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Installation Guide for Ginkgo

Learn how to install Orion OS on your device with this easy-to-follow step-by-step guide.

Hirokixd

Hirokixd

Installation Guide for Ginkgo

Complete Installation Guide for Orion OS

Welcome to the comprehensive installation guide for Orion OS on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (Ginkgo). This guide provides a step-by-step approach to ensure a smooth transition to Orion OS.

Choosing Your Variant

Orion OS offers two distinct variants tailored to your needs. Choose the one that best fits your workflow:

FeatureGApps VariantVanilla Variant
Google ServicesPre-installed (GMS)Not included
Play StoreReady to useManual install required
PrivacyStandardMaximum control

Pro Tip: If you’re a privacy enthusiast, go with Vanilla. If you rely on the Play Store and Google sync, GApps is your best bet.

Installation Steps

Step 1: Prepare & Wipe

Clean your device partitions to avoid conflicts.

  1. Boot into Recovery:
    • Turn off your device.
    • Press and hold Volume Up + Power.
  2. Execute Clean Wipe:
    • Go to Wipe → Advanced Wipe (TWRP) or Custom Wipe (OrangeFox).
    • Select: System, Vendor, Dalvik, Cache, and Data.
    • Swipe to confirm.

Warning: This step completely erases your apps and settings. Ensure your backup is safe!

Step 2: Flash Firmware

Firmware ensures hardware compatibility.

  1. Navigate to Install.
  2. Select the latest firmware-ginkgo-xxx.zip.
  3. Swipe to flash.
  4. Important: Do not reboot yet.

Step 3: Flash Orion OS ROM

The core of your new experience.

  1. Stay in the Install menu.
  2. Select your chosen ROM file:
    • OrionOS-16.0-Ozone-ginkgo-Official-GApps-xxx.zip
    • OrionOS-16.0-Ozone-ginkgo-Official-Vanilla-xxx.zip
  3. Swipe to flash and wait (2-5 minutes).

Step 4: Add Google Apps (Optional)

Skip this if you flashed the GApps variant, proceed directly to Step 6: Format Data.

If you chose the Vanilla variant but still want minimal Google services:

  1. Select your GApps package (e.g., NikGApps or MindTheGapps).
  2. Swipe to flash.

Step 5: Root & Customization (Optional)

For power users who need Magisk or a custom kernel.

  • For Magisk: Flash the Magisk-vX.X.zip file.
  • For Kernel: Flash your preferred custom kernel zip.

Step 6: Format Data

This is the most critical step to prevent bootloops.

  1. Go to Wipe menu.
  2. Tap Format Data (not just Wipe Data).
  3. Type yes to confirm.
  4. Wait for it to finish.

Step 7: Final Reboot

You’re almost there!

  1. Go to Reboot → System.
  2. Initial Boot: The first boot can take 5-10 minutes.
  3. Setup: Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your new OS.

Join the Community

Stay updated and get help from fellow users:

Enjoy your new, blazing-fast experience with Orion OS! 💙