The Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 has been launched in May 2012, and chances are that the handset in question will not take advantage of the latest Android 4.4 KitKat update. In fact, while the handset can be officially updated to Android 4.1, later versions of Jelly Bean still haven't been released on the device in question.

Fortunately, the developer community is always at work, and recently Team Canjica has released an unofficial CM 10.2 custom ROM for the Ace 2 – model number GT-I8160. This is a guide that will allow you to apply this ROM to your device, but keep in mind that this isn't an official release. As such, you might encounter minor bugs.

IMPORTANT – READ THIS FIRST:

  • This guide has been designed specifically for the Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 model number "GT-I8169". Don't try to apply this ROM to any other smartphones or Ace 2 variants
  • This guide requires you to have a rooted Ace 2 that runs the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery
  • During the installation process you will need to factory reset your smartphone. Create backups if necessary
  • You can use applications such as "Helium", "SMS backup & restore" and "APN Settings Backup & Restore" in order to backup app data, text messages and APN Internet settings respectively
  • Your contacts should be backed up onto your Gmail account (sync them)
  • The installation guides below will include details on how to create a NANDROID backup
  • Before proceeding, make sure you enable USB Debugging. Simply go to "Settings" > "Developer Options" and enable the option
  • It's crucial that your handset doesn't run out of battery during the installation process. Make sure that your smartphone's battery is fully charged before proceeding
  • This is an advanced guide. If you brick your phone or lose important data, you can't hold the developers or anyone else responsible
  • Don't skip any steps!

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 - GT-I8160: Install Android 4.3.1 CM 10.2 Custom ROM (Unofficial) – CWM Recovery Method:

  • Using your computer, download the latest available CM 10.2 ROM zip file from this link
  • Google apps are missing from all custom ROMs, so you'll have to download a separate Gapps zip from this link
  • Don't unzip the files!
  • Now, connect your Ace 2 to your computer via USB
  • Copy both files from your computer to your phone's storage (root directory; no need for a new folder)
  • After the files have been transferred, turn off your smartphone and disconnect it from your computer
  • Boot in CWM recovery mode. To do so, press and hold the "Volume down", "Home" and "Power" buttons at the same time
  • In the main CWM recovery menu, select "backup & restore" and create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM
  • After the backup is complete, return to the main recovery screen and select "Data wipeout / factory reset"
  • From the "Advanced" menu, select "wipe cache" and "dalvik cache" as well
  • Once the factory reset and cache wipe has been applied, return to the CWM main screen and select "Install zip from SD card"
  • Browse for the CM 10.2 zip file downloaded at step 1, and flash it
  • Now select "Install zip from SD card" again, and browse for the Google apps zip file as well (downloaded at step 2)
  • Once both zip files have been flashed, select "+++Go Back+++" and then select "Reboot system now". NOTE: this first reboot may take several minutes to complete. Be patient and don't press any buttons. If the process does not finish in 10 minutes, or if your smartphone is stuck in a boot loop, then redo the entire guide from the top. Make sure that you don't skip any steps.

NOTE: you can return to your previous ROM should you require to do so. Simply reboot in CWM recovery, select "backup & restore" and then choose the appropriate backup file

Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 - GT-I8160: Install Android 4.3.1 CM 10.2 Custom ROM (Unofficial) – TWRP Recovery Method:

  1. Download the CM 10.2 ROM file from this link. Make sure you grab the latest available version
  2. Download the Gapps zip file from this link
  3. Don't unzip the files!
  4. Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB, and copy the downloaded files onto your phone's storage (root directory)
  5. Once the files have been copied, disconnect your smartphone from your PC
  6. Turn off your Galaxy Ace 2 and reboot it in recovery mode. To do so, press and hold the "Volume Down", "Home" and "Power" buttons at the same time
  7. From the main TWRP recovery screen, select "Backup" to create a restore point for your current ROM. Then, select the type of data that you wish to save, rename the file and swipe the "Swipe to Backup" button
  8. Once completed, return to the main recovery screen and select "Wipe". Go to "Advanced" and also select "wipe cache" and "dalvik cache", after which you will need to swipe the "Swipe to wipe" button
  9. Return to the main recovery screen and select "Install". Then, browse for the CM 10.2 zip file and flash it
  10. Go back to the recovery menu and select "Install" again. Browse for the Google apps zip file and flash it as well
  11. Once both files have been installed, return to the TWRP menu and select "Reboot". NOTE: this first reboot might take a while to complete. Be patient and don't press any buttons. If the process is not finished in 10 minutes, or if the smartphone is stuck in a boot loop, then restart the guide and don't skip any steps.

NOTE: you can always use the NANDROID backup to return to your previous ROM, should you decide to do so. Simply reboot in TWRP recovery, select "Restore" and choose the appropriate backup file.

› See More: Samsung Galaxy Ace 2 (GT-I8160): Install Android 4.3.1 Jelly Bean via CM 10.2 - Unofficial Release