As most of you already know, custom ROMs offer the possibility to experience newer operating systems on your smartphone, without having to wait for the official release. More so, manufacturers are not supporting their older smartphones, and with the help of custom ROMs you can still remain up to date.

The Sprint HTC One is definitely on the list of future-to-be-updated devices, and the next big software release is expected to be Android 4.4 KitKat. Until that moment arrives though, you can still experience the KitKat OS by installing an unofficial ROM.

This is a guide that will walk you through the steps of applying the latest AOKP KitKat custom ROM on the Sprint HTC One. Keep in mind that this ROM is still under development, hence the term "nightly". As such, it may contain bugs, but the team behind AOKP will fix them on a day-to-day basis.

IMPORTANT – READ BEFORE PROCEEDING:

  • This is a guide specifically designed for Sprint's version of the HTC One. Don't attempt to apply this ROM to any other device or HTC One model aside from Sprint's
  • This ROM features the stock Android 4.4 UI. As such, HTC Sense 5 will no longer be available after installation
  • In order to successfully install this ROM, you need to have a rooted HTC One that runs the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery
  • Create backups before proceeding, as the installation process requires you to apply a factory reset and to wipe the cache
  • Applications such as "Helium", "SMS Backup & Restore" and "APN Settings Backup & Restore" can be used to backup app data, messages and APN settings
  • You can backup your contacts using your Google account
  • As a precaution, this guide includes steps on how to create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM
  • Before moving on, you will need to enable "USB Debugging". Go to "Settings" > "About" > "Software information" > "More" > and tap "Build number" several times to make the "Developer options" menu visible. Then, go back to "Settings", tap "Developer options" mark the "USB Debugging" check box
  • Your battery should be at least 70% full
  • This guide includes unofficial operations and it is risky. If you brick your phone, you can't hold the developers or anyone else responsible
  • Don't skip any steps!

Sprint HTC One – Installing Android 4.4.2 AOKP Nightly Using CWM Recovery:

  1. On your computer, download the latest AOKP KitKat nightly build from this link
  2. You also need to download a Google apps package. Visit this link to do so
  3. Connect your smartphone to your PC using the USB connector
  4. Transfer the zip files onto your phone's storage
  5. After the files have been copied, disconnect your smartphone from your computer
  6. You now need to access the bootloader menu. To do so, press and hold the "Volume Down" button. After a couple of seconds, press and hold the "Power" key as well. Release the "Power" button after the screen turns black, but continue to hold the "Volume Down" button until you open the bootloader.
  7. Navigate to, and highlight "Recovery" using the volume keys.
  8. Select the "Recovery" option by pressing "Power". Your phone will now enter CWM recovery
  9. You'll now create a NANDROID backup. From the CWM screen, select "backup and restore"
  10. Return to the main CWM screen and "wipe data factory reset" and "wipe cache partition". Access the "Advance" menu and select "wipe dalvik cache" as well
  11. Go back to the main recovery menu and select "Install zip from SD card" > "choose zip from SD card". Then, load the AOKP zip file and install it
  12. Once again, return to the main CWM menu and select "Install zip from SD card" again. Next up, load the Google apps zip file
  13. When both zips have been flashed, select "+++Go Back+++" and choose "Reboot system now"

NOTE: the first time you reboot your Sprint HTC One after the flashing process, you will notice that the process takes longer than usual. Be patient and don't press any buttons. In case your smartphone gets stuck at the splash screen for longer than 10 minutes, or if the handset is stuck in a boot loop, then something went wrong. You will need to redo the guide from the top. Make sure you properly factory reset and wipe the cache.

NOTE: The previously created NANDROID backup can be used to return to your previous ROM. Simply reboot in CWM and select "backup & restore"

Sprint HTC One – Installing Android 4.4.2 AOKP Nightly Using TWRP Recovery:

  1. Using your computer's Internet browser, visit this link to download the latest AOKP KitKat nightly build available
  2. Also, download the Android 4.4 Google apps from this link
  3. Using the USB cable, connect your Sprint HTC One to your computer
  4. Copy the downloaded zip files on your handset's storage
  5. Once the files have been copied, disconnect your smartphone from your PC
  6. Enter the bootloader. To do so, press and hold the "Volume down" button, followed by pressing and holding the "Power" key. Release the "Power" button once the screen turns off. You should also release the "Volume Down" button as soon as the bootloader menu appears
  7. Press the volume buttons to navigate to, and highlight "Recovery"
  8. Press "Power" to select the option. By doing this you will enter TWRP recovery
  9. At this point you'll need to create a NANDROID backup. Simply select "Backup", choose the type of data that you wish to save, enter a name for the file and then swipe the "Swipe to Backup" button
  10. From the main recovery screen, perform a full factory reset. Access the "Advanced" menu as well, and select "Wipe cache" and "Dalvik cache". Swipe the "Swipe to wipe" button
  11. After a full wipe, go back to the TWRP screen and tap "Install"
  12. Browse for the AOKP file and flash it
  13. Select "Install" once more and browse for the Google apps zip
  14. Return to the main recovery screen and select "Reboot"

NOTE: You will notice that the first reboot after installing the new ROM can take a while to complete. Be patient. However, if the process is not finished in 10 minutes, or if your device keeps restarting, then the ROM has not been successfully installed. Start the guide from the top and make sure you don't skip any steps. Also, it's very important that you properly factory reset your device

NOTE: Assuming that you wish to return to your previous ROM, reboot in TWRP, select "Restore" and load the previously created NANDROID backup

› See More: HTC One (Sprint): Install Android 4.4.2 AOKP Custom ROM (Nightly) – (CWM and TWRO Methods)