Android 4.4.2 KitKat Arrives for Galaxy Note 3 via CyanogenMod 11 ROM [How to Install]

Galaxy Note 3 N9005 users can now enjoy the latest KitKat features, thanks to the release of Android 4.4.2 CyanogenMod 11 ROM by XDA recognised contributor, temasek. The new CM11 custom ROM is said to be very stable and ideal for daily use with no bugs reported yet (as of 3 January).

The new Android 4.4.2 build reportedly offers zippy speeds with the latest KitKat features onboard. Interested users can follow our step-by-step guide to install Android 4.4.2 KitKat on Galaxy Note 3 N9005 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.

Features Fully Working

  • Sound
  • Camera (picture & video)
  • Calls/SMS
  • Data 2g/3g/4g/wifi
  • External SD
  • GPS
  • Bluetooth
  • NFC
  • USB OTG
  • IR
  • MHL
  • ART
  • Proximity sensor
  • Light sensor
  • Humidity sensor
  • Thermometer
  • Barometer

Partially Working

  • Compass not functioning in some apps

Pre-requisites

  • The Android 4.4.2 CyanogenMod 11 ROM and the instructions given in this guide are meant for the Galaxy Note 3 SM-N9005 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.
  • Verify correct USB drivers for the phone are installed on the computer (download Galaxy Note 3 USB drivers).
  • 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 (download CWM Recovery 6.0.4.5 from here).
  • 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 4.4.2 KitKat on Galaxy Note 3 N9005 with CyanogenMod 11 ROM

Step-1: Download Android 4.4.2 KitKat CM11 ROM for Galaxy Note 3 N9005 to computer

Step-2: Download Google Apps package

Step-3: Connect the Galaxy Note 3 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 4.4.2 KitKat ROM can be installed on the Galaxy Note 3 using either CWM or TWRP recovery. Follow any method based on the recovery mode installed on your device.

How to Install Android 4.4.2 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 Note 3 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-11-20131214-UNOFFICIAL-hltexx.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 Note 3 will restart and it may take about 5 minutes for first boot. So, do not interrupt the process.

Your Galaxy Note 3 N9005 is now running on Android 4.4.2 KitKat via CyanogenMod 11 ROM. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.

How to Install Android 4.4.2 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.
  • Now perform a System format by selecting Wipe > Advanced Wipe and then tap on System option. Scroll to the bottom of screen and do a swipe on "Swipe to Wipe" 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 swipe on "Swipe to confirm flash" option to 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 Note 3 will restart and it may take about 5 minutes for first boot. So, do not interrupt the process.

Your Galaxy Note 3 N9005 is now running on Android 4.4.2 KitKat via CyanogenMod 11 ROM. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.

NOTE: If the device is stuck at Samsung logo or entering bootloop, just perform factory reset once again and issue will be resolved.

[Source: XDA]