Update Samsung Galaxy Note 2 to Android KitKat: CyanogenMod ROM Guide

By Staff Writer

May 06 2014, 05:53 AM EDT

Samsung Galaxy S2 owners can move past Samsung Galaxy S3 owners and update to Android 4.4 KitKat ahead of the OTA. Thanks to the CyanogenMod group, Galaxy S2 users can use the CM11 ROM to update their OS. The ROM should be free from bloatware or bugs so users can use the firmware without problems.

The update is for Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-i9100 version. Users are advised not to update other devices unless the model is specific. Upgrading other models with the ROM can lead to bricked device.

Disclaimer: Users cannot hold the site responsible for what happens to their device after update. The ROM is accessible to anyone who wishes to upgrade. Users can install the software at their own risk. Here are the steps to installing Android 4.4 to Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-i9100 version:

1. The Samsung Galaxy S2 device should be flashed before upgrade. As mentioned, refrain from upgrading any other model. This will result to bricking.

2. The handset should be rooted and installed with a custom recovery program like ClockworkMod.

3. Connect the device to the computer via USB and install the required USB drivers.

4. Create manual backup of all important settings, data files and personal information.

5. The battery should be charged at least 50% to avoid power problems.

6. Allow USB debugging mode on the device. To do this, open the following: Settings > Applications > Development > USB debugging mode or Settings > Developer options > USB debugging.

7. Download the CyanogenMod 11 ROM and Google Apps package.

8. Connect the device to the computer.

9. Transfer the downloaded files to the SD card.

10. Disconnect the device.

11. Turn it off and open into recovery mode. Press and hold the power, home and volume up keys.

12. Create an Android backup of the existing ROM. Choose "backup and restores > backup."

13. Wipe the phone fully. Choose "wipe data/factory reset" and "wipe cache partition." Go to "advanced > wipe Dalvik cache."

14. Go back to the main menu, install the ROM. Do this by choosing install zip from SD card > choose zip from SD > search the ROM you have copied earlier > confirm installation. Repeat the same steps for Google Apps.

15. Reboot the system

The device should be running on Android 4.4 KitKat after.