Hello People!
This is the first part of two part series where i will share with you what are custom ROMs to how to build one for yourself, this can be a bit text heavy so prepare a coffee for yourself, you are going to learn something today!
Let’s first start with basics:
Table of contents
Open Table of contents
What are “Custom ROMs”?
Custom ROMs are modified versions of the Android operating systems created by third-party developers or communities, rather than by the original device manufacturers. They are like different “flavours” or variants of Android, similar to how linux have different distros. Custom ROMs offers unique tweaks, new features, extra customization options, and overall better privacy.
Key points about custom ROMs —
- Most Custom ROMs are based ‘Android Open Source Project’(AOSP) which may or may not include Google services.
- Custom ROMs allow users to customize their devices far beyond what stock operating systems allows.
- For using a Custom Rom you need to have a unlocked bootloader and a custom recovery before flashing the ROM.
- Custom ROMs can also help extend the life of old devices by providing updated software when manufacturers stop official updates devices like POCO f1 which released in 2018 still gets latest android updates via Custom ROM developers.
Why do we need it?
Custom ROMs emerged from the limitations and frustrations that Android users faced with manufacture-provided software. To understand why the need of custom ROM came into existence, we need to examine both the technical landscape of early Android and the specific problems that drove users to seek alternatives.
Limited Updates and Abandoned Devices
The most unavoidable reason for Custom ROM development has always been manufacturer update abandonment. Many manufacturers stop releasing updates for their device after 2-3 years and delays between android updates are so huge that most android devices runs one version older Android. When manufacturers stop providing official support, Custom ROMs like LineageOS can extend device lifecycles by years, offering the latest Android versions to devices that would otherwise be stuck on outdated software.
Bloatware and Storage Constraints
Have you notice your new Xiaomi & Vivo phones filled with pre-installed apps which
- You didn’t asked for,
- Takes up space,
- Often can’t be uninstalled,
- And is rarely useful. Custom ROMs eliminate this bloatware entirely, providing a clean, efficient experience.
Performance and Customization Limitations
Stock ROMs imposes significant performance restrictions. While also running some proprietary service 24/7 using device resources, manufactures limit device capabilities to prevent overheating and ensure stability. Custom ROMs unlocks the phones full potential through battery optimization, resource managemen, and the ability to overclock processors(not recommending).
Privacy and Data Collection Concerns
Modern research reveals that major Android OEMs collect extensive telemetry data. Studies show that Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, and Realme all make “undue use of long-lived hardware identifiers” and collect user data even when users explicitly opt out. Google itself collects approximately 20 times more telemetry data from Android devices than Apple does from iOS. Custom ROMs provide an escape from this pervasive data collection.
Risks and Trade-offs
Custom ROMs have great functionalities but like everything in this universe this also has a second face, Custom ROMs comes with significant risks and trade-offs that users must carefully consider before installation.
Security Risks
Bootloader Vulnerabilities
Unlocking Bootloader, which is required for custom ROM installation, creates major security vulnerabilities. An unlocked bootloader allows anyone with physical access to your device to tamper with the boot process and system partition. This enables attackers to implant backdoors or extract decryption key while you unlock your phone.
Integrity and Trust Issues
---- Currently written just to check if my site is working properly complete version will be uploaded soon ----