Install Android 7.1.2 Nougat on Galaxy S3 Mini I8190/N/L with LineageOS 14.1

Galaxy S3 Mini owners can update their very old phone to the most recent version of Android. We are talking about the Android 7.1.2 Nougat. In case you are wondering how come your years’ old phone can enjoy this latest version of Android, then we would like to tell you about the goodness of the LineageOS ROM. The LineageOS is the former CyanogenMod custom ROM. It has been adding life to the devices which have been completely forgotten by their manufacturers. The latest version of LineageOS, the LineageOS 14.1 is based on the aftermarket Android 7.1.2 Nougat. Using this firmware, you can enjoy every single goodie of the Android Nougat on your Galaxy S3 Mini.

The Galaxy S3 Mini was released in the year 2012 after the Galaxy S3. This was a low-end smartphone targetting the users with a low-budget. Galaxy S3 Mini has a 4.0-inch display having 480P resolution. A 5 MP camera is placed at the back while a VGA shooter is there on the front. Galaxy S3 Mini has a 1 GB RAM with 8 GB internal storage. This phone ran on Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean out of the box. Samsung never released another update for this phone. Since then, the phone has been getting custom ROMs only. The only way to enjoy a higher version of Android on your Galaxy S3 Mini is by picking up a nice and stable custom ROM.

The Android 7.1.2 Nougat LineageOS 14.1 Custom ROM for the Galaxy S3 Mini is very stable. It can be easily kept as your daily driver as it doesn’t contain any annoying bugs that will bring down the performance of your phone. LineageOS 14.1 for the Galaxy S3 Mini is in the fully working state. It’s a purely stable ROM with almost all the main features working. It has got the phone, SMS and mobile data working. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Audio, Video, Camera, Sensors, GPS, ADB and all other such features that you need in your day-to-day life are in an absolutely working state. This ROM runs on Galaxy S3 Mini GT-I8190, I8190N and also the I8190L variant.

If you have made your mind to update your Galaxy S3 Mini to Android 7.1.2 Nougat, then let’s go through the tutorial to install it on I8190, I8190N and I8190L.

Early Preparations

1. This ROM is only for Samsung Galaxy S3 Mini GT-I8190/N/L. Do not try this on any other device, please check your device’s model in Settings > About Device > Model.
2. Your device must have a custom recovery installed, in case you’re missing it you may Follow our full guide here to install TWRP 2.8 recovery on your Mini S3.
3. Your device’s battery should be charged at least over 60%. This is highly recommended in order to prevent any power issues during the flashing process.
4. Make sure that you backup your important media content, Contacts, Call Logs & Messages. This is highly recommended just in case something goes wrong and you need to reset your phone.
5. If you already have rooted your device, use Titanium Backup to back up all your important apps + system data.
6. Also if you are using a custom recovery, it is recommended that you backup your current system using that first. [Just for the sake of safety]. Here’s our full Nandroid Backup guide.
7. You will have to go through Data Wipes during installation of this ROM, so make sure that you have backed up all the mentioned data.
8. Make an EFS backup of your phone before you flash this ROM.
9. You need enough confidence to flash this ROM.
10. Alright! Go ahead and flash the custom firmware, follow this guide to the letter.

Disclaimer: The methods involved in flashing custom roms and rooting your phone are highly custom and may result in bricking your device, and has nothing to do with Google or the device manufacturer that is SAMSUNG in our case. Also rooting your device will void its warranty and you will be no longer eligible for any kind of free device services by the manufacturers/warranty providers. In case of any mishap we may not be held responsible. Follow these instructions to the letter to avoid any mishap or bricking. Make sure that whatever you do, you are doing it at your own responsibility.

How To Install Android 7.1.2 Nougat on Galaxy S3 Mini using LineageOS 14.1 Custom ROM

1. Download los14.1_golden.nova.20170920.ODIN_TWRP.zip file.
2. Download Gapps.zip file for Android Nougat.
3. Connect your phone to your PC now.
4. Copy the both the .zip files to the storage of your phone.
5. Now disconnect your phone and turn it off completely.
6. Boot into TWRP recovery now, in order to do so, turn it on by pressing and holding Volume Up + Home Button + Power Key. You should see the recovery mode in a while.
7. Now in TWRP recovery, tap wipe > advanced wipe > select cache, dalvik cache, data and internal storage > wipe all these.
8. After wiping all these three, select “Install” option.
9. Now select “Install > Locate LineageOS 14.1 Custom ROM file > Select los14.1_goldent.nova…….0920.zip file > Yes”.
10. This will flash the ROM on your phone, once done get back to the main menu in recovery.
11. Now once again select “Install > Locate Gapps.zip file > Select Gapps.zip file > Yes”
12. This will flash the Gapps on your phone.
13. Reboot your device.
14. You should see the Android 7.1.2 Nougat running on your device in a while.
15. That’s all!

First boot may take up to 10 minutes, you may not worry if it’s taking that much longer. In case it’s taking too long, you may boot into TWRP recovery and wipe cache and Dalvik cache and reboot your device as it may fix the issue. In case your device is having issues, you may return to your old system using the Nandroid backup or follow our guide here to install stock firmware.

Got any queries? Reach us out through the comment box below.

Credits: Novafusion.pl