Install CyanogenMod 11 M9 Android 4.4.4 Stable ROM for Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE (GT-I9505)

Samsung Galaxy S4 users can now enjoy the latest Android 4.4.4 KitKat features in a stable release with stock-like Android experience, thanks to the release of CyanogenMod 11 M9 Snapshot ROM from the CyanogenMod team.

The CM11 M9 ROM packs basic CyanogenMod elements based on the original Android Open Source Project (AOSP) minus the TouchWiz bloatware to deliver the best KitKat user experience till date.

Some of the salient features ported into the newly released CyanogenMod 11 M9 release are listed below:

• Themes support for additional UI elements
• Heads Up Notifications – Bug Fixes
• Lockscreen – Allow doubletap to sleep when using secure keyguard
• Torch – Improve performance
• Safe Headset Volume – prompt when interfering with 3rd party device (Jawbone, Square, etc)
• Center clock support
• Quick Settings – respect locale changes on additional tiles
• Proximity Wake-Up support – prevent accidental wake-up of device by checking to see if proximity sensor is blocked (eg. Device is in a bag or pocket).
• Spam notification filtering – Set notifications to auto-ignore based on content (perfect for those pesky games that want you to 'Save 20% on our new game'). Long-press offending notification to set as ignored; manage in Privacy settings.
• Settings Search – Additional improvements and highlighting
• Data Usage Info – Add support for CDMA devices without sim cards
• Bluetooth – Add additional A2DP profiles
• Bluetooth – Disable AVRCP 1.5 by default (fixes various car unit compatibility)
• Email – Fix saving attachments to storage for POP3 accounts
• Translations (Thanks CM Crowdin Team!)
• Account for Play Services induced wake-locks
• Fix encryption on some LG Devices
• Dialer – add support for Korean and Chinese to smart-dialer

Those who wish to enjoy the most stable KitKat release on their Galaxy S4 I9505 can follow our step-by-step guide to install Android 4.4.4 KitKat via CyanogenMod 11 M9 ROM

Note: The M9 release of CM11 ROM supports the following device variants: flteatt, jfltecan, jfltecri, jfltecsp, jfltespr, jfltetmo, jflteusc, jfltevzw, jfltexx

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 CM11 M9 ROM and the instructions given in this guide are meant for the Galaxy S4 LTE 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 S4 I9505 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 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) or install CyanogenMod 10.2 Nightly which includes CWM recovery v6.0.4.5.
• If the device is stuck at booting or is 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 M9 Snapshot ROM for Galaxy S4 I9505

Google Apps

CWM Advanced Edition Philz Touch Recovery

Steps to InstallAndroid 4.4.4 KitKat on Galaxy S4 I9505 with CyanogenMod 11 M9 Stable Build

Step-1: Download Android 4.4.4 CyanogenMod 11 M9 stable build for Galaxy S4 I9505 to computer

Step-2: Download Google Apps package

Step-3: Connect the Galaxy S4 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 S4 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.

Step-9: Select Install Zip from sdcard and then click Choose zip from sdcard. Browse to the location of the CyanogenMod 11 M9 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 S4 I9505 will restart and it may take about five minutes for the first boot. So, do not interrupt the process.

Your Galaxy S4 I9505 is now running on Android 4.4.4 KitKat via CyanogenMod 11 M9 stable build. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.

[Source: Cyanogenmod]