As of 2021 and into 2026, the remains a popular candidate for custom ROM installations to bypass its aging official Android 4.4.4 KitKat software . By flashing a custom ROM, users can upgrade the device to newer versions like Android 7.1 Nougat or even Android 9.0 Pie (via unofficial LineageOS builds), significantly extending the tablet's usability for modern apps. Best Custom ROM Options for SM-T116
: A common bug in LineageOS builds for this series is a 5-8 second delay when pressing the power button to wake the screen. Battery Life
Download and install the latest Samsung USB Drivers on your Windows PC.
The SM-T116 has a Spreadtrum (Unisoc) SC8830 processor, not a Snapdragon. This makes custom ROMs extremely rare. There is no official LineageOS 14/15/16/17 for this chipset in 2021+ . Most "custom ROMs" for this device are either for the older SM-T110 (different CPU) or are just debloated stock ROMs. samsung galaxy tab 3 lite smt116 custom rom 2021
This guide, based on community instructions, will focus on installing LineageOS 15.1 (Android 8.1). This process is similar for the other ROMs listed above.
Last tested: October 2021
on your PC and connect the tablet via USB. The ID:COM box in Odin should turn blue or yellow, indicating a successful connection. As of 2021 and into 2026, the remains
(unofficial) – last version that works on Spreadtrum SC8830.
If you are looking for actual academic or engineering-style papers about building this ROM, none exist. However, these community documents serve the same purpose:
Protect your device with newer security patches not provided by Samsung. Battery Life Download and install the latest Samsung
Ensure the tablet has at least 70% charge.
—specifically its Marvell PXA1908 chipset and 1GB of RAM—installing a custom ROM requires navigating a highly specific set of files developed around the 2020–2021 era. This comprehensive guide outlines the realistic custom ROM options, required tools, and a step-by-step flashing framework to revive your device safely. The Reality of SM-T116 Custom ROMs Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Lite 7.0 3G (SM-T116)
Disconnect the USB cable. Remove the back cover and briefly pull the battery out, then put it back in to force a shutdown. Step 3: Wipe Existing Firmware
Boot into Download Mode by holding . Press Volume Up to confirm entering Download Mode. Connect the tablet to the PC.