Root Galaxy S3 LTE I9305 on All Android 4.3 Jelly Bean Firmware [GUIDE]

Samsung has just started Android 4.3 Jelly Bean upgrade for the LTE version of Galaxy S3 (GT-I9305). The official build with base firmware I9305XXUEMKC is currently available for users in Germany. The update can be installed as an OTA update and through Samsung Kies.

Click here for our step-by-step guide to install I9305XXEUMKC Android 4.3 Jelly Bean on Galaxy S3 LTE.

Galaxy S3 LTE users who have updated their devices to the latest Android 4.3 stock firmware and are currently looking for a root method may follow our step-by-step guide below. The tutorial uses CF-Auto-Root file released by recognised XDA developer, Chainfire.

The CF-Auto-Root contains SuperSU binary and APK and stock recovery. One of the key features of the root package is it is firmware independent and it completely supports Android 4.3 and future fimrware as well. Head over to the development thread to learn more about the root file.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held responsible for any mishap. Users are also advised to verify that their devices meet the following requirements.

Pre-requisites

1) Install USB Driver for Samsung Galaxy S3 to transfer files between the Android device and the computer.

2) Enable USB Debugging Mode on phone to connect it with computer and use Android SDK with it. [Press Menu>> Settings>> Applications. From there navigate and click on Development option and check USB Debugging Mode.]

3) As the tutorial might wipe out all data of the phone, create a backup. If the device is having any custom recoveries such as ClockworkMod/TWRP installed, backup data using the recovery.

4) If the Android phone powers off due to lack of battery while the installation process, it could damage the device. Therefore, the Galaxy S3 should have charge above 80% battery charge.

5) The device will lose manufacturer's warranty once it is rooted. Users can reclaim the warranty back by unrooting the handset later.

6) The CF-Auto-Root files work only with the Galaxy S3 LTE GT-I9305. As applying this on any incorrect variant might brick the device, verify the model number of Galaxy S3 by navigating to Settings>> About phone>> Model number.

How to root Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE I9305 on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

Step-1: Download CF-Auto-Root file for Galaxy S3 LTE to computer

File name: CF-Auto-Root-m3-m3zh-gti9305.zip

Step-2: Extract the root zip using Winzip/7zip/winrar or any other extracting tool to get CF-Auto-Root-m3-m3zh-gti9305.tar.md5 file

Step-3: Download Odin3_v3.07. Extract the Odin zip to get Odin3 v3.07.exe file

Step-4: Switch off Galaxy S3

Step-5: Boot the phone into Download Mode by pressing and holding Volume Down, Home and Power buttons together until a construction Android robot icon with a warning triangle appears on the phone's screen. Press the Volume Up button to continue to enter into Download Mode

Step-6: Run Odin3 v3.07.exe as Administrator

Step-7: Connect the phone to the computer using USB cable while it is in Download Mode. Wait for some time until Odin detects the device. When the phone is connected successfully, an Added message will appear under Odin message box. Additionally, the ID: COM box in Odin will turn blue with the COM port number indicating successful connection

Note: If the Added message does not appear then try another USB port, try the one located at the back side of the computer. In case Odin still fails to recognise the device then reinstall USB driver

Step-8: In Odin, click the PDA button and select CF-Auto-Root-m3-m3zh-gti9305.tar.md5 file which was extracted earlier

Step-9: Verify Auto-Reboot and F.Reset Time checkboxes are selected in Odin

Step-10: Double check everything and click the Start button in Odin to begin the installation

Step-11: When the installation process is completed, the phone will restart and soon a PASS message with green background will appear in the extreme left box at the very top of Odin. Unplug the USB cable from the phone to disconnect it from computer

The Galaxy S3 LTE should now be rooted on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean firmware. Users may install any app that requires root permission. Also, verify the root status of the device by downloading Root Checker app from Google Play Store.

Troubleshooting issues

Sometimes the device does not boot into Recovery Mode and root the device. If this happens, then perform the entire procedure again. If it still does not install root, ensure Auto Reboot checkbox in Odin is not checked. Then, after flashing the root package, pull out the battery and boot the phone into Recovery mode by selecting Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together. This will start the install process and root the phone.

[Source: Honai of Android]