Finding a dedicated custom ROM for the Vivo 1801 (Vivo Y81) is challenging because Vivo devices are notoriously difficult to unlock. However, since it uses a MediaTek (MTK) chipset, it is technically possible to unlock the bootloader and install custom software using third-party tools. Prerequisites for Flashing Before attempting to install a custom ROM, you must complete these foundational steps: Backup Data : Unlocking the bootloader will erase everything on your phone. Enable Developer Options Settings > About Phone Build Number (or Software Version) seven times. Enable OEM Unlocking & USB Debugging : These are found in the now-visible Developer Options Unlocking the Bootloader (MTK Method) Since standard Fastboot commands often fail on Vivo, most users utilize the MTKClient tool Tools Needed : MTK Drivers and the mtkclient-gui : With the device powered off, connect it to a PC while holding specific key combinations (usually Volume Up + Power ) to put it in Brom mode. The tool then allows you to select "Unlock Bootloader". Custom ROM Availability
The Vivo 1801 (V9 Youth) can be modernized using Generic System Images (GSIs) such as LineageOS, Evolution X, or crDroid, often sourced via communities like XDA-Developers. The process involves unlocking the bootloader, installing a custom recovery like TWRP, and performing a full data wipe. For more details on the installation process, visit XDA-Developers . How to Install a Custom ROM on Any Android Phone (Example
Installing a custom ROM on the Vivo 1801 (Vivo Y71) is notoriously difficult due to Vivo's strict security policies that typically prevent bootloader unlocking . While the hardware is based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 , which is common for development, there is no official support from major projects like Pixel Experience for this specific model. The State of Custom ROMs for Vivo 1801 Official Support: There are currently no official custom ROMs for the Vivo 1801. Unofficial Ports: You may find "GSIs" (Generic System Images) or unofficial ports on community forums, but these often have critical bugs with the camera, Wi-Fi, or SIM card. The Bootloader Hurdle: Vivo does not provide an official way to unlock the bootloader. Without an unlocked bootloader, you cannot flash a custom recovery like , which is required to install any custom ROM. General Challenges for Vivo Devices Encryption: Even if you find a way to bypass the bootloader, Vivo's partitions are often encrypted, making it hard to maintain a stable custom OS. Security Risks: Unlocking the bootloader and rooting your device will void your warranty and may permanently disable certain features like banking apps (UPI/Google Pay). Brick Risk: Attempting to flash incompatible software can "brick" the device, rendering it unusable. What You Can Do Instead If you are looking to refresh the look and feel of your Vivo 1801 without the risks of custom ROMs, consider these safer alternatives:
Here’s a deep, technical dive into the world of custom ROMs for the Vivo 1801 (better known as the Vivo V9 or Vivo V9 Pro in some regions). If you own a Vivo 1801, you already know the struggle: Funtouch OS is heavy, ad-ridden, aggressive with background apps, and stuck on Android 8.1 (or at best, a buggy Android 9/10 beta in some regions). A custom ROM is the only way to turn this mid-range 2018 device into something usable in 2026. vivo 1801 custom rom
1. The Hard Truth: Vivo is NOT Custom-ROM-Friendly Before flashing, understand the landscape:
No official bootloader unlock – Vivo does not provide unlock tools like Xiaomi (Mi Unlock) or OnePlus. Mediatek Helio P60 (MT6771) – This is actually a good thing for modding. MediaTek devices often have leaks, SP Flash Tool support, and bypasses for bootloader locks. No Treble love – The V9 shipped with Android 8.1, but Project Treble support is partial at best. Generic System Images (GSIs) might boot, but with broken RIL, sensors, or camera.
👉 Conclusion : This is not a “download TWRP and flash LineageOS” device. It’s a hacker’s project requiring low-level tricks. Finding a dedicated custom ROM for the Vivo
2. Bootloader Unlock – The Real Challenge There is no official method . The community relies on: Method A: MTK Client + Exploit Using mtkclient (open-source Python tool) via BROM mode (preloader). Steps:
Power off, hold volume buttons, connect USB → device enters preloader. mtkclient can bypass SLA/DAA authentication on P60. Dump seccfg partition, modify unlock flag, write back.
Success rate : High, but risky – one wrong write = hard brick. Method B: Leaked Engineering ROM Some Vivo 1801 units can flash an engineering build of Funtouch OS that has fastboot oem unlock enabled. These leaks exist on Chinese forums (need login). Method C: Paid tools (UnlockTool, UMT, CM2) Commercial dongles support MT6771 unlock but cost money. Enable Developer Options Settings > About Phone Build
3. Available Custom ROMs for Vivo 1801 The community is small, but here’s what exists (mostly on 4PDA, XDA, and Telegram): | ROM Name | Android | Stability | Bugs | Best for | |----------|---------|-----------|------|-----------| | LineageOS 18.1 | 11 | Medium | Camera (GCam works), VoLTE dead, flashlight delay | Daily driver (if no calls needed) | | Pixel Experience 11 | 11 | Low | RIL drops, Bluetooth audio stutter | Tinkerers | | crDroid 7.x | 11 | Medium | Same as LOS + random reboots | Customization lovers | | AncientOS | 12L | Low | Hotplug broken, battery drain | Aesthetics | | GSI (AOSP 13) | 13 | Unstable | RIL, WiFi MAC random, no deep sleep | Testing only |
No Android 14/15 ROMs – Kernel 4.4 is too old. No one backported the necessary drivers.