Galaxy S3 Mini Gets Android 4.4.2 KitKat via CyanogenMod 11 ROM

Samsung recently withdrew further software support for several Galaxy devices including the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S3 Mini and thereby denied the latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat upgrade for the same.

Nevertheless, with due credit to the industrious Android custom ROM developers, NovaFusion, it is now possible to update Galaxy S3 Mini to Android 4.4.2 KitKat via CyanogenMod 11 (CM11) ROM.

Here is the list of key features ported to the latest CM11 ROM:

• Complete CM11 features
• CPU Sleep Mode
• MTP Support
• Bluetooth 4.0 with LE support
• Graphical tearing fixed
• Camera and Video working
• BLN (Backlight Notification)
• Offline charging
• WIP OTG Support
• HW/SW Acceleration
• Accelerometer
• Gyroscope
• 3.0.101 Linux Kernel Support
• Functional Audio
• Wi-Fi
• GPS and A-GPS tweaks
• Glonass Navigation

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 4.4.2 CyanogenMod 11 ROM and the instructions given in this guide are meant for the international Galaxy S3 Mini (I8190 and I8190N) models only. Verify device model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone.
• Verify that your phone has access to latest custom recovery tools such as TWRP v2.6.3.0 and higher or CWM v6.0.4.5 and above.
• 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 S3 Mini USB drivers).
• Ensure USB debugging mode is enabled on the phone, by navigating to Settings > Developer Options (NOTE: Tap the device'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 device has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) while installing the ROM.
• Ensure the phone is unlocked (not locked to a specific carrier) and rooted with latest ClockworkMod (CWM) Recovery installed. If you are installing the CWM recovery for the first time, check out the video tutorial below, courtesy of The Android Soul:

Downloads Required

Android 4.4.2 CyanogenMod 11 ROM for Galaxy S3 Mini

Google Apps (Full)

Google Apps (Stock)

Steps to Install Android 4.4.2 KitKat on Galaxy S3 Mini with CyanogenMod 11 ROM

• Connect the Galaxy S3 Mini to computer via USB cable and copy the downloaded ROM and Google Apps zip files to the root folder on the phone's SD card.
• Disconnect the USB cable and Power off the phone. 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 S3 mini 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 which you copied earlier to your phone's SD card. Choose Yes on next screen to confirm the firmware installation.

Note: Repeat this step to install Google Apps as well.

• Once the firmware is installed, select "+++++Go Back+++++" and reboot the phone by tapping reboot system now from the recovery menu. Your Galaxy S3 mini will restart and it may take about 5 minutes for first boot to complete. So, do not interrupt the process.

Your Galaxy S3 Mini is now running on Android 4.4.2 KitKat via CyanogenMod 11 ROM. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.

[Source: Droid Views]