The Poco F3 (Alioth) continues to age like fine wine in the custom ROM world, and the arrival of LineageOS Ext (Community build) based on Android 16 is another solid example of why this device still has a thriving developer community. Updated on 14 December 2025, this ROM takes the clean and trusted LineageOS base and extends it with a wide range of useful, modern, and power-user-friendly features.
Unlike heavy OEM skins or experimental ROMs that try to do too much, LineageOS Ext focuses on practical customization, system control, and user freedom—while keeping the core experience smooth and stable. It’s not just LineageOS with a few toggles added; it’s a carefully extended build aimed at people who actually use their phone daily and want more control without chaos.
In this article, we’ll go through what LineageOS Ext offers, how it feels in real use, what features stand out, and who this ROM is best suited for.
What Is LineageOS Ext?
LineageOS Ext is a community-maintained fork of LineageOS, built on Android 16 and enhanced with additional features that are not part of official LineageOS. The goal is simple: keep LineageOS’ clean foundation intact while adding the kind of controls and tweaks users usually install mods for.
This build is maintained for Alioth (Poco F3 / Redmi K40 / Mi 11X) and comes in both GApps and Vanilla variants, giving users the freedom to choose how minimal or complete they want their setup to be.
Key ROM Details
- ROM Name: LineageOS Ext
- Android Version: Android 16
- Build Type: Community
- Device: Poco F3 (Alioth)
- Base: LineageOS (Extended)
- Variants: GApps & Vanilla
- Updated: 14/12/2025
What Makes LineageOS Ext Different?
What sets this ROM apart is not one big feature, but how many small quality-of-life improvements it brings together in one place—without breaking the clean Lineage experience.
Let’s break it down.
Status Bar Enhancements
LineageOS Ext offers extensive control over status bar behavior, allowing users to fine-tune exactly what they see.
Key features include:
- Option to show 4G icon
- Data disabled indicator
- Network traffic monitor
- Wi-Fi standard icon display
- HD calling & Wi-Fi calling indicators
- Option to hide Bluetooth battery level
- Tint status bar icons with accent color
- New iOS-style battery designs
These features help keep the status bar informative without clutter.
Quick Settings Improvements
Quick Settings is one of the most interacted-with parts of Android, and LineageOS Ext improves it in meaningful ways:
- Data usage display
- Adjustable brightness slider behavior
- Compact media player mode
- Option to disable QS media player entirely
- Data usage cycle type selection
Everything is configurable, so users can keep things minimal or information-rich based on preference.
Gesture Controls
Gestures are handled cleanly and intuitively:
- Three-finger swipe actions for screenshots or custom tasks
- No unnecessary conflicts with system navigation
- Smooth and responsive gesture handling
These features are especially useful for users who prefer gesture navigation over buttons.
System & Miscellaneous Features
This ROM includes several power-user options that usually require root or special mods:
- LMO sidebar and Freeform window support
- Per-app sensor blocker
- Ability to ignore secure window flags
- Hide screen capture status
- Remove storage restrictions
- Hide apps from app list
These features give users more control over privacy and multitasking.
Spoofing & Integrity Options
LineageOS Ext includes advanced spoofing features, clearly aimed at users who understand what they’re doing:
- PIF spoof toggle
- Unlimited Google Photos storage toggle
- Game spoof toggle
- Load custom keybox & PIF
- Automatic VBMeta detection fix
⚠️ Note: To pass integrity, users must import the proper PIF and keybox as mentioned in the notes.
Network Enhancements
Network behavior is improved with smart additions:
- Hotspot client manager
- Toggle to force LTE-CA
- Better handling of mobile data transitions
These features are useful for users who rely on hotspot sharing or want tighter network control.
Battery & Power Management
Battery management remains balanced rather than aggressive:
- Background process killer
- Per-app battery optimization controls
This helps reduce unnecessary background drain without killing important services.
Display Customization & Visual Tweaks
Display controls are one of the strongest areas of LineageOS Ext:
- Reality display engine
- Force dark mode for third-party apps
- Force full screen for cutout devices
- Blur toggle with intensity control
- HDR display toggle & intensity
- Extra Dim mode
- Smallest width (DPI) controls
- Notch/cutout customization
These options allow users to fine-tune both appearance and eye comfort.
Sound & Audio Features
Audio customization is well thought out:
- Separate ringtone settings for multi-SIM devices
- Per-app volume control
- Screenshot sound toggle
Small details like these make daily usage more comfortable.
Navigation & Search
Navigation options include:
- Circle to Search
- Long-press navbar to search
- Option to hide navigation IME bar
This keeps navigation flexible without forcing one style.
Notification Controls
Notifications are cleaner and less intrusive:
- Compact heads-up notifications
- Toggle for small notification style
Perfect for users who want fewer distractions.
Installation Notes (Important)
- Available as GApps and Vanilla
- Flash using a custom recovery
- Recommended firmware is required for best stability
- Import PIF and keybox to pass integrity
- Clean flash recommended for first install
Known Bugs
As of now:
- No confirmed major bugs
Users are encouraged to report issues with logs if anything appears.
Community & Credits
This ROM exists thanks to the efforts of multiple contributors:
- Source thanks to @SpiDyNub
- Banner by @Not_ayan99
- Resources by @Roxor007 & @darkphnx
- Kernel and technical help by @KaminariKo
- Testing by @Choudhary_Raj17
Maintained by @whyred_404, with active community support.
Final Verdict: Should You Flash LineageOS Ext?
If you want:
- Android 16
- A clean LineageOS base
- Deep customization without instability
- Strong privacy and system control
- A ROM that respects user choice
Then LineageOS Ext (Community) is an excellent choice for Poco F3 users.
It’s flexible without being messy, powerful without being risky, and polished enough for daily use—exactly what an extended Lineage build should be.
