Android 4.4.4 CyanogenMod 11 M8 Stable Release Arrives for Galaxy S2 I9100/I9100G

Galaxy S2 I9100 and I9100G users are in for a special treat with due release of Android 4.4.4 KitKat based CyanogenMod 11 M8 stable ROM by the CyanogenMod team.

A few of the salient features ported into the newly released Android 4.4.4 KitKat update include the following: New heads up notification, VPN fixes, custom home screen grid sizes, notification drawer and gestures, new search panel Google Now option, numerous small bugfixes and stability improvements.

Those who wish to enjoy the most stable KitKat release on their Galaxy S2 I9100 and I9100G can follow our step-by-step guide to install Android 4.4.4 KitKat via CyanogenMod 11 M8 build.

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

Pre-Requisites

• The CyanogenMod 11 M8 build and the instructions given in this guide are meant for the Galaxy S2 GT-I9100/I9100G models 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 S2 I9100/I9100G 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 t o 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) or install CyanogenMod 10.2 Nightly which includes CWM recovery v6.0.4.5.
• 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

CyanogenMod 11 M8 Build Android 4.4.4 KitKat for Galaxy S2 I9100 (dated 8/07/2014)

CyanogenMod 11 M8 Build Android 4.4.4 KitKat for Galaxy S2 I9100G (dated 8/07/2014)

Google Apps (if this does not work, tryGoogle Apps Full)

CyanogenMod 10.2 Nightly for I9100

CyanogenMod 10.2 Nightly for I9100G

Steps to Install Android 4.4.4 KitKat on Galaxy S2 I9100/I9100G with CyanogenMod 11 M8 Stable Build

Step-1: Download Android 4.4.4 CyanogenMod 11 M8 stable build for Galaxy S2 I9100 or I9100G to computer

Step-2: Download Google Apps package

Step-3: Connect the Galaxy S2 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 S2 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 M8 ROM (repeat step 9).

Step-9:Select Install Zip from sdcard and then click Choose zip from sdcard. Browse to the location of the CM11 M8 stable build file 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 S2 I9100/I9100G will restart and it may take about 5 minutes for first boot. So, do not interrupt the process.

Your Galaxy S2 I9100/I9100G is now running on Android 4.4 KitKat via CyanogenMod 11 M8 stable build. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.