In the realm of custom development, the installation of custom firmware ranks high on the priority list for tech enthusiasts. One notable option for customization is Lineage OS, a renowned and popular lineup of custom ROMs. The latest iteration in this series is Lineage OS 20, which offers a plethora of customization options. This comprehensive guide aims to walk you through the process of updating your Android device from LineageOS 19 to LineageOS 20, empowering you with the latest features and enhancements.
How to Update Your Device from LineageOS 19 to LineageOS 20
Step 1: Install Android SDK
To commence the update process, you need to install the Android SDK Platform Tools on your PC. These official tools, provided by Google, include ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot binaries. Download the Android SDK Platform Tools and extract them to a convenient location on your computer. This action will grant you access to the essential platform tools folder.
Step 2: Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking
Next, you must enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking on your smartphone. USB Debugging facilitates the recognition of your smartphone by the PC in ADB mode, while also enabling easy booting into Fastboot Mode. OEM Unlocking is necessary to unlock the device's bootloader. Follow these steps to enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking:
- Go to Settings on your device.
- Tap on "About Phone."
- Tap on "Build number" seven times consecutively.
- Return to Settings and navigate to "System" and then "Developer Options."
- Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking.
Step 3: Download the LineageOS 20 Custom ROM
Download the latest LineageOS 20 firmware specific to your device from the official LineageOS website. Once downloaded, transfer the firmware file to the platform tools folder on your PC. For easier access, rename the file to "rom.zip."
Step 4: Decide on the Google Apps (GApps)
The following scenarios pertain to GApps and will help you determine the appropriate course of action:
Case 1: If you are currently using GApps on LineageOS 19 and wish to continue using them on LineageOS 20, no factory reset is required. Download the GApps package and rename it to "gapps.zip" before transferring it to the platform-tools folder.
Case 2: If you are currently using GApps on LineageOS 19 but do not intend to continue using them on LineageOS 20, the update process will involve formatting your data.
Case 3: If you are not currently using GApps on LineageOS 19 but want to utilize them on LineageOS 20, the update process will also require data formatting. Download the GApps package, rename it to "gapps.zip," and transfer it to the platform-tools folder.
Step 5: Boot Your Smartphone to ADB Sideload
Connect your smartphone to the PC using a USB cable and ensure that USB debugging is enabled. Navigate to the platform-tools folder, type "CMD" in the address bar, and press Enter to launch the Command Prompt. Execute the following command in the CMD window to boot your device into LineageOS Recovery:
adb reboot recovery
Once in recovery mode, select "Apply Update" and then "Apply from ADB."
Step 6: Update to LineageOS 20
Now, execute the following command in the CMD window
to update your device to LineageOS 20:
adb sideload rom.zip
If you chose Case 1, navigate to "Apply Update" and then "Apply from ADB." Type the following command in the CMD window to install the latest GApps:
adb sideload gapps.zip
Upon completion, choose "Reboot System Now" to boot your smartphone into the upgraded OS with the latest GApps. If you fall into Case 2 or Case 3, proceed to the next step.
Step 7: Install or Remove GApps
Whether you wish to install or uninstall GApps, the initial step is to perform a factory reset. Follow these steps:
- Reboot to LineageOS Recovery by navigating to "Advanced" and selecting "Reboot to Recovery."
- Proceed to "Factory Reset" and select "Format Data/Factory Reset" followed by "Format Data."
- Wait for the process to complete, indicated by the message "Data wipe complete."
- If you do not want GApps installed, select "Reboot System Now." Your smartphone will boot into the upgraded OS without Google Apps.
- If you desire GApps, go to "Apply Update" and then "Apply from ADB."
- In the CMD window, type the following command to install GApps: adb sideload gapps.zip
- Wait for the installation process to finish, then choose "Reboot System Now."
- Your smartphone will boot into the upgraded OS with GApps successfully installed.
If you encounter any queries or issues while following these steps to update your device from LineageOS 19 (Android 12) to LineageOS 20 (Android 13), please leave a comment below. We will promptly provide you with a solution.
