Last Updated on April 9, 2017 by Mathew Diekhake
As long as you are a subscriber to the Verizon network, you can flash this new CM 11 nightly build for the LG G2 based on Android 4.4.4 KitKat. That means you don’t get any of the new Android 5.0 Lollipop goodies, but you do get the chance to flash the latest Kitkat custom experience for your device on a nightly basis from the Cyanogenmod team.
Installing custom ROMs is the obvious choice for those who want to experience more out of their operating system than Google and Android offer in the stock version. With extra ROMs we have more features, unique design and extra options that people without the internal system unlocked cannot experience.
CM 11 is a common build on the previous Android 4.4.2 Kitkat software version that comes with wireless printing, new emoji, full screen album art from the lock screen, immersive mode, new location menu and much more. Every time a new official firmware comes out the Cyanogenmod team are working hard to develop custom versions for their users.
- It’s common to lose the EFS and IMEI number during the custom ROM installation. I recommend our readers backup the folder as a precaution. Download the Backup EFS Final zip for the LG G2 smartphone. Flash the file in TWRP. Store the file on your computer instead of the internal SD card. Note that storing the EFS folder is optional.
- Backup the data using the internal or external SD cards. If you need a factory reset the data is automatically wiped. As you probably know, factory resets are a part of every day life when we are talking about flashing custom ROMs; therefore, it’s always best practise to back up your data regularly if you update your phone data. Make sure you have a copy of the phone contacts if nothing else. We also recommend you backup the music, pictures, videos, market application you’ve downloaded from the Play Store and all other data. The ROM is wiped clean during a reset.
- The Verizon edition of the LG G2 comes with the vs980 model number. You should check to make sure yours corresponds with the same number. Navigate to Settings > About Device and look there.
- All other model numbers should not flash the files below. You can brick your device if you attempt to install the file on the wrong device.
- You should use a computer for the guide. It doesn’t have to be windows. We are hoping to transfer the files from the computer to the phone; it’s safe that way.
- Correspondingly, a notebook or laptop with a functional USB slot mounted in the side works just the same. So long as you are able to connect the phone to the machine.
- Always transfer the firmware and ROM files from the computer first instead of straight to the smartphone or tablet from the original source.
- You should make sure the power cord is plugged into the wall if you are using a portable laptop or notebook. That way you know the power isn’t shutting off during the flashing process. Likewise, make sure the smartphone has enough battery power.
- You can reply on the USB charging feature charging your G2’s battery enough to prevent the phone shutting down.
- The G2 is finding the official Android 5.0 Lollipop over the air update coming soon. If you don’t like tinkering with the OS too often you should think about waiting.
- You should only go ahead if you are an advanced Android user since this is customizing the OS and your warranty is on the line. If something goes wrong you can’t send it away for repairs; you must fix the fault yourself. Those desperate for help can look at the XDA Developers forum for threads about your specific issue. That’s where the third-party devs like to hang out and they likely have solutions to your problem.
- A factory reset is likely your ticket out of trouble if you cannot find a solution elsewhere. You always do a factory reset by accessing the recovery mode. Since you are using a custom ROM, you must enter the custom recovery.
- You may prefer taking a Nandroid backup from inside the custom recovery mode. The Nandroid is the best way to back up the ROm and data. There’s nothing you cannot make copies of from your device. Anything from pictures to save game data. Always take the Nandroid before tapping for the factory reset.
- Learn how to take Nandroid backups without rebooting the device by using this app from Google Play.
- You can use ClockworkMod recovery or team Win’s TWRP recovery for the guide.
How to update the LG G2 with CM 11 Nightly Android 4.4.4 KitKat
- Download the Nightly CM 11 ROM here.
- Download the Google Gapps package from the last KitKat stages here.
- Use the desktop of the computer for both of the folder.
– do not extract the contents of the files yet. - Connect the G2 to the computer.
- Transfer both files to the internal SD card storage.
- Disconnect the phone from the computer.
- Boot it back up in recovery mode.
- Apply the factory reset by selecting ‘wipe data/ factory reset’ or ‘wipe,’ depending on which recovery you are using.
- Now you must upload the zip files.
- Choose ‘install zip from sdcard’, followed by ‘choose zip from sdcard’ for CWM.
- Choose ‘install’ for TWRP users.
- Flash the Google Gapps pack using the same idea.
- Go back to the main recovery menu and select “reboot system now.”
- It’s booting back up with the new custom ROM.