AOKP is one of the most renowned custom ROMs created by the huge developer community, and Team Kang has recently started releasing Android 4.4-based AOKP ROMs for the Samsung Galaxy S4. While the handset in question is expected to receive the official KitKat update sometime within the next several weeks / months, you can still experience Android 4.4 by flashing the AOKP ROM on your device.

This guide will allow you to install the latest version of AOKP on your C Spire Samsung Galaxy S4. Keep in mind that this ROM is still under development, in its "nightly" stages. This means that you may encounter certain bugs in the OS, but on the bright side, new nightlies are being released in a timely manner, so bugs are being dealt with rather quickly.

Before proceeding, you also need to know that AOKP is based on KitKat as well as CM 11. However, it does not include the Samsung TouchWiz user interface, as it delivers vanilla Android OS.

IMPORTANT – READ BEFORE PROCEEDING:

  • This is a ROM that will work only with C Spire's Samsung Galaxy S4. Attempting to install this ROM on any other SGS4 variant can result in phone bricking. Don't do it!
  • If you want to install AOKP on Sprint's S4, visit this link instead. You can visit this link for T-Mobile's Galaxy S4, this link for US Cellular's model and this link for the Galaxy S4 at Cricket. For the guide for Verizon's Galaxy S4, see this thread
  • This installation process requires you to already have root access on your S4, and the latest version of CWM or TWRP custom recovery
  • A factory reset is required in order for the ROM to be successfully flashed. Create backups if necessary
  • To backup app data, text messages and APN Internet settings, you can use applications such as "Helium", "SMS backup & restore" and "APN Settings Backup & Restore"
  • Instructions on how to create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM will be given below
  • Your contacts can be backed up onto your Google account
  • Before proceeding, make sure that your smartphone's battery is at least 70% full
  • Enable "USB Debugging". To do so, access the "Settings" menu, tap "About device" and tap "Build number" until you gain access to developer options. Then, go back to "Settings" > "Developer options" and enable "USB Debugging"
  • This guide includes unofficial operations. If you brick your phone, you cannot hold the developers or anyone else responsible
  • Don't skip any steps

C Spire Samsung Galaxy S4 - Install Android 4.4 AOKP Custom ROM (Nightly) via CWM Recovery:

  1. Using your computer's Internet browser, visit this link and download the latest version of KitKat AOKP available
  2. Visit this link to download the Google apps zip file
  3. Using the USB cable, connect your smartphone to your computer
  4. Copy the downloaded zip files to your phone's storage
  5. After you've copied the files, disconnect your smartphone and power it off completely
  6. You will now need to enter CWM recovery. To do so, press and hold "Volume Up", "Power" an "Home" simultaneously
  7. From the main CWM menu, select "backup & restore" to create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM. Don't skip this step!
  8. After the backup, you can now select "data wipeout / factory reset" from the main CWM screen. Also, from the "Advanced" menu you need to select "wipe cache" as well as "dalvik cache"
  9. Return to the main recovery screen and select "Install zip from SD card"
  10. Browse for and select the AOKP file downloaded at step 1
  11. Return to the main CWM screen and select "Install zip from SD card" again. Then, load the Google apps zip file downloaded at step 2
  12. Once both files have ben flashed, select "+++Go Back+++" and then "Reboot system now"

NOTE: The first reboot after applying a new ROM will take several minutes to complete. Be patient and don't press any buttons. If the process does not finish in 10 minutes, or if the handset is stuck in a boot loop, then you will need to redo the guide from the top. Make sure you don't skip any steps

NOTE: you can easily return to your previous ROM via the NANDROID backup. Simply reboot in CWM recovery and select "backup & restore", followed by the appropriate file

C Spire Samsung Galaxy S4 – Install Android 4.4 AOKP Custom ROM via TWRP Recovery:

  1. Go to this link and download the required AOKP custom ROM. Make sure you grab the latest version available
  2. Download the Google apps file from this link
  3. Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB
  4. Cope the unzipped files downloaded at step 1 and to, onto your phone's storage
  5. Disconnect your smartphone and turn it off completely
  6. Now, enter TWRP recovery by pressing and holding the "Volume Down", "Power" and "Home" buttons at the same time
  7. From the main TWRP screen, create a NANDROID backup. Tap "Backup", select the type of data that you wish to save, rename the file and then swipe the "Swipe to Backup" button
  8. Now, factory reset your smartphone. Tap "Wipe" and select "wipe cache" as well as "Dalvik cache" from the "Advanced" menu
  9. Swipe the "Swipe to wipe" button
  10. Return to the main TWRP menu and select "Install"
  11. Load the AOKP file and flash it
  12. Go back to the main TWRP screen and select "Install" again, then apply the Google apps file
  13. After both files have been flashed, go back to the recovery screen and select "Reboot"

NOTE: after applying a new ROM, the first reboot will take longer than usual. Don't press any buttons and be patient. Assuming that the process does not end in 10 minutes, or if your smartphone keeps restarting, then you need to redo the guide from the top, without skipping any steps. Make sure you've properly factory reset your handset

NOTE: in case you need or want to return to your previous ROM, use the NANDROID backup to do so. Simply reboot in TWRP recovery, select "Restore" and choose the desired backup file

› See More: C Spire Samsung Galaxy S4: Install Android 4.4 AOKP Custom ROM Using CWM or TWPR