Team Kang has recently started developing Android 4.4 AOKP nightly builds for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 at T-Mobile, meaning that anyone who happens to own the device and is willing to flash a custom ROM can enjoy the KitKat OS.

While the official update is expected to eventually land on the SG Note 2, it may take a while before that happens. If you're tired of waiting, then the AOKP custom ROM might be the solution.

This is a guide that will show you how you can apply the latest AOKP KitKat nightly build on your T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Note 2. Keep in mind that this is not a finished ROM, and it's still under development. You may run into certain bugs, but Team Kang releases new nighlies in a timely manner, and a bug that you might find today could be fixed tomorrow.

Please note that the AOKP custom ROM is based on KitKat and also takes advantage of CM 11 features. It lacks, however, the Samsung TouchWiz user interface, as the ROM comes with stock Android UI.

IMPORTANT – READ BEFORE PROCEEDING:

  • This is a ROM for the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 T-Mobile. Don't apply this to any other devices or Note 2 variants, as you might brick your phone
  • Before applying this ROM, you need to make sure that your phone is rooted and that it runs the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery (both methods are explained below)
  • In order to successfully apply this ROM, you will need to factory reset your smartphone and wipe its cache
  • The guide includes steps on how to create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM
  • In order to backup app data, text messages and APN Internet settings, you can use applications such as "Helium", "SMS backup & restore" and "APN Settings Backup & Restore"
  • If you use a Google account on your Note 2, chances are that your contacts have already been backed up on it. It wouldn't hurt to double check
  • It's important for your smartphone not to remain out of battery during the installation process. Make sure your battery is at least 70% full before proceeding
  • Enable USB Debugging before connecting your smartphone to your computer. To do so, go to a home screen and press the "Menu" key. Then, go to "Settings" > "Applications" > "Development" and enable "USB Debugging"
  • This is an advanced guide that includes unofficial operations. If anything goes wrong –such as phone bricking, loss of data- you can't hold the developers or anyone else responsible
  • Don't skip any steps!

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 T-Mobile: Install Android 4.4 AOKP Custom ROM via CWM Recovery:

  1. Using your computer, visit this link and download the latest AOKP nightly build available
  2. You will also need to download a separate Google apps zip file from this link
  3. Connect your Galaxy Note 2 to your PC using the USB connector
  4. Copy the downloaded files onto your phone's SD storage
  5. Disconnect your smartphone from the computer and turn it off
  6. Reboot in recovery mode. To do so, press and hold "Volume Up", "Home" and "Power" simultaneously
  7. You will now create a NANDROID backup, in case you'll need or want to return to your current ROM. To do so, select "backup & restore"
  8. Once the backup is complete, select "data wipeout / factory reset". You also need to access the "Advanced" menu and select "wipe cache" and "dalvik cache"
  9. Now, return to the main CWM screen and select "Install zip from SD card" and choose the AOKP zip file downloaded at step 1
  10. Select "Install zip from SD card" again, and select the Google apps zip file downloaded at step 2
  11. After both files have been flashed, select "+++Go Back+++" and then "Reboot system now"

NOTE: The first time you reboot your phone after a fresh ROM installation, you will notice that the process takes longer than usual. If the process does not end in 10 minutes, or if your smartphone keeps restarting, then the installation has not been successful. You need to redo the guide from the top, while making sure that the device is properly factory reset.

NOTE: You can easily return to your previous ROM if you need to. Simply reboot in CWM recovery, select "backup & restore" and load the previously created NANDROID backup

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 T-Mobile: Install Android 4.4 AOKP Custom ROM via TWRP Recovery:

  1. Download the AOKP KitKat custom ROM on your computer. Visit this link to do so, and make sure you grab the latest nightly build available
  2. Since the ROM does not include Google apps, you'll need to download a separate Gapps zip file from this link
  3. Establish a connection between your SG Note 2 T-Mobile and your computer via USB
  4. Copy the downloaded files and paste them onto your phone's SD storage
  5. Once the transfer is complete, disconnect your smartphone and turn it off
  6. Enter the TWRP recovery mode by pressing and holding the "Volume up", "Home" and "Power" buttons at the same time
  7. From the main TWRP screen, create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM. Simply select "Backup", choose the type of data that you wish to save, rename the file and swipe the "Swipe to Backup" button
  8. With the backup created, select "Wipe", and select "wipe cache" as well as "dalvik cache" from the "Advanced" menu. Complete the operation by swiping the "Swipe to wipe" button
  9. Return to the main TWRP screen and tap "Install"
  10. Browse for the AOKP zip file downloaded at step 1
  11. With the ROM flashed, select "Install" again and browse for the Google apps zip file downloaded at step 2
  12. Once both files have been loaded, go back to the TWRP screen and select "Reboot"

NOTE: The first reboot after the ROM installation can take several minutes to complete. If the process does not end in 10 minutes, or if your smartphone is stuck in a boot loop, then the ROM has not been successfully applied. You'll need to redo the entire guide while making sure that you haven't skipped any steps. Also, ensure that you have properly applied the factory reset

NOTE: The previously NANDROID backup can be used to return to your previous ROM. Simply reboot in TWRP and select "Restore", followed by the proper backup file

› See More: Samsung Galaxy Note II (T-Mobile): Install Android 4.4 AOKP Custom ROM Using CWM or TWRP Recovery