CyanogenMod has started releasing CM 11"nightly" builds on the Samsung Galaxy S I9000, and this gives owners of the device the opportunity to test out Android 4.4 KitKat. The official 4.4 update will never arrive on the SGS, simply because the handset is too old for new software updates to be released on it. As such, unless you want to try out custom ROMs, your device will always remain at the "Gingerbread" stage.

This is a guide that will enable you to install CM 11 nightly on the original SGS (I9000). Keep in mind that "nightly" builds are not final, are not stable and may contain bugs. However, CyanogenMod is releasing new nightlies on a daily basis, so bugs are being fixed in a timely manner. If you do want to try a stable build on the SGS I9000, then please visit this link and install CM 10.2 (based on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean).

IMPORTANT – READ BEFORE PROCEEDING

  • This guide is meant only for the Samsung Galaxy S I9000. Do not attempt to apply this guide to another phone or other Galaxy S variants
  • This guide requires you to have a rooted SGS that runs the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery. If you don't meet these prerequisites, then don't proceed any further. (both CWM and TWRP methods are explained below)
  • The installation process will require you to factory reset your smartphone. It's recommended that you create backups before proceeding
  • The "Helium" application can help you backup data from apps. The "SMS Backup & restore" and the "APN Settings Backup & Restore" applications allows you to backup text messages and APN Internet settings respectively
  • To backup your contacts, all you need to do is to sync them with your Gmail account
  • This guide also includes steps on how to create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM
  • Before proceeding, make sure that you enable "USB Debugging". Go to "Settings" > "Developer option" and enable the feature
  • It's very important that your smartphone does not run out of battery during the installation process. Make sure that your smartphone has at least 60-70% battery life left
  • This is a guide for advanced users. Thread carefully. In case you brick or damage your phone, you cannot hold the developers or anyone else responsible
  • Don't skip any steps!

Samsung Galaxy S I9000: Installing Android 4.4 CM 11 – CWM Recovery Method:

  1. Download the necessary CM 11 zip file from this link. Make sure you download the latest release
  2. Since the ROM does not include Google apps, you need to download them in a separate zip file. Visit this link to do so
  3. Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB. (Remember that USB Debugging needs to be enabled)
  4. Copy both zip files from your computer to your phone's storage
  5. Once the transfer is complete, disconnect your device from your PC
  6. Power off your Galaxy S and boot in CWM recovery. To do so, press and hold the "Volume Up", "Home" and "Power" buttons at the same time
  7. When you see the recovery screen, release the buttons
  8. You will now create a NANDROID backup. This will allow you to restore your current ROM, should you decide to do so at a later point. Select "backup and restore" and save the file on your device
  9. Now factory reset your device. Select "wipe data / factory reset" and confirm. Make sure you also select "wipe cache" and "dalvik cache"
  10. Once the device's memory has been wiped, return to the recovery menu and select "Install zip from SD card"
  11. Browse for the CM 11 zip and select it
  12. Once CM 11 has been flashed, select "Install zip from SD card" again, but this time browse for and select the Google apps zip
  13. After both zip files have been flashed, select "+++Go Back" and then "Reboot system now". NOTE: the first time you reboot your device in normal mode can take a while. If the process does not finish in 10 minutes, or if your smartphone is "boot looping", then you'll need to start the guide over without skipping any steps

NOTE: The NANDROID backup that you have created can be used to recover your previous ROM. If you decide to perform this action, simply reboot in CWM recovery and select "backup & restore"

Samsung Galaxy S I9000: Installing Android 4.4 CM 11 – TWRP Recovery Method:

  1. Download the CM 11 zip file from this link. Make sure you grab the latest version available
  2. Download the Gapps zip file by visiting this link
  3. Connect your SGS I9000 to your computer using the USB cable
  4. Copy both zip files onto your phone's memory, and once that's done, disconnect your device from your computer
  5. Power off your SGS and boot in recovery mode. Simply hold "Volume Up", "Home" and "Power" at the same time
  6. Release the buttons once you see the recovery logo
  7. Create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM. From the TWRP screen, select "Backup", mark the type of data that you wish to backup, rename the file and then swipe the "Swipe to Backup" button
  8. Once the backup has been created, select "Wipe", go to "Advanced" and then select "Wipe cache" as well as "dalvik cache". Finish the procedure by swiping the "Swipe to Wipe" button
  9. From the main recovery screen, select "Install"
  10. Browse for the CM 11 zip file and flash it on your device
  11. Now select "Install" again, but this time flash the Google apps zip file
  12. After both zip files have been installed, go back to the TWRP menu and select "Reboot". NOTE: this first reboot after the flashing process can take several minutes to finish. If the process is not completed after 10 minutes, or if your device is stuck in a boot loop, then you'll need to restart the whole guide without skipping any steps

NOTE: You can use the NANDROID backup to restore your previous ROM, if CM 11 nightly is not your cup of tea. To do so, reboot in TWRP recovery, select "Restore", choose the desired backup file and proceed

› See More: Samsung Galaxy S I9000: Install Android 4.4 CM 11 Nightly – Official CyanogenMod Release