is important to understand the risks and consequences before proceeding with the installation.

Q2: Can I revert to the stock ROM after installing a custom ROM?

A2: Yes, you can revert to the stock ROM by flashing the official firmware provided by the device manufacturer. However, this process may vary depending on your device and may require additional steps.

Q3: Are custom ROMs safe to use?

A3: Custom ROMs are developed by a community of developers and undergo rigorous testing before release. However, it is important to choose a reputable and trusted custom ROM and follow the installation instructions carefully to minimize any potential risks.

Q4: Will installing a custom ROM improve the battery life of my Samsung Galaxy A21?

A4: Custom ROMs often include performance optimizations that can improve the battery life of your device. However, the actual impact may vary depending on various factors, including your usage patterns and the specific custom ROM you choose.

Q5: Can I install a custom ROM on my Samsung Galaxy A21 without unlocking the bootloader?

A5: No, you must unlock the bootloader of your Samsung Galaxy A21 before you can install a custom ROM. Unlocking the bootloader allows you to modify the device’s software, including installing custom ROMs.

Summary

The Samsung Galaxy A21 is a powerful device that can be further enhanced by installing a custom ROM. Custom ROMs provide users with improved performance, customization options, and access to the latest Android updates. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully install a custom ROM on your Samsung Galaxy A21 and enjoy a unique and personalized user experience. Remember to backup your data, enable Developer Options and USB Debugging, and unlock the bootloader before proceeding with the installation. Choose a reputable and trusted custom ROM, such as LineageOS, Resurrection Remix, or Pixel Experience, and follow the installation instructions carefully. After installing the custom ROM, you can further customize your device and enjoy the enhanced features and performance that custom ROMs provide.

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