The Google’s most popular Android OS release, Android Nougat, is for the moment available only for selected devices that are fairly new on the market. The Android Nougat update comes with many features and emoji is certainly the most interesting one. It has also possibility to use multiples languages at the same time, Multi-window view and Quick switch between apps, Doze mode, Custom Quick Settings, Notification Direct Reply and Bundled Notifications.
If you are a user of an Android device of the older versions of the Android OS you can hope at the above features, only if you replace your current firmware with a Custom ROM.
Usually, if a device has passed the 18 month contract is left by its manufacturer with very few chances to upgrading to the newest Android updates. This is the case of Samsung Galaxy S4 that is stuck with Android 5.0.1 Lollipop OS, although is still a device with much more potential.
If you are a Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE owner, you can experience the latest Android software update by installing custom ROMs, like CyanogenMod that is the most reliable source of new firmware for outdated devices.
Thanks to kyasu an XDA Developer Forum’s software programmer, you can taste the Android Nougat-based CyanogenMod CM 14.1 firmware on your Galaxy S4 LTE device.
If you have decided to flash this new custom ROM, please be aware of the fact that this CyanogenMod CM14.1 is a work in progress version and may contain bugs and that some features may not be are functional.
This procedure is very technical and it is recommended for the advanced users because you may end up bricking your device, but if you want to take the risk, before starting, read the full article and go ahead.
Guidelines Before installing Custom ROM:
- This Android 7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod CM 14.1 custom ROM is intended only for Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-A GT-I950 (ks01ltexx) models. Please check your device model by going to Settings -> About phone -> Model number and see if your device is fitting.
- Installing a custom ROM improves your device’s performance and UI experiences, but it makes the company warranty void and you will no longer receive official updates from Samsung the company.
- Your device must be rooted before going flashing the custom ROM.
- The custom ROM installation requires clearing your device’s memory, so make sure to back all important data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the device.
- You need to have the USB drivers installed on your computer for your Galaxy S4 LTE-A to be recognized by the computer.
- Make sure your device’s battery is fully charged to avoid the device getting temporarily bricked, if the installation process is stopped midway.
How to download Android 7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod CM 14.1 custom ROM on Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-A GT-I9506 via TWRP
- Download from here Android 7.1 Nougat CyanogenMod CM 14.1 custom ROM and from here Google Apps on your computer.
- Connect the Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-A device to your computer, using a USB cable.
- Paste the Android 7.1 Nougat custom ROM into the device’s storage memory. Make sure that you place the .zip file in the storage root folder of your device, not in other folder.
- Power off the device and disconnect it from the computer.
- Perform Recovery Mode by long pressing and holding Volume Down + Power buttons
- Enter in the TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) settings menu and fully clear device’s memory by selecting ‘Wipe’ option. Once the process is over, perform factory reset by selecting – ‘Swipe to Factory Reset’
- Go back to TWRP settings menu and tap ‘Install’ by selecting .Zip file downloaded from the computer.
- Return to TWRP settings to approve the installation by tapping ‘Swipe to Confirm Flash’ and the flashing of the custom ROM begins.
- The installation process will only take a few minutes and a message ‘Successful’ appears on the screen. This means installation is complete.
- If you encounter a boot loop problem, go back to TWRP settings, and select ‘Wipe cache/dalvik’. This procedure will help resolve any issue that may appear regarding the custom ROM installation.
If you managed to complete the installation and are a happy owner of Android Nougat on your Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-A, share with us your experience and let other users know the features that you like more from this new firmware, using the comments box from below.