LineageOS : Ultimate Guide to Android Custom ROM

At Magisk Module, we are committed to offering Android users the freedom to unleash the full potential of their device. Nothing better embodies that mission than LineageOS, a custom operating system that has been the lifeblood of the Android enthusiast community. We’re here to take you through all the technicals of this great platform, from its history to its use on phones such as the Galaxy A15 5G and Redmi Note 11 Pro. If you are a new user searching for what is LineageOS or an oldie who wants to install it on your Realme 9 Pro Plus, then this guide is for you. Let’s see why millions trust LineageOS to revolutionize their smartphones and tablets.

Our ROM library is your gateway to all custom ROM reporting and we’re thrilled to present you with LineageOS as our top recommendation. Crafted with privacy, performance and reliability as the core focus, it’s no wonder this platform is today’s monarch of the custom Android world. Buckle up as we explore its world in depth.

LineageOS: A Brief Overview

Imagine an Android existence without bloatware, tailored to your requirements and updated years following manufacturers abandoning your phone. That’s LineageOS in a nutshell. Based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), this custom ROM offers a spartan, efficient alternative to manufacturer-branded stock software like that provided by Samsung, Xiaomi or Vivo. What started out as the rebirth of the extremely popular CyanogenMod became a global phenomenon, supporting over 190 devices and is still growing. Basically, LineageOS is all about control: control over your privacy, your interface and the life of your device.

We’ve seen firsthand the difference it makes with how LineageOS brings new life to hardware, whether that cheap phone, such as the Vivo Y21, or even a tablet such as the Onn Tablet. Not about substituting software but a build-from-scratch redo that dives into your control. Curious how it all started or how it’ll be out on your specific device? Keep reading.

LineageOS: The History

To understand LineageOS, we have to go back in time to 2008, when CyanogenMod changed the world. This game-changing custom ROM overlayed newer versions of Android onto older phones, which had been left behind by their developers, and became popular among a cult following. Cyanogen Inc. abandoned support in 2016, leaving its fanatics dangling. Enter LineageOS, a community-fork continuation of CyanogenMod’s codebase. Released in December 24, 2016, it continued where its predecessor had left off with a focus on openness and innovation.

Since then, LineageOS has evolved with each Android release. Today, LineageOS 22.1 runs on Android 15, delivering features like enhanced multitasking and improved security to devices old and new. We’ve watched it grow from a niche project to a powerhouse, supported by a dedicated team of developers who keep it fresh and relevant. For anyone wondering what is LineageOS, it’s this legacy of empowerment that defines it.

LineageOS Standout Features

So, what sets LineageOS apart, you wonder? We may be able to give you a dozen or so reasons, but let’s take a quick look at the top ones that bring people back to it time and time again.

• Privacy Guard: The built-in feature lets you control which applications may access your data, right down to the last byte. Want to prevent an application from seeing your location? Simple.
• Trust Interface: Quick, glanceable security overview of your phone, from encryption to app privileges.parency you just won’t get on standard Android.
• SeedVault: Privacy-mindful backup mechanism saved your stuff to your local storage or server, Google account optional.
• Customization Options: Personalize theme, button remapping or the status bar. LineageOS enables you to do it your way.
• Performance Boost: Stripped of bloat, it runs lean and fast, even on older hardware like the Realme C35.

We’ve tested these features ourselves and they deliver. Whether you’re flashing it on a Redmi Note 11 Pro or an Onn Tablet, the difference is night and day. It’s Android, refined.

Why Choose LineageOS?

At Magisk Module, we’ve seen how LineageOS solves real problems for real people. For one, it extends device lifespans. Manufacturers often drop support after two years, leaving phones vulnerable and outdated. LineageOS steps in with regular updates, keeping your Galaxy A15 5G or Vivo Y21 secure and modern. We’ve heard from users who’ve kept five-year-old devices running like new, all thanks to this ROM.

And then naturally there is the liberty. Stock Android features apps that you cannot remove and settings that you cannot tinker with. LineageOS removes all of that, a tabula rasa affair that you get to shape according to your fancy. Add its privacy-centric approach and it is a no-brainer if you want to be in charge of your tech.

How to Install LineageOS

Ready to try LineageOS? We’ve got your back with a clear, step-by-step process. Installing a custom ROM isn’t as hard as it sounds and with our guidance, you’ll be up and running in no time.

1. Verify Compatibility: Head to the LineageOS download page and check if your device is listed. From the Realme 9 Pro Plus to the Onn Tablet, support is vast.
2. Unlock the Bootloader: Your device’s dependency. Samsung folks will be utilizing Odin, and Xiaomi enthusiasts require Mi Unlock. Refer to your manufacturer’s guidelines.
3. Flash a Custom Recovery: Our preference is TWRP. Download it from twrp.me, boot into fastboot mode and flash using a command like fastboot flash recovery twrp.img.
4. Download Files: Download the LineageOS build for your phone and, optionally, a GApps package from OpenGApps for Google apps.
5. Back Up: Back up photos, contacts, all the things. Flashing wipes your phone.
6. Install: Boot into TWRP, wipe system/data/cache, flash the LineageOS ZIP, then GApps if necessary. Reboot and wait.

It’s an easy process, but be patient so hiccups are not hit.

Galaxy A15 5G LineageOS: A Budget Phone Resurrected

The Galaxy A15 5G is a fantastic value phone, but out-of-box software performance is sluggish. On LineageOS, we’ve discovered it reboots like new. Bloatware is eliminated, battery life gets amazing and you have Android 15 capabilities Samsung will not offer in years to come. Installation is the standard procedure: unlock bootloader using Samsung tool, flash TWRP and install LineageOS from the website. It’s a game-saver for budget shoppers looking for top-shelf performance.

Vivo Y21: Giving New Life to Older Phones

Got a Vivo Y21 gathering dust? We’ve revived ours with LineageOS. This 2021 budget phone, stuck on Android 11, leaps to Android 15 with a fresh install. The process mirrors other devices, though Vivo’s bootloader unlocking can be tricky; check their support site for the unlock code. Once flashed, the Vivo Y21 feels snappy again, proving LineageOS excels at resurrecting older hardware.

Realme C35: A Cleaner, Faster Experience

The Realme C35 ships out of the box with Realme UI, which is too much for some. We swapped it out with LineageOS and could immediately notice the difference: faster app launch, less RAM usage and no system crapware. Realme phones are a little finicky with the requirement to deep unlock first using their own software, but once you’ve done that, TWRP and LineageOS install very well. It’s a quick, light rework for this budget phone.

Realme 9 Pro Plus: Power Meets Customization

For mid-range champs like the Realme 9 Pro Plus, LineageOS unlocks serious potential. We’ve tailored ours with custom themes and kernel tweaks, boosting performance beyond stock limits. The Dimensity 920 chipset shines under LineageOS and the installation is straightforward after unlocking via Realme’s app. It’s a power user’s dream.

Redmi Note 11 Pro: Enhanced Privacy and Speed

Redmi Note 11 Pro is typical, but MIUI from Xiaomi is frustrating. Flashed LineageOS and employed a plain jane UI, longer battery life and Privacy Guard to limit app use. Bootloader unlock from Xiaomi will be undertaken in seven days (apply on their site), but worth the hassle. This phone shines on its own with LineageOS.

Onn Tablet: Tipping over Budget Tablets to Become Titans

Even Walmart’s Onn Tablet gets the LineageOS treatment. We’ve turned ours into a media and productivity beast, free from bloat and updated to Android 15. Check the LineageOS wiki for support status, as tablet builds vary. Installation matches phones: unlock, TWRP, flash. It’s a budget device with premium potential.

LineageOS T217S: Supporting Legacy Hardware

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 (T217S) is ancient by tech standards, but LineageOS keeps it alive. We’ve seen community builds bring Android 10 or later to this 2013 tablet, far beyond its stock Android 4.4. Support isn’t official, so dig into XDA forums for builds and guides. It’s a testament to LineageOS longevity.

Drop MMS: Messaging Made Simple

Worried about losing MMS? We’ve tested messaging on LineageOS and it works fine with the stock app or alternatives like QKSMS. Some carriers need manual APN tweaks (Settings > Network > APNs), but that’s rare. Your texts and pics are safe.

How to Enable Android Developer Settings

Hunger for power? We provide developer settings in LineageOS just as stock does too: Settings > About Phone > tap Build Number seven times. It reveals things like USB debugging, a handy tool to flash or twerk. Simple, but powerful.

**Lineage 2: A Note on Naming

Impressed with Lineage 2? Not me, an old MMORPG. We care about LineageOS, Android ROM. No quest or sword needed, but plain software bliss.

Boot Knife: Boot Troubleshooting

Dumbstruck in the boot? We call this a “boot knife” issue. Flash dalvik/cached clean via TWRP, reflash or check ZIP file integrity. Sites like XDA or our repository of ROMs can have fixes for stubborn devices.

LineageOS and Privacy

We are respectful of privacy at Magisk Module. LineageOS certainly is without strings attached to Google by default. Block the trackers with Privacy Guard or pair up with MicroG to get Google app functionality without the data vacuum. Your device, your way.

Pairing LineageOS With Magisk

We love Magisk here and it’s a perfect match for LineageOS. Flash it via TWRP after your ROM and you’ll unlock root, systemless mods and SafetyNet bypasses. Our Magisk Module site has the latest builds and modules to supercharge your setup.

The Future of LineageOS

We’re excited to see what the future holds. LineageOS 23 (Android 16) is in progress with improved speed and new stuff in the pipe. The devs are holding with easy installs and more supported devices, adding this ROM to the map. Visit our ROM collection.

Why We Stand By LineageOS

At Magisk Module, we’ve flashed countless ROMs, but LineageOS remains our top pick. It’s reliable, versatile and community-backed, turning devices from the Galaxy A15 5G to the Realme C35 into something extraordinary. Whether you’re after speed, privacy or just a fresh start, it delivers. Grab a build from our ROM collection and see for yourself. Your device deserves this.