How to Install Custom ROM on OnePlus Nord CE 5G [GSI build]

OnePlus launched their new device called OnePlus Nord CE 5G which is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G SoC. The device features a triple rear camera setup at the back with a 64 MP main sensor and on the front, it has a 16 MP Sony IMX471 selfie camera.

Well, If you are here, then you may probably want to install the Custom ROM on OnePlus Nord CE 5G. As you read our title, yes we can guide you on installing the latest custom ROM on OnePlus Nord CE 5G based on GSI build.

When you buy a new phone, it comes with so-called stock ROM or stock firmware which basically means a pre-installed operating system. This ROM usually comes with some limited functionality defined by the OEM (phone manufacturer). Whereas a custom ROM is developed by using AOSP also known as Android Open Source Project. Yes, we all know that Android is open-source and therefore any developer can edit the code, or recompile it according to his or her need. You can read our complete article to understand the difference between Custom ROM and Stock ROM.

What is GSI Stands for?

GSI stands for Generic system image which is an Android System image that can be used to replace the current installed Android version with a new one. It is a pure Android with an unmodified Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code. With Android 8.1, Google introduced the project treble support for many devices and now with Android 9.0 Pie, Google finally added the API level 28 to support Generic System Images to all app developers to install and run the latest Android GSIs on a variety of existing Android devices. To know more: Read here

How to Install Custom ROM on OnePlus Nord CE 5G

To install, as we said, you need to unlock the bootloader and must have a TWRP (to install via a device) or a PC (to install via Fastboot). Yes, there are two methods to install the custom ROM GSI on OnePlus Nord CE 5G.

Disclaimer

AOSP GSIs which is still marked as a pre-release. Even on a device that runs Pie GSIs nicely, it’s still possible to get broken media, camera, RIL, or even flat-out no-boot. You are strongly advised to try PHH’s original and then identify/report issues there, before moving onto other GSIs that is based on his work. Please report bugs on the same thread related to the ROM.

We’re at GetDroidTips won’t be responsible for any kind of damage or error that occurs to your handset while or after following this guide. This is a Custom ROM and may contain some of the bugs or stability issues. We can’t recommend you to use this firmware as your daily driver. Proceed at your own risk.

Pre-Requirements:

This guide is for OnePlus Nord CE 5G.
You will require to unlock the device bootloader at first
ARM, ARM64, or x86: Check your Android Phone’s Processor
Treble Support: Check If Your Smartphone Supports Project Treble
Download the required file and Supported the GApps file from below.
Keep your device battery charged up to 60% at least for a smoother process.
Take a complete backup of your device data without Root. In case anything goes wrong, you can easily restore all the data.
Download and install Realme USB Drivers
For adb method: Download ADB and Fastboot tool
For TWRP Method: Download and Install TWRP Recovery on OnePlus Nord CE 5G

Note:

A only arm32 – arm avN
A only arm64 – arm64 avN
A/B arm64 – arm64 bvN
A/B arm32 – arm bvN

Download Links:

AOSP Quack Phh-Treble: Download
LineageOS 18.1 Download – If broken link, check official forum

Install via TWRP Recovery:

To install via TWRP, you need to factory reset your device using TWRP
Go into the Wipe option and Swipe to Factory Reset.
Transfer the GSI build to your OnePlus Nord CE 5G using a USB Cable.
Once you have moved, you can remove your USB cable.
In your TWRP, tap on the install button –> Change type to Install Image and find the GSI you have moved in the 3rd step.
Confirm the flash by choosing the system partition
Once it is done, you can reboot your device and wait for a few minutes to boot up.

Flash via Fastboot

Download https://dl.google.com/developers/android/qt/images/gsi/vbmeta.img
First, do the factory reset on OnePlus Nord CE 5G. There are two methods to do it, follow anyone.
- Factory Reset When Powered On: To install without TWRP, you have to factory reset using your Umdigi A7 Pro factory reset option.
- Factory Reset via Stock Recovery: Reboot your OnePlus Nord CE 5G into stock recovery using a button combination or ADB command.
```
adb reboot recovery
```
- In your Stock Recovery, navigate using the Volume UP and DOWN button.
Make sure to extract the downloaded GSI build.
After resetting the factory ROM, you can now boot your device into bootloader mode using the adb command adb reboot bootloader.
Now open the extracted folder of GSI build, there, now open the command prompt window by holding the SHIFT KEY and Right Mouse click.

In your command window, enter the command

fastboot --disable-verity --disable-verification flash vbmeta vbmeta.img

Now reboot back to fastboot by the following command:
```
fastboot reboot fastboot
```
To flash the system image, enter a command in the following format:
```
fastboot flash system system-roar-arm64-ab-gapps.img
```
Once it is done. Now you can formate data and reboot
if stuck in bootloop then again reboot to fastbootd and wipe data and reboot

Once you are booted, you can do the following:

Go to Settings -----> Phh Treble Settings

For Volte :- IMS settings ----> Install IMS APK , Enable IMS network & Force the presence of 4g Calling

Go to Misc Features

For wired headsets to work in 3.5 mm jack enable Use alternate way to detect headphones

In display - Force FPS to 120

In Backlight - enable Force alternative backlight scale"

In Camera - enable Expose Aux cameras to enable all 3 rear camera sensors

In Others - enable force-disable A2DP offload.

We hope that this guide is helpful to you and you have successfully installed the Custom ROM on your OnePlus Nord CE 5G handset easily. If in case anything goes wrong or if you have any queries, feel free to ask in the comments below.

Credits to all the developer from XDA forum and 4PDA forum

Did you know?

You can always revert back to Stock ROM by flashing OnePlus Nord CE 5G Firmware Flash File.