Custom ROM

Android

In Android, installing custom firmware, colloquially known as installing a custom ROM or Android ROM, is the practice of replacing the system partition of the Android operating system, usually mounted as read-only, with a modified version of Android, also known as "flashing a ROM". The procedure requires unlocking the bootloader, which in the past was generally not supported by device manufacturers, typically requiring some expertise in exploiting vulnerabilities in the operating system. However, since about 2015 several manufacturers, including Motorola, OnePlus, GoogleXiaomi, and Sony support unlocking the bootloader (except on models that are locked by some carriers). This bypasses secure boot, without the need for exploits. The custom ROMs installed may include different features, require less power, or offer other benefits to the user; devices no longer receiving official Android version updates can continue to be updated. However, not all features of a phone may be properly supported by some custom ROMs.