How to Install Evolution X on your Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Exynos: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you tired of the sluggish performance of Samsung’s One UI on your Galaxy S20 FE Exynos? Do you crave a cleaner, faster, and more customizable Android experience? If so, Evolution X might be the perfect custom ROM for you. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough on installing Evolution X, addressing common issues like Play Integrity, and preparing your device for a seamless transition. We’ll cover everything from unlocking your bootloader to flashing the ROM and ensuring your device remains certified for Google services.

I. Prerequisites: Preparing Your S20 FE Exynos

Before diving into the installation process, it’s crucial to ensure your device meets specific requirements and that you’ve taken the necessary precautions. Ignoring these steps can lead to data loss, device instability, or even bricking your phone.

1. Back Up Your Data: Safeguarding Your Important Information

This is the most important step. Unlocking the bootloader and flashing a custom ROM will wipe all data from your phone’s internal storage. Therefore, back up everything you value – photos, videos, documents, contacts, SMS messages, app data (if supported), and any other essential files.

Here are some recommended backup methods:

• Samsung Cloud: If you use Samsung Cloud, ensure you have the latest backup. Go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Samsung Cloud > Back up data.
• Google Drive: Back up your Google account data, including contacts, calendar, and app data (if your apps support it). Navigate to Settings > System > Backup and enable “Back up to Google Drive.”
• Local Backup to PC: Connect your phone to your computer and manually copy all files (photos, videos, documents) to a safe location on your PC or an external drive. Use a file manager on your phone to access the internal storage and copy the desired folders.
• Third-Party Backup Apps: Several apps on the Google Play Store, such as Titanium Backup (root required for full functionality) and Migrate, can back up your apps and data. However, verify compatibility and security before using them. Proceed with extreme caution when granting backup permissions to apps; only use trusted sources.

2. Unlock Your Bootloader: Essential for Custom ROM Installation

Unlocking the bootloader is a mandatory step for flashing custom ROMs. It removes the security restrictions imposed by Samsung, allowing you to install custom software. Warning: Unlocking the bootloader voids your Samsung warranty and permanently trips Knox.

• Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About phone > Software information. Tap “Build number” seven times to enable Developer options.
• Enable OEM Unlocking: Navigate to Settings > Developer options and enable “OEM unlocking.” If this option is greyed out, ensure you are connected to the internet and wait a few minutes for it to become available. If it remains greyed out after a considerable time, try restarting your phone.
• Boot into Download Mode: Power off your phone completely. Press and hold the Volume Down + Volume Up buttons simultaneously while connecting your phone to your computer via a USB cable. You should see a warning screen.
• Unlock the Bootloader with Odin:
  • Download the latest version of Odin from a reputable source. Search for “Odin download” on XDA Developers (forum.xda-developers.com) to find reliable links.
  • Download Samsung USB drivers and install them on your PC.
  • Extract the Odin ZIP file and launch Odin.exe.
  • On the warning screen on your phone, press and hold the Volume Up button for several seconds. This will trigger the bootloader unlock process.
  • Odin should detect your phone (indicated by a COM port turning blue). If it doesn’t, ensure you have installed the correct USB drivers.
  • In Odin, select the “Options” tab and make sure only “Auto Reboot” and “F. Reset Time” are checked.
  • Click the “Start” button. The phone will reboot and display a warning message that the bootloader is unlocked. This process will wipe your data.

3. Download the Necessary Files: ROM, Recovery, and Fixes

Download the following files to your computer. Place them in an easily accessible folder.

• Evolution X ROM: Download the latest official Evolution X ROM for the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Exynos (SM-G780F/G780G) from the official Evolution X website (evolution-x.com) or XDA Developers. Verify that the ROM is specifically for the Exynos version of the S20 FE.
• TWRP Recovery: Download the latest TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) custom recovery image for the S20 FE Exynos from the official TWRP website (twrp.me) or XDA Developers. Download the .tar file for Odin flashing.
• Magisk (Optional): If you want to root your phone, download the latest Magisk APK file from the official Magisk GitHub repository (github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk). You can install Magisk after flashing the ROM.
• Play Integrity Fix (Optional but Recommended): Due to the increasing strictness of Google’s Play Integrity API, you may need a fix to ensure apps like Google Pay, Netflix, and banking apps function correctly. The Universal SafetyNet Fix module for Magisk (available on GitHub, search for “Universal SafetyNet Fix”) is a common solution. Alternatively, explore other Play Integrity fixes on XDA Developers. Download the ZIP file if it’s a Magisk module.
• Disable DM-Verity ForceEncrypt (Optional): Some users have reported needing to disable DM-Verity and ForceEncrypt to prevent bootloops. Download the “Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip” file from a trusted source on XDA Developers. Download the ZIP file

4. Install ADB and Fastboot Drivers:

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Fastboot are command-line tools that allow you to communicate with your phone from your computer. Ensure you have these drivers installed. The easiest way is to install Minimal ADB and Fastboot. Search for “Minimal ADB and Fastboot” to find download links.

II. Flashing TWRP Recovery: Installing the Custom Recovery

TWRP is a custom recovery environment that allows you to flash custom ROMs, backups, and other modifications.

1. Boot into Download Mode:

Power off your phone completely. Press and hold the Volume Down + Volume Up buttons simultaneously while connecting your phone to your computer via a USB cable.

2. Flash TWRP with Odin:

• Launch Odin.exe.
• Ensure your phone is detected (COM port turns blue).
• Click the “AP” button and select the TWRP recovery .tar file you downloaded earlier.
• Go to the “Options” tab and uncheck “Auto Reboot.” This is crucial to prevent the phone from booting into the stock recovery after flashing TWRP.
• Click the “Start” button.
• Once the process completes successfully (indicated by a “PASS!” message in Odin), immediately disconnect your phone from the USB cable.

3. Boot into TWRP Recovery:

Immediately after Odin finishes flashing TWRP, press and hold the Power + Volume Up buttons until you see the Samsung logo, then release the Power button but continue holding Volume Up until you enter TWRP recovery.

Important: If you fail to boot into TWRP immediately after flashing, the phone will likely boot into the stock recovery, overwriting TWRP. If this happens, you’ll need to repeat the TWRP flashing process.

III. Installing Evolution X: The ROM Flashing Process

Now that you have TWRP installed, you can proceed with flashing the Evolution X ROM.

1. Wipe Data: Performing a Factory Reset in TWRP

• In TWRP, tap “Wipe.”
• Tap “Format Data” and type “yes” to confirm. This will erase all data from your internal storage.
• Go back to the “Wipe” menu and tap “Advanced Wipe.”
• Select “Dalvik / ART Cache,” “Cache,” “System,” and “Data.” Do not select “Internal Storage” as you have already formatted it.
• Swipe to wipe.

2. Flash the Evolution X ROM:

• Copy the Evolution X ROM .zip file to your phone’s internal storage using a USB cable or ADB push command (if you have trouble with MTP). If your internal storage is not mounted correctly, try rebooting TWRP.
• In TWRP, tap “Install.”
• Select the Evolution X ROM .zip file.
• Swipe to confirm flash.

3. (Optional) Flash Disable DM-Verity ForceEncrypt:

If you downloaded the Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip file, flash it now. This can help prevent bootloops.

4. Reboot System:

After flashing the ROM and the optional DM-Verity disabler, tap “Reboot” and then “System.” The first boot may take a while, so be patient.

IV. Post-Installation: Setting Up and Configuring Evolution X

After the initial boot, you’ll be greeted by the Evolution X setup wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your device.

1. Install Magisk (Optional): Rooting Your Device

• Copy the Magisk APK file to your phone’s internal storage.
• Open a file manager on your phone and install the Magisk APK.
• Open the Magisk app and follow the instructions to complete the installation. It may require a reboot.

2. Addressing Play Integrity Issues:

If you encounter Play Integrity issues (e.g., apps like Google Pay not working), follow these steps:

• Install Universal SafetyNet Fix (or Alternative): If you downloaded the Universal SafetyNet Fix Magisk module (or a similar Play Integrity fix), flash it in Magisk Manager. Go to Modules, tap “Install from storage,” and select the ZIP file. Reboot your phone.
• Clear Google Play Services and Google Play Store Data: Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Services > Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data. Repeat for Google Play Store.
• Re-register your device: After clearing data from play store and google play services, you may have to re-register your device in play store again.
• Check Play Integrity Status: Use an app like YASNAC (Yet Another SafetyNet Attestation Checker) from the Play Store to check your Play Integrity status. You should aim for “Meets basic integrity” and “Meets device integrity” to pass.

3. Updating Evolution X:

Evolution X provides built-in OTA (Over-The-Air) updates. Go to Settings > System > Updater to check for updates and install them. Alternatively, you can manually flash the updated ROM through TWRP, following the same steps as the initial installation.

V. Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Bootloop:

If your phone gets stuck in a bootloop, try the following:

• Wipe Cache and Dalvik Cache in TWRP: Boot into TWRP and wipe the “Cache” and “Dalvik / ART Cache” partitions.
• Re-flash the ROM: If wiping the cache doesn’t work, try re-flashing the Evolution X ROM in TWRP.
• Flash DM-Verity disabler: If you haven’t already, flash the Disable_Dm-Verity_ForceEncrypt.zip file in TWRP.
• Restore a Backup: If you created a backup before flashing, restore it in TWRP.

2. No Wi-Fi or Mobile Data:

• Ensure the ROM is compatible with your device: Double-check that you downloaded the correct ROM for the S20 FE Exynos.
• Flash the correct modem: Sometimes, flashing the correct modem for your region can resolve connectivity issues. Search for the appropriate modem for your device on XDA Developers.
• Check APN settings: Verify that your APN (Access Point Name) settings are configured correctly for your mobile carrier. You can usually find these settings on your carrier’s website.

3. Fingerprint Sensor Not Working:

• Clean the fingerprint sensor: Make sure the fingerprint sensor is clean and dry.
• Re-enroll your fingerprints: Delete your existing fingerprints and re-enroll them in Settings > Security > Fingerprint.
• Flash the correct firmware: Sometimes, the fingerprint sensor requires specific firmware. Research on XDA Developers if a firmware update is needed for your device.

4. Play Integrity Issues Persist:

• Try different Play Integrity fixes: If Universal SafetyNet Fix doesn’t work, explore alternative fixes on XDA Developers.
• Check MagiskHide Props Config: Some fixes require specific MagiskHide Props Config settings. Research the instructions for your chosen fix.
• Ensure your device is not blacklisted: In rare cases, your device might be blacklisted by Google. This is usually due to previous modifications or suspicious activity.

VI. Conclusion: Enjoying Your Enhanced Android Experience

By following this comprehensive guide, you should have successfully installed Evolution X on your Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Exynos. You can now enjoy a cleaner, faster, and more customizable Android experience. Remember to stay updated with the latest Evolution X releases and consult the XDA Developers forum for any issues or questions. This guide is provided for informational purposes only. Modifying your device carries inherent risks, and we are not responsible for any damage that may occur. Always proceed with caution and at your own risk.