OnePlus Ace 5 to 13R Conversion Guide – OxygenOS 16

Important Notices

1. This guide is based on a verified method, but proceed at your own risk.
2. I am not responsible for any damage, data loss, or issues resulting from the misuse of this guide.
3. Warranty Status: Modifying your device's software, unlocking the bootloader, or gaining root access will likely void your manufacturer warranty.
4. This process requires familiarity with ADB, Fastboot, and Windows driver installation.
5. Multiple data wipes will occur. Ensure all important data is backed up to an external source before starting.
6. Anti-Rollback (ARB) Warning: Verify your device's ARB index before flashing any firmware. Attempting to downgrade to an older firmware version on a device with Anti-Rollback triggered will result in an unrecoverable hard brick.
7. Do NOT relock the bootloader while your device is rooted, running a custom ROM, or equipped with a custom recovery (like TWRP). Relocking the bootloader with modified software will fail Verified Boot checks and instantly hard brick your device.
8. Brick Risk: Deviating from these instructions, interrupting the flashing process (e.g., unplugging the USB cable, sudden power loss), or flashing files meant for a different device model can result in a soft brick (recoverable) or a hard brick (a completely dead, unfixable device). Ensure your phone has at least a 70% battery charge before beginning.

Step 1: Download Required Files

Prepare the following on your Windows PC:

1. Android SDK Platform Tools — Download from developer.android.com
2. OnePlus USB Drivers — Download from oneplususbdrivers.com
3. Fastboot Firmware Flasher Tool
4. Global OxygenOS 16 Full OTA zip:
   • On your phone, install Oxygen Updater from the Play Store
   • Select OnePlus 13R (GLO) as the device
   • In Settings, set Update Method to Full and enable Advanced Mode
   • Return to the main screen — you should see the update labeled CPH2645_16.0.0.205(EX01)
   • Download it, rename the file for convenience, and transfer it to your PC
5. Chinese ColorOS 16 Full OTA zip (required for camera and battery compatibility) — Download from Daniel Springer Website

Important: Ensure version numbers match — both OxygenOS and ColorOS must be 16.0.0.205.

Step 2: Unlock the Bootloader

Enable Developer Options

On your phone, go to Settings > About Device > Version and tap "Version Number" 7 times until you see "You are now a developer."

Enable OEM Unlocking & USB Debugging

Go to Settings > System & Updates > Developer Options and enable OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging.

Connect to PC & Reboot to Bootloader

1. Connect your phone to your PC
2. Open a PowerShell/Terminal window in the Platform Tools folder
3. Authorize the connection by running:

bashCopy
adb devices

1. Allow the connection on your phone when prompted — your device serial number should appear with "device" beside it
2. Reboot into the bootloader:

bashCopy
adb reboot bootloader

Unlock the Bootloader

1. In Fastboot mode, verify the connection:

bashCopy
fastboot devices

1. Unlock the bootloader:

bashCopy
.\fastboot flashing unlock

1. Use the volume and power buttons to select "Unlock the bootloader"
2. The phone will wipe data and reboot

Post-Unlock Setup

• Complete the initial ColorOS setup (skip optional steps)
• Re-enable USB Debugging in Developer Options

Step 3: Prepare Files on PC

Unpack OxygenOS 16 Firmware

1. Install Fastboot Firmware Flasher and move the OxygenOS OTA zip into the FastbootFirmwareFlasher/OTA zips folder
2. Run fastbootfirmwareflasher.exe and select "Firmware Unpacker"
3. Unpack the OxygenOS 16 OTA zip in Full mode
4. The unpacked firmware will be located at FastbootFirmwareFlasher/FIRMWARE

Replace odm.img (Critical Step)

1. Unpack the Chinese ColorOS 16 OTA using the same steps as above and locate odm.img in its folder
2. Navigate to the unpacked OxygenOS 16 firmware folder and find the odm.img file
3. Replace the OxygenOS 16 odm.img with the one from ColorOS 16

This step is critical for camera functionality and battery calibration. Double-check before proceeding.

Step 4: Flash the Firmware

Prerequisites

• Battery level ≥ 70%
• Bootloader unlocked and USB Debugging enabled
• ADB authorization granted on PC
• Modified OxygenOS firmware (with ColorOS odm.img) ready at FastbootFirmwareFlasher/FIRMWARE

Flashing Process

1. Run fastbootfirmwareflasher.exe and select "Firmware Flasher"
2. Choose Start, then select CPH2645_16.0.0.205(EX01)
3. When prompted for root, select No (to allow bootloader relocking later)
4. Select your current phone state (System or Fastboot Mode)
5. The tool will reboot into FastbootD and begin flashing — it may run a USB test, allow it to proceed. It will also reboot into Fastboot in the middle, allow it to proceed
6. When finished, you will be asked if you are performing a clean flash — select Yes to wipe data
7. The phone will reboot into the OxygenOS 16 setup screen

Step 5: Relock the Bootloader (Optional)

Relocking is required for Google Play Integrity and SafetyNet attestation.

1. After OxygenOS setup, re-enable USB Debugging in Developer Options
2. Connect to PC and authorize ADB
3. Reboot to bootloader:

bashCopy
adb reboot bootloader

1. Verify the connection:

bashCopy
fastboot devices

1. Relock the bootloader:

bashCopy
.\fastboot flashing lock

1. Confirm "Lock the Bootloader" on your phone
2. The phone will perform a final wipe and boot into OxygenOS 16

Conclusion

Congratulations on converting your device! Your OnePlus Ace 5 is now running Global OxygenOS 16 as a OnePlus 13R. Enjoy the clean OxygenOS experience with full camera and battery compatibility.