Google continues to launch new mobile operating systems on its Nexus devices, and smartphone manufacturers continue to update some of their devices. Unfortunately, there are older smartphones that don't benefit from newer updates any longer. Such is the case with the original Samsung Galaxy S, which the Korean manufacturer stopped supporting some time ago.

Fortunately, the developer community is always eager to help out with custom ROMs, so if you are looking for ways and means to experience KitKat on an older device, then there's always the unofficial way.

This is a guide that will allow you to install the unofficial Android 4.4.2 SlimKat custom ROM on the Samsung Galaxy S 4G from T-Mobile. Keep in mind that this is not an official Google / Samsung or SlimKat release, as the ROM has been created by XDA members and developers. As such, it may contain certain bugs. On the other hand, the benefits of applying a custom ROM such as this, is an increase in performance, a newer operating system and additional features.

IMPORTANT – READ BEFORE PROCEEDING:

  • This is a guide / ROM designed specifically for the Samsung Galaxy S 4G T-Mobile. Do not attempt to apply this guide to any other device or Galaxy S variant, as you can brick your phone
  • In order to apply this guide, you will need a rooted Galaxy S 4G that runs the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery (both methods are explained below)
  • During the installation process, you will need to factory reset your smartphone and wipe its cache. Backup your data and make sure you have also backed up the EFS folder
  • The guide below includes details on how to create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM
  • You can backup your app data using the "Helium" app; your text messages using the "SMS Backup & Restore"; and your APN settings using "APN Settings Backup & Restore" (or similar applications)
  • Your contacts should already be backed up on your Google account
  • The guide requires you to have access to a computer. Make sure you have installed the proper USB drivers, and that your security programs are deactivated as they can interfere with the flashing process
  • Before proceeding, enable "USB Debugging" on your smartphone. Access the "Settings" menu, tap "Developer options" and enable the aforementioned feature
  • Make sure your smartphone's battery is at least 70% full
  • This is an advanced guide, so proceed at your own risk. If you brick your phone or lose important data, you cannot hold the developers or anyone else responsible
  • Don't skip any steps

Samsung Galaxy S 4G (T-Mobile): Installing Android 4.4.2 SlimKat Custom ROM – CWM Recovery Method:

  1. On your computer, download the SlimKat zip file from this link
  2. Download the Google apps package from this link
  3. Connect your smartphone to your PC using the USB cable
  4. Copy the downloaded files from your computer to your phone's storage
  5. After the transfer, disconnect your SGS 4G from your PC
  6. Power off your smartphone and reboot in CWM recovery. In order to do so, press and hold "Volume up", "Home" and "Power" at the same time
  7. At the splash screen, release the buttons
  8. Before wiping the cache and memory, create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM. To do so, select "backup and restore"
  9. Once the backup is complete, select "data wipeout / factory reset". Also select "wipe cache" and "dalvik cache" from the "Advanced" menu
  10. Return to the main recovery screen and select "Install zip from SD card". Choose the SlimKat zip file from the SD card and flash it
  11. After the zip has been flashed, select "Install zip from SD card" again, but this time browse and select the Google apps package
  12. Once both files have been flashed, select "+++Go Back+++" and then "Reboot system now". NOTE: when you first reboot your device after the flashing process, you will notice that it takes a while for the process to complete. Be patient. If the device does not boot in 10 minutes, or if the handset is boot looping, then you'll need to redo the entire guide without skipping any steps. (Make sure your properly factory reset)

NOTE: You can use the NANDROID backup to return to the previous ROM. To do so, reboot in CWM recovery and select "backup & restore"

Samsung Galaxy S 4G (T-Mobile): Installing Android 4.4.2 SlimKat Custom ROM – TWRP Recovery Method:

  1. On your computer, download the SlimKat zip from this link, and the Google apps zip from this link
  2. Establish a connection between your computer and Galaxy S 4G using the USB cable
  3. Copy the downloaded zip files onto your phone's storage
  4. After the transfer completes, disconnect your smartphone and turn it off
  5. Reboot in TWRP recovery by pressing and holding the "Volume Down", "Power" and "Home" buttons
  6. Release the buttons at the TWRP screen
  7. Create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM. Select "Backup", choose the type of data that you wish to save, give the file a name and then swipe the "Swipe to Backup" button
  8. Go back to the TWRP main screen and select "Wipe". From the "Advanced" menu, select "Wipe cache" as well as "Dalvik cache". Then, swipe the "Swipe to wipe" button
  9. Return to the main recovery screen and select "Install"
  10. Browse for the SlimKat zip file and select it
  11. Once the first file is flashed, select "Install" again, and flash the Google apps package as well
  12. When both files have been flashed, return to the main TWRP screen and select "Reboot". NOTE: you will experience a slow reboot at this point, so be patient. If the process does not end in 10 minutes, or if your handset is stuck in a boot loop, then you'll need to redo the entire guide while making sure that you've properly wiped the handset's cache and applied a factory reset

NOTE: You can always return to your previous ROM using the NANDROID backup. You can do this by rebooting in TWRP and selecting "Restore", then selecting the proper backup file

› See More: Samsung Galaxy S 4G (T-Mobile): Install Android 4.4.2 SlimKat (Unofficial) Custom ROM (CWM and TWRP)