Follow the Recovery, Sideload and First-Boot Flow
Understand the common installation sequence without assuming that every device uses the same recovery or commands.
Understand the common installation sequence without assuming that every device uses the same recovery or commands.
Typical sequence
Update to the required stock firmware, verify backups, unlock the bootloader, boot or flash the exact recovery/boot image named by the ROM guide, format or wipe only the listed partitions, then install the ROM package.
Many projects use `adb sideload package.zip`; others use fastbootd, a web installer, a vendor flashing mode or a project-specific installer.
First boot
The first boot can take longer than a normal reboot. Do not interrupt it unless the project documents a maximum time or recovery action.
Complete basic validation before restoring all apps. Install a few critical apps first so failures are easier to isolate.
Never improvise partition commands
Do not erase, format or flash a partition because a generic tutorial mentioned it. The correct partition set changes across Android generations and devices.
Unlocking and flashing can erase data, weaken device security, disable protected services or make a phone unbootable. Use only your own device, exact model-specific instructions and a tested stock restore path.