Android 4.4 KitKat is the latest update delivered by Google, but until every eligible smartphone out there will receive this new OS it will take quite a while.

Fortunately, the developer community out there is always delivering alternatives, and if you happen to own the AT&T LG Optimus G and you're looking for a way to enjoy Android 4.4 KitKat, then this guide will allow you to do so, thanks to the new SlimKat custom ROM.

IMPORTANT – READ THIS FIRST

  • WARNING! While this custom ROM is reportedly working smoothly, there is one bug that you need to consider before applying the ROM. Apparently the external SD card is not recognized by your phone as long as you use this version of SlimKat OS. An update should be on its way though.
  • The SlimKat ROM is not an official release
  • In order for this guide to work, you will need to have root access on your AT&T Optimus G
  • This guide is meant only for the AT&T LG Optimus G. DO NOT attempt to use this guide on other smartphones or LG Optimus G variants
  • Since your device is rooted, you will need a custom recovery, such as ClockWorkMod
  • By rooting this ROM, data may be lost so it's a good idea to back up the data
  • You should also back up your current ROM (there's a guide on how to do that, below)
  • "USB Debugging" should be enabled in order for the process to work. To enable this feature, go to "menu" > "Settings" > "Developer option"
  • The battery level on your smartphone should be at least 60-70%. It's very important that your smartphone does not entirely discharge during this process
  • This guide is for advanced users. If you brick / damage your phone, you can't hold the developers or anyone else responsible

Backing Up and Restoring Your Current ROM:

IMPORTANT – The following steps are not mandatory, but as an extra precaution you can back up your current ROM. As such, if something goes wrong with Android 4.4, you can use this backup to restore your original ROM

NOTE: in order to apply this guide you will need to have a rooted AT&T LG Optimus G

  1. Go to the Google Play store and search for the "ROM Manager" app
  2. Install the app and open it
  3. Select "flash ClockWorkMod Recovery"
  4. After you reboot your phone, the backup will complete
  5. If you decided to restore the old ROM, open the app and chose "Manage and Restore Backup" > "restore"
  6. After a reboot, you should have the old OS

Entering Recovery Mode:

IMPORTANT: - Don't follow this guide right now! This guide is for you to follow a bit later down the flashing process. Refer to this guide when directed to do so.

  1. Access the Google Play store
  2. Download the "Quick Boot" tool on your smartphone
  3. Run the app
  4. From the menu, select "Recovery"
  5. Your AT&T LG Optimus G will now reboot in recovery mode

Applying the Android 4.4 KitKat SlimKat Custom ROM on the AT&T LG Optimus G:

This is the actual guide for applying the Android 4.4 Custom ROM. Do not skip any of the steps!

  1. On your computer, download the custom ROM by visiting this link
  2. SlimKat does not include Google Apps, so you need to download the Google Apps package separately by visiting this link
  3. Don't unzip these archives. Just save them on your computer
  4. Connect your smartphone to your computer using the USB cable. (Remember that USB Debugging should be enabled – read the bullet points above)
  5. Copy the zip files that you have downloaded at steps 1 and 2, and paste them on your phone's SD card
  6. After the transfer is complete, disconnect your smartphone from your computer
  7. Power off your Optimus G
  8. Reboot your smartphone in recovery mode (refer to the "Entering Recovery Mode" above)
  9. In the recovery menu, wipe the data and clear the cache
  10. Wipe the system by selecting "wipe data factory reset"
  11. Clear the cache by selecting "wipe cache partition". Then, select "advanced" > "wipe dalvick cache"
  12. Select "+++go back+++" to return to the main menu
  13. Select "install zip from SD card" > "choose zip from SD card"
  14. Choose the Android 4.4 KitKat SlimKat firmware downloaded at step 1. This will flash the custom ROM to your device
  15. After that, select "install zip from SD card" > "choose zip from SD card", and flash the Google Apps zip
  16. After the process is complete, select "reboot system now"


Congratulations! You should now run on Android 4.4 KitKat SlimKat custom ROM. NOTE: in case you wish to return to the old ROM, you can use the backup that you have created in the guide above.

› See More: AT&T LG Optimus G: Update to Android 4.4 KitKat Using SlimKat Custom ROM