Install Android 16 on Asus Zenfone 5Z (LineageOS 23) – How to Guide!

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Want to install Android 16 on your Asus Zenfone 5Z? You are in the right place. This comprehensive, step-by-step guide walks you through the complete process of flashing the unofficial LineageOS 23 custom ROM on the Asus Zenfone 5Z (codename: Z01RD).

Even though Asus has ended official software support for the Zenfone 5Z (which shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo and received Android 10 as its final update), you can breathe new life into this Snapdragon 845-powered device with Android 16. This custom ROM delivers the latest Android features, improved performance, better battery optimization, enhanced privacy controls, and a clean AOSP stock Android experience.

Asus Zenfone 5Z running Android 16 LineageOS 23 custom ROM
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Why Install Android 16 on Asus Zenfone 5Z?

The Asus Zenfone 5Z (released June 2018) was a popular flagship smartphone powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor with up to 8GB RAM and a sharp 6.2 inch IPS LCD display. Despite being a capable device, Asus ended official software support at Android 10, leaving users stuck on outdated software with potential security vulnerabilities.

Installing Android 16 via LineageOS 23 gives your Asus Zenfone 5Z a second life with:

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Latest Security Patches
Protection against current known vulnerabilities and exploits.
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Better Performance
AOSP-based ROMs are usually leaner and faster than stock firmware.
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Extended Battery Life
Android 16 power optimizations can improve battery efficiency.
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Modern App Support
Run newer apps that require recent Android API levels.
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Android 16 Key Features You'll Get on Asus Zenfone 5Z

Android 16 on Asus Zenfone 5Z with LineageOS 23 delivers a modern Android experience. Android 16 continues the push toward smoother performance, stronger privacy, and better device longevity. Key highlights include:

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Better Resource Management

Improved memory and process scheduling can keep multitasking smoother on older devices.
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System Responsiveness

Latency reductions across common UI actions make navigation feel faster and cleaner.
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Next-Gen Security

Updated platform protections reduce attack surface and tighten app-level boundaries.
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Smarter Performance Tuning

More adaptive runtime behavior for mixed workloads, gaming sessions, and thermal balance.
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Modern App Compatibility

Improved support for newer app expectations and platform APIs.
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Stability Refinements

Broader framework refinements for fewer crashes and more consistent daily use.
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Important Warnings — Read Before Installing Android 16

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Device-specific ROM: This Android 16 custom ROM is ONLY for the Asus Zenfone 5Z. Do not flash it on any other device — it will brick your device.

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Brick risk: Carefully follow every step in the correct order. Incorrect installation — such as flashing the wrong file, interrupting the process, or skipping the wipe — can permanently brick your Asus Zenfone 5Z. TheUpgradeGuide is not responsible for any damage.

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Complete data wipe: Installing this custom ROM erases everything on your Asus Zenfone 5Z — apps, photos, contacts, messages, and files. Create a complete backup before proceeding.

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Battery requirement: Charge your Asus Zenfone 5Z to at least 50–60% before starting. An accidental shutdown during the flashing process can leave your device in a non-bootable state.

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Warranty void: Unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom ROM will void your manufacturer warranty.

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Pre-Installation Requirements for Asus Zenfone 5Z

Make sure you have all of the following ready before starting the Android 16 installation on your Asus Zenfone 5Z:

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Unlocked bootloader: Your Asus Zenfone 5Z must have an unlocked bootloader. Use Xiaomi’s official Mi Unlock Tool if you haven’t done this. The process requires linking your Mi account and waiting approximately 7 days.

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TWRP Recovery installed: You must have TWRP Recovery installed on your Asus Zenfone 5Z. Watch TWRP installation tutorial for Asus Zenfone 5Z →

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Full data backup: Back up all important data — photos, contacts, messages, app data, WhatsApp chats, and files — before starting the installation. Consider using Google Backup and Google Photos for cloud backup.

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USB drivers installed: Install the appropriate USB drivers on your PC/Mac. These are needed if you’re using ADB/Fastboot for any part of the process.

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XDA Forum Thread: LineageOS 23 for Asus Zenfone 5Z — XDA Forum →

Always check this XDA Forum thread for the latest build updates, known bugs, required patches, firmware requirements, and community feedback before installing.

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Download Android 16 ROM & GApps for Asus Zenfone 5Z

LineageOS 23 ROM (AOSP-Based Android 16) for Asus Zenfone 5Z

Google Apps (GApps) for Android 16 ARM64 – Choose One Package

apps LiteGApps (Android 16 ARM64)apps NikGApps (Android 16 ARM64)apps MindTheGApps (Android 16 ARM64)apps BiTGapps (Android 16 ARM64)

search Not sure which GApps to pick? Read our complete GApps compatibility guide ->

bolt Quick Installation Overview

Short on time? Here’s the 5-step summary of how to install Android 16 on your Asus Zenfone 5Z. Scroll down for the detailed guide with screenshots.

  1. 1Download the LineageOS 23 Android 16 ROM & GApps for Asus Zenfone 5Z.
  2. 2Boot your Asus Zenfone 5Z into TWRP custom recovery mode.
  3. 3Wipe system, vendor, data, cache, and dalvik cache partitions.
  4. 4Flash the Android 16 ROM zip followed by the GApps zip via TWRP Install.
  5. 5Wipe cache, reboot, and enjoy Android 16 on your Asus Zenfone 5Z!
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Step-by-Step: Install Android 16 on Asus Zenfone 5Z

1

install_mobile Install TWRP Custom Recovery on Asus Zenfone 5Z

The first step is to install TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) custom recovery on your Asus Zenfone 5Z. TWRP replaces the stock recovery and allows you to flash custom ROMs, GApps, and create complete system backups. You’ll need a PC/Mac with ADB and Fastboot tools installed, plus a USB cable. If TWRP is already installed on your Asus Zenfone 5Z, skip directly to Step 2.

2

file_copy Transfer the ROM and GApps Files to Your Asus Zenfone 5Z

Download the Android 16 LineageOS 23 ROM zip and your preferred GApps package from the download section above. Connect your Asus Zenfone 5Z to your computer via USB and transfer both .zip files to the device’s internal storage root folder or SD Card. Remember the file location — you’ll need to find these files in TWRP later.

Transfer Android 16 LineageOS 23 ROM and GApps zip files to Asus Zenfone 5Z internal storage via USB
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restart_alt Boot Asus Zenfone 5Z into TWRP Recovery Mode

Disconnect the USB cable and power off your Asus Zenfone 5Z completely. Once the device is off, press and hold the Power button + Volume Up button simultaneously until you see the TWRP logo appear on screen. Release both buttons when TWRP loads. If prompted, swipe to allow modifications.

Boot Asus Zenfone 5Z into TWRP Recovery Mode using Power and Volume Up buttons
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backup Create a Nandroid Backup of Your Current ROM

This step is critical for safety. In TWRP, tap Backup and create a complete Nandroid Backup. This creates a bit-for-bit copy of your entire current system — including the ROM, apps, data, and settings. If anything goes wrong during the Android 16 installation, or if you want to return to your previous ROM, you can restore this backup in minutes.

Detailed Nandroid Backup guide →

Create a full Nandroid Backup in TWRP before installing Android 16 on Asus Zenfone 5Z
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delete_sweep Perform a Factory Reset Using Advanced Wipe

Now perform a thorough Factory Reset to prepare your Asus Zenfone 5Z for the Android 16 ROM. In TWRP, navigate to Wipe → Advanced Wipe. Check the boxes for Cache, Dalvik Cache, System, and Data partitions. Then Swipe to Wipe. This completely clears the old system files, user data, and cache — preventing conflicts with the new Android 16 ROM.

TWRP Advanced Wipe selecting Cache, Dalvik, System, and Data partitions on Asus Zenfone 5Z
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home Return to the TWRP Main Menu

After the wipe completes successfully, navigate back to the TWRP Main Menu by tapping the back arrow or pressing the home/center navigation button on your Asus Zenfone 5Z. You should see the main TWRP screen with options like Install, Wipe, Backup, Restore, etc.

Navigate back to TWRP Main Menu on Asus Zenfone 5Z after factory reset
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system_update Flash the Android 16 ROM (LineageOS 23)

This is the main step. From the TWRP Main Menu, tap Install. Navigate to the folder where you saved the LineageOS 23 (Android 16) ROM zip file. Tap the file to select it, then Swipe to Confirm Flash. The flashing process takes 2–5 minutes — do not touch anything or power off your Asus Zenfone 5Z until it completes. You’ll see “Successful” when done.

Flash Android 16 LineageOS 23 custom ROM zip file via TWRP Install on Asus Zenfone 5Z
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apps Flash the Google Apps (GApps) Package

Immediately after the ROM flash completes, do not reboot yet. Instead, tap “Install” again (or use the back button), navigate to your GApps zip file, and flash it the same way. This installs the Google Play Store, Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, and other essential Google services on your Asus Zenfone 5Z. Without GApps, you won’t have access to Google services or the Play Store.

Flash GApps package via TWRP immediately after Android 16 ROM on Asus Zenfone 5Z
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cached Wipe Cache and Dalvik Cache

After the GApps flash completes, you’ll see a “Wipe cache/dalvik” button at the bottom left of the TWRP screen. Tap it and Swipe to Wipe. This clears any residual cached data and ensures a clean, error-free first boot of Android 16 on your Asus Zenfone 5Z. Skipping this step can cause boot loops or app crashes.

Wipe cache and dalvik cache in TWRP after flashing Android 16 ROM and GApps on Asus Zenfone 5Z
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restart_alt Reboot Your Asus Zenfone 5Z into Android 16

After the cache wipe completes, Press the Home Button, Click Reboot button from the main menu, Tap on System and Swipe to Reboot. Your Asus Zenfone 5Z will now boot into Android 16 (LineageOS 23) for the first time! Important: The first boot typically takes 5–10 minutes as the system optimizes all applications. The screen may appear stuck on the boot animation — this is completely normal. Do not force restart during this process.

Reboot Asus Zenfone 5Z into Android 16 LineageOS 23 - first boot after successful custom ROM installation
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Android 16 Successfully Installed on Your Asus Zenfone 5Z!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed Android 16 (LineageOS 23) on your Asus Zenfone 5Z. Enjoy the latest Android features, improved performance, enhanced security, and a clean stock Android experience on your refreshed device!

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What’s Working & Not Working on Android 16 (Asus Zenfone 5Z)

Based on the XDA Forum thread and community reports, here’s the current status of features on the LineageOS 23 (Android 16) ROM for the Asus Zenfone 5Z. Note: This may vary between builds, so always check the latest forum post.

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  • ✅ Phone calls & SMS
  • ✅ Wi-Fi & Hotspot
  • ✅ Mobile data (4G LTE)
  • ✅ Bluetooth & audio
  • ✅ Camera (photo & video)
  • ✅ GPS & location
  • ✅ Fingerprint sensor
  • ✅ NFC

cancel Known Issues

  • ⚠️ Minor camera quirks in some modes
  • ⚠️ Some hardware features may vary by build

Always check the XDA Forum thread for the most up-to-date bug list for your specific build version.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

🔄 Stuck on Boot Animation (Bootloop)

If your Asus Zenfone 5Z is stuck on the boot animation for more than 15 minutes, it may be bootlooping. Reboot into TWRP (Power + Vol Up), perform a full wipe (System, Data, Cache, Dalvik), and re-flash the ROM and GApps. Make sure you’re using compatible GApps for Android 16 arm64.

❌ “Error 7” or “Zip Verification Failed”

This usually means you’re flashing a ROM not built for your device. Double-check that the ROM zip is specifically for the Asus Zenfone 5Z. Also ensure your TWRP version is up-to-date and compatible with Android 16 ROMs.

📱 No Mobile Data or Signal After Installation

You may need to flash the correct firmware (baseband/modem) before installing the ROM. Check the XDA Forum thread for the recommended firmware version for your build of LineageOS 23.

🔙 How to Restore Back to Stock ROM

If you want to go back to the stock ROM: (1) restore your Nandroid Backup via TWRP → Restore, or (2) download the official stock ROM from the manufacturer and flash it using the appropriate flash tool on your PC. This will completely restore your Asus Zenfone 5Z to factory stock condition.

Frequently Asked Questions — Android 16 on Asus Zenfone 5Z

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about installing and using Android 16 (LineageOS 23) on the Asus Zenfone 5Z:

Is the Android 16 ROM for Asus Zenfone 5Z stable enough for daily use?

The LineageOS 23 (Android 16) ROM for the Asus Zenfone 5Z is an unofficial build. Core features — including phone calls, Wi-Fi, mobile data, camera, Bluetooth, GPS, and the fingerprint scanner — work well in most builds. Some minor bugs may exist depending on the build version. We recommend checking the XDA Forum thread for the latest known issues before installing it as your daily driver.

Will installing a custom ROM void my Asus Zenfone 5Z warranty?

Yes, unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom ROM voids the manufacturer warranty. However, since the Asus Zenfone 5Z was released in September 2019, virtually all units are well past their warranty period, so this shouldn’t be a concern for most users.

Can I go back to stock ROM after installing Android 16 on my Asus Zenfone 5Z?

Absolutely. You have two options: (1) Restore your Nandroid Backup through TWRP Recovery to return to your exact previous ROM state, or (2) Download the official stock ROM from the manufacturer’s website and flash it using the appropriate flash tool to perform a clean restore to stock firmware.

Which GApps package should I use with Android 16 on Asus Zenfone 5Z?

You can choose from four popular options: LiteGApps (recommended for minimal footprint), NikGApps (offers granular control over which Google apps to install), MindTheGApps (balanced package), or BiTGapps (lightweight alternative). All must be the ARM64 variant for Android 16 (API 36). Read our complete GApps compatibility guide to choose the best option for your needs.

Do I need an unlocked bootloader to install Android 16 on Asus Zenfone 5Z?

Yes, an unlocked bootloader is a mandatory prerequisite. Without it, you cannot install TWRP Recovery or flash any custom ROM. Use the manufacturer’s official unlock tool to request a bootloader unlock. The process typically involves a waiting period before the unlock is approved.

Does the Android 16 ROM support the Asus Zenfone 5Z’s fingerprint scanner?

Yes, in most LineageOS 23 builds for the Asus Zenfone 5Z, the fingerprint scanner works correctly. However, functionality can occasionally vary between different build versions. If the fingerprint scanner isn’t working after installation, try updating to the latest build or check the XDA Forum for any required patches.

How do I update the Android 16 ROM on my Asus Zenfone 5Z after installation?

To update to a newer build of LineageOS 23: Download the latest ROM zip from the LineageOS download page, transfer it to your device, reboot into TWRP, and flash the new ROM zip over the existing installation (this is called a “dirty flash”). Then wipe cache/dalvik and reboot. A full data wipe is usually not needed for minor updates, but always check the XDA thread for update-specific instructions.

Is the Xiaomi Mi CC9 the same as the Asus Zenfone 5Z for custom ROM installation?

Yes, the Xiaomi Mi CC9 and Asus Zenfone 5Z are the same hardware device sold under different names in different regions. The Mi CC9 was the Chinese variant, while the Asus Zenfone 5Z was the global/international variant. Both use the exact same ROM, TWRP recovery, firmware, and kernel files. You can follow this same guide for either device.

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Have questions or ran into issues while installing Android 16 on your Asus Zenfone 5Z? Drop a comment below and we’ll help you out! You can also get support from the XDA Forum community where the ROM developer and experienced users actively respond to questions.