How to Install Android 7.1.2 Nougat on Asus ZenFone 2 (Custom ROM Guide)

The Asus ZenFone 2 shipped with Android 5.0 Lollipop and got its last official update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. If you want Android 7.1.2 Nougat on it, a custom ROM is the only way, and the ZenFone 2 has solid Nougat ROMs built by the community.

This guide covers the ZenFone 2 ZE551ML (codename Z00A) and ZE550ML (codename Z008), the Intel-powered models. It shows which Nougat ROMs to use, where to get them, and how to flash one. It’s updated for 2026 with working download sources.

Which Nougat ROM should you use?

Two ROMs stand out for the ZenFone 2, both based on Android 7.1:

• LineageOS 14.1 was an officially supported build for the Z00A, so it’s the most stable, close to stock and a good daily driver.
• Groovy Android is a community project that keeps Nougat builds for both the Z00A and Z008 in one place, based on LineageOS and Resurrection Remix. It’s the easiest source to find working files for this phone today.

AICP (the Android Ice Cold Project) was also popular on the ZenFone 2 during the Nougat era, built on the same LineageOS base with extra customization. If you specifically want AICP, look for it in the ZenFone 2 section on XDA Forums, since its old direct links have moved around over the years.

What is a custom ROM?

A custom ROM is a build of Android made by the community to replace the software your phone shipped with. On the ZenFone 2 that means getting Android 7.1.2 Nougat, a version Asus never released for the phone, with a cleaner interface and fewer preinstalled apps. These ROMs stopped getting updates years ago, so treat them as a way to refresh an old phone rather than as current, patched software.

Download files

LineageOS 14.1 for Z00A (wiki and downloads)

Groovy Android ROM for Z00A and Z008

Open GApps (choose x86, 7.1, Pico)

Important: the ZenFone 2 uses an Intel chip, so you must download the x86 GApps package, not ARM. ARM GApps will not work.

Before you start

• This guide works on the Asus ZenFone 2 Z00A and Z008 only.
• Your bootloader must be unlocked. The ZenFone 2 uses Asus’s UnlockApp for this; the Groovy Android FAQ and installation pages link the exact unlock and bootloader files for each model.
• Install TWRP recovery on the ZenFone 2 first.
• Charge the phone to at least 70%.
• Back up your data. Flashing wipes the phone.
• Download the ROM zip and the matching x86 GApps zip, and copy both to the phone’s internal storage.

How to install Android 7.1.2 Nougat on the ZenFone 2

1. With the ROM and GApps zips on the phone, turn it off.
2. Boot into TWRP by holding Volume Up + Power. When the Asus logo appears, keep Volume Up held until recovery opens.
3. Tap Wipe, then Advanced Wipe, and tick System, Data, Cache and Dalvik/ART Cache. Leave Internal Storage unticked. Swipe to wipe.
4. Tap Install, select the ROM zip and swipe to flash it.
5. Without rebooting, tap Install again and flash the x86 GApps zip.
6. Tap Reboot System.

The first boot can take several minutes while Android sets itself up. If it gets stuck, boot back into TWRP and repeat the wipe step.

How to root the ZenFone 2

To root the ROM, flash the latest Magisk in TWRP. Magisk is the current root method and replaces the older SuperSU, which hasn’t been updated in years.

1. Download the Magisk APK and copy it to the phone.
2. Make a copy of the file and change the copy’s extension from .apk to .zip.
3. Boot into TWRP, tap Install, select the Magisk .zip and swipe to flash it.
4. Reboot, then install the Magisk APK as a normal app to manage root.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the newest Android version for the ZenFone 2?

Android 7.1.2 Nougat, through custom ROMs like LineageOS 14.1 and Groovy Android. Asus’s own updates stopped at Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

Why do I need x86 GApps?

The ZenFone 2 (Z00A/Z008) runs on an Intel Atom chip, not an ARM one. Only x86 Google Apps packages work. An ARM package will fail to install or cause a bootloop.

Will this work on the ZenFone 2 Laser?

No. The Laser (Z00L/Z00T) is a Qualcomm phone and needs its own ROMs. Check your model number before downloading.

Do these ROMs still get updates?

No. Development ended years ago, so there are no new security patches. They’re best for reviving an old phone rather than as a secure daily driver.