How To Install Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich On Samsung Nexus S? [Tutorial]

Google announced the release of Android 4.0.4 on Wednesday and will begin issuing the update on HSPA+ versions of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. The search engine giant also said that it was resuming the rollout of Ice Cream Sandwich for the unlocked versions of the Samsung Nexus S.

A posting on Google's Android Google+ reads like this:

We've started rolling out Android 4.0.4, Ice Cream Sandwich, to UMTS/GSM Nexus S, Xoom Wi-Fi, and HSPA+ Galaxy Nexus devices, and we'll be rolling it out to more devices in the coming weeks. Some of you will be receiving Ice Cream Sandwich for the first time, while others will be receiving an update to your existing Ice Cream Sandwich experience with stability improvements, better camera performance, smoother screen rotation, improved phone number recognition and more.

Here are two ways of installing Android 4.0.4 onto the Nexus S. If you are with Clockwork Mod Recovery flashed, follow the steps given below:

Users must note that using either method to update devices is their own decision. IBTimes will not be held responsible for any consequence.

Step 1: Download the flashable ROM from this XDA thread.

Step 2: Place on the root of your SD card (plug your device into your computer, mount as USB storage and drag the flashable ROM onto your Nexus S, not in any folders).

Step 3: Reboot your device into recovery.

Step 4: Wipe data/factory reset.

Step 5: Install .zip from SD card.

Step 6: Choose .zip from SD card.

Step 7: Flash the ROM you put on your Nexus S.

[Source: Android and Me]

The 18MB update file can be installed over the stock IML74K 4.0.3 firmware. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Download the update file from Google's servers, and rename it update.zip.

Step 2: Copy that .zip file to the root directory of your Nexus S via USB.

Step 3: Power off your Nexus S.

Step 4: Power your device back on, while holding down the Volume Up button, followed by the Power button.

Step 5: Using the Volume keys on your Nexus S, navigate to the RECOVERY option and select using the Power button.

Step 6: Once you see a warning triangle on your screen, hold down the Power button and Volume Up button.

Step 7: In the Nexus S Recovery Menu select the update from SD card option and then select the update.zip you copied on in Step 2. Hit the Power button to confirm.

Step 8: Once you're done, select the reboot system now option, and you'll boot into Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich.

[Source: Redmond Pie]

The Android 4.0.4 update will be available for Nexus S users over-the-air (OTA) shortly. Once it arrives, users will get an update notification on their Nexus S pull-down notification bar.