Here is how to update Samsung Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9 Plus and Galaxy Note 9 to One UI 2.1 with Alexis custom ROM. Despite Samsung updating its 2018 series phones to Android 10, the firmwares for these devices don’t carry latest One UI 2.1 skin. Rather, users have to stick with older One UI 2. While that isn’t a problem for most users, some enthusiasts, however, might want to experience latest software which is present on Galaxy S20. For that, a keen developer has come up with One UI 2.1 custom ROM port for Galaxy S9, S9+ and Note 9. You can learn more about the ROM itself along with a complete install procedure right ahead.
One UI 2.1 made its debut first on the latest Galaxy S20 series phones. After that, Samsung has brought it over to older devices such as Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy S10 through a software update. As for Galaxy S9 and Note 9 series, which run Android 10 officially — the Android version on which One UI 2.1 is built — Samsung has yet to release an update with One UI 2.1. Fortunately enough though, a One UI 2.1 custom ROM port has already been made available and users can install it using our tutorial ahead on Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+ and Galaxy Note 9 to enjoy One UI 2.1.
Alexis One UI 2.1 Custom ROM for Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+ and Galaxy Note 9
This custom ROM focuses on porting over Galaxy S20 features and One UI 2.1 to Samsung 2018 flagships: Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9 Plus and Galaxy Note 9. The ROM isn’t AOSP (Android Open Source Project) rather it is based on latest official firmwares from Samsung for each respective device. Using the official Android 10 firmwares as base, Alexis ROM builds on top of it and integrates additional functionality.
For features and changes, here is a complete list as provided by the developer:
- Based on Android 10
- Odexed, Hardly Debloated and added some tweaks for best performance and better battery.
- Added some tweaks in order to have the best smoothness and general performance!
- Aroma Installer
- Disabled RMM Lock.
- Google Pay working (Hide it with Magisk)
- Secure Folder working
- A lot of S20 Apps Ported!!!
- Share Live from S20!
- PRO VIDEO Mode from S20.
- Single Take fully working.
- Night mode on front camera.
- New Live Focus with new backgrounds.
- New MY FILTER option in camera.
- Night mode on hyperlapse.
- New Photo Editor.
- Enabled Dolby on Game.
- Option to put apps on deep sleep (will save a lot of battery).
- Music Share working (you have to enable it with Activity Launcher
- Power key in notification panel.
- Samsung App Lock.
- iOS 13.2 Emoji’s selectable in aroma.
- S10 Multiple Wallpapers.
- New Good Lock 2020 selectable in aroma
- Dual SIM/SD tray lock fix
Alexis ROM adds additional features of its own to make the experience even better. Aroma support for installation also enables users to cherry pick the functionality they want.
How to Install One UI 2.1 Custom ROM on Samsung Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+ and Note 9
Here is the complete installation procedure for installing Alexis 1.3 custom ROM with One UI 2.1 and Galaxy S20 features on Galaxy S9, S9 Plus & Note 9.
Step 1 – You need to first make sure you are running latest Android official firmware. If you are on a custom ROM, it is advised to first install latest official update and then proceed.
Step 2 – Download the custom ROM ZIP file. Further, there is an additional One UI fix file for Galaxy Note 9:
For Galaxy Note 9:
For Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus:
Step 3 – Copy the downloaded files to the phone and reboot into custom recovery. To do so, power off your device. After it shuts down, power it back on by pressing Power button, Bixby button and Volume Up button together until the first boot logo shows.
Step 4 – Once in custom recovery, choose to install zip package and browse to the ROM file.
Step 5 – This ROM uses Aroma Installer so there will be a lot of options to choose from. Set it up as you like. If you want Google Assistant or Bixby, don’t select TTS.
Step 6 – The installation should finish after which you need to reboot.
Step 7 – Let the device boot up, initial install might take 15 – 20 minutes.
Step 8 (Only for Galaxy Note 9) – Once booted, reboot into recovery and this time round, flash One UI fix package and then reboot!
After the phone boots up, set it up and enjoy One UI 2.1 functionality. Since the ROM is based on official firmware, there aren’t any serious bugs or glitches. Do let us know about your experience in the comments section ahead.
