IN A WORLD MOVING TOWARDS LOCKED ECOSYSTEMS, THE REBELS STILL ROOT
I still remember the thrill of flashing my first custom ROM.
Back then, I wasn’t even allowed to use a smartphone full-time. I was a kid in 8th grade, stuck with a Nokia 2700 Classic as my daily driver not that I’m complaining. That tiny phone had everything: Prince of Persia, Assassin’s Creed (yes, the .jar version), YouTube streaming via Opera Mini, and a removable cover I changed as often as my mood.
But then came the moment of magic. My dad’s old Android phone was lying around, dusty and forgotten. I requested it, promised I’d only use it responsibly (which my brown Indian parents didn’t strictly monitor once they saw me deep into “computery stuff” and they were happy thinking they created another future CEO of another American IT Company) and then came the flashing. The rooting. The ADB sideloading. The bootloader unlocking. The endless reboots into recovery.
It was the golden era of Android modding. LineageOS, Resurrection Remix, AOSP Extended, Pixel Experience, crDroid, Paranoid Android these names were spoken like spells in a ritual of digital rebirth.
But today? The scene seems quiet. Is it because rooting and custom ROMs are actually dead, or just sleeping?
What Is Rooting, Flashing, and Custom ROMs?
Let’s clear this up for anyone new:
- Rooting gives you superuser access to your Android device similar to admin rights on a PC.
- Flashing is the process of installing firmware (like a custom ROM or kernel) onto your device, usually via a custom recovery like TWRP.
- Custom ROMs are third-party versions of Android, built from source (like AOSP) or modified versions of stock firmware, offering new features, better performance, or just updates when OEMs stop caring.
And then there were nightly builds unstable but cutting-edge updates that we flashed every day like addicts.
Why People Flashed ROMs (Then vs Now)
Then (2010s to early 2020s):
Rooting enabled Titanium Backup, Greenify, Xposed Framework modules powerful tweaks that were unmatched.
- Phones were bloated with OEM skins (TouchWiz, anyone?).
- Android updates were slow and patchy.
- Enthusiasts wanted more control over performance, battery, UI, and privacy.
Now (mid-2020s):
- Most Android phones are leaner, faster, and updated regularly (thanks to Project Treble & GKI).
- Google SafetyNet blocks rooted devices from using banking, UPI, and even some games.
- OEMs like Samsung and Xiaomi lock bootloaders tightly in many regions.
- Custom recovery and kernel devs have reduced in number.
- The risk-reward ratio for casual users has flipped.
But that doesn’t mean the scene is dead.
Is the Community Dead?
Not at all just more underground. Sites like:
- XDA Developers
- GitHub (search for ROM projects)
- Telegram groups and Discord servers for ROM-specific builds
Still buzz with nightly releases, Magisk modules, custom kernels, and experimental GSI ports.
The problem? It’s no longer mainstream.
OEMs and Google have made it harder for security, yes, but also to retain control. And most users today don’t need a ROM to fix their phone’s UI or performance. Phones like Pixel 8, Nothing Phone, and OnePlus 12 are almost stock, blazing fast, and updated for years.
So the demand has naturally shrunk.
Types of Custom ROMs (2025 Edition)
Here’s a quick breakdown of the major ROMs still alive and active:
| ROM Name | Features | Based On | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| LineageOS | Clean, stable, stock-like | AOSP | Daily drivers, longevity |
| crDroid | Feature-rich, highly customizable | Lineage | Power users |
| Pixel Experience | Pixel UI & features without a Pixel | AOSP | Simplicity & Pixel fans |
| ArrowOS | Minimal, battery efficient | AOSP | Lightweight experience |
| Evolution X | Pixel + custom features + flair | AOSP | Customization lovers |
| Havoc OS | AOSP + all the bells and whistles | AOSP | Everything-on-your-face |
| GrapheneOS / CalyxOS | Security & privacy focused | AOSP | Privacy enthusiasts |
| Kirisakura / Stormbreaker (Kernels) | Performance tuning | N/A | Advanced modding |
These ROMs are still being actively developed for select devices, especially the ones with open-source friendly OEMs like Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and even some Samsungs (if you’re lucky).
The Smarter Choice Might Be a Dumber Smartphone
Looking back, the real MVP might be the old smartphone if you know what you’re doing.
Here’s how you can get the best of both worlds:
- Wipe it Clean: Factory reset and don’t reinstall all your old apps.
- Custom ROMs: For Android phones, try Pixel Experience, LineageOS, or even crDroid to get a lighter OS that can breathe new life into your old device.
- Dummify It: Only install what you really need calls, maps, music, messages. No social media, no browser if you can help it.
- Use a Jailbroken iPhone?: Not really worth it unless you’re already deep into the Apple ecosystem and know what you’re doing. The risks outweigh the gains.
- Choose Wisely: If the phone’s too old (like the SE 2016), you might miss out on core security updates. That includes UPI, banking apps, etc.
This route lets you reduce distractions without losing core functionality. And best of all, you don’t need to buy a new device.
Conclusion
Rooting and custom ROMs aren’t dead just decentralized, niche, and quieter than before. They’re no longer a necessity, but they’re still an art. And if you ever get bored of your modern phone doing everything too easily, try booting into fastboot, flashing a recovery, and watching your phone reboot into a whole new world.
Just remember to backup first.
MY TAKE
I won’t lie the community is smaller. But it’s more focused now. Fewer people are into ROMs, but those who are, they’re hardcore. If you’re someone who still enjoys the thrill of unlocking bootloaders, trying out kernels, or waiting for an unofficial Lineage build for your old phone you’re not alone. You’re part of a legacy. Here’s a suggestion: if you’ve got an old phone lying around, bring it back to life. Flash a clean ROM, use it as a minimalist phone, a privacy-focused device, or a distraction-free daily driver. Because even if the world has moved on, the joy of controlling every byte of your phone is timeless.
Do you still flash custom ROMs or root your devices? Or do you think it’s just nostalgia now and the world has truly moved on?
Let me know your thoughts below!
