Install Android 14 on Galaxy Tab S3 (LineageOS 21) – How to Guide!

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Want to install Android 14 on your Samsung Galaxy Tab S3? You are in the right place. This comprehensive, step-by-step guide walks you through the complete process of flashing the unofficial LineageOS 21 custom ROM on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 (codename: gts3lwifi/gts3llte).

Even though Samsung has ended official software support for the Galaxy Tab S3 (which shipped with Android 7.0 Nougat and received Android 9.0 Pie as its final update), you can breathe new life into this Snapdragon 820-powered device with Android 14. This custom ROM delivers the latest Android features, improved performance, better battery optimization, enhanced privacy controls, and a clean AOSP stock Android experience.

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Why Install Android 14 on Galaxy Tab S3?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 (released March 2017) was a flagship tablet powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor with 4GB RAM and a stunning 9.7-inch Super AMOLED display. Despite being a capable device, Samsung ended official software support at Android 9.0 (Pie), leaving users stuck on outdated software with potential security vulnerabilities.

Installing Android 14 via LineageOS 21 gives your Galaxy Tab S3 a second life with:

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Latest Security Patches
Protection against current known vulnerabilities and exploits.
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Better Performance
AOSP-based ROMs are usually leaner and faster than stock firmware.
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Extended Battery Life
Android 14 power optimizations can improve battery efficiency.
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Modern App Support
Run newer apps that require recent Android API levels.
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Android 14 Key Features You'll Get on Galaxy Tab S3

Android 14 on Galaxy Tab S3 with LineageOS 21 delivers a modern Android experience. Android 14 adds practical upgrades across security, personalization, and performance. Here are the major features you can use after flashing this build:

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Lock Screen Controls

More lock screen customization and stronger sharing controls for better day-to-day privacy.
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Power Efficiency

Battery usage improvements help keep older hardware alive longer across typical workloads.
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Ultra HDR Media

Improved photo and video rendering support for richer highlights and better contrast.
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Material Personalization

Expanded color and theme behavior for a cleaner and more consistent UI experience.
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Permission Hardening

Tighter app access controls and safer defaults for media and background access.
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Multitasking Improvements

Smoother app transitions and better drag-and-drop behavior across compatible apps.
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Important Warnings — Read Before Installing Android 14

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Device-specific ROM: This Android 14 custom ROM is ONLY for the Galaxy Tab S3. Do not flash it on any other device — it will brick your device.

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Brick risk: Carefully follow every step in the correct order. Incorrect installation — such as flashing the wrong file, interrupting the process, or skipping the wipe — can permanently brick your Galaxy Tab S3. TheUpgradeGuide is not responsible for any damage.

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Complete data wipe: Installing this custom ROM erases everything on your Galaxy Tab S3 — apps, photos, contacts, messages, and files. Create a complete backup before proceeding.

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Battery requirement: Charge your Galaxy Tab S3 to at least 50–60% before starting. An accidental shutdown during the flashing process can leave your device in a non-bootable state.

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Warranty void: Unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom ROM will void your manufacturer warranty.

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Pre-Installation Requirements for Galaxy Tab S3

Make sure you have all of the following ready before starting the Android 14 installation on your Galaxy Tab S3:

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Unlocked bootloader: Your Galaxy Tab S3 must have an unlocked bootloader. Use Xiaomi’s official Mi Unlock Tool if you haven’t done this. The process requires linking your Mi account and waiting approximately 7 days.

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TWRP Recovery installed: You must have TWRP Recovery installed on your Galaxy Tab S3. Watch TWRP installation tutorial for Galaxy Tab S3 →

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Full data backup: Back up all important data — photos, contacts, messages, app data, WhatsApp chats, and files — before starting the installation. Consider using Google Backup and Google Photos for cloud backup.

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USB drivers installed: Install the appropriate USB drivers on your PC/Mac. These are needed if you’re using ADB/Fastboot for any part of the process.

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XDA Forum Thread: LineageOS 21 for Galaxy Tab S3 — XDA Forum →

Always check this XDA Forum thread for the latest build updates, known bugs, required patches, firmware requirements, and community feedback before installing.

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Download Android 14 ROM & GApps for Galaxy Tab S3

LineageOS 21 ROM (AOSP-Based Android 14) for Galaxy Tab S3

Google Apps (GApps) for Android 14 ARM64 – Choose One Package

apps LiteGApps (Android 14 ARM64)apps NikGApps (Android 14 ARM64)apps MindTheGApps (Android 14 ARM64)apps BiTGapps (Android 14 ARM64)

search Not sure which GApps to pick? Read our complete GApps compatibility guide ->

bolt Quick Installation Overview

Short on time? Here’s the 5-step summary of how to install Android 14 on your Galaxy Tab S3. Scroll down for the detailed guide with screenshots.

  1. 1Download the LineageOS 21 Android 14 ROM & GApps for Galaxy Tab S3.
  2. 2Boot your Galaxy Tab S3 into TWRP custom recovery mode.
  3. 3Wipe system, vendor, data, cache, and dalvik cache partitions.
  4. 4Flash the Android 14 ROM zip followed by the GApps zip via TWRP Install.
  5. 5Wipe cache, reboot, and enjoy Android 14 on your Galaxy Tab S3!
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Step-by-Step: Install Android 14 on Galaxy Tab S3

1

install_mobile Install TWRP Custom Recovery on Galaxy Tab S3

The first step is to install TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) custom recovery on your Galaxy Tab S3. TWRP replaces the stock recovery and allows you to flash custom ROMs, GApps, and create complete system backups. You’ll need a PC/Mac with ADB and Fastboot tools installed, plus a USB cable. If TWRP is already installed on your Galaxy Tab S3, skip directly to Step 2.

2

file_copy Transfer the ROM and GApps Files to Your Galaxy Tab S3

Download the Android 14 LineageOS 21 ROM zip and your preferred GApps package from the download section above. Connect your Galaxy Tab S3 to your computer via USB and transfer both .zip files to the device’s internal storage root folder or SD Card. Remember the file location — you’ll need to find these files in TWRP later.

Transfer Android 14 LineageOS 21 ROM and GApps zip files to Galaxy Tab S3 internal storage via USB
3

restart_alt Boot Galaxy Tab S3 into TWRP Recovery Mode

Disconnect the USB cable and power off your Galaxy Tab S3 completely. Once the device is off, press and hold the Power button + Volume Up button simultaneously until you see the TWRP logo appear on screen. Release both buttons when TWRP loads. If prompted, swipe to allow modifications.

Boot Galaxy Tab S3 into TWRP Recovery Mode using Power and Volume Up buttons
4

backup Create a Nandroid Backup of Your Current ROM

This step is critical for safety. In TWRP, tap Backup and create a complete Nandroid Backup. This creates a bit-for-bit copy of your entire current system — including the ROM, apps, data, and settings. If anything goes wrong during the Android 14 installation, or if you want to return to your previous ROM, you can restore this backup in minutes.

Detailed Nandroid Backup guide →

Create a full Nandroid Backup in TWRP before installing Android 14 on Galaxy Tab S3
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delete_sweep Perform a Factory Reset Using Advanced Wipe

Now perform a thorough Factory Reset to prepare your Galaxy Tab S3 for the Android 14 ROM. In TWRP, navigate to Wipe → Advanced Wipe. Check the boxes for Cache, Dalvik Cache, System, and Data partitions. Then Swipe to Wipe. This completely clears the old system files, user data, and cache — preventing conflicts with the new Android 14 ROM.

TWRP Advanced Wipe selecting Cache, Dalvik, System, and Data partitions on Galaxy Tab S3
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home Return to the TWRP Main Menu

After the wipe completes successfully, navigate back to the TWRP Main Menu by tapping the back arrow or pressing the home/center navigation button on your Galaxy Tab S3. You should see the main TWRP screen with options like Install, Wipe, Backup, Restore, etc.

Navigate back to TWRP Main Menu on Galaxy Tab S3 after factory reset
7

system_update Flash the Android 14 ROM (LineageOS 21)

This is the main step. From the TWRP Main Menu, tap Install. Navigate to the folder where you saved the LineageOS 21 (Android 14) ROM zip file. Tap the file to select it, then Swipe to Confirm Flash. The flashing process takes 2–5 minutes — do not touch anything or power off your Galaxy Tab S3 until it completes. You’ll see “Successful” when done.

Flash Android 14 LineageOS 21 custom ROM zip file via TWRP Install on Galaxy Tab S3
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apps Flash the Google Apps (GApps) Package

Immediately after the ROM flash completes, do not reboot yet. Instead, tap “Install” again (or use the back button), navigate to your GApps zip file, and flash it the same way. This installs the Google Play Store, Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, and other essential Google services on your Galaxy Tab S3. Without GApps, you won’t have access to Google services or the Play Store.

Flash GApps package via TWRP immediately after Android 14 ROM on Galaxy Tab S3
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cached Wipe Cache and Dalvik Cache

After the GApps flash completes, you’ll see a “Wipe cache/dalvik” button at the bottom left of the TWRP screen. Tap it and Swipe to Wipe. This clears any residual cached data and ensures a clean, error-free first boot of Android 14 on your Galaxy Tab S3. Skipping this step can cause boot loops or app crashes.

Wipe cache and dalvik cache in TWRP after flashing Android 14 ROM and GApps on Galaxy Tab S3
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restart_alt Reboot Your Galaxy Tab S3 into Android 14

After the cache wipe completes, Press the Home Button, Click Reboot button from the main menu, Tap on System and Swipe to Reboot. Your Galaxy Tab S3 will now boot into Android 14 (LineageOS 21) for the first time! Important: The first boot typically takes 5–10 minutes as the system optimizes all applications. The screen may appear stuck on the boot animation — this is completely normal. Do not force restart during this process.

Reboot Galaxy Tab S3 into Android 14 LineageOS 21 - first boot after successful custom ROM installation
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Android 14 Successfully Installed on Your Galaxy Tab S3!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed Android 14 (LineageOS 21) on your Galaxy Tab S3. Enjoy the latest Android features, improved performance, enhanced security, and a clean stock Android experience on your refreshed device!

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What’s Working & Not Working on Android 14 (Galaxy Tab S3)

Based on the XDA Forum thread and community reports, here’s the current status of features on the LineageOS 21 (Android 14) ROM for the Galaxy Tab S3. Note: This may vary between builds, so always check the latest forum post.

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  • ✅ Phone calls & SMS
  • ✅ Wi-Fi & Hotspot
  • ✅ Mobile data (4G LTE)
  • ✅ Bluetooth & audio
  • ✅ Camera (photo & video)
  • ✅ GPS & location
  • ✅ Fingerprint sensor
  • ✅ NFC

cancel Known Issues

  • ⚠️ Minor camera quirks in some modes
  • ⚠️ Some hardware features may vary by build

Always check the XDA Forum thread for the most up-to-date bug list for your specific build version.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

🔄 Stuck on Boot Animation (Bootloop)

If your Galaxy Tab S3 is stuck on the boot animation for more than 15 minutes, it may be bootlooping. Reboot into TWRP (Power + Vol Up), perform a full wipe (System, Data, Cache, Dalvik), and re-flash the ROM and GApps. Make sure you’re using compatible GApps for Android 14 arm64.

❌ “Error 7” or “Zip Verification Failed”

This usually means you’re flashing a ROM not built for your device. Double-check that the ROM zip is specifically for the Galaxy Tab S3. Also ensure your TWRP version is up-to-date and compatible with Android 14 ROMs.

📱 No Mobile Data or Signal After Installation

You may need to flash the correct firmware (baseband/modem) before installing the ROM. Check the XDA Forum thread for the recommended firmware version for your build of LineageOS 21.

🔙 How to Restore Back to Stock ROM

If you want to go back to the stock ROM: (1) restore your Nandroid Backup via TWRP → Restore, or (2) download the official stock ROM from the manufacturer and flash it using the appropriate flash tool on your PC. This will completely restore your Galaxy Tab S3 to factory stock condition.

Frequently Asked Questions — Android 14 on Galaxy Tab S3

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about installing and using Android 14 (LineageOS 21) on the Galaxy Tab S3:

Is the Android 14 ROM for Galaxy Tab S3 stable enough for daily use?

The LineageOS 21 (Android 14) ROM for the Galaxy Tab S3 is an unofficial build. Core features — including phone calls, Wi-Fi, mobile data, camera, Bluetooth, GPS, and the fingerprint scanner — work well in most builds. Some minor bugs may exist depending on the build version. We recommend checking the XDA Forum thread for the latest known issues before installing it as your daily driver.

Will installing a custom ROM void my Galaxy Tab S3 warranty?

Yes, unlocking the bootloader and installing a custom ROM voids the manufacturer warranty. However, since the Galaxy Tab S3 was released in September 2019, virtually all units are well past their warranty period, so this shouldn’t be a concern for most users.

Can I go back to stock ROM after installing Android 14 on my Galaxy Tab S3?

Absolutely. You have two options: (1) Restore your Nandroid Backup through TWRP Recovery to return to your exact previous ROM state, or (2) Download the official stock ROM from the manufacturer’s website and flash it using the appropriate flash tool to perform a clean restore to stock firmware.

Which GApps package should I use with Android 14 on Galaxy Tab S3?

You can choose from four popular options: LiteGApps (recommended for minimal footprint), NikGApps (offers granular control over which Google apps to install), MindTheGApps (balanced package), or BiTGapps (lightweight alternative). All must be the ARM64 variant for Android 14 (API 34). Read our complete GApps compatibility guide to choose the best option for your needs.

Do I need an unlocked bootloader to install Android 14 on Galaxy Tab S3?

Yes, an unlocked bootloader is a mandatory prerequisite. Without it, you cannot install TWRP Recovery or flash any custom ROM. Use the manufacturer’s official unlock tool to request a bootloader unlock. The process typically involves a waiting period before the unlock is approved.

Does the Android 14 ROM support the Galaxy Tab S3’s fingerprint scanner?

Yes, in most LineageOS 21 builds for the Galaxy Tab S3, the fingerprint scanner works correctly. However, functionality can occasionally vary between different build versions. If the fingerprint scanner isn’t working after installation, try updating to the latest build or check the XDA Forum for any required patches.

How do I update the Android 14 ROM on my Galaxy Tab S3 after installation?

To update to a newer build of LineageOS 21: Download the latest ROM zip from the LineageOS download page, transfer it to your device, reboot into TWRP, and flash the new ROM zip over the existing installation (this is called a “dirty flash”). Then wipe cache/dalvik and reboot. A full data wipe is usually not needed for minor updates, but always check the XDA thread for update-specific instructions.

Is the Xiaomi Mi CC9 the same as the Galaxy Tab S3 for custom ROM installation?

Yes, the Xiaomi Mi CC9 and Galaxy Tab S3 are the same hardware device sold under different names in different regions. The Mi CC9 was the Chinese variant, while the Galaxy Tab S3 was the global/international variant. Both use the exact same ROM, TWRP recovery, firmware, and kernel files. You can follow this same guide for either device.

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Have questions or ran into issues while installing Android 14 on your Galaxy Tab S3? Drop a comment below and we’ll help you out! You can also get support from the XDA Forum community where the ROM developer and experienced users actively respond to questions.