Update Galaxy S I9000 to Android 4.4 KitKat with CyanogenMod 11 ROM [GUIDE]
Update Galaxy S I9000 to Android 4.4 KitKat with CyanogenMod 11 ROM

Owners of the first smartphone from Samsung Galaxy S series can now enjoy the new KitKat experience on their phone, thanks to the release of Android 4.4 based CyanogenMod 11 ROM. The Galaxy S I9000 has not received any official updates from Samsung since the release of Android 2.3 firmware, and the news of being able to upgrade to the latest Android 4.4 custom firmware should bring great joy to the I9000 users.

Galaxy S I9000 is among the lucky few non-Nexus devices to receive the latest Android update in such short notice. Android 4.4 KitKat brings a whole new range of exciting features including faster multitasking, enhanced Google Now, immersive mode, smarter Caller ID and more.

Interested users can follow our step-by-step guide to install Android 4.4 KitKat on Galaxy Note 2 using Paranoid Android 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

    • The Android 4.4 CyanogenMod 11 ROM and the instructions given in this guide are meant for the Galaxy S I9000 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, courtesy of 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 S I9000 with CyanogenMod 11 ROM

Step-1: Download Android 4.4 KitKat CyanogenMod 11 ROM for Galaxy S I9000 to computer

Step-2: Download Google Apps package

Step-3: Connect the Galaxy S I9000 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.

Step-4: Power off the phone and wait for 5 to 10 seconds until the device shuts down completely.

Step-5: Press and hold Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together, until the Galaxy Note 2 logo appears on screen.

Step-6: 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.

Step-7: 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.

Step-8: Return to CWM recovery main menu and select Mounts and Storage > Format System and click Yes on next screen to confirm. Then perform Wipe Cache Partition. From the main menu of CWM recovery, go to Advanced and choose Wipe Dalvik Cache. Then hit Yes on next screen to confirm.

NOTE: Flash CyanogenMod 10.2 Nightly before you proceed (use step 9). Once CM 10.2 Nightly is flashed, you will have access to CWM recovery v6.0.4.5 and then you can install/flash CyanogenMod 11 ROM (repeat step 9).

Step-9: Select Install Zip from sdcard and then click Choose zip from sdcard. Browse to the location of the CyanogenMod firmware file (cm-11-20131115-UNOFFICIAL-galaxysmtd.zip) which you copied earlier to your phone's SD card. Choose Yes on next screen to confirm the firmware installation.

Step-10: Repeat the previous step to install Google Apps as well.

Step-11: Once Google Apps is also installed, select "+++++Go Back+++++" and reboot the phone by tapping reboot system now from the recovery menu. Your Galaxy S I9000 will restart and it may take about 5 minutes for first boot. So, do not interrupt the process.

Your Galaxy S I9000 is now running on Android 4.4 KitKat via CyanogenMod 11 ROM. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.

Must Read: Galaxy Note 2 N7100 Gets Android 4.4 KitKat with CyanogenMod 11 ROM [How to Install]

Samsung Android