Update Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7100 to Android 4.4.4 KitKat via CyanogenMod 11 M8 ROM

The CyanogenMod team recently rolled out a new M8 stable build of CyanogenMod 11 ROM with Android 4.4.4 KitKat for over 80 Android devices and Galaxy Note 2 (GT-N7100) is one of the lucky few devices to enjoy the latest custom KitKat experience.

With tons of new features ported into the CM11 M8 build, Note 2 users can enjoy all the advanced feature enhancements for KitKat without any bugs or stability issues that have been a major concern with the nightly builds of CyanogenMod.

Some of the salient features ported into this new stable release of CM11 ROM include fix for VPN issues related to 4.4.3 merge, heads up notification mode via Settings > Notifications, custom Home-screen grid size, new Protected Apps feature, new Search Panel (Google Now) option and more.

In a nut shell, CM11 M8 ROM brings faster performance with smoother and better UI elements for your Android device. Interested users can check out the complete changelog for Android 4.4.4 CyanogenMod 11 M8 release here and follow the step-by-step guide given below to install the same manually.

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 4.4.4 CyanogenMod 11 M8 ROM and the instructions given in this guide are meant for the Galaxy Note 2 (GT-N7100) model 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 Note 2 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.
• The last CM11 Nightly build which supports this M8 upgrade without issues is dated 29 June. Do not try upgrading from other versions of CM11 nightly builds in order to avoid bricking the device.
• Ensure the device is unlocked (not locked to a specific carrier) and rooted with latest ClockworkMod (CWM) Recovery (v6.0.4.5) installed. Alternatively, install CyanogenMod 10.2 Nightly which includes CWM recovery v6.0.4.5. If you are installing the CWM recovery for the first time, check out the video tutorial below, courtesy of The Android Soul:

• 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

Android 4.4.4 KitKat CyanogenMod 11 M8 ROM for Galaxy Note 2

Google Apps

CyanogenMod 10.2 Nightly for Galaxy Note 2

Steps to Install Android 4.4.4 KitKat on Galaxy Note 2 GT-N7100 with CyanogenMod 11 M8 ROM

Step-1: Download Android 4.4.4 KitKat CyanogenMod 11 M8 ROM for Galaxy Note 2 N7100 to computer

Step-2: Download Google Apps package

Step-3: Connect the Galaxy Note 2 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 Note 2 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 CyanogenMod firmware file (cm-11-20140708-SNAPSHOT-M8-t0lte.zip) copied earlier to the phone's SD card. Choose Yes on next screen to confirm the firmware installation.

Step-10: Repeat the previous step to install Google Apps (gapps-kk-20140606-signed.zip) 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 Note 2 will restart and it may take about five minutes for the first boot. So, do not interrupt the process.

Your Galaxy Note 2 (GT-N7100) is now running on Android 4.4.4 KitKat via CyanogenMod 11 M8 ROM. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.

[Source: Android Geeks]