The Galaxy Nexus, which has been enjoying a constant stream of custom Jelly Bean based ROMs for it, has received yet another custom ROM. Codename Android, a custom ROM similar to the likes of AOKP or CM10 but with its own special customization features and fast and smooth performance, is out for the Galaxy Nexus, based on Android 4.1.

Everything works properly in the ROM (which is to be expected since this is a Nexus device we’re talking about), so go ahead and try it out on your Galaxy Nexus by following the guide below (seasoned users can download and install directly of course).

Also try out MIUI ROM → here, CM10 → here, or AOKP ROM → here for the Galaxy Nexus. Sprint Galaxy Nexus

Compatibility

This ROM and the guide below are compatible only and only with the international GSM Galaxy Nexus, model number i9250. It’s not compatible with Verizon/Sprint variants or any other device. Check your device model in Settings » About phone.

Warning!

The methods and procedures discussed here are considered risky and you should not attempt anything if you don’t know completely what it is. If any damage occurs to your device, we won’t be held liable.

How to Install Codename Android ROM on the Galaxy Nexus

  1. This procedure will wipe all your apps, data and settings. Backup your Apps and important data — bookmarks, contacts, SMS, APNs (internet settings), etc. This Android backup guide would help you.
    NOTE: Don’t forget to at least make a backup of your APN settings, which you can restore later if your data connection does not work after installing the ROM. Use the backup guide to find out how.
  2. Unlock the bootloader on your Galaxy Nexus by following the guide → here. This will erase all your data, including the data on the SD card, so back everything up first (see step 1).
  3. [Important!] Install TWRP recovery on your Nexus by following the guide → here. Make sure to flash the GSM version of recovery. You need recovery to be able to install the ROM and can also use ClockworkMod recovery instead of TWRP.
  4. Download the latest version of the ROM from the development page.
  5. Download the Google Apps package. This will install apps like Play Store, Gmail, etc. which are not present in the ROM by default.
    Download Gapps  |  Alternate Link  |  Filename: gapps-jb-20120726-signed.zip  
  6. Copy the two files downloaded in step 4 and 5 to the phone (DO NOT extract the files).
  7. Turn off the phone and boot into TWRP/CWM recovery. To do this, press and hold the Volume Up + Volume Down + Power buttons together till the screen turns on. Then, scroll to the Recovery mode option using the volume buttons, then select it using the Power button to restart in recovery.
  8. Now, tap on Backup, then slide the blue circle button at the bottom to the right to start backing up your current ROM, so that you can restore it later if something does not work out with the new ROM. After backup is complete, go back to the main menu by clicking the home button at the bottom left of the screen.
  9. Select Wipe, then select Factory Reset and then confirm the data wipe. This will not wipe your internal SD card’s contents, so do not worry. Then, go back to the main menu by clicking the home button after wipe is complete.
  10. Select Install, then browse and select the ROM file you downloaded in step 4 above. Confirm installation to flash it.
  11. After installation of ROM is complete, repeat step 10, but this time select the gapps-jb-20120726-signed.zip to flash the Google apps package. Confirm again so that gapps are flashed.
  12. After installation is complete, select the Reboot system button to reboot the phone and boot up into Codename Android ROM. First boot will take up to 5-7 minutes.
    NOTE: Returning to Previous ROM. In case you want to go back to your previous ROM, boot into recovery, select Restore, then restore your previous ROM by selecting it from the list.

Codename Android ROM based on Jelly Bean Android 4.1 is now installed and running on your Galaxy Nexus. Visit the development page for more info and to get the latest updates on the ROM. Share your thoughts on the ROM in the comments.