While the majority of Nexus devices have already been updated to Android 4.4 Kitkat, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus hasn't received this kind of treatment. Since the smartphone in question is older than 18 months, Google has stopped launching updates on it, so I'm afraid that Jelly Bean is the final official Android OS version for the GNex.

On the bright side, custom ROMs are always here to help, so if you're really itching for Android 4.4 on the Galaxy Nexus, then you can still experience the OS with the help of custom ROMs.

This is a guide that will allow you to install the Android 4.4.2 SlimKat custom ROM (beta) on the device in question. Before proceeding however, keep in mind that this ROM is not official. It's not released by Google or Samsung, and since it's in beta, it may also contain bugs. Fortunately, SlimKat is constantly releasing updates and bugfixes.

IMPORTANT – READ THIS FIRST:

  • This guide / ROM is designed specifically for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus (code "maguro"). Do not attempt to install this ROM on any other smartphones or GNex variants
  • In order to successfully install this ROM, you'll need to have a rooted device that runs the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery (both methods are explained below)
  • In the installation process you'll need to factory reset your handset. Create backups if necessary
  • Use the "Helium" app if you wish to backup app data
  • The "SMS Backup & Restore" app allows you to backup your text messages
  • Using the "APN Settings Backup & Restore" application, you can backup your APN Internet settings
  • To backup your contacts, all you need to do is to sync them with your Gmail account
  • During the installation process you will also perform a NANDROID backup
  • It's important to enable "USB Debugging" before proceeding. To do so, go to "Settings" > "Developer option"
  • Make sure that your smartphone has at least 80% battery life. A full recharge couldn't hurt either, as it's very important for your smartphone not to run out of battery during the installation process
  • This is an advanced guide. In case something goes wrong and you brick / damage your phone, you cannot hold the developers or anyone else responsible
  • Don't skip any steps!

Necessary Downloads:

Whether you'll use CWM or TWRP recovery, you'll need to download two main zip files.

  • Download the latest available Android 4.4.2 SlimKat build from this link.
  • Download the Google apps package by visiting this link. Make sure you download the 4.4.2 package. It's named "pa_gapps-stock-4.4.2-20131215-signed.zip" and should have a size of 275.6 MB

IMPORTANT: once you download these files on your computer, don't unzip them. Just remember their location.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus (maguro): Install Android 4.4.2 SlimKat Custom ROM – CWM Recovery Method:

  1. Connect your Galaxy Nexus to your computer using the USB cable
  2. Copy the downloaded zip files onto your phone's storage (root directory. Don't create any other folders)
  3. Once the transfer is complete, disconnect your smartphone from your PC
  4. Turn off your Galaxy Nexus and reboot it in fastboot mode. To do so, press and hold the "Volume Up", "Volume Down" and "Power" buttons at the same time. Release the buttons once the bootloader menu appears, and use the "Volume" keys to navigate to "Recovery"
  5. With "Recovery" highlighted, press the "Power" button to enter CWM
  6. In CWM recovery, create a NANDROID backup by selecting "backup & restore"
  7. After the backup is complete, select "data wipeout / factory reset" and confirm. Also, make sure you select "wipe cache" and "dalvik cache"
  8. Return to the main recovery menu and select "Install zip from SD card", then browse for the SlimKat zip file
  9. Now go back to the main recovery screen and select "Install zip from SD card" again. This time, select the Google apps zip file
  10. After both zip files have been flashed, select "+++Go Back+++" and "Reboot system now". NOTE: the first time you reboot your device in normal mode may take a while. Don't press any buttons, but if the process takes longer than 10 minutes, or if your handset is stuck in a boot loop, then you'll need to restart the entire guide. Don't skip any steps!

NOTE: you can always return to your previous ROM using the NANDROID backup. Simply reboot in CWM recovery and select "backup & restore"

Samsung Galaxy Nexus (maguro): Install Android 4.4.2 SlimKat Custom ROM – TWRP Recovery Method:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB
  2. Copy the ROM and Gapps zips onto your phone's storage
  3. Once the files have been transferred, disconnect your device from your PC
  4. Turn off your Galaxy Nexus and reboot in fastboot by pressing and holding "Volume Up", "Volume Down" and "Power" simultaneously
  5. Use the "Volume" buttons to highlight "Recovery", and press "Power" to select the option
  6. In TWRP recovery, create a NANDROID backup. To do this, select "Backup", choose the type of data to be backed up, give a name to your file and then swipe the "Swipe to Backup" button
  7. From the main TWRP screen, select "Wipe". Then, go to "Advanced" and select "Wipe cache" and "dalvik cache" as well
  8. Swipe the "Swipe to wipe" button
  9. After the wipe / factory reset has been applied, select "Install" from the main recovery screen
  10. Browse for the SlimKat zip file and flash it
  11. Select "Install" once again, and browse for the Google apps zip file as well
  12. After both zip files have been flashed, return to the main TWRP menu and select "Reboot". NOTE: this first reboot may take several minutes to complete. If the process does not end in 10 minutes, or if your handset is boot looping, then you will need to redo the entire guide from the start. Make sure you haven't missed any of the provided steps

NOTE: in case SlimKat is not what you were looking for, you can always return to your previous ROM by using the NANDROID backup. To do so, reboot in TWRP recovery, select "Restore" and pick the desired backup file

› See More: Samsung Galaxy Nexus: Install Android 4.4.2 SlimKat Custom ROM (Beta) – Using CWM or TWRP Recovery