In 2015, Samsung officially discontinued the software service to the Galaxy S4, as the obligatory 18-month contract expired, and left the device with Android 5.0.1 Lollipop OS.
However, that does not mean that Samsung Galaxy S4 owners need to discard their devices and move on with new phones. They can still experience the latest software by installing custom ROMs, which are available in abundance on the internet.
Among them, CyanogenMod is the most reliable source of new softwares for outdated devices. XDA Developer Forum's recognised software programmer, kyasu, has released Nougat-based CyanogenMod CM 14.1 series-based firmware to the Galaxy S4 LTE model.
Also read: Android 7.0 Nougat released: 16 key upgrades of Google's new mobile OS update over Marshmallow
Do keep in mind that this CyanogenMod CM14.1 custom ROM is an experimental WIP (Work-in-Progress) version and contain bugs. Some features are also not functional. Before going ahead with the installation, read the entire tutorial to assess the risks and then go ahead with the installation procedure.
Prerequisites (things to remember before installing Custom ROM)
- This new Android v7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod CM 14.1 custom ROM has to be installed on Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-A GT-I9506 (ks01ltexx) models only, if tried on other devices, it might brick them [to check your device model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number].
- Though installing custom ROM improves the device's performance and UI experiences, it makes the company warranty void; the company will no longer be liable to provide updates in future [users can restore warranty by flashing the device with stock-ROM].
- Make sure the device is rooted before going ahead with custom ROM installation.
- Installation of custom ROM requires clearing memory in the phone, so make sure to back all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone.
- Make sure the USB driver is installed on the PC or else your device (Galaxy S4 LTE-A) will not be recognised by the computer.
- Make sure your device has more than 80 percent battery, or else there is a chance of the smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted midway.
[Disclaimer: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation) Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or being permanently irreparable. IBTimes India cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if the smartphone is bricked. Hence, users are advised to proceed with caution.]
Tutorial: Step-by-step installation procedure for download Android v7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM 14.1 custom ROM on Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-A (GT-I9506) via TWRP:
Step 1: Download Android v7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM 14.1 custom ROM and Google Apps on to your PC.
[Note: Downloadable file links are provided at the bottom]
Step 2: Connect Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-A to the computer.
Step 3: Place the Android v7.1 Nougat custom ROM into the phone's storage memory.
[Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in the storage root folder, not in any other folder.]
Step 4: Turn off device and disconnect it from PC.
Step 5: Perform Recovery mode sorties by long pressing Volume (Down) + Power buttons
Step 6: Once entering the TWRP settings menu, clear phone's memory (full) by selecting 'Wipe' option. Once done, select – 'Swipe to Factory Reset' perform factory reset.
Step 7: Return to TWRP settings and tap 'Install' by the selecting .Zip file in the phone's memory downloaded from PC.
Step 8: Come back to TWRP menu setting to approve the installation by tapping 'Swipe to Confirm Flash'.
Step 9: Flashing of the custom ROM begins and after a few minutes, a message 'Successful' appears on the screen, thus completing installation.
Step 10: If faced with boot loop problem, navigate back to TWRP settings, and select 'Wipe cache/dalvik'. This procedure will help resolve any issue with regard to custom ROM installation.
Downloadable files:
Android v7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM 14.1 custom ROM: HERE
Google Apps: HERE
TWRP: HERE
USB Driver:HERE
[Credits: XDA Developer Forum, CyanogenMod and kyasu]
