Jelly Bean updates and custom ROMs are practically raining from the sky right now and it goes to show that developers are really into Google’s latest update.  Speaking of Jelly Bean, the LG Optimus GT540 is also getting the update.

Despite the old hardware that the phone has, developers are still active on developing it and have come up with a ROM named Project JellyBeanSwift, based on CyanogenMod 10, courtesy of XDA Developers member miroslav_mm. (Though, this is not the only Jelly Bean-based custom ROM for the GT540.  Another one, brought forth by XDA member DevSwift1, is also available.)

Just like any other custom Jelly Bean update, the said ROM sports the same buttery smooth performance and customization features.  But, don’t expect to see all the Jelly Bean features, as the ROM is still in its early stages. Most of the features are slowly being ported and the ROM will be stable enough for daily use.

According to the dev's notes, native tethering (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB) does not work.  The camera and camcorder don't work either.  Neither do hardware decoders and encoders, nor FM radio.

In this guide, learn how to upgrade the LG Optimus GT540 to Android 4.1.1 Jelly Bean via Project JellyBeanSwift custom ROM.

Warning

• The instructions in this guide are intended for use with the LG Optimus, model number GT540. Applying these instructions on another device or model may produce undesired outcomes.
• The information in this guide is provided for instructional and educational purposes only. There is no guarantee that these instructions will work under your specific and unique circumstances.
• Use these instructions at your own risk. We shall not hold any responsibility or liability for whatever happens to you or your device arising from your use of the info in this guide.
• Read and understand the whole guide first before actually performing the instructions.

Requirements

• LG Optimus GT540 with ClockworkMod Recovery installed.
• Download Project JellyBeanSwift (xda-cm-10.0.0-RC0-JellyBeanSwift-24072012.zip, 205 MB) to your computer.
• Backup all personal data on your phone to make sure you have a copy of your personal data (e.g., contacts, SMS, MMS, Internet settings, Wi-Fi passwords, and the like) in case the procedure in this guide erases such data.
  • For backup tips, check our guides on how to sync your data to the cloud and how to create local backups of your mobile data.

Instructions

1. Copy the Project JellyBeanSwift ZIP file and place it on your phone’s SD card.
2. Switch off your phone.
3. Boot into ClockworkMod  Recovery. You can do this by pressing and holding down the Home and Power buttons until your phone boots into ClockworkMod Recovery. Use the Volume keys to navigate and Power button to select an option.
4. Create a NANDroid backup of your existing ROM so that you can always restore to the previous ROM if anything doesn't work out with this ROM. To perform a backup, select Backup and Restore, and on the next screen, select Backup again. Head back to the main recovery menu after backup is complete.
5. Select Wipe data/factory reset, then select Yes on the screen that follows to confirm data wipe.
6. Select Install ZIP from SD card.
7. Select Choose ZIP from SD card, then browse for the Project JellyBeanSwift ZIP file. Confirm the installation by selecting Yes on the next screen. It may take 5-10 minutes for your phone to finish the installation process.
8. Head back to the main recovery menu by selecting Go back.
9. Reboot your phone by selecting Reboot system now. It may take a couple of minutes as this is the first time your phone will boot into Jelly Bean.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed the Project JellyBeanSwift custom ROM, based on CyanogenMod 10, on your LG Optimus GT540.