As some of you know, the only way to deal with the lack of software updates on a smartphone is to use custom ROMs. While the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is expected to make the jump to Android 4.4 KitKat, there's no telling when exactly the new OS will hit the waves. If you're tired of waiting, then you can always rely on a custom ROM to do the trick

This is a guide that will allow you to install the Android 4.4 AOKP custom ROM on your Samsung Galaxy Note 2 from AT&T. AOKP is an unofficial custom ROM that is based on Android 4.4 and CM 11. Keep in mind that this particular ROM is a nightly build, which means it's still under development and you may encounter bugs. On the bright side, nightly builds containing various bug fixes and improvements are generally released in a timely manner.

NOTE: this ROM delivers the stock Android 4.4 user interface, containing a few CM 11 extra features. As such, you will no longer have access to Samsung's TouchWiz user interface.

IMPORTANT – READ BEFORE PROCEEDING:

• This guide is designed for AT&T's Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Do not attempt to flash this ROM on any other Note 2 variants
• This guide requires you to already have a rooted AT&T Note 2 that runs the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery
• The installation process requires you to factory reset your handset and wipe its cache
• Creating a NANDROID backup of your current ROM will allow you to restore your smartphone, should anything go wrong. (NANDROID instructions are included below)
• You can easily backup app data, text messages and APN Internet settings with the use of various applications. You can use "Helium", "SMS backup & restore" and "APN Settings Backup & Restore" or similar apps in order to do so
• Make sure that your contacts have been backed up onto your Google account
• Ensure that your smartphone has enough battery to remain powered on during the installation process. Before proceeding, your battery should be at least 70% full
• USB Debugging should be enabled before proceeding. To enable this feature, press the "Menu" key while viewing a home screen, go to "Settings" > "Applications" > "Development" and enable "USB Debugging"
• This guide includes unofficial and advanced operations. Proceed with caution. If you brick your phone or if anything goes wrong, you can't hold the developers or anyone else responsible
• Don't skip any steps!

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 AT&T: Install Android 4.4 AOKP Custom ROM via CWM Recovery:

1. On your computer, visit this link and download the newest AOKP nightly build
2. Also, download the Google apps zip file from this link. (Custom ROMs don't include Google apps)
3. Using the USB cable, connect your Galaxy Note 2 to your PC
4. Copy the zip files onto your phone's SD storage, and once the transfer is complete, disconnect your smartphone from the PC
5. Turn off your handset
6. Reboot your SG Note 2 in CWM recovery mode. To achieve this, press and hold "Volume Up", "Home" and "Power" at the same time
7. You now need to create a NANDROID backup. This step is very important, so don't skip it, as it creates a restore point for your current ROM. To create the backup, select "backup & restore" and follow the self-explanatory steps
8. Once you have the backup in place, select "data wipeout / factory reset". Then, select "wipe cache" and "dalvik cache" from the "Advanced" menu
9. Go back to the main CWM screen and select "Install zip from SD card"
10. Browse for the AOKP zip file and load it
11. Select "Install zip from SD card" once more, and browse for the Google apps zip file
12. Once both zips have been installed, select "+++Go Back+++" followed by "Reboot system now"

NOTE: After you apply a custom ROM, the first reboot will take several minutes to complete. Be patient and don't press any buttons. However, if the phone does not reboot in 10 minutes, or if it keeps restarting, then the ROM has not been installed successfully. Redo the entire guide while making sure you have properly factory reset your device and wiped the cache

NOTE: The NANDROID backup can be used to return to your previous ROM. If you need to do this, reboot in CWM recovery and select "backup & restore"

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 AT&T: Install Android 4.4 AOKP Custom ROM via TWRP Recovery:

1. Using your computer's Internet browser, visit this link and download the latest AOKP KitKat nightly build available
2. Once again, the ROM does not include Google apps. As such, you need to download a Gapps zip file by visiting this link
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB
4. Copy the downloaded files and paste them onto your phone's SD storage
5. After the zip files have been copied, safely disconnect your smartphone and power it off
6. Access the TWRP recovery mode. To do so, press and hold "Volume up", "Power" and "Home" at the same time
7. Create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM. To do so, tap "Backup", select the type of data that you wish to save, give a name to the file and then swipe the "Swipe to Backup" button
8. With the backup created, it is now safe to factory reset your handset. Tap "Wipe", and select "wipe cache" as well as "dalvik cache" from the "Advanced" menu. Swipe the "Swipe to wipe" button
9. Tap "Install" from the main recovery menu, and load the AOKP zip file
10. Once you've flashed the ROM, select "Install" a second time, and load the Google apps zip file
11. After the files have been flashed, return to the TWRP main menu and select "Reboot"

NOTE: The first time you reboot your device after applying the new ROM, you will notice that the process takes several minutes. That's normal, but if the phone does not reboot in under 10 minutes, or if the handset is boot looping, then you'll need to redo the entire guide without skipping any steps

NOTE: You can use the NANDROID backup to return to your previous ROM. to achieve this, reboot in TWRP recovery and select "Restore", then select the appropriate backup file