Xiaomi Redmi 1S Gets Android 4.4.4 KitKat via Unofficial CyanogenMod 11 ROM

The Xiaomi Redmi 1S has been a ground-breaking budget smartphone with high-end specifications such as 1GB RAM and Qualcomm's Snapdragon Quad-core processor onboard. Custom Android developers have unleashed the first Android 4.4.4 KitKat ROM for the handset via newly released CyanogenMod 11 (CM11) ROM.

Some of the salient features ported into the Android 4.4.4 CM11 ROM for Redmi 1S are as follows:

• Android 4.4.4 KitKat based Rom.
• Stable and Smooth.
• Optimized for balanced battery usage.
• Cyanogenmod features and themes.
• Built-in Superuser option.
• Built-in DSP manager.
• Includes Privacy settings.
• SE Linux enabled kernel.

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 ROM and the instructions given in this guide are meant for the Redmi 1S 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 USB drivers here)
• 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

Unofficial CyanogenMod 11 ROM for Xiaomi Redmi 1S

Google Apps (alternate micro version)

CWM Recovery for Redmi 1S

Steps to Install Android 4.4.4 KitKat onXiaomi Redmi 1S with Unofficial CyanogenMod 11 ROM

Step-1: Download Android 4.4.4 CyanogenMod 11 ROM for Redmi 1S to computer

Step-2: Download Google Apps package

Step-3: Connect the Redmi 1S 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 Down and Power buttons together, until the bootloader menu appears on screen.

Step-6: Use Volume Down to scroll to the Recovery mode option and Volume Up key to select it.

Step-7: Wait until the Android symbol with exclamation mark appears on screen and then hit Power button to enter Android system recovery menu. NOTE: In recovery mode, use Volume Down to navigate between options and Volume Up 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 ROM file which you copied earlier to your phone's SD card. Choose Yes on the 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 Redmi 1S will restart and it may take about five minutes for the first boot. So, do not interrupt the process.

Your Redmi 1S is now running on Android 4.4.4 KitKat via CyanogenMod 11 ROM. Go to Settings > About Phone to verify the firmware installed.

[Source: The Android Soul]