Android 4.4.3 KTU84L KitKat Official Firmware Arrives for Galaxy S4 GPE [Manual Installation]

Google has started rolling out its latest KitKat update with firmware build number, Android 4.4.3 KTU84L, for select Nexus and Google Play Edition devices including HTC's One M7 and One M8, Samsung Galaxy S4, and Sony Z Ultra.

Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition (GPE) users can now check for the latest KitKat OTA update via Software Update under device's Settings.

Those who missed the OTA update notification or cannot access the new firmware via OTA for some reason can download and install the same manually, using our step-by-step guide.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to device during or after the firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-requisites

1. Install USB Drivers for Galaxy S4 (GT-I9505G) on the computer.
2. Enable USB Debugging Mode on the phone by navigating to Settings >> Developer Options.
3. Back up all your important data before you proceed with the installation process.
4. Ensure the phone's battery has at least 80% charge.

5. Ensure your Galaxy S4 GPE is already running on Android 4.4.2 KOT49H firmware before you proceed. Else the installation will fail.

6. Install the latest custom recovery (CWM or TWRP) for Galaxy S4 GPE.

7. The Android 4.4.3 KTU84L KitKat firmware is compatible only with the Galaxy S4 GT-I9505G model. Do not attempt installing this firmware on incorrect variants as it may damage or brick the device. Verify the model number of the Galaxy S4 by navigating to Settings >> About phone.

Downloads Required

Android 4.4.3 KTU84L KitKat OTA update for Galaxy S4 GPE

Philz Touch Recovery for Galaxy S4 (Install via Odin 3.07 – see guide here)

TWRP Recovery for Galaxy S4

Odin 3.07

Note: Those who wish to use stock recovery on their Galaxy S4 GPE can follow method 2, else if you prefer custom recovery like CWM or TWRP then use method 1.

Method 1: Install Android 4.4.3 KTU84L KitKat Update on Galaxy S4 GPE via Custom Recovery

a) CWM Recovery

• Download the OTA update file and copy it to the root folder on your phone's internal storage.
• Reboot the device into CWM/TWRP recovery by pressing and holding Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together until the recovery logo appears on screen. Then release all the three buttons to enter Recovery mode.
• 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.
  • Now select Install zip > Choose Zip from sdcard. Then browse to the location where you placed the firmware update file and select it.
  • Wait until the firmware installation completes. Then return to the main menu of recovery and select Reboot System Now. Your Galaxy S4 I9505G will restart and it may take about 5 minutes for first boot. So, do not interrupt the process.

Your Galaxy S4 GPE (GT-I9505G) is now running on Android 4.4.3 KTU84L KitKat official firmware. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.

b) 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 Android 4.4.3 firmware 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.

Your Galaxy S4 GPE (GT-I9505G) is now running on Android 4.4.3 KTU84L KitKat official firmware. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.

Method 2: Install Android 4.4.3 KTU84L KitKat Update on Galaxy S4 GPE via ADB Sideload

• Power off the phone and wait until the device completely shuts down.
• Then press and hold Volume Down button until the fastboot menu with Start icon appears on screen.
• Keep tapping Volume Up button until the Recovery menu pops up and then press and hold Power button until you see an Android logo with a red exclamation mark.
• Now release Power button, and press Volume Up and Power buttons together to return to recovery menu.
• Choose the second option from the recovery menu which reads "apply update from adb".
• Now connect the phone to computer and ensure the latest ADB SDK is installed on it.
• Copy the downloaded KitKat update file to the same directory where you placed the adb files. Then hold Shift key on the keyboard and right-click and select "Open Command window here" (see the image below).
• Type the following command in the command prompt to install the update on your phone: adb sideload 7c24931a5ecc3103f99de456cda73250f3b3a1b9.USER_I9505G_XAR_UCML4_to_UCNE3_Update_FWD.zip
• Allow the update to complete as you can see the progress bar in the command prompt. Wait until the progress bar reaches 100%.
• After the installation completes, reboot the device from the main menu.

[Source: The Android Soul]