Official Android 5.1 update for HTC One M7 — the first of One series of the company — will take time, but if the M7 users want it now, they can. Thanks to CM 12.1 custom ROM, M7’ers can grab the Android 5.1 update right away, to get the stock Android UI and all cool features of 5.1 update, plus the amazing set of options that comes with CM12.1.

What about official update release?

Well, we expect HTC to update the One M7 by the end of May, or early June. Not earlier than that. It took HTC good deal of time to come with an Android 5.0 Lollipop, so don’t expect the 5.1 update to arrive anytime soon.

Benefits and drawbacks of the unofficial update

Well, you get pure stock UI of Lollipop, void of HTC’s own custom skin in Sense 6/7. The customization by CM12.1 is a blessing too, and then there is what makes you want it: the Android 5.1 and its new features set.

On the contrary, if you are new to this, you need to deal with some things. Like, unlocking bootloader of your M7, installing the TWRP recovery, and then flashing the ROM — in that order. Both bootloader and recovery stuff need some learning and are easily time consuming. Though, once you get hold of this, you will feel liberated for life time, even after you’ve changed your M7 to a new Android device. Because this stuff is just everywhere and ever-needed.

So, it’s definitely worth it, yes.

Removing the unofficial update?

Well, that’s super easy. You can relock the bootloader again with a simple command “fastboot oem lock” and then run the company’s own RUU (ROM Update Utility) to go completely stock with HTC firmware. Or, if you want even easier way, just install any stock ROM that contains the official HTC firmware as its base, and is void of any modifications, to go back to HTC’s latest firmware available, by flashing that via TWRP recovery only. Easiest!

Note: You know, because this ROM is not an official HTC Android 5.1 update for One M7, expect few kinks at some corners of the ROM that are yet to be fixed by the team. Any major bugs will be reported below.

Bugs
  • None
Downloads

Download the ROM file in .zip format from here, the development page where you could also keep a tab on updates for the ROM, and also any current issues with the ROM with their available fixes, if any. Also download the Android 5.1 Gapps of your choice, and flash them after the ROM — they contain Google services and apps which aren’t part of ROM.

Supported devices
  • HTC One M7, GSM, international model
  • Don’t try on One M7 sets at Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T or any other carrier specific devices
  • Don’t try on any other device whatsoever
Instructions

Warning: Warranty may be void of your device if you follow the procedures given on this page. You only are responsible for your device. We won’t be liable if any damage occurs to your device and/or its components.

Important Note: Backup important files stored on your device before proceeding with the steps below, so that in case something goes wrong you’ll have backup of all your important files.

  1. Transfer the ROM and Gapps file to your device’s internal storage and remember the location where you save it.
  2. You need TWRP recovery for this. Get it from here. There’s good instructions set there, too. For more help, Google is your friend.
  3. Boot into Recovery mode.
  4. Make a backup. Once in TWRP recovery, take a backup of your current ROM. Select Backup, then do a “Swipe to Back Up” on the bottom of the screen. Wait for the backup to finish, it’s a time consuming process.
  5. Wipe your device. Once the backup is finished, do this: tap on Wipe, then Advanced wipe, and then select Cache, Dalvik cache and Data. Then do the “Swipe to wipe” at bottom to ready the device for ROM flashing by erasing the cache, dalvik cache and data in one shot.
  6. Install ROM now. Go back to the main menu of TWRP recovery and select Install. Navigate to the file where you saved your ROM’s zip file, select it and “Swipe to Confirm Flash” on the bottom of the screen. Now wait until the flashing process finishes.
  7. Also flash the Gapps the same way as ROM.
  8. Go to back to recovery’s Main menu, select Reboot » select System.

Your device will now reboot with Android 5.1 update, thanks to CM12.1 custom ROM.

In case you need any help over this, let us know. And, you can thank the user AndroGeek974 for sharing this.

Android 5.1 update is also available on: