[How To] Update T-Mobile Galaxy S4 to Android 4.4 KitKat with KitKat KangBang ROM

Since the release of source code for the Android 4.4 KitKat by Google, we’ve been seeing a large number of unofficial Android 4.4 releases for various devices. And the T-Mobile Galaxy S4, too has joined the party now with the KitKat KangBang ROM.

The KitKat KangBang ROM is a pure AOSP experience Android 4.4 ROM for your phone with subtle tweaks and features that proves helpful in everyday use over stock Android builds.

Features

• Includes option to install Chronic Kernel or Ktoonsez Kernel
• Uses Samsungs media profiles for betters pictures
• AdBlock Hosts File by BSDgeek_Jake
• Stock AOSP experience
• Android RunTime (ART)
• Screen Record

Bugs/Issues?

This Android 4.4 ROM is in early stage of development. As of November 14, 2013, these bugs were present:

• IR Blaster is not working
• Screen rotation gets stuck sometimes, restarting the app resolves the issue

Other than the bugs listed above the KangBang ROM is working fine.

Let’s see how to install the Android 4.4 KitKat KangBang ROMon your T-Mobile Galaxy S4 SGH-M919.

WARNING!

Warranty may be void of your device if you follow the procedures given on this page.

You only are responsible for your device. We won’t be liable if any damage occurs to your device and/or its components.

CHECK DEVICE MODEL NO.

To make sure your device is eligible with this, you must first confirm its model no. in ‘About device’ option under Settings. Another way to confirm model no. is by looking for it on the packaging box of your device. It must be SGH-M919!

Do not use the procedures discussed here on any other Galaxy S4 (including the Galaxy S4 devices at Sprint, Verizon, AT&T and International ones) or any other device of Samsung or any other company. You have been warned!

BEFORE YOU BEGIN..

You must do this pre-installation stuff before attempting to install the ROM on your T-Mobile Galaxy S4 in order to avoid any complications later, and have a smooth and successful process.

BACK UP YOUR DEVICE

Back up important data and stuff before you start playing around here as there are chances you might lose your apps and app-data (app settings, game progress, etc.), and in rare case, files on the internal memory, too.

For help on Backup and Restore, check out our exclusive page on that linked right below.

► ANDROID BACK UP AND RESTORE GUIDE: APPS AND TIPS

CHARGE YOUR DEVICE

If your android device powers off due to lack of battery while the process is underway, it could damage the device.

So, make sure your device is adequately charged — at least 50% battery of the device.

EXAMPLE VIDEO

If you haven’t used a custom recovery, either CWM or TWRP, before, to install a .zip file of a ROM on anything else, then we suggest you first watch a video of that, given right below, to get familiar with the process.

Just fyi, the video below shows installing a .zip file (of recovery) on Galaxy S3, but it doesn’t matter as the process remains exactly same. So, once you are finished with video, jump to downloads and step-by-step guide below.

T-MOBILE GALAXY S4 ANDROID 4.4 KITKAT ROM

DOWNLOADS

Download the files given below and transfer them to a separate folder on your phone and remember the location.

• Android 4.4 KitKat update – KitKat KangBang ROM file: DOWNLOAD LINK
  File name: KitKat_KangBang_1.0.3_Master.zip (396.32 MB)

Reminder: Before you proceed, make sure you’ve transferred the files you downloaded above to a separate folder on your Galaxy S4 phone.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Make sure you have backed up your phone adequately (including important data stored on internal memory).

NOTE: Android 4.4 requires latest version of CWM and TWRP recoveries, otherwise the Android 4.4 ROM won’t install fine. Also, on some devices, TWRP recovery has issues with Android 4.4. We would recommend using the latest CWM recovery to install this ROM.

GUIDE FOR CWM RECOVERY USERS

1. Boot into recovery mode. For this:
   • Power off your device and wait for 5-10 seconds until the device is fully switched off.
   • Press and hold  Volume Up + Home + Power buttons together and release them as soon as you see the Galaxy S4 logo.
     └ In Recovery mode, use Volume buttons to navigate Up and Down between options and use Power button to select an option.
2. Create a Nandroid Backup from recovery. It’s optional but very important to do, so that in case something goes wrong you can restore to current status easily. For making a Nandroid Backup, go to Backup And Restore » Backup.
3. Perform a Factory Reset (This will delete all apps and their settings and game progress). For this:
   • Select Wipe data/Factory reset, then select Yes on the next screen to confirm factory reset (screenshot)
4. Install the ROM file first. For this:
   • Select Install zip » Choose zip from sdcard (or external sdcard, you know where your files are) » browse to the location where you saved the file and select the ROM file KitKat_KangBang_1.0.3_Master.zip
     
5. Follow the on-screen instructions on AROMA Installer and start flashing the ROM
6. Reboot your device. For this, go back to the main menu of recovery and select reboot system now.

That’s all. Your phone will now reboot and it will take some time as it’ll be phone’s first boot after installing Android 4.4, be extremely excited for this!

Note: In case your device gets bootloop (stuck at logo while rebooting), just do a factory reset (step 3) and you will be fine.

GUIDE FOR TWRP RECOVERY USERS

1. Boot into recovery mode. For this:
   • Power off your device and wait for 5-10 seconds until the device is fully switched off.
   • Press and hold  Volume Up + Home + Power buttons together and release them as soon as you see the Galaxy S4 logo.
     └ In Recovery mode, use Volume buttons to navigate Up and Down between options and use Power button to select an option.
2. Create a Nandroid Backup from recovery. It’s optional but very important to do, so that in case something goes wrong you can restore to current status easily. For making a Nandroid Backup, go to Backup » and select all check boxes and swipe on the Swipe to confirm option at the bottom of the screen to confirm backup.
   
3. Perform a Factory Reset (this will delete all apps and their settings and game progress). For this:
   • Tap on Wipe » then at the bottom of the screen do a Swipe on the ‘Swipe to factory reset‘ option (screenshot)
4. First Install the ROM file (KitKat_KangBang_1.0.3_Master.zip):
   • Tap on Install » browse to the location where you saved the files and tap on the KitKat_KangBang_1.0.3_Master.zip file. Now at the bottom of the screen, do a swipe on the Swipe to confirm flash option to begin flashing.
     
5. Follow the on-screen instructions on AROMA Installer and start flashing the ROM
6. Reboot your device. Go back to the main menu of recovery and tap on Reboot » then, tap on System to reboot your phone.

That’s all. Your phone will now reboot and it will take some time as it’ll be phone’s first boot after installing Android 4.4, be extremely excited for this!

Note: In case your device gets bootloop (stuck at logo while rebooting), just do a factory reset (step 3) and you will be fine. ALSO, CWM recovery is preferred in place of TWRP to flash Android 4.4 ROMs.

Feedback Us!

It was easy to install Android 4.4 KitKat, right? Let us know how it tastes to you.

Your suggestions and queries, if any, are most welcomed!

Via XDA (Master™)