The HTC Explorer (codename Pico) is definitely not on the manufacturer's list of future-to-be-updated smartphones. Google has released the Android 4.4.2 OS relatively recently, but this particular smartphone is sadly never going to enjoy the extra features and optimizations of the new update. Or, at least not officially. You can always choose to flash a custom ROM on an older device, and if you happen to own the HTC Explorer and you want to experience the latest KitKat features, then this is your only option.

This guide will allow you to flash the Carbon ROM on your HTC Explorer. Keep in mind that, while Carbon is based on Android 4.4.2, the update is not official. The ROM is also developed by 3rd party XDA members and developers, and it may still contain bugs.

IMPORTANT – READ BEFORE PROCEEDING:

  • This guide works only for the HTC Explorer / Pico, and you should not attempt to apply this ROM on any other smartphone or HTC device
  • To flash Carbon ROM, you need to have a rooted Explorer that runs the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery
  • In order to install the ROM, you need to perform a full factory reset. It's recommended that you backup any important information before proceeding
  • Using applications such as "Helium", "SMS backup & restore" and "APN Settings Backup & Restore", you can backup app data, text messages and APN Internet settings
  • As a precaution, I've included instructions on how to create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM
  • If you need to backup your contacts, you can sync them to your Google account
  • As you'll need to connect your smartphone to a computer, you are required to enable USB Debugging on your handset. Go to "Settings" > "Developer options" and enable the aforementioned feature
  • It's crucial that your smartphone has enough battery to last throughout the entire installation process. Do a full recharge before starting
  • This guide is aimed at advanced users, and contains unofficial operations that will void your smartphone's warranty. Read all the steps and proceed at your own risk!

HTC Explorer: Install Android 4.4.2 Carbon ROM via CWM Recovery:

  1. Using your computer, visit this link to download the Carbon ROM zip file
  2. You also need to download the Google apps package from this link
  3. Connect your Explorer to your PC via USB
  4. Copy the zip files, and paste them on your phone's storage (Don't unzip the files!)
  5. After the files have been transferred, disconnect your handset from your computer
  6. Reboot your smartphone in CWM recovery. To do this, press and hold "Volume Down" and "Power" buttons
  7. In the main CWM screen, tap "Backup & restore" and follow any additional self-explanatory steps in order to create a NANDROID backup of your ongoing ROM (Don't skip this step!)
  8. Return to the main recovery screen, and select "data wipeout / factory reset". You also need to select "wipe cache" and "dalvik cache" from the "Advanced Options" menu
  9. With the device fully factory reset, return to the main CWM menu and select "Install zip from SD card"
  10. Load the Carbon ROM zip file
  11. Select "Install zip from SD card" once more, and load the Google apps zip file
  12. Once both zips have been flashed, select "+++Go Back+++", followed by "Reboot system now"

NOTE: when you apply a new ROM, the first time you reboot your smartphone will take longer than usual. Be patient and don't press any buttons. If the process does not end in 10 minutes, or if your Explorer keeps restarting, then the ROM has not been applied successfully. Redo the guide and make sure you haven't skipped any steps

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


HTC Explorer: Install Android 4.4.2 Carbon ROM via TWRP Recovery:

  1. Use your PC's Internet browser to visit this link and download the Carbon ROM zip
  2. Visit this link to download the Android 4.4.2 Google apps zip file
  3. Establish a connection between your smartphone and your computer using the USB cable
  4. Copy the downloaded files on your phone's storage, and disconnect your device once the transfer is complete
  5. Reboot your smartphone in TWRP recovery. To achieve this, press and hold the "Volume Down" and "Power" buttons at the same time
  6. From the main TWRP menu, you need to create a NANDROID backup. (Don't skip this step). Tap "Backup", mark the type of data that you need to save, rename the file and complete the operation by swiping the "Swipe to Backup" button
  7. With the backup in place, tap "Wipe" and select "wipe cache" as well as "dalvik cache" from the "Advanced" menu. Swipe the "Swipe to wipe" button
  8. After fully factory resetting the Explorer, return to the recovery screen and tap "Install"
  9. Browse for and load the Carbon ROM zip file
  10. Tap "Install" once again, and load the Google apps zip file as well
  11. With the zips loaded, you now need to return to the TWRP screen and tap "Reboot"

NOTE: the first reboot can take several minutes to complete. If the process does not end in 10 minutes, or if the handset is stuck in a boot loop, then the ROM has not been installed correctly. Try redoing the guide from the beginning, and don’t miss any steps. Ensure that your smartphone is fully factory reset.

NOTE: Should you need or choose to do so, you can return to your previous ROM via the NANDROID backup. To do this, reboot your HTC Explorer in TWRP recovery, tap "Restore" and load the appropriate file

› See More: HTC Explorer (Pico): Install Android 4.4.2 Carbon ROM Using CWM or TWRP Recovery