Update Galaxy Ace S5830i to MindCR ICS Custom ROM

The Galaxy Ace S5830i can now be updated with a new custom Rom firmware, as those of xda-developers had just made available the ICS based MindCR software. Since now, there were only few updates (mostlyGingerbread ones) launched for the S5830i model of the Ace, as the most important upgrades (like the Jelly Bean based CM10) were offered mostly for the classic version of the already mentioned phone, the S5830. Anyway, today, I will teach you how to manually install the MindCR v1.0.12 custom ROM on your Samsung Galaxy Ace smartphone.

By applying this step by step guide, you will be able to update your handset with numerous features that will optimize the performances and the internal system; this means you will be able to obtain more from your Ace S5830i as you will have access to its OS, you will gain more speed, the battery life will be improved, the looks personalized (the ROM brings the ICS looks) and complex apps will be added and installed into the system. Furthermore, this is the most stable update available for your Ace so far, as there are no reported bugs or issues. In order to make a proper idea about the same, here are some of the MindCR custom ROM features:

Galaxy Ace MindCR main features

As you can see, it will be a good idea to flash the above listed capabilities as we all know that the Ace is not a high end smartphone, though it offers decent specs. Anyway, before proceeding to more important aspects, you must remember that this is not an official upgrade provided by Samsung for your phone, so you cannot OTA apply the same. You must complete a manual operation, which I have described during the following lines. Only by performing the next steps you will be able to install the MindCR update on your S5830i.

                                      

Unfortunately, as you are dealing with a custom ROM, for being able to succeed with the installation procedure, you must first root the Galaxy Ace. Also, after gaining root access, you should flash a custom recovery image on your phone (such as CWM recovery), a tool which will be used for applying the update file from the SD card to the internal system. By rooting, the warranty will get void, so be careful in what you do. If somehow you brick your device, there’s nobody to help you out. You shouldn’t worry though as the warranty can be regained by downgrading to the stock ROM.

By flashing the update with a custom recovery image a full wipe of the system will be required. This means your data will be wiped out. Therefore, I recommend you to backup your personal info before heading to the proper steps. You should save only the data from the internal storage memory and not the one stored on the SD card. You can easily take care of this task, as there are many ways in which you can complete a backup operation. For suitable tutorials for your Samsung Galaxy Ace, you can anytime search through our how to section; you will find there everything you need for performing a full and safe backup.

Beside the root, custom recovery image and the backup, there are the preparation tasks. You must read this section as it can be considered as the most relevant one. You will not be able to update your Ace to the ICS based MindCR Custom ROM firmware without ensuring that: you can use a Windows running computer; on the computer and on your smartphone there shouldn’t be any security programs installed; the USB debugging option from your phone must be enabled “Settings -> Applications -> Development -> USB debugging”; and the battery should be charged (at least 70%) for being sure that the handset doesn’t turn off in the middle of the procedure.

Finally, do not on any circumstance, apply the steps from below for a similar device with the Samsung Galaxy Ace model number S5830i as you can end up in bricking your Android powered handset. That being told, you can safely begin the installation procedure.

How to Update Galaxy Ace S5830i to ICS based MindCR Custom ROM

1. Download the update file from here.
2. Save it to your computer.
3. Use the USB cord and connect the handset with the PC.
4. Copy the downloaded file to your phone SD card.
5. Unplug the USB cable.
6. Turn off your phone.
7. Reboot in recovery mode.
8. For recovery mode press and hold the Menu button while powering on.
9. From the recovery menu first select to perform a wipe.
10. For the wipe: “wipe data factory reset” and “wipe cache partition”.
11. Return by selecting “+++go back+++”.
12. Next, select to install the update: “install zip from sd card” followed by “choose zip from sd card”.
13. Pick the update file.
14. Wait until the installation process ends.
15. Select “+++go back+++” and “reboot system now”.
16. If during the steps the Ace doesn’t power up you need to take of the battery and re-insert it; then re-do the steps and everything should be fine.

Congratulations, your Samsung Galaxy Ace S5830i is now running the MindCR custom ROM firmware. Test the new OS and see how it performs on your phone. The ICS looks and extra features should be added to it, so do share us if you like or not the platform. Also, if there are bugs or issues into the system, share the same with us and with other users by using the comments area from below.