Samsung Galaxy S3: How to get Android 4.4 KitKat
Since the Samsung Galaxy S3 will not officially get an update to Android 4.4 aka KitKat, you can only install the new version of the Google operating system via custom ROM. We show you how this works in this practical tip.
Samsung Galaxy S3: Install Android 4.4 KitKat
There are a variety of Android 4.4 ROMs available for the Samsung Galaxy S3. This guide applies to CyanogenMod 11, which is based on Android 4.4.4. Please note that CHIP assumes no liability for any damage to your device and all steps are at your own risk.
- All data will also be deleted from your smartphone during the process. Therefore, make sure to create a full backup of your Galaxy S3. We show you how this works in this guide.
- Install the Custom Recovery CWM on your Galaxy S3. To do this, copy the file to your device, switch it off and boot by holding down the power button, the volume up button and the home button. Then select the appropriate ZIP package under "install zip from sd card".
- Then download the current CyanogenMod-11 ROM from the developer website and copy it to your smartphone. Also download the Google Apps and move the ZIP package to your phone.
- Then start your device in the new recovery by holding the power button, the volume up button and the home button again.
- First select "Data & factory reset", then "cache wipe" and then "dalvik cache wipe".
- Select the CM11-ROM under "install zip from sd card". It usually has a name such as "cm-11-20140718-NIGHTLY-i9300.zip".
- In the recovery select the option "cache wipe" and then "dalvik cache wipe".
- Then select the reboot option and restart your phone. You can now use CyanogenMod 11 with Android 4.4.4 on your Samsung Galaxy S3.
- Further information can be found in the corresponding thread at XDA-Developers.
In the next practical tip, we will show you how to take a screenshot on your Samsung Galaxy S3.