Samsung has recently announced that the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update for existing mobile phones and tablet devices will probably reach users after the end of January, 2012. That is still about a month from now and there is still no assurance that users can get it by that time.

The official update for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 Wi-Fi is still not out, but the good news is that your Galaxy Tab 10.1 can now get ICS via a custom ROM based on CyanogenMod 9. The great thing about this custom ROM is that it looks exactly like Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. So, if you are not willing to wait for the official update that might take forever to arrive, then try installing this custom ROM and check it out.

Provided below is the updating instructions that you need to follow to successfully update your Galaxy Tab 10.1 Wi-Fi with Android 4.0. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid any damage to your device.

There are also prerequisites and reminders that you need to take note of before you can actually update your Galaxy Tab 10.1 with ICS:

• Make a backup of your apps and important data. Flashing the ROM will clear everything on your tablet, so make sure you have a backup.
• The Samsung USB Driver for Mobile Phones must be installed on your computer.
• Your Galaxy Tab 10.1 Wi-Fi must be rooted and must have ClockworkMod Recovery installed on it.
• This ROM is reportedly compatible with the Galaxy Tab 10.1 Wi-Fi model only (no 3G), model number GT-7510. Do not attempt to use this ROM on another variant of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 or on any other device. You can check your tablet’s model number by going to Settings > About device.
• This ROM is not an official release from the CyanogenMod. Rather, it is a ROM compiled from CyanogenMod code. So, it is unlikely that the CyanogenMod team will provide support for this ROM.
• Do not hold us liable for any damage that occurs to your device. Use these instructions at your own risk.

Instructions

Here’s how to update your Galaxy Tab 10.1 with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich;

1. Download the CyanogenMod 9 update package for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 Wi-Fi. Get the ROM from here and save it to your computer.
2. Connect your tablet to your computer using a USB cable.
3. Copy the ROM you downloaded into the tablet’s SD card.
4. Disconnect your tablet from your PC. Turn off your tablet.
5. Reboot the tablet into ClockworkMod Recovery. To do that, press and hold the Volume Down key and the Power button until you see two options. Choose recovery mode from the options.
6. While in recovery mode, create a backup of your existing system. You can do that using the Backup and Restore option on the menu.
7. Afterwards, choose “Wipe data/factory reset,” then choose “Wipe cache partition.”
8. Go to Advanced menu, and choose “Wipe Dalvik cache.”
9. Go back to the main screen. Select “Install zip from sd card,” then “Choose zip from sd card”. Browse the contents of your SD card and select the ROM file that you saved to your SD card earlier. Confirm that you want to begin flashing the ROM by selecting Yes from the prompt.
10. Wait for a few minutes for the ROM to finish flashing.
11. You’ll be taken back to the main screen of recovery mode. Choose “Reboot system now” to reboot your tablet.

Congratulations! Your Galaxy Tab 10.1 Wi-Fi now runs on a pre-alpha and preview build of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. As can be expected of any preview build, some parts of the software don’t work. The camera reportedly doesn’t work, and there also seems to be a bug involving automatic screen rotation.

Are you one those who are very excited to get the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system on your device? Have you tried previewing ICS on your tablet using this ROM?

Related posts:

1. How to Install Ice Cream Sandwich ROM on the HTC Thunderbolt
2. How to Install Ice Cream Sandwich ROM on the HTC Desire
3. How to Install Ice Cream Sandwich on the HTC Incredible S