Team Kang has recently started launching Android 4.4-based AOKP ROMs for the Samsung Galaxy S4, and although these releases are still under development (Nightly builds), you can still give them a try and experience KitKat on your device. Of course, Samsung is expected to launch the Android 4.4 update officially sometime in the future, but until that happens, you can give AOKP a try.

This guide will allow you to apply the latest AOKP custom ROM on your T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S4. Keep in mind that this AOKP ROM is based on Android 4.4 and CM 11. It uses the vanilla Android user interface, so you won't have access to TouchWiz once you install it.

IMPORTANT – READ BEFORE PROCEEDING:

  • As mentioned above, this ROM has been designed for the T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S4. Attempting to apply this ROM on any other SGS4 variant will most likely result in phone bricking
  • This guide requires you to already have root access and the latest version of CWM or TWRP recovery installed
  • In order to properly apply the ROM, you will need to factory reset your smartphone and wipe the cache. Create backups if necessary
  • To backup app data, text messages and APN Internet settings, you can use applications like "Helium", "SMS backup & restore" and "APN Settings Backup & Restore"
  • If you use a Google account on your SGS4, chances are that your contacts have been backed up on it. Double check before proceeding
  • Throughout the guide you will receive instructions on how to create a NANDROID backup of your ROM
  • It's crucial that your smartphone does not run out of battery during the flashing process. Make sure your handset's battery is at least 70% full
  • You need to have access to a computer as you will connect your SGS4 to it via USB
  • Make sure you have the latest USB drivers installed. Additionally, enable "USB Debugging" before proceeding. To do so, go to "Settings" > "About device" and tap "Build number" until you gain access to the developer options. Go back to "Settings" > "Developer options" and enable "USB Debugging"
  • This is a guide for advanced users, and includes unofficial operations. It's a tad risky, so if you break your phone or lose your data, you can't hold the developers or anyone else responsible
  • Don't skip any steps

T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S4 – Install AOKP KitKat Custom ROM using CWM Recovery:

  1. Visit this link and download the most recent AOKP nightly release
  2. The ROM does not include Google apps, so you'll need to download a separate Gapps zip from this link
  3. Use the USB cable to connect your SGS4 to your PC
  4. Copy the downloaded zip files onto your phone's storage. (Don't unzip the files!)
  5. Once the files have been transferred, disconnect your handset and power it off
  6. Reboot your phone in CWM recovery. To achieve this, press and hold the "Volume Up", "Home" and "Power" buttons at the same time
  7. As a precaution, you will now create a NANDROID backup. Select "Backup & restore" and follow any additional self-explanatory steps.
  8. After you've backed up your ROM, go back to the recovery screen and select "data wipeout / factory reset". You will also need to select "dalvik cache" and "wipe cache" from the "Advanced" menu
  9. Once again, return to the main recovery menu. From there, select "Install zip from SD card" and browse for the AOKP file to load it
  10. Select "Install zip from SD card" once more, and load the Google apps zip file downloaded at step 2
  11. Once both zips have been installed, select "+++Go Back+++" to return to the main recovery screen, and then select "Reboot system now"

NOTE: Generally speaking, whenever you apply a new ROM, the first reboot can take several minutes to complete. However, if the process does not finish in under 10 minutes, or if your smartphone is boot looping, then the ROM has not been installed successfully. You will need to redo the guide from the top, while making sure that you have properly wiped the handset's cache and applied the reset

NOTE: In case you want to return to your previous ROM, you can easily do so by using the NANDROID backup. Reboot in CWM recovery, select "backup & restore" and choose the appropriate backup file

T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S4 – Install AOKP KitKat Custom ROM using TWRP Recovery:

  1. First, download the AOKP ROM from this link. Make sure you grab the latest KitKat version available
  2. From this link, visit the Google apps zip file
  3. Once the files have been downloaded, connect your T-Mobile SGS4 to your computer via USB
  4. Copy the files and paste them onto your phone's storage, without unzipping them.
  5. Disconnect your smartphone and power it off completely
  6. You will now need to reboot your handset in TWRP recovery. To achieve this, press and hold "Volume Down", "Power" and "Home" simultaneously
  7. Before applying the actual ROM, you will need to create a NANDROID backup of your current ROM, as a precaution. Don't skip this step! Tap "Backup", mark the type of data that you want to save, rename the backup file and then swipe the "Swipe to Backup" button
  8. Go back to the TWRP menu and select "Wipe". From the "Advanced" menu, tap "Wipe cache" and "Dalvik cache". Then swipe the "Swipe to wipe" button
  9. Return to the main TWRP screen and select "Install"
  10. Load the AOKP zip file and flash it
  11. From the main recovery screen, tap "Install" again, but this time around select the Google apps zip file
  12. After both zips have been installed, return to the main menu and select "Reboot"

NOTE: You will notice a slow reboot at first. This is normal, so be patient and don’t press any buttons. However, if the process does not end in 10 minutes, or if your device froze or keeps restarting, then this means that the ROM has not been applied successfully. You will have to redo the entire guide from the beginning, while making sure you haven't skipped any steps. Also, these freezing / looping problems usually come up because the phone hasn't been properly factory reset

NOTE: if you need or want to return to your previous ROM, you can easily do so. All you need to do is to reboot in TWRP recovery, select "Recover" and load the previously created NANDROID backup


See More: Samsung Galaxy S4 (T-Mobile): Install Android 4.4 AOKP Custom ROM – CWM and TWRP Recovery Methods