Install Android 5.0 on Galaxy S4 (I9500) and Galaxy S4 Mini (3G/LTE) with unofficial CyanogenMod 12 ROMs

The unofficial CyanogenMod 12 (CM12) builds are now available for the Exynos 5 octa-core variant of Galaxy S4 (GT-I9500) and also for its compact model, Galaxy S4 Mini.

CyanogenMod 12 for Galaxy S4 I9500

Recognised XDA developer, frapeti has shared the CM12 beta 4 for the Galaxy S4, wherein a number of features are working.

But the developer warns that the unofficial beta is not meant as a daily driver, but a preview of what is coming with CM12 and Android Lollipop firmware. The build is just for testing and development purposes. Check out the working and bug issues in this build.

Confirmed working:

• Audio
• Infrared (IR Blaster)
• Bluetooth
• Storage
• GPS (fixed on build #2)
• WIFI (fixed on build #2)
• Leds, haptic feedback, sensors
• OMX
• RIL: sms, ussd codes and calls works (fixed on build #4)

Known issues

• Camera
• NFC
• RIL: data is not working yet

CyanogenMod 12 for Galaxy S4 Mini

Meanwhile, developer F4k has released the unofficial CyanogenMod 12 build for both the 3G and LTE editions of Galaxy S4 Mini with model numbers GT-I9190 and GT-I9195 respectively.

What works

• GPS
• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth
• RIL (Calls, SMS, Mobile data)
• Sensors
• Camera
• Audio
• FM

If you are also a Galaxy S4/S4 Mini user and wish to taste the early Android Lollipop version via unofficial CyanogenMod 12 beta, check out the installation guide.

The same guide can be used to install CM12 builds on Galaxy S4 as well as S4 Mini. Users of respective models should verify the model number of the devices and install the custom build.

Points to remember

As the tutorial might wipe out all data of the phone, create a backup using custom recoveries such as ClockworkMod or, TWRP.

Enable USB Debugging Mode on the phone to connect it with the computer and use Android SDK with it. [Go to Settings>> About phone. Scroll down to Build number, Tap seven times on the build number. The Developer options under Settings should appear now. You can now enable USB debugging mode.]

The Galaxy S4 Mini should have above 80% of battery charge to avoid unusual shut down due to lack of battery, which could damage the device.

The phone should be rooted and have the latest version of ClockworkMod recovery.

The unofficial CyanogenMod 12 ROMs based on Android 5.0 work with Galaxy S4 I9500 or Galaxy S4 Mini (3G/LTE). Applying these on any incorrect variant might brick the device. Verify the model number of the smartphone by navigating to Settings>> About phone>> Model number and install firmware based on the model number of the device.

Download links for Galaxy S4 Mini

CyanogenMod 12 for Galaxy S4 Mini GT-I9190

Or, CyanogenMod 12 for Galaxy S4 Mini GT-I9195

Gapps

Download links for Galaxy S4 I9500

CyanogenMod 12 for Galaxy S4

Gapps

How to install Android 5.0 Lollipop on Galaxy S4 I9500 or, Galaxy S4 Mini (3G/LTE) via unofficial CyanogenMod 12 builds

Step-1: Connect the Galaxy S4 to the computer using USB cable then copy the downloaded zip files to the SD card of the phone. Ensure that the files are in the SD card root, not in any folder

Step-2: Unplug the USB cable from the phone and switch it off

Step-3: Boot the phone into recovery mode. To do this, turn the phone on while pressing and holding Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together

Step-4: In recovery mode, perform a full data wipe by selecting wipe data/ factory reset. Use the Power button to select while in Recovery Mode

Step-5: Perform a cache wipe by selecting wipe cache partition

Step-6: Perform a wipe of dalvik cache. From CWM recovery, go to advanced then select wipe dalvik cache. This is optional but advisable as the device will not get into boot loops or any other errors

Step-7: Go to the main recovery menu and select install zip from sdcard then choose zip from sdcard. Using the Volume rockers head over to Lollipop ROM zip, which was copied to the phone's SD card. Select it using the Power button and confirm installation on the next screen

Step-8: When the ROM is installed, repeat the same procedure to flash the Gapps file

Step-9: After the installation process is completed, reboot phone by selecting reboot system now from the recovery menu

The Galaxy S4/ Galaxy S4 Mini should be updated with CyanogenMod 12 Android 5.0 custom firmware.

[Source: Team Android]