The Samsung Galaxy S2 might be an outdated device but the fact that it runs on the best hardwares from the past ensures that the smartphone is still useable today. On the downside of things, Samsung has axed the S2 from getting updated any further.
S2 users shouldn’t worry about this at all as there are other ways to ensure that the smartphone remains up-to-date. Just last week, CyanogenMod reached out to the Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-i9100 model by producing the CM11 ROM for the smartphone. Applying this ROM will update the Galaxy S2 to the latest Android 4.4 KitKat.
Furthermore, the custom ROM is free of bugs and glitches, unlike most of the updates from Samsung. In addition to that, S2 users can also enjoy exclusive apps from CM.
So, if you are using the Samsung Galaxy S2 GT-i9100 model and desire the Android 4.4 KitKat, you can refer to the installation guide below.
Pre-requisite
1. Flash this firmware to the Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 only. Doing it on other models will risk bricking it.
2. Root the handset and then install a custom recovery like ClockworkMod.
3. Install the USB drivers for your Galaxy S2 on your PC.
4. Make a manual backup of all your personal info, settings and data files.
5. Ensure that your battery level is at least 50% to stop any power interruptions during the flash.
6. Enable the USB debugging mode on your phone. Head to Settings > Applications > Development > USB debugging mode or Settings > Developer options > USB debugging.
7. Download CyanogenMod 11 for Galaxy S2 i-9100 and the Google Apps package to your computer.
Flashing Instructions
1. Connect your Galaxy S2 GT-I9100 to your PC via USB.
2. Copy the CyanogenMod 11 and the Google Apps packages to the SD card of the Galaxy S2. Do not extract the zip files.
3. Unplug the phone from the PC before turning it off.
4. Reboot into recovery mode by pressing and holding the volume up, home and power keys at the same time until the Samsung logo appears.
5. Inside recovery mode, make an Android backup of your current ROM. Select “backup and restores > backup.” You can then restore the saved ROM inside the SD card anytime you need to.
6. Do a full wipe on your phone. Select “wipe data/factory reset” and “wipe cache partition.” Then choose “advanced > wipe Dalvik cache.”
7. Return to the main menu and install the CyanogenMod 11 by selecting “install zip from SD card > choose zip from SD > search the ROM you have copied earlier > confirm installation.” Do the same thing with the Google Apps.
8. Once the installation has completed, go back and select “reboot system now.”
9. It might take five minutes or so before your Galaxy S2 reaches its home screen after rebooting.
