Before Xiaomi could release the Android 7.1 Nougat based MIUI update, most famous custom ROM developer CyanogenMod already released the Android v7.1 CM 14.1 series firmware to the older flagships Xiaomi Mi 3W and Xiaomi Mi 4 series smartphones.
However, it is reported that the Xiaomi Mi 3W and Xiaomi Mi 4 smartphones won't get the Android 7.0 Nougat update and with the work of Custom ROM developers CyanogenMod; users can avail Official nightlies of CM14.1 Android 7.1 Nougat for Xiaomi Mi 3W and Xiaomi Mi 4 at CyanogenMod's official ordnance.
According to the International Business Times, detailed procedure to bring-in the Android v7.1 CM 14.1 series firmware into Xiaomi Mi 3W and Xiaomi Mi 4 smartphones is reported as follows:
Files to download prior to proceeding
- Xiaomi Mi 4 /M i3W CyanogenMod [official] Android 7.0 Nougat CM 14.1 custom ROM
- CyanogenMod Recovery
- Google Apps
- USB Driver
Pre-cautions to be carried out prior to proceeding of Custom ROM installation
- This new CyanogenMod [official] Android 7.1 Nougat CM 14.1 custom ROM has to be installed on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801/800-powered Xiaomi Mi 4 or Xiaomi Mi 3W models only; if tried on other devices, it might get bricked. [To check the device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number]
- The device shall be rooted before going forward for custom ROM installation.
- Backup all the device data by installing TWRP in the smartphone.
- Ensure the installation of USB drivers on the PC, in-order that Xiaomi Mi 3W or Xiaomi Mi 4 to be recognized by the computer.
- Ensure the device has 80 percent battery. If not, there are chances of device getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted mid-way.
- If found with 'force close', Go to Settings >> Setupwizard >> Give permission
- An important caution is that the though installation of custom ROM improves the devices performance and UI experiences, it makes the company warranty void and Xiaomi Mi 3W or Xiaomi Mi 4 will no longer be liable to provide updates in future. [An option of restoring warranty of the device can be done by flashing the device with stock-ROM].
Installation procedure of CyanogenMod [official] Android 7.1 Nougat CM 14.1 custom ROM on Xiaomi Mi 4 or Xiaomi Mi 3W.
- After downloading CyanogenMod [official] Android 7.1 Nougat CM 14.1 custom ROM and Google Apps in to the PC, connect Xiaomi Mi 4 or Xiaomi Mi 3W to the computer via USB cord.
- Place Android 7.1 Nougat zip file and Google Apps into the phone's SD card memory. [Users are advised to paste the .zip file in SD card root, not in any other folder.
- Note: Before installing the custom software, be sure that the device must have been rooted and has installed ClockworkMod Recovery tool.
- Turn off the device and disconnect from the PC.
- Perform the regular Recovery Mode sortie by press holding 'Volume (up)'and 'Power' buttons.
- After entering the RECOVERY mode, clear the phone memory, by choosing 'wipe data/factory reset' option.
- Note: Use 'Volume' keys to navigate and 'Power' button to select options, while operating under Recovery Mode.
- Clear the cache memory by selecting 'wipe cache partition'
- Come back to ClockworkMod recovery, and select 'advanced' and tap 'wipe dalvik cache' [Note: This step is optional, but many recommend this procedure so that user will not face boot loops or any other errors in the middle of custom ROM installation]
- Return to main recovery screen and then tap 'install zip from SD card'
- Tap 'choose zip from sdcard' and go to Android 7.1 Nougat ROM .zip file in SD card and enter the installation process. Repeat the same procedure to install Google Apps.
- Note: use 'Volume' keys to navigate and 'Power' button to select options.
- Once done with the installation process, navigate to '+++++Go Back+++++' and re-start the device by opting 'reboot system now' seen in the recovery menu.
- Now, your device (Xiaomi Mi 3W/ Mi 4W) will take at a few minutes to complete the booting process.
- Users then head to Settings >> select About phone to confirm the installation of CyanogenMod [official] Android 7.0 Nougat CM 14.1 custom ROM.
According to The eCake, CyanogenMod CM 14.1 Android 7.1 Nougat has features like the night mode for reading, multi-window options, bundled notification, improved battery optimisation, performance tweaks, also CM themes, exclusive multi-utility apps, shortcuts and numerous other value-added features to enhance users' experience.
