Earlier today, Samsung started rolling out the Android 4.4 KitKat update for the Galaxy Note 3, at least in Poland. If Samsung’s previous track record is anything to go by, the update should roll-out to other major markets by the end of this month. However, if you are impatient to try out KitKat on your Note 3, you can always install the official firmware manually. 

While the firmware is meant for Poland’s Galaxy Note 3, it will work just fine on any Snapdragon based Note 3. If you own an Exynos powered Note 3, stay away from the steps below since the firmware is not compatible with your device. Also, make sure to make a backup of all your data since flashing the firmware will format the /data partition of your device. This means that all your installed apps and their data would be lost. Your media files and other data on the internal/external memory will remain intact though.

Also, by following the below steps, you will not be voiding the warranty of your Note 3.

Step 1: Download the official KitKat firmware for the N9005 from here. You will need to sign up on SamMobile to see the download link. You will also need to sign up on Tera File before you can download the firmware. After the download has completed, extract the contents of the file inside a new folder on your desktop.

Step 2: Install Samsung’s KIES software which will automatically take care of all the required drivers. Then, download ODIN from here. Extract the contents of this ZIP file on your desktop.

Step 3: Fire up ODIN, and click on the ‘AP’ button and navigate to the folder you had created in Step 1. Select the file with AP at the beginning of its name. Similarly, click on the BL, CP and CSC buttons and select the files with the relevant file names.

Step 4: Switch off your Note 3, and then boot it into Download mode by pressing the Home + Volume Down + Power button simultaneously. Skip the custom OS warning by pressing the Volume Up button.

Step 5: Once ODIN has detected your device, it will display a blue sign. At this point, press the ‘Start’ button and wait for ODIN to flash the firmware.

Step 6: After the firmware has been flashed, your device will automatically reboot and you should be all set to enjoy some KitKat goodness on your Note 3.

If you are facing any issues, drop in a commet and we would be glad to help.