Samsung Galaxy S4 was left with Android 5.0.1 Lollipop OS, after the company officially discontinued the software services, once the obligatory 18-month contract expired. However, the Galaxy S4 owners can get the latest features of the Android OS via custom ROMs. XDA Developer Forum’s kyasu, has released a new Android Nougat-based CyanogenMod CM 14.1 series-based firmware for the Galaxy S4 LTE model.
However, the new CyanogenMod CM14.1 custom ROM is an experimental version and might contain bugs. Also, some features are not functional.
Things To Remember Before Starting The Installation Process
1. This new Android v7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod CM 14.1 custom ROM is only meant for Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-A GT-I9506 (ks01ltexx) models. Check your smartphone model by going to Settings >> About phone >> model number.
2. Installing a custom ROM voids the company warranty. However, users can restore the warranty by flashing the device with stock-ROM.
3. Make sure your smartphone is rooted before starting the custom ROM installation.
4. Installation process requires clearing memory in your device, so make sure to back all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone.
5. Remember to install the USB driver on the PC or else your device (Galaxy S4 LTE-A) will not be recognized by your computer.
6. Make sure your smartphone has more than 80 percent battery for an uninterrupted installation process.
Here’s How To Install Android Nougat CyanogenMod CM14.1 Custom ROM on Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-A (GT-I9506) via TWRP:
1. Download Android v7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod [unofficial] CM 14.1 custom ROM and Google Apps on to your PC [download links are given at the bottom of article].
2. Connect Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-A to your computer.
3. Paste the Android v7.1 Nougat custom ROM into the smartphone’s storage memory [paste the .zip file only in the storage root folder].
4. Turn off your Galaxy S4 and disconnect it from PC.
5. Perform Recovery mode sorties by long pressing Volume (Down) + Power buttons.
6. After entering the TWRP settings menu, clear phone’s memory (full) by selecting ‘Wipe‘ option.
7. Next, select ‘Swipe to Factory Reset‘ to perform the factory reset.
8. Return to TWRP settings and choose ‘Install’ by the selecting .Zip file in the phone’s memory downloaded from PC.
9. Go back to TWRP menu setting to approve the installation by selecting ‘Swipe to Confirm Flash‘.
10. Upon completion, a message ‘Successful’ appears on the screen.
11. If you face a boot loop problem, go back to TWRP settings, and select ‘Wipe cache/Dalvik’.
Downloadable files:
[Sources: XDA Developer Forum, CyanogenMod, and kyasu]
Disclaimer: This process is very technical and should only be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the irreversible damage.