How to Update to Android 4.4 on any Device using Custom ROMs

If you are thinking about updating your Android device to Android 4.4 KitKat firmware using Custom ROMs, then you must first know a few elementary things about them. These Custom ROMs have different levels of stability, as well as various shapes and sizes and every device needs its specific version; otherwise, you are just wasting your time or you could end up with a bricked device instead of an updated one. As you can see from the title, KitKat-based custom ROMs are our major interest for this article, so let’s see what exact version can be compatible with your Android smartphone / tablet and how can you update to Android 4.4 by using it.

OmniROM

OmniROM is a new is a new arrival in the custom ROM world and it has just released the latest features of Android 4.4.1. along with several bug fixes for your device. Be careful about the fact that the Official OmniROM is available for the following devices only: Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE (ATT), Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE, Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE (Canada), Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE (Sprint), Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE (T-Mobile US), Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE (Verizon). If you haven’t found your device in our list, there is no reason to be worried; it seems that the OmniROM team is currently experimenting ROMs being built for Oppo Find 5, LG Optimus G, Galaxy S II (i9100G OMAP variant), Sony Xperia T, and many other devices, so the list remains opened or you just have to keep looking for a different Custom ROM.

How to update to Android 4.4 on any device using Custom ROMs

Before starting anything else, you have to download the firmware version for Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE (ATT) from here, for Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE from here, for Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE (Canada)from here, for Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE (Sprint) from here, for Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE (T-Mobile US) from here, for Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE (Verizon) from here, as well as Google Apps from here. And we must also remind you that if you want to upgrade your device, you are doing it at your own risk; we have no responsibility in case of anything goes wrong or you end up bricking the device. Before any ROM flashing should be performed., don’t forget to create a manual backup of all important data stored on your device, enable USB debugging by going to “Settings > Applications > Development > USB debugging.” and check to be sure that the battery level is at least 50 per cent.

How to update to Android 4.4 using OmniROM

• Download the above file without extracting it;
• Copy both firmware and Google apps into SD card of your device and then turn it off;
• Restart it in debugging mode by using Volume Down Key and Home Key together while switching on use Power button;
• You have to Press Volume Down in order to enter debugging mode;
• Then select “wipe data factory reset” and “wipe cache partition“;
• Go back to the main menu, select “Install Zip from SD card” and choose firmware zip file from the SD card;
• Upload the file and apply installation (then do same for Google apps);
• After the process ends, return to recovery menu and reboot your device in order to complete the updating process.

Paranoid Android

But what about the Nexus owners? If you are among them, then you’ll be interested to find out more about a set of ROMs offered by the Paranoid Android team. This team was actually one of the first ones to get fully functional 4.4 builds based on AOSP released, but they didn’t added any of the ROM’s popular UI features. The devices currently supported are Google’s Nexus 7 (2013 WiFi version), Nexus 7 (2012 WiFi version), as well as Nexus 4 (MAKO) and according to their latest statements they will continue to focus exclusively on Nexus devices.

CyanogenMod

The CyanogenMod team is not at all behind and it is currently offering nightly custom ROM builds of this Android version. You should know that they aren’t the nightly builds that we are generally used too, but just as the CyanogenMod team explains – M snapshot builds. So, they are being much more reliable than nightlies, being ideal especially for experienced users. And don’t leave aside the fact that CyanogenMod has a wide range of officially supported devices, including S4 Mini, Galaxy Tab, Sony Xperia T, HTC One, Skyrocket, both 2012 and 2013 models of the Nexus 7, as well as Nexus 10.

Here you can find how to Install CyanogenMod (CM 10.2, CM 11 and more) on any Android device.

AOKP

Despite of the fact that the AOKP team hasn’t finished its work for a final Android 4.3 build, it is also focusing its attention to Android 4.4. Half of their team is working on that, but we have no deadline dates, so anything is possible at the moment. We just know that Android 4.4. is on the horizon and they are apologizing for any inconvenience and asking for understanding from those sharing the same Android passionate as they do.

We don’t know about you, but our patience has its limits and they are already way out of schedule if we take in consideration all the other Custom ROMs that we have told you about. We only hope that your device is on any of the supported list; if not, we’ll keep you updated!