Step by Step Guide on How to Install Cyanogen Mod ROM on your Nexus One!
In this guide, we will show you step-by-step on how to install cyanogen mod ROM on your Nexus One with detailed pictures and whatnot. The reason we made this guide is for those of new total newbies who don’t know a thing about Android operating systems but want to really upgrade you Nexus One to Cyanogen Mod ROM.
Cyanogen Mod ROM is basically a modded Android operating system that will enhance many features of your Nexus One phone including better reception, faster UI, ability of overclock the Nexus One, custom keyboards, USB/WiFi tethering, and a whole lot more. Plus, with the Cyanogen Mod ROM, you are no longer limited to just the apps in the Android App Market, you can also install any Android app files ending with .apk.
Of course, installing Cyanogen’s ROM will void your warranty and if you don’t feel comfortable about it, you should stop here.
Are there chances of bricking my Nexus One?
Just make sure you have enough battery power while doing any of these steps and most likely it’s going to hard to brick your phone in my opinion. But, I won’t be responsible if you somehow brick your Nexus One bud.
Will I lose my automatic Nexus One updates?
Yes, you will lose automatic Nexus One updates but once you learn how to flash new ROMs to your Nexus One plus Cyanogen Mod is updated fairly quickly/quicker than stock Nexus One so it shouldn’t be a big deal.
Cyanogen Mod is based on the regular Nexus One stock updates so you do get all the new features whenever it’s updated. You will have to manually update the ROMs but like I said, it’s really easy to do once you go through it once.
Plus, you will have ability to backup your older Nexus One system so you can revert to older Nexus One versions if you wanted to using Nandroid.
Step 1. – Unlock the Bootloader on Your Nexus One
First, you will need to unlock the bootloader on your Nexus One unless you see an unlocked symbol at boot-up. Nexus One phones you buy with mobile services such as T-Mobile will be locked so you need to unlock it first. But don’t worry, it’s not too hard, just follow our step-by-step guide on ow to unlock the bootloader on the Nexus One.
Step 2. Flash the Recovery Image
Once you have unlocked your Nexus One, the rest should be pretty easy.
Get your phone back into Bootloader mode (like shown below) by turning the phone off then pressing the power button while holding down the trackball button and connect it to your computer via USB cable.
Then, we will flash the recovery image called recovery-RA-nexus-v1.6.2.img, which you can download here. Check for the latest version here.
Copy the recovery image file you just downloaded and put in in the SDK tools folder. (where you unzipped your SDK such as C:\Users\max\Downloads\android-sdk_r04-windows\android-sdk-windows\tools. in Windows 7.) (The directory is basically where you unzipped the Android SDK file earlier in Step 1. (when you unlocked the Nexus One)
Open up a command prompt on your Windows computer (or unix prompt for Mac/Linux) and browse to your SDK tools folder where you just copied the recovery image file to.
Once you are in the tools directory, simply type the following command:
fastboot flash recovery recovery-RA-nexus-v1.6.2.img
You should verify and see the message that the recovery image has been successfully installed as shown below:
*NOTE: The above step should take like 2 seconds, if the command “hangs” for more than 10 seconds saying it’s “waiting” for connection, you probably might have to make sure your Nexus One is connected properly to your computer via USB cable and USB drivers are working correctly.
Step 3 Flash the Cyanogen Mod
a. Download the latest CyanogenMod here(update-cm-5.0.4.1-N1-signed.zip). (You can check this forum post for the latest version too.)
b. Download the latest Google Add-on(gapps-passion-ERE36B-2-signed.zip) which includes default Google Apps, you need to install this separately for legal reasons.
c. Copy both of these files in the Nexus One’s SD card’s root folder (that’s the home folder or /).
For those of you who don’t know how to access the SD card, it’s simple. Reboot your Nexus One phone into normal mode, connect it to your computer via USB cable. You should see a USB symbol at the top left of your Nexus One. Simply drag it down and choose “Mount”. Now you should be able to access the SD card from your computer. Also, if you can’t get to it for some reason, you can take the micro-SD card out of the back of Nexus One and insert it into a micro-SD reading device too.
d. Get your phone back into bootloader mode again like in Step 2.
(Bootloader should be highlighted in Blue) Hit the power button.
Now you should see a screen like below:
Wait like 5 seconds and you should be able to use your volume up/down buttons to highlight “Recovery” then press the Power Button.
e. Now you should be in recovery mode like this:
f. (Optional) This is optional but this is how you backup a whole OS image by using Nandroid. Nandroid will backup the exact config/image of your current OS. Just try this step for later on when you are going to install other ROMs or updated Cyanogen ROMs. By backuping up using Nandroid, you can potentially bring back a bricked Nexus One in just minutes.
Choose “Backup/Restore” using your trackball and press on the trackball to choose it.
Next, choose “Nand Backup”. *Note: You can always restore by coming back to this menu and choosing “Nand Restore”.
Next, press on the trackball once more and it should start backing up your current Android OS (factory default if you are install Cyanogen ROM for the first time.)
g. Once you are done backing up (which takes like 30 seconds), you are ready to flash the Cyanogen Mod ROM!
Press on the Volume down button to go back to the main menu.
Once back in the main menu of the Android system recovery, choose “Wipe” like shown above and press on the trackball.
Next, choose “Wipe data/factory reset” to wipe your OS.
Once wipe is complete, you are almost done!
Press on the Volume down button to go back to the main System Recovery menu.
Choose “Flash zip from sdcard”.
Choose the “update-cm-5.0.4.1-N1-signed.zip” (or the latest Cyanogen zip file you copied to your SD card) and hit the trackball. Hit it once more to install.
Once that’s installed (which should take like a minute), choose the Google Add-on zip file gapps-passion-ERE36B-2-signed.zip.
Once that’s done, simply reboot your phone and you should see a “cyan” animated splash like this:
Woo Hoo! You finally did it! Pat yourself on the back because now you know how to install new ROMs to your NexusOne.
Of course, make sure your phone boots up, if it does, your Nexus One should be reset to factory so you have to enter your Google account info again.
Errors?
Cyanogen stuck on splash screen nexus one?
If your screen hangs on the splash screen for more than 2 minutes, something went wrong. You either forgot to WIPE your phone but it’s okay, simply repeat from step g.
Cyanogen booting but no network signals?
Also if you are having trouble getting network signal, you might be on a super old Android 2.1 so you might want to try flashing the Radio image too. (I didn’t have to flash the radio image and most of you shouldn’t have to but if you have trouble, flash the radio image by following the guide below then repeat from step g.
How to Flash the Radio Image!
Flash image can be downloaded here. (or see Cyanogen Mod Forum here for the latest version)
Copy the radio image file to SDK Tools folder like how you did with the recovery image earlier.
Then flash it by the command:
fastboot flash radio ./fastboot flash radio Radio_20100203_2_Signed_PASSION.img
Nexus One Cyanogen Mod Videos
Here’s a walk-through video after you have flashed the recovery image and copied over the zip files to the SD card: (after step 3d)
Here’s a video overview of the new Cyanogen mod on my Nexus One:
Credits/Resources
Without these resources, I wouldn’t have been able to update my Nexus One with such cool features, thanks to Cyanogen a bunch for making it happen!
CyanogenMod Forum plus Cyanogen Mod/Files
March 10th, 2010 at 1:28 am
[...] About RSS Follow us on Twitter « Nexus One Used as G-Force Meter for Centrifuge! Step by Step Guide on How to Install Cyanogen Mod ROM on your Nexus One! [...]
March 10th, 2010 at 7:14 am
[...] I’ve got the whole step-by-step directions on how to install the Cyanogen Mod to your Nexus One. I made my HOWTO guide because I felt the guides out there are lacking for people who just started [...]
March 10th, 2010 at 7:16 am
[...] Home About RSS Follow us on Twitter « Step by Step Guide on How to Install Cyanogen Mod ROM on your Nexus One! [...]
March 10th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
[...] For those of you who want to know how to back up your Nexus One ROMs, read Step 2 through 3f on the guide on how to install Cyanogen ROM on your Nexus One. [...]
March 10th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
[...] For those of you who haven’t unlocked your phone and rooted, you will need to follow the Step 1 thru Step 3f on my guide on how to install Cyanogen Mod on your Nexus One. [...]
March 11th, 2010 at 12:54 am
[...] the web for the best set of instructions for installing cyanogenmod. Here are my two favorites: Step by Step Guide on How to Install Cyanogen Mod ROM on your Nexus One! | Nexus One Hacks Blog Full Update Guide – Nexus One Firmware to CyanogenMod – CyanogenMod Wiki Have any of you tried [...]
March 22nd, 2010 at 12:19 am
[...] I know how to Google too, just found this Step by Step Guide on How to Install Cyanogen Mod ROM on your Nexus One! | Nexus One Hacks Blog Pretty neat, with pictures & all [...]
March 22nd, 2010 at 1:26 am
[...] About RSS Unlock Nexus One Cyanogen ROM HTC Desire ROM WiFi Tether Restore Follow us on Twitter « Nexus One Trademark Taken [...]
March 23rd, 2010 at 7:04 am
[...] About RSS Unlock Nexus One Cyanogen ROM HTC Desire ROM WiFi Tether Restore Follow us on Twitter « Android Hack – How to [...]
March 24th, 2010 at 2:14 am
Can u do a guide on the unlocked Nexus one?
[Reply]
March 24th, 2010 at 4:34 am
[...] Try this instruction here: Step by Step Guide on How to Install Cyanogen Mod ROM on your Nexus One! | Nexus One Hacks Blog [...]
April 5th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Would be great if you updated this video to show how to install cyanogen mod INCLUDING the option to save your apps to the SD card. How do you format SD card appropriately? Other steps?
[Reply]
April 6th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
Step missing at step 3d:
You have to highlight and hit power on “bootloader” in order to see the “hboot” menu options (fastboot, recovery, clear storage, simlock).
If you don’t, all you see is the “fastboot” menu options (bootloader, reboot, reboot bootloader, power down).
[Reply]
April 18th, 2010 at 6:04 pm
Great guide. Thank you. I have now been able to play with the Sense UI and the cyanogen rom
[Reply]
April 27th, 2010 at 10:24 am
[...] install CyanogenMode, its customized ROM “OS” that have some extra futures, i used 5.0.6 click here to see what it have the original ROM dont, + donload Google app, i did that by following these instructions. HOW! [...]
April 27th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Do I have to keep my phone plugged in via USB for the entire process?
[Reply]
April 30th, 2010 at 2:56 am
If your phone is already unlocked, do you have to still install fastboot or
superboot to flash the recovery image?
Thanks for any help..and for the guide
[Reply]
May 3rd, 2010 at 1:58 am
By doing this will i lose all my contacts and things i have saved on the phone?
[Reply]
Nexus One Hacks Reply:
May 4th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
Well, not if you use Google for your contacts, then it will be store on Google’s cloud. But other stuff you will lose, but you can also use a backup app for that.
[Reply]
May 5th, 2010 at 4:23 am
[...] I had a Mac specific site but can't seen to find the link, but I found the 2 links below pretty useful. The first is on this site. Doesn't give Mac specific instruction but steps are basically the same. Some flash the radio some don't. I guess it really depends if you hare having signal related issues. I didn't flash the radio at first but decided to since I have poor T-mobile reception in my home. Seemed to help a little, no full bars but a little better. The whole process isn't too hard just be careful with typo's and syntax on the command line..slowed me down not being careful. N1 Guide to Rooting & Flashing Cyanogen Step by Step Guide on How to Install Cyanogen Mod ROM on your Nexus One! | Nexus One Hacks Blog [...]
May 14th, 2010 at 5:00 am
It works for the at&t version?? i need to update the radio or something??
[Reply]
June 9th, 2010 at 5:20 pm
[...] About RSS Unlock Nexus One Cyanogen ROM HTC Desire ROM WiFi Tether Restore Follow us on Twitter « How to Make your Nexus One [...]
June 10th, 2010 at 11:45 am
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June 13th, 2010 at 11:43 pm
a blue screen comes up on mine with less options in recovery
[Reply]
June 16th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
i get the triangle exclamation point sign at recovery mode
[Reply]
June 21st, 2010 at 5:03 am
Hi herbie, you have to root the phone before you flash the recovery image.
I have same the problem but now is fixed. try search ‘Rooting with Superboot’
[Reply]
June 22nd, 2010 at 7:44 pm
hey when i open command prompt then type in “fastboot flash recovery recovery-RA-nexus-v1.6.2.img” it says that ‘fastboot’ is not recognizable as an external or internal command, operable program or batch file ????? please help ty
[Reply]
July 7th, 2010 at 11:33 pm
hey when i open command prompt then type in “fastboot flash recovery recovery-RA-nexus-v1.6.2.img” it says that ‘fastboot’ is not recognizable as an external or internal command, operable program or batch file ????? please help ty
[Reply]
mike Reply:
July 18th, 2010 at 2:27 am
abigail: if youve downloaded the latest file, change the extension to
fastboot flash recovery recovery-RA-nexus-v1.7.0.1.img
[Reply]
July 22nd, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Followed your guide and finally got cynogenmod working!
Only problem I had was it always goes back to stock recovery and I have to reflash it to go back to cyanogen recovery.
[Reply]
July 28th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
i´m tired looking for someone that explain how to easily recover your installed apps when changing rom´s, but it seems nobody thinks this is important…. it´s very important!! is a “must have” explanation of how to do that, please somebody help me!
[Reply]
July 29th, 2010 at 6:56 pm
you are a life saver………..wow worked great……..thank you thank you !!!!
[Reply]
August 2nd, 2010 at 12:54 am
ok mike i’ll try to download the latest ver. i still dont have the cyaanoigen and its been like 2 months.. im still tryin to figure things out thx
[Reply]
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:20 am
ah it still doesnt work -.- *loses hope* *sigh*
[Reply]
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:29 am
stuck in step 2
so complicated
[Reply]
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:31 am
congratulations for those who succeed lucky really lucky this is so hard T_T
[Reply]
August 2nd, 2010 at 1:32 am
i feel like crying its been 2 months but still -.-
[Reply]
August 11th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
[...] Step by Step Guide on How to Install Cyanogen Mod ROM on your Nexus One! | Nexus One Hacks Blog Would you guys say this is a pretty accurate guide? I don't understand the whole getting nandroid, clockword, mod manager or whatever. Which is which, which one I should use. Titanium. Do I need them all? No guide explains the process of getting those and doing what with them… [...]
August 12th, 2010 at 1:47 am
Thankyou, this helped when flashing my Leofroyo 1.2 Nexus One to LeoFroYo 2.0.0
[Reply]
August 17th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
[...] [...]