Upgrade Samsung Galaxy S8 to Android 14: Step-by-Step Guide for Installing Custom ROM

Upgrade Samsung Galaxy S8 to Android 14: Step-by-Step Guide for Installing Custom ROM. The Samsung Galaxy S8 is one of the most beloved devices in the Galaxy series, known for its sleek design and robust performance. However, official support for Android updates has ended, leaving many users wondering how to keep their device up-to-date with the latest features. Fortunately, you can upgrade your Galaxy S8 to Android 14 using custom ROMs, giving your device new life with the latest functionalities and improvements.

Upgrade Samsung Galaxy S8 to Android 14: Step-by-Step Guide for Installing Custom ROM

In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of upgrading your Samsung Galaxy S8 to Android 14 using a custom ROM. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and successful installation.

Why Upgrade to Android 14?

Upgrading to Android 14 brings new features, performance enhancements, and improved security to your device. Even though the Galaxy S8 is no longer officially supported, using a custom ROM allows you to enjoy all the latest Android 14 features, such as enhanced battery management, improved privacy controls, and more.

Step 1: Backup Your Data

Before starting the upgrade process, it’s crucial to create a full backup of your data. Installing a custom ROM will erase all the data on your device, so backing up ensures you won’t lose any important information. Use tools like Samsung Smart Switch or Google Drive to back up your contacts, photos, apps, and settings.

Step 2: Unlock the Bootloader

To install a custom ROM, you first need to unlock the bootloader of your Galaxy S8. This step is essential, but it comes with a few warnings:

• Warranty: Unlocking the bootloader may void your device’s warranty.
• Data Loss: The process will erase all data on your phone.

To unlock the bootloader:

1. Go to Settings > About Phone > Software Information and tap Build Number seven times to enable Developer Options.
2. Navigate to Developer Options in the main settings menu and enable OEM Unlocking.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to unlock the bootloader.

Step 3: Install Custom Recovery (TWRP)

After unlocking the bootloader, the next step is to install a custom recovery tool like TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project). TWRP allows you to flash custom ROMs, create backups, and perform other advanced tasks on your device.

To install TWRP:

1. Download the latest TWRP image file for your Galaxy S8 (e.g., twrp-3.7.0_9-0-dream2lte.img.tar).
2. Connect your Galaxy S8 to your computer and boot it into Download Mode (by pressing Volume Down + Bixby + Power).
3. Use a tool like Odin on your computer to flash the TWRP image file to your device.

Step 4: Download and Install the Android 14 ROM

Now that you have TWRP installed, you can download and install the Android 14 custom ROM for your Galaxy S8. One of the most popular ROMs is LineageOS 21.0, known for its stability and regular updates.

To install the ROM:

1. Download the Android 14 ROM file (e.g., lineage-21.0-20240820-UNOFFICIAL-dreamlte.zip) and NikGapps package (optional) to your computer.
2. Transfer the downloaded files to your Galaxy S8.
3. Boot into TWRP by pressing Volume Up + Bixby + Power.
4. In TWRP, select Wipe > Advanced Wipe and wipe the Dalvik/ART Cache, System, Data, and Cache partitions.
5. Go back to the main menu and select Install. Choose the Android 14 ROM file and swipe to confirm the flash.
6. (Optional) Flash the NikGapps package if you want Google apps and services.

Step 5: Perform a Factory Reset and Reboot

After flashing the ROM, it’s recommended to perform a factory reset to avoid any potential issues. In TWRP, select Wipe > Format Data and type yes to confirm. Finally, reboot your device by selecting Reboot > System.

Your Samsung Galaxy S8 will now boot into Android 14, ready to offer you the latest Android experience.

Upgrading your Samsung Galaxy S8 to Android 14 via a custom ROM is a great way to extend the life of your device and enjoy the latest Android features. While the process might seem complex, this guide will help you complete it successfully. If you need more detailed instructions, watch our video tutorial for visual guidance: