Samsung Galaxy S3
Samsung Galaxy S3Wikicommons/Vinith Devdas

A new Android 4.4.3 KitKat VanirAOSP Custom ROM has been made available for Galaxy S3 T999 (T-Mobile variant).

VanirAOSP custom ROM is based on the Android v4.4.3 KitKat OS update. It brings in more customisation options, app short-cuts (for easy access) and performance enhancing tweaks.

Pre-requisite (things to remember before the installation of custom ROM in the smartphone):

  • Though installing custom ROM improve the device's performance and UI experiences, it makes the company warranty void and they will no longer be liable to provide updates in future [users can restore warranty by flashing the device with stock-ROM].
  • This custom ROM (VanirAOSP) has to be installed only on Samsung Galaxy S3 SGH-T999 (T-Mobile model) only. [To check your model: Go to Settings >> About phone >> model number ]
  • One of the main pre-requisite before installing custom ROM is that the phone must be rooted and must have installed ClockworkMod Recovery / TWRP tool.
  • Make sure you have installed USB drivers in the PC, or else your smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S3 SGH-T999) will not be recognised by the computer.
  • Installation of custom ROM requires clearing of whole data in the smartphone, so make sure to back all the data by installing Clockwork Mod (CWM) Recovery/ TWRP in the smartphone.
  • Make sure your device has more than 80 percent battery, or else there is chance of smartphone getting temporarily bricked if the installation process is interrupted.

(Disclaimer: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting (or manual software installation) of Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or may even lead to the device being permanently irreparable. International Business Times, India Edition cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if smartphones get bricked. Hence users are advised to proceed with caution.)

Step-by-step installation procedure of Android 4.4.3 KitKat VanirAOSP Custom ROM for Samsung Galaxy S3 SGH-T999 (T-Mobile model):

Step 1: Download Android 4.4.3 KitKat VanirAOSP Custom ROM (here) and Google Apps (here) in to the PC.

Step 2: Connect Samsung Galaxy S3 SGH-T999 (T-Mobile model) to PC via USB cord.

[Note: Before plugging the phone to the computer, be sure you have installed USB driver software, if not, click here to download firmware]

Step 3: Then, place Android v4.4.3 VanirAOSP and Google Apps .zip file into the phone's SD card memory. [Note: Users are advised to paste the .zip file in SD card root, not in any other folder.]

[Note: Before installing the custom software, make sure the device is already rooted and must have installed ClockworkMod Recovery.]

Step 4: Now turn-off the device and disconnect from the PC.

Step 5: Then perform the regular "Recovery Mode" sortie by press holding "volume (up)", "home" and "power" buttons.

Step 6: After entering ClockworkMod Recovery mode, perform full data wipe, by choosing "wipe data/factory reset" [Note: use Volume keys to navigate and power button to select options, while operating under Recovery Mode]

Step 7: Now, clear the cache memory by selecting "wipe cache partition."

Step 8: Then to go back to ClockworkMod recovery, and select "advanced" and tap "wipe dalvik cache" [Note: This step is optional, but many recommend this procedure so that user will not face boot loops or any other errors in the middle of custom ROM installation]

Step 9: Again come back to main recovery screen and then tap "install zip from SD card"

Step 10: Then tap "choose zip from sdcard" and go to Android 4.4.2 ROM .zip file in SD card and enter the installation process.

Repeat this step again to install Google Apps. [Note: use Volume keys to navigate and power button to select options]

Step 11: Once done with the installation process, navigate to "+++++Go Back+++++" and re-start the device by opting "reboot system now" seen in the recovery menu.

Now, your device (Samsung Galaxy S3 SGH-T999) will take minimum five minutes to complete booting process.

Users then head to Settings >> select About phone to confirm the installation of Android 4.4.3 KitKat VanirAOSP Custom ROM.

[Credits: Team Android]