Update Galaxy S4 I9500 to Android 4.3 with AOSP Custom ROM

Dromag - Android 4.3 Jelly Bean OS can now be installed on the Samsung Galaxy S4 model number I9500. No, it’s not the official Android 4.3 OS, as the OTA update will be released next month. Anyway, since it is not the official firmware, we are talking about a custom ROM. So, by using this tutorial you will be able to learn how to flash the new Android 4.3 based AOSP custom software on your Galaxy S4 I9500.

The AOSP firmware is stable and comes with some really impressive features, apps and capabilities that will customize, optimize and personalize your Galaxy S4. Furthermore, the best is that Android 4.3 Jelly Bean is here meaning that you will be able to test the latest Android OS ahead of its official release. Don’t worry though, as if you will want to update your S4 to OTA Android 4.3, you will be able to do so, by flashing the official software above the AOSP custom ROM. Do note that the official Jelly Bean system must be installed manually, as on a device that runs on a custom firmware, the OTA releases can’t be spotted or applied.
Now, AOSP for Galaxy S4 brings AOSP system apps, AOSP wallpapers, Jelly Bean 4.3 Android boot animations, JB 4.3 sounds and lot more. Furthermore, for improving the speeds and for upgrading the battery life of your SGS4, the AOSP team has removed bloatware and Samsung apps. As mentioned already, Android 4.3 AOSP is stable, comes without bugs and according to those who have already tested the firmware, the ROM is smoothly running on the Samsung Galaxy S4 model number I9500.

If I have aroused your attention and if you want to complete this step by step guide, first read the pre requisites from below. You will have to learn how to prepare your smartphone for the update process that will follow, or else this procedure won’t work on your S4. Also, if resuming the guidelines without applying the preparation tasks, you can damage your device or worst you can even brick it.

So, the first to start with is the root access. Since you will flash a custom ROM and not an official Android 4.3 firmware, your Galaxy S4 must be rooted. Also a custom recovery image must be installed on your phone. Root access will unchain the system of your handset and will prepare the same for the installation procedure, while the custom recovery will be used for flashing the AOSP software on your phone. As a recommendation, for the custom recovery I’d say you should use CWM or TWRP recovery as these are the most used apps by the Android users.

Be careful when completing the mentioned operations because the warranty of your Galaxy S4 will get void. This is happening when rooting as the factory and default restrictions will be removed. The root access can be revoked and the warranty restored by downgrading to stock Android Jelly Bean OS, or by updating with an official Android software – manually only.

Good, now the next thing to do is to backup your data. A wipe will be required (else the AOSP Android 4.3 will not work on your Galaxy S4) so all of your personal info and data which is saved on the internal storage memory of your phone will be erased. As you can see, the backup is more than recommended. Since CWM recovery is installed on your smartphone, use the app and make a Nandroid backup. Also, since your handset is rooted, learn how to backup EFS folder on your way.

Of course, this is a manual update operation. So for being able to complete the steps from below a computer, your SGS4 and its USB cable will be required. Also, on the same computer there shouldn’t be installed any security tools – temporarily deactivate the security protection. Your smartphone should have enough battery life remained – more than 60% power left – or else you should plug in the charger first. And from “settings -> applications -> development” enable the USB debugging option on your phone.

Don’t forget that this tutorial is compatible only with the Samsung Galaxy S4 model number I9500. So, use this guide for learning how to update to Android 4.3 with AOSP custom ROM firmware only if you own the mentioned Android based device; else you will probably brick your beloved handset.

How to Update Galaxy S4 I9500 to Android 4.3 with AOSP Custom ROM Firmware

1. Download the AOSP firmware file from here and place the ROM on your computer.
2. Don’t unzip the update package just save it on desktop.
3. Google Apps is included on the update file, so you don’t have to install it separately.
4. So, download the update and then connect your Galaxy S4 with your computer by using its official USB cable.
5. Now, take the downloaded file from desktop and copy-paste it on your phone’s SD card.
6. And unplug the USB cord as the computer is now useless.
7. Turn off your device.
8. Recovery mode must be entered now – learn how to boot into recovery mode by using this dedicated step by step guide.
9. From recovery wipe the system; a full wipe can be performed by following: “wipe data factory reset” and “wipe cache partition”; also select “advance” and then choose “wipe dalvick cache”.
10. Return to recovery and now select “install zip from SD card” followed by “choose zip from SD card”.
11. Good, now pick the update file from your phone.
12. Start the flashing process.
13. Don’t make any other changes on recovery mode.
14. Wait while the firmware is being applied.
15. Finally, when the process stops, return to main menu of recovery and select “reboot system now”.
16. The first boot will take longer than usual; if that happens, don’t panic because there is nothing wrong with your handset.
17. But, if a boot loop will be what you get, then you will have to reboot into recovery once more. This time you have to select only “wipe data factory reset” and “wipe cache partition”. Perfect, now return to recovery and choose “reboot system now”.
18. If you are dealing with other issues, use the guide from here and learn how to resolve your problems.

Similar, if you want to share something with us, use the comments area from below and we will try to assist you as soon as possible. So, that was all for today; your Samsung Galaxy S4 I9500 has been successfully updated to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean OS. You have learned how to install the new version of AOSP custom ROM firmware on your smartphone, a firmware which is being offered by those of xda-developers, so remember to thanks them for the present step by step guide.

Source : http://www.android.gs/