Install Android 4.4 KitKat on Samsung Galaxy S I9000 using CyanogenMod 11

Google recently pulled the curtains off from the Android 4.4 KitKat running on its latest flagship Nexus 5. Major smartphone manufacturers have announced the devices that will be getting Android 4.4 KitKat first of all, if we specifically talk about Samsung, the devices announced that will get the Andorid 4.4 KitKat include Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 first of all, perhaps the older devices may not taste the KitKat. Samsung’s Galaxy S1 stopped receiving Android updates after Android 2.3.6 Ginger Bread. Initially, the device ran on Android 2.1 Eclair out of the box, unfortunately Galaxy S1 owners can’t taste the latest and greatest versions of Android through official updates.

Well, that’s the thing to worry about, but not really when we have the really awesome developers working over CyanogenMod and Xda developers. You can update your device to the higher version of Android using the CyanogenMod builds. Android 4.4 KitKat Nighlty ROM based on CyanogenMod 11 is available for download now, you may want to taste the Android 4.4 KitKat unofficially on your Samsung Galaxy S1, if so then you’ve spotted the right place. I’ve explained the method to flash Android 4.4 KitKat CM 11 based nightly in simple and easy steps below. Follow this guide to the letter.

Before we head towards the flashing process, here are some important things to keep in mind.

1. 1. This guide is only for Samsung Galaxy S GT I9000. Do not try this on any other device. Check your device’s model underSettings > About device.
   2. Make sure that your phone’s battery is charged enough to do all the process. It should be at least 80%. This is highly recommended to prevent any power issues during the flashing process.
   3. Your device must be rooted and have a custom recovery installed. Follow our full guide here to root and install CWM recovery.
   4. After you’ve installed CWM recovery, boot into it (Volume Up+Home Button + Power Key) and backup your current ROM/System using the backup option in the CWM. This is highly recommended in case something goes wrong and you want to go back to the previous working state of your phone immediately.
   5. Make sure that you’ve backed up all your important media content, contacts, call logs and text messages. This is highly recommended in case you need to wipe your phone during the installation process or something goes wrong.
   6. Enable USB debugging mode under Settings > Developer options.
   7. Flash this ROM only if you know what you are doing, if you have much knowledge about the Custom ROMs and if you can handle the nightly builds.
   8. As said earlier, this is a nightly build, and may contain a lot of bugs, this ROM may not be kept for every day use. We may not be held responsible for any kind of bugs or mishaps.
   9. Alright! Make sure that you applied all the pre requisites and pre cautions as explained, follow this guide to the letter to avoid any mishaps.

Disclaimer: The methods involved in flashing custom roms and rooting your phone is highly custom and may result in bricking your device, and has nothing to do with Google or the device manufacturer that is Samsung in our case. Also rooting your device will void its warranty and you will be no longer eligiblefor any kind of free device services by the manufacturers/warranty providers. In case of any mishap we may not be held responsible. Follow these instructions to the letter to avoid any mishap or bricking. Make sure that whatever you do, you are doing it at your own responsibility.

How to Flash CyanogenMod 11 Android 4.4 KitKat on Samsung Galaxy S I9000:

1. 1. 1. Download CyanogenMod 11 custom ROM for Galaxy S1: cm-11-20131206-NIGHTLY-galaxysmtd.zip 
      2. Download Gapps for Android 4.4:  gapps-kk-20131119.zip
      3. Place both the downloaded .zip files on your phone’s internal or external sd card.
      4. Boot into CWM recovery on your phone. To do so, turn off your device completely, now turn it on by pressing and holdingVolume Up+Home Button+Power Key, you will see the CWM interface now.
      5. In CWM recovery wipe data, cache, and then Advanced>wipe dalvik cache as well.
      6. Now select “Install Zip>Choose Zip from Sd/Ext Sd>Select the cm-11-20131206-NIGHTLY-galaxysmtd.zip ”.
      7. Select “Yes” and begin the flashing process, it will take a few minutes to install Android 4.3 CM 10.2 on your phone.
      8. Now once again select “Install Zip” in CWM recovery, and select Gapps.zip file this time.
      9. Select “Yes” and flash the Gapps for Android 4.4.
      10. As soon as the flashing is done, Reboot! Phewww! You’ve successfully installed CyanogenMod 11 custom ROM on your Samsung Galaxy S1, you should see the CM Logo on the boot screen now.
      11. The first run will take some time to boot you into the home screen, in case the boot screen is stuck on the CM logo, boot into CWM recovery and wipe cache and dalvik cache, reboot and it should take you into the home screen.

That’s All! In case you have any queries, suggestions or face any difficulties, feel free to stop by the comment box below. We will try our best to catch you up. Thanks All!