While the international Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is currently receiving the official Android 4.4 update in certain regions, it will take a while before the update will reach every Note 3 variant in all the regions. More so, carrier-branded models in the US are usually subject to further delays. You can either wait for the rollout to expand, or you can install a KitKat-based custom ROM.

CyanogenMod has now started releasing CM 11 nightly builds for the Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Installing CM 11 will not only give you access to all the brand new Android 4.4.2 features, but it also comes with optimizations and extra features of its own. However, the CM 11 ROM is still under development, and you may encounter certain bugs. But, being a "nightly" type of release, new builds will continue to be launched on a daily basis.

This is a guide that will allow you to apply the latest CM 11 ROM on the Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Before moving on, keep in mind that this OS does not include Samsung's TouchWiz UI.

IMPORTANT – READ BEFORE PROCEEDING:

  • This is a guide designed for the Sprint Galaxy Note 3. Attempting to flash this ROM on any other device or Note 3 variant will most likely brick your device
  • In order to install this custom ROM, you need to have a rooted Note 3 that runs the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery
  • You will be required to perform a full factory reset during the installation process. Backup your data if necessary
  • You can use applications such as "Helium", "SMS backup & restore" and "APN Settings Backup & Restore" in order to backup your app data, text messages and APN Internet settings respectively
  • Your contacts can be backed up on your Google account by syncing them
  • Below you will find instructions on how to create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM
  • Since this process requires you to connect your smartphone to a computer, you will need to enable "USB Debugging". To do so, go to "Settings" > "About device" and tap "Build number" several times, until the "Developer options" menu becomes visible. Then, return to "Settings" > "Developer options" and enable "USB Debugging"
  • It's crucial that your smartphone doesn't run out of battery during the flashing process. Make sure your device is at least 70% charged
  • This guide contains unofficial operations and it's aimed at advanced users. Proceed with caution. If you brick your phone, you can't hold anyone responsible
  • Read each bullet point and step carefully

Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 3 – Install Android 4.4.2 CM 11 Custom ROM via CWM Recovery:

  1. Using your computer, visit this link to download the CM 11 zip file. Make sure you grab the latest nightly available
  2. Since the ROM does not include Google apps, you'll need to download a separate Gapps zip file from this link. (Get the one for Android 4.4.2)
  3. Connect your Note 3 to your computer via USB
  4. Copy the downloaded zips to your smartphone's storage
  5. With the transfer complete, disconnect your smartphone and power it off
  6. Reboot your device in CWM recovery. To achieve this, press and hold the "Volume Up", "Power" and "Home" buttons at the same time
  7. Firs thing you'll do in CWM is creating a NANDROID backup of your current ROM. Select "Backup & restore" and follow any self-explanatory steps
  8. With the backup created, go back to the CWM main menu and select "data wipeout / factory reset". You'll also need to select "wipe cache" and "dalvik cache" from the "Advanced" menu
  9. Return to the main CWM screen and select "Install zip from SD card". Then, browse for and load the CM 11 zip file
  10. Select "Install zip from SD card" again, and load the Google apps file
  11. Now that you've flashed both zips, select "+++Go Back+++" and "Reboot system now"

NOTE: After a fresh ROM installation, the first reboot will take several minutes to complete. If the process is not complete in 10 minutes, or if your smartphone keeps restarting, then the ROM has not been applied successfully. Redo the entire guide and make sure you haven't missed any steps. Also, ensure that the device is properly factory reset

NOTE: The NANDROID backup can be used to return to your previous ROM. To do so, reboot in CWM recovery, select "backup & restore" and load the appropriate file

Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 3 – Install Android 4.4.2 CM 11 Custom ROM via TWRP Recovery:

  1. Using your PC's Internet browser, go to this link and download the most recent CM 11 nightly build available
  2. Visit this link to download the Android 4.4.2 Google apps zip package
  3. Establish a connection between your Sprint Note 3 and your computer using the USB cable
  4. Transfer the downloaded zip files onto your Note 3's storage
  5. Once the files have been copied, disconnect your smartphone and turn it off
  6. Reboot in TWRP recovery by pressing and holding "Volume Up", "Power" and "Home" buttons simultaneously
  7. From the main TWRP screen, tap "Backup" to create a NANDROID backup of your ROM. Then, select the type of data that you wish to save, assign a name to your file and complete the operation by swiping the "Swipe to Backup" button
  8. Return to the recovery screen and tap "Wipe". From the "Advanced" menu, select "wipe cache" and "dalvik cache". Swipe the "Swipe to wipe" button
  9. Now, go back to the TWRP menu and tap "Install". Load the CM 11 zip file
  10. Tap "Install" once more, and flash the Google apps zip file as well
  11. With both zips flashed, go back to the main TWRP screen and tap "Reboot"

NOTE: Generally speaking, when you apply a new ROM, the first time you reboot your smartphone will take several minutes to complete. Be patient and don't press any buttons, but if the smartphone is stuck in a boot loop, or if it doesn't reboot in 10 minutes, then the ROM hasn't been properly flashed. Start the guide over and make sure you don't skip any steps.

NOTE: In case you want or need to do this, you can return to your previous ROM using the NANDROID backup. Reboot in TWRP recovery, select "Restore" and load the backup file

› See More: Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 3: Install Android 4.4.2 CM 11 Custom ROM (nightly) via CWM or TWRP