CyanogenMod has recently started launching nightly CM 11 builds for the US Cellular Samsung Galaxy S4. For those of you who don't know this, CM 11 is a custom ROM based on Android 4.4 KitKat, so if you’re looking for ways and means to experience the latest mobile OS from Google on the aforementioned device, then CM 11 might be the answer you were looking for. Of course, Samsung will release the official Android 4.4 update on the SGS4 at a later point in time, but it may take a while before that happens, especially given the fact that carrier-branded devices are subject to further delays.

This guide will allow you to apply the latest CM 11 nightly build on the US Cellular Samsung Galaxy S4. Before moving forward, keep in mind that, while this is an official CyanogenMod release, the ROM is in its earlier stages of development and you may encounter bugs. On the bright side, CM launches new nightly builds on a daily basis, and bugs are being fixed constantly. You should also know that, while CM 11 comes with stock Android 4.4 features, it also includes its own extra goodies.

IMPORTANT – READ BEFORE PROCEEDING:

• This guide and ROM are specifically designed for the US Cellular Samsung Galaxy S4. Don't attempt to apply this ROM to any other smartphone or SGS4 variant, as you risk bricking your phone (check out this link if you wish to learn how to apply CM 11 on Cricket's SGS4)
• In order to successfully apply this ROM, you need to have a rooted SGS4 that runs the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery. Don't proceed any further if don't meet these prerequisites
• During the installation process you will be required to apply a factory reset, and wipe the phone's cache. Create backups if necessary
• You can use the "Helium" application to save app data
• The "SMS backup & restore" app allows you to backup your text messages
• The "APN Settings Backup & Restore" app can be used to backup your APN Internet settings
• Your contacts can be easily backed up onto your Gmail account by syncing them
• The guide includes steps on how to create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM
• Before proceeding, you'll need to make sure that "USB Debugging" is enabled on your SGS4. Go to "Settings" > "About device" and tap the "Build number" field until you receive an on-screen message indicating that you have gained developer access. Then, go to "Settings" > "Developer options" and enable "USB Debugging"
• Make sure that your smartphone has at least 60-70% battery life left. It's important for your smartphone not to run out of battery during the flashing process
• This guide is for advanced users. If you brick your phone, damage it or lose important data, you can't hold the developers or anyone else responsible
• Don't miss any steps or bullet points!

US Cellular Samsung Galaxy S4: Install Android 4.4 CM 11 Custom ROM – CWM Recovery Method:

1. Download the required CM 11 ROM from this link. Make sure you grab the latest "nightly" version
2. The ROM does not include Google apps, so you'll need to download a separate zip form this link
3. Connect your smartphone to your computer using the USB cable
4. Copy the downloaded zip files form your computer to your phone's storage
5. After the transfer is complete, disconnect your smartphone from your PC
6. Turn off your SGS4 and reboot in recovery mode. To do so, press and hold "Volume Up", "Power" and "Home" at the same time
7. From the main CWM recovery menu, select "backup & restore" and create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM
8. After the backup, select "data wipeout / factory reset", and go to the "Advanced" menu to select "wipe cache" and "dalvik cache" as well
   
   • NOTE: this step can be skipped if your smartphone already runs on an earlier official CM 11 nightly build
9. Return to the main recovery screen and select "Install zip from SD card". Then, browse for the CM 11 zip file and install it
10. Now select "Install zip from SD card" again, from the main recovery menu. This time, browse for the Google apps zip file
11. Once both zip files have been installed, select "+++Go Back+++" and select "Reboot system now". NOTE: this reboot may take several minutes to complete. Don't panic and don't press any buttons. If the process does not finish in 10 minutes, or if your smartphone is boot looping, then you'll need to redo the entire guide. Make sure you don't skip any steps

NOTE: you can return to your previous ROM at any point, by using the NANDROID backup. To do so, simply reboot in CWM recovery, and select "backup & restore"

US Cellular Samsung Galaxy S4: Install Android 4.4 CM 11 Custom ROM – TWRP Recovery Method:

1. Download the latest CM 11 nightly build zip from this link
2. Download the Gapps zip file from this link
3. Use the USB cable to connect your smartphone to your computer
4. Copy both zip files onto your SGS4's storage
5. Once the transfer is complete, disconnect your smartphone from your PC
6. Turn off your SGS4 and reboot in recovery mode by pressing and holding "Volume Down", "Power" and "Home" simultaneously
7. After gaining access to the main TWRP menu, select "Backup", select the type of data that you wish to backup, give a name to the file and swipe the "Swipe to Backup" button. This will create a restore point of your current ROM
8. Return to the main recovery menu and select "Wipe". From the "Advanced" menu, select "Wipe cache" and "Dalvik cache". Then, swipe the "Swipe to wipe" button
   
   • NOTE: this step can be skipped if your handset runs an earlier CM 11 nightly build
9. Go back to the recovery menu and select "Install"
10. Browse for the CM 11 zip file and flash it
11. Now select "Install" again, and flash the Google apps zip file as well
12. After the files have been flashed, return to the TWRP menu and select "Reboot". NOTE: it may take several minutes for your smartphone to reboot in normal mode, after flashing the zip files. If the process does not end in 10 minutes, or if your handset is stuck in a boot loop, then you'll need to redo the entire guide without skipping any steps

NOTE: You can use the previously created NANDROID backup in order to return to your previous ROM, should you want to do so. Simply reboot in TWRP recovery, tap "Restore" and select the appropriate backup file