Update HTC One Mini to Android 4.4.2 KitKat via CyanogenMod 11 ROM

CyanogenMod 11 ROM brings latest KitKat features to One Mini in a stable release

HTC One Mini users can finally enjoy the latest KitKat features on their devices, thanks to the release of Android 4.4.2 CyanogenMod 11 custom ROM by XDA recognised developer h8rift. The ROM is the result of a new Kernel compiled with 4.8 toolchain, modified load address and some tweaked settings in ramdisk.

With due credit to XDA developers senior member, cmvienneau, the ROM has been tested to work successfully with the non-touch version of CWM recovery, given the device is s-off and unlocked.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held responsible for any damage to device 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 HTC One Mini model only. Verify device model number by navigating to Settings > About Tablet.
Verify that your phone has access to the 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 tablet setup. In Recovery, choose Backup and Restore and tap Backup.
Verify correct USB drivers for the phone are installed on the computer (download HTC One 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.
Verify that the phone's bootloader is unlocked before you proceed.
Ensure the phone is unlocked (not locked to a specific carrier) and rooted with the latest ClockworkMod (CWM) Recovery (v6.0.4.5) installed.

Downloads Required

Steps to Install Android 4.4.2 KitKat Update on HTC One Mini with CyanogenMod 11 ROM

Step-1: Download Android 4.4.2 CyanogenMod 11 Build 4 for HTC One MIni to computer

Step-2: Download Google Apps package

Step-3: Connect the HTC One Mini to computer via USB cable. Without extracting, copy the downloaded firmware zip and Google Apps zip files to the root folder of phone.

The Android 4.4.2 CM11 ROM can be installed on HTC One Mini using either CWM or TWRP recovery. Follow any method based on the recovery mode installed on your device.

How to Install Android 4.4.2 CyanogenMod 11 ROM via ClockworkMod (CWM) Recovery

Power off the phone and wait for 4 to 5 seconds until the device shuts down completely.
Now press and hold Volume Down and Power buttons together and release the Power key once the display turns on, but continue holding Volume Down until the device boots into bootloader mode.
Hit Volume Down button a few more times to select Recovery option and then hit Power key to reboot 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. Then perform Wipe Cache Partition and once again hit Yes 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 CyanogenMod 11 ROM file which you copied earlier to your phone. Choose Yes on next screen to confirm the ROM installation.
Repeat the previous step to install Google Apps as well.
Once Google Apps is also installed, select "+++++Go Back+++++"and reboot the device by tapping reboot system now from the recovery menu. Your HTC One Mini will restart and it may take about 5 minutes for first boot to complete. So, do not interrupt the process.

Your HTC One Mini is now running Android 4.4.2 KitKat via CyanogenMod 11 Build 4. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.

NOTE: If the device gets stuck at boot loop (while rebooting), then just do a factory reset from recovery mode to fix the issue.

How to Install Android 4.4.2 CyanogenMod 11 ROM via TWRP Recovery

Power off the phone and wait for 4 to 5 seconds until the device shuts down completely.
Now press and hold Volume Down and Power buttons together, and release the Power key once the display turns on, but continue holding Volume Down until the device boots into bootloader mode.
Hit Volume Down button a few more times to select Recovery option and then hit Power key to reboot 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). To do so, tap on Wipe and scroll down to the bottom of the screen and do a Swipe on "Swipe to factory reset" option.
Tap on install and navigate to the CM11 ROM zip file you copied earlier to your phone. Scroll to the bottom of screen and do a swipe on Swipe to confirm flash option to begin installing the firmware.
Repeat the previous step to flash Google apps as well.
Now flash boot.img from the ROM file via fastboot. Select reboot and then tap on System to reboot your device. Your HTC One Mini will restart and it may take about 5 minutes for first boot to complete. So, do not interrupt the process.