Update Galaxy S4 I9500 to Android 4.4 KitKat with CyanogenMod 11 ROM [GUIDE]
Update Galaxy S4 I9500 to Android 4.4 KitKat with CyanogenMod 11 ROM

Galaxy S4 I9500 users can now enjoy the latest KitKat features on custom firmware, thanks to the release of unofficial CyanogenMod 11 ROM by XDA Senior Member, Runedrune. As this is an unofficial or test -build from the CyanogenMod team, it may harbour a few untested bugs or broken features.

Some of the noteworthy features ported into the newest Android 4.4 firmware include faster multitasking, enhanced Google Now, immersive mode and smarter Caller ID.

Head over to the XDA developer source page (check source link below) to learn more about known issues, bug-fixes and features ported into this ROM.

Interested users can follow our step-by-step guide to install Android 4.4 KitKat on Galaxy S4 I9500 using CM11 ROM. IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any device damage during or after firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-requisites

Update Galaxy S4 I9500 to Android 4.4 KitKat with CyanogenMod 11 ROM [GUIDE]


    • The Android 4.4 CyanogenMod 11 ROM and the instructions given in this guide are meant for the Galaxy S4 I9500 model only. Verify device model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone.
    • Back up data and settings using a recommended custom recovery tool, like ClockworkMod (CWM) or TWRP, as it creates a complete image of the existing phone setup. In Recovery, choose Backup and Restore and tap Backup.
    • Ensure USB debugging mode is enabled on the phone, by navigating to Settings > Developer Options (NOTE: Tap the phone's Build Number seven times to unlock or reveal the hidden Developer Options under Settings.) Then select the checkbox to enable USB debugging mode under Settings > Developer Options.
    • Make sure the phone has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) while installing the ROM.
    • Ensure the device is unlocked (not locked to a specific carrier) and rooted with latest ClockworkMod (CWM) Recovery (v6.0.4.5) installed. Alternatively, install CyanogenMod 10.2 Nightly which includes CWM recovery v6.0.4.5. If you are installing the CWM recovery for the first time, check out the video tutorial below, courtesyof The Android Soul:
    • If the device is stuck at booting or experiencing boot loop issues, perform Wipe Cache Partition and Wipe Dalvik Cache a few more times before rebooting.
    • Allow newly installed ROM to stabilise for five minutes before you start working on it.

Downloads Required

Steps to Install Android 4.4 KitKat on Galaxy S4 LTE I9505 with CyanogenMod 11 ROM

Step-1: Download Android 4.4 KitKat CM11 ROM for Galaxy S4 I9500 to computer

Step-2: Download Google Apps package

Step-3: Connect the Galaxy S4 to computer via USB cable. Without extracting, copy the downloaded firmware zip and Google Apps zip files to the root folder of the phone's SD card.

The CyanogenMod Android 4.4 KitKat ROM can be installed on the Galaxy S4 using either CWM or TWRP recovery. Follow any method based on the recovery mode installed on your device.

How to Install Android 4.4 KitKat via ClockworkMod (CWM) Recovery

    • Power off the phone and wait for 5 to 10 seconds until the device shuts down completely.
    • Now press and hold Volume Up,Home and Power buttons together, until the Galaxy S4 logo appears on screen.
    • Then release all three buttons at the same time to boot into recovery mode.NOTE: In recovery mode, use Volume keys to navigate between options and Power key to select the desired option.
    • Perform Wipe data/Factory reset (this will delete all apps and their settings and game progress) and choose Yes on next screen to confirm the action.
    • Return to CWM recovery main menu and select Mounts and Storage > Format System and click Yes on next screen to confirm.
    • From the main menu of CWM recovery, go to Advanced and choose Wipe Dalvik Cache. Then hit Yes on next screen to confirm.
    • Select Install Zip from sdcard and then click Choose zip from sdcard. Browse to the location of the CM11 firmware file (cm-11-20131110-UNOFFICIAL-jfltexx.zip) which you copied earlier to your phone's SD card. Choose Yes on next screen to confirm the firmware installation.
    • Repeat the previous step to install Google Apps as well.
    • Once Google Apps is also installed, select "+++++Go Back+++++" and reboot the phone by tapping reboot system now from the recovery menu. Your Galaxy S4 I9500 will restart and it may take about 5 minutes for first boot. So, do not interrupt the process.

Your Galaxy S4 I9500 is now running on Android 4.4 KitKat via CyanogenMod 11 ROM. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.

How to Install Android 4.4 KitKat via TWRP Recovery

    • Power off the phone and wait for 5 to 10 seconds until the device shuts down completely.
    • Now press and hold Volume Up,Home and Power buttons together, until the Galaxy S4 logo appears on screen.
    • Then release all three buttons at the same time to boot into recovery mode.NOTE: In recovery mode, use Volume keys to navigate between options and Power key to select the desired option.
    • Perform Wipe data/Factory reset (this will delete all apps and their settings and game progress). To do so, tap on Wipe and scroll down to the bottom of the screen and do a Swipe on "Swipe to factory reset" option.
    • Tap on install and navigate to the CM11 ROM zip file you copied earlier to your phone's SD card. Scroll to the bottom of screen and do a swipe to confirm the action and begin installing the firmware.
    • Repeat the previous step to flash Google apps as well.
    • Once Google Apps is also installed, select reboot and then tap on System to reboot your phone. Your Galaxy S4 I9500 will restart and it may take about 5 minutes for first boot. So, do not interrupt the process.

Your Galaxy S4 I9500 is now running on Android 4.4 KitKat via CyanogenMod 11 ROM. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.

ALSO READ: Update Galaxy S4 (LTE) I9505 to Android 4.4 KitKat Google Play Edition [GUIDE]

[Source: XDA]