Android is commonly known as the operating system to own for the best customization. Not only do you get a ton of extra Settings compared to most other OEMs operating systems like Apple, but you can also gain root access and install heaps of OS tweaks, new custom ROMs from CyanogenMod and more. Most devices have a range of custom ROMs for people to choose which is like decking your Android out with a new theme only better because you also get heaps of cool features.

About the only problem when installing a custom ROM is that it doesn’t come with the Google application that your device come with stock such as the Google calendar, Gmail, Car Home,  Google Backup Transport, Play store, Google Docs, Google Music, Google Voice Search and more.

CyanogenMod logo

How to install Google Apps in CyanogenMod CM12

  1. Install the custom ROM on your device.
  2. Upload the Google Apps pack the same way you uploaded the zip file of the ROM through recovery mode.
    – use the Basket Build Gapps from here.
  3. Download the above basket Build for Google Apps to the desktop of the computer. Do not unzip the file.
  4. Connect the Android device to the computer.
  5. Transfer the file over to the Android internal storage SD card.
  6. Completely Power down the Android mobile and reboot to recovery mode.
    – that’s the same button sequence for many, but it can change so it’s best to look up the button combination for you. (google it).
  7. From inside recovery, look for the Install zip from SD card, then Choose Zip From SD card.
  8. Search for the basket build file you transferred earlier and confirm the installation.
  9. It can take ten to fifteen minutes for files to finish loading. Do not touch any buttons until it finishes.
  10. Assuming you’ve already flashed the custom ROM file you can head back to the main recovery menu and choose to reboot the system now.
  11. That’s it! Now you have the custom ROM and the Google Apps on your Android mobile.