Update Galaxy Note N7000 to Android 4.4 KitKat with CM11 ROM [How to]

Samsung is yet to release its Android 4.4 KitKat update, but Galaxy smartphones have already tasted the latest Android software through custom firmware.

Recently, senior XDA member, herna, shared an unofficial build of CyanogenMod (CM) 11.0 (Beta 6) for the first Galaxy Note bearing model number GT-N7000. The CM11 custom firmware upgrades the Galaxy Note to Android 4.4 from the older Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean.

Galaxy Note users who wish to install Android 4.4 on their devices using unofficial CM11 beta 6 may follow our step-by-step guide.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to the device. Users are also advised to verify that their devices meet following requirements before the ROM installation.

Pre-requisites

1) Install USB Driver for Samsung Galaxy Note to connect the Android device with computer.

2) Enable USB Debugging Mode on phone to connect it with the computer and use Android SDK with it. [Press Menu>> Settings>> Applications. From there navigate and click on Development option then check USB Debugging Mode.]

3) As the tutorial might wipe out all data of the phone, create a backup. If the device is having any custom recoveries such as CWM/TWRP installed then backup data using the recovery.

4) If the Android device powers off due to lack of battery during the installation process, it could damage the device. Therefore, the Galaxy Note should have above 80% battery charge.

5) The device should be factory unlocked and not locked to a particular carrier.

6) The phone should be rooted and have either CWM or TWRP recovery.

7) The Android 4.4 KitKat CM11 ROM is compatible only with Samsung Galaxy Note GT-N7000. As flashing this on any incorrect variant might brick the device, verify the model number of the Note by navigating to Settings>> About device>> Model number.

Files needed to download

1) Gapps file [File name: pa_gapps-full-4.4-20131119-signed.zip]

2) Android 4.4 KitKat CM11 ROM [File name: cm-11-20131118-UNOFFICIAL-n7000-BETA6.zip]

Before proceeding, transfer the downloaded files to a separate folder on the Galaxy Note N7000.

Note: Older versions of CWM/TWRP recoveries are not working with this Android 4.4 KitKat CM11 ROM, giving installation errors and Wi-Fi bugs, therefore it is recommended to use the latest version of either recovery. The TWRP v2.6.3.0 or CWM v6.0.4.3 should work fine with the custom build.

Steps to install Android 4.4 KitKat on Galaxy Note N7000 with CM11 ROM [using CWM recovery]

Step-1: Boot the Galaxy Note into recovery mode. To do so, first power off the phone and wait for five to 10 seconds until the device goes off completely. Press and hold Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together and release them once the Galaxy Note logo appears on the screen

Note: In recovery mode, use Volume keys to navigate up and down between options and Power button to select an option.

Step-2: Make a Nandroid Backup from the recovery. It is important, in case something goes wrong you can restore to the current status. To perform Nandroid Backup, go to Backup and Restore>> Backup

Step-3: Perform a Factory Reset (This will delete all apps and their settings and game progress). Select Wipe data/ Factory reset then select Yes on the next screen to confirm the action.

Step-4: Also perform a System Format by navigating to Mount and Storage, select format/system then select Yes on the next screen to confirm the action

Step-5: In recovery mode, select Install zip>> Choose zip from sdcard (or external sdcard, where the files are saved). Then browse to the location where the Android 4.4 KitKat CM11 ROM is saved. Select the ROM file and confirm installation

Step-6: After the ROM is installed, repeat the similar process to flash the Gapps file

Step-7: Once the installation process is completed, return to the main recovery menu and reboot the phone by selecting Reboot system now

Note: If the device gets bootloop (gets stuck at logo while rebooting), perform a factory reset.

Steps to install Android 4.4 KitKat on Galaxy Note N7000 with CM11 ROM [using TWRP recovery]

Step-1: Place the Galaxy Note into recovery mode. Switch off the phone and wait for five to 10 seconds until the device goes off completely. Press and hold Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together and release them once the Galaxy Note logo appears on the screen

Note: In recovery mode, use Volume keys to navigate up and down between options and Power button to select an option.

Step-2: Create a Nandroid Backup from recovery. It is important, in case something goes wrong you can restore to the current status. To do so navigate to Backup and select all checkboxes and swipe on the Swipe to confirm option at the bottom of the screen

Step-3: Perform a Factory Reset (This will delete all apps and their settings and game progress). For this tap on Wipe then at the bottom of the screen do a Swipe on the Swipe to factory reset option

Step-4: Perform a System format. For this tap on Wipe then tap Advance Wipe then tap System to select it. Now at the bottom of the screen do a Swipe on the Swipe to wipe option

Step-5: Tap on Install then browse to the location where the Android 4.4 custom ROM file is saved. Tap on the ROM then at the bottom of the screen, do a swipe on the Swipe to confirm flash option to begin flashing

Step-6: After the ROM is installed, repeat the similar procedure to install the Gapps file

Step-7: When the installation process is done, reboot the phone. Return to the main recovery menu and tap on Reboot>> then tap on System to reboot the phone

Note: If the device gets bootloop (gets stuck at logo while rebooting), perform a factory reset.

The Galaxy Note should now be updated with Android 4.4 KitKat CM11 custom firmware.

Must read: Samsung Resumes Android 4.3 Upgrade Service for Galaxy S3 I9300

[Source: Android Soul]