Although Motorola has recently released the Android 4.4 update on the Moto X, it may take a while before the manufacturer manages to launch the update on other devices in its line-up. In fact, the highest priority right now is probably given to Verizon's new Droid Ultra line-up. There's also the Droid RAZR HD to consider, so in other words, it could take a long time before RAZR owners will be abne to enjoy the KitKat release. There's also a possibility that the older RAZR line-up will never receive the official update.

But, fret not, because there are ways to experience KitKat on the RAZR (XT910) with the use of custom ROMs. This is a guide that will allow you to flash the recently released CM 11 custom ROM on the Motorola RAZR. As most of you know, CM 11 is based on Android 4.4, but the firmware also includes several extra features, such as, battery and performance optimizations, an upgraded web browsing experience and more.

NOTE: Please keep in mind that this particular CM 11 ROM for the RAZR is not an official CyanogenMod release. In fact, it's a "port" developed by XDA members and developers. As such, you may run into certain bugs with this build.

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ FIRST:

  • This guide is meant only for the Motorola RAZR XT910. Do not attempt to apply this guide on other smartphones or RAZR variants. If you wish to apply the update on the Droid RAZR (XT912) then visit this link instead
  • Your RAZR needs to be rooted and it needs to run the latest CWM (or TWRP) recovery image in order to be able and apply this ROM. DO NOT follow this guide any further if these prerequisites are not met
  • This process requires you to perform a full wipe / factory reset. Create backups if necessary
  • Use the "Helium" application if you wish to backup app data
  • You can use the "SMS backup & restore" app in order to backup messages
  • To backup APN settings, you can use "APN Settings Backup & Restore"
  • To backup your contacts, use your Gmail account
  • This guide includes information on how to create a NANDROID backup, as an extra safety precaution
  • Before proceeding, you need to enable "USB debugging". To do so, go to "Menu" > "Settings" > "Developer options" and mark the "USB debugging option"
  • Make sure that your smartphone has at least 60-70% battery life. It's very important for your smartphone not to run out of battery while you follow this tutorial
  • This is an advanced guide. In case you brick or damage your phone, you can't hold the developers or anyone else responsible
  • Don't skip any of the steps

Entering Recovery Mode:

IMPORTANT: DO NOT follow this guide right now. This is a small tutorial which you will need a bit later, in order to enter recovery mode. (NOTE: you need to already nave CWM or TWRP installed)

  1. Go to the Play Store and download the "Quick Boot" application
  2. After the app is installed, launch it
  3. From the menu, select "recovery". This will boot your smartphone in recovery mode

Installing CM 11 Android 4.4 KitKat Custom ROM (Unofficial) on the Motorola RAZR (XT910):

  1. Download the necessary CM 11 ROM for the Motorola RAZR XT910 by visiting this link
  2. Since the ROM does not include Google apps, you'll need to download a separate Gapps package from this link
  3. Save both files on your computer. Don't unzip them
  4. Connect your Droid RAZR to your computer using the USB cable. (Keep in mind that "USB debugging" should be enabled at this point)
  5. Copy and paste the downloaded files onto your phone's SD storage
  6. Once the files have been copied, unplug your smartphone from your PC
  7. Boot your smartphone in recovery mode (refer to the guide above)
  8. You will now create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM. Assuming that you don't like CM 11, or if you experience issues with the ROM, this backup will allow you to return to your current ROM. To create a backup, select "backup and restore", name to the file and then save it
  9. After the backup has been created, select "wipe data / factory reset"; "wipe cache partition" and "wipe dalvick cache"
  10. Return to the main recovery menu
  11. Select "Install zip from SD card" and then select "choose zip from SD card". Then, browse for and select the CM 11 archive.
  12. After the CM 11 ROM has been flashed, select "install zip from SD card" > "choose zip from SD card" again. However, this time select the Google apps zip and flash it
  13. After both packages have been installed, select "+++go back+++" and then "reboot system now". NOTE: this first reboot after the flash could take several minutes to complete. Be patient and don't press any buttons
    • NOTE: If your smartphone takes more than 10 minutes to reboot after the flashing, or if the device is stuck in a boot loop, then you will need to repeat the guide from the beginning. Don't skip any steps.
  14. Congratulations! You can now add your Google account and perform restores from the backup apps

NOTE: If you wish to return to the previous ROM, you can use the NANDROID backup in order to do so. Reboot your handset in recovery mode (as instructed above) and then select "backup / restore". Follow any additional instructions as they pop-up on the screen.


See More: Motorola RAZR (XT910): Install CM 11 Android 4.4 KitKat Custom ROM (Unofficial CM Release)