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Pre-Installation Requirements for OnePlus 12R & Ace 3

Make sure you have all of the following ready before starting the Android 16 installation on your OnePlus 12R & Ace 3:

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Unlocked bootloader: Your OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 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 OnePlus 12R & Ace 3. Watch TWRP installation tutorial for OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 →

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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: Project Infinity X for OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 — XDA Forum (1) → | Project Infinity X for OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 — XDA Forum (2) →

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 OnePlus 12R & Ace 3

Project Infinity X ROM (AOSP-Based Android 16) for OnePlus 12R & Ace 3

install_mobile Download Android 16 ROM (Project Infinity X)install_mobile Download Android 16 ROM (Lunaris AOSP)

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 OnePlus 12R & Ace 3. Scroll down for the detailed guide with screenshots.

1. 1Download the Project Infinity X Android 16 ROM & GApps for OnePlus 12R & Ace 3.
2. 2Boot your OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 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 OnePlus 12R & Ace 3!

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Step-by-Step: Install Android 16 on OnePlus 12R & Ace 3

1

install_mobile Install TWRP Custom Recovery on OnePlus 12R & Ace 3

The first step is to install TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) custom recovery on your OnePlus 12R & Ace 3. 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 OnePlus 12R & Ace 3, skip directly to Step 2.

2

file_copy Transfer the ROM and GApps Files to Your OnePlus 12R & Ace 3

Download the Android 16 Project Infinity X ROM zip and your preferred GApps package from the download section above. Connect your OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 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.

3

restart_alt Boot OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 into TWRP Recovery Mode

Disconnect the USB cable and power off your OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 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.

4

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 →

5

delete_sweep Perform a Factory Reset Using Advanced Wipe

Now perform a thorough Factory Reset to prepare your OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 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.

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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 OnePlus 12R & Ace 3. You should see the main TWRP screen with options like Install, Wipe, Backup, Restore, etc.

7

system_update Flash the Android 16 ROM (Project Infinity X)

This is the main step. From the TWRP Main Menu, tap Install. Navigate to the folder where you saved the Project Infinity X (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 OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 until it completes. You’ll see “Successful” when done.

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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 OnePlus 12R & Ace 3. Without GApps, you won’t have access to Google services or the Play Store.

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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 OnePlus 12R & Ace 3. Skipping this step can cause boot loops or app crashes.

10

restart_alt Reboot Your OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 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 OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 will now boot into Android 16 (Project Infinity X) 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.

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Android 16 Successfully Installed on Your OnePlus 12R & Ace 3!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed Android 16 (Project Infinity X) on your OnePlus 12R & Ace 3. 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 (OnePlus 12R & Ace 3)

Based on the XDA Forum thread and community reports, here’s the current status of features on the Project Infinity X (Android 16) ROM for the OnePlus 12R & Ace 3. 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 (1) | XDA Forum thread (2) 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 OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 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 OnePlus 12R & Ace 3. 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 Project Infinity X.

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 OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 to factory stock condition.

Frequently Asked Questions — Android 16 on OnePlus 12R & Ace 3

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about installing and using Android 16 (Project Infinity X) on the OnePlus 12R & Ace 3:

Is the Android 16 ROM for OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 stable enough for daily use?

The Project Infinity X (Android 16) ROM for the OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 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 (1) | XDA Forum thread (2) for the latest known issues before installing it as your daily driver.

Will installing a custom ROM void my OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 warranty?

Yes, unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom ROM voids the manufacturer warranty. However, since the OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 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 OnePlus 12R & Ace 3?

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 OnePlus 12R & Ace 3?

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 OnePlus 12R & Ace 3?

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 OnePlus 12R & Ace 3’s fingerprint scanner?

Yes, in most Project Infinity X builds for the OnePlus 12R & Ace 3, 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 OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 after installation?

To update to a newer build of Project Infinity X: 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 OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 for custom ROM installation?

Yes, the Xiaomi Mi CC9 and OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 are the same hardware device sold under different names in different regions. The Mi CC9 was the Chinese variant, while the OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 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.

The post Install Android 16 on OnePlus 12R & Ace 3 (Project Infinity X) – How to Guide! appeared first on The Upgrade Guide.