Installing Android 4.4 Google Play Edition On Galaxy S4

If you have an I9505 variant of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and are looking to install the Google Play Edition Android 4.4 KitKat build released earlier, you’ll be happy to know the ROM has been ported for your handset.

This guide will walk you though the installation process. As always, DroidReport assumes no liability for the firmware installation. Proceed with caution.

Before Getting Started

Do not use this guide for any device other than the Galaxy S4 (GT-I9505 model). Flashing this ROM onto any other device will most probably result in a bricked phone.

As always, you want to backup your device and charge it to at least 80 percent.

Finally, enable USB Debugging mode by navigating to Settings -> Developer Options.

Updating Galaxy S4 to Android KitKat 4.4 via Google Play Edition ROM

1) Download the Android 4.4 KitKat Google Play Edition ROM here, which is pre-rooted.

2) Using your USB cable, connect your Galaxy S4 to your computer.

3) Copy Google Play Edition custom ROM to the root folder of your handset’s SD card.

4) Boot your phone into Recovery mode by pressing the Volume Up, Home and Power buttons simultaneously until you see a Galaxy S4 logo, then release all three to enter recovery mode.

5) Perform a factory reset by selecting “Wipe data/Factory reset.”

6) In CWM recovery, navigate to “Format system” in the Mounts and Storage submenu, and then press “Yes.” Next, navigate to the Advanced submenu and select “Wipe Dalvik Cache.” Select “Yes” when prompted.

7) Navigate to “Install Zip from SD card” and select the ROM downloaded earlier.

8) After the installation is complete, press “Go back” and then select “Reboot system now” to restart your phone. This may take some time.

9) After restarting, your Galaxy S4 will officially be running Android 4.4 KitKat Google Play Edition ROM. Kudos.