How to Root Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 (Exynos 5) on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean [GUIDE]

The Exynos 5 octa-core variant of Samsung Galaxy S4 bearing model number GT-I9500 was shipped with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean software. Followed by the market launch, the manufacturer has been releasing several software updates, which bring enhancement to performance and bug fixes.

Galaxy S4 users who have upgraded their devices with latest official builds, can now root the same using CF-Auto-Root package released by recognised XDA developer, Chainfire.

The CF-Auto-Root method is said to be the safest root method available. The key feature of this root file is it is not firmware dependent. It completely supports Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and future firmware as well. Head over to the development page to learn more about the root file.

Galaxy S4 users who wish to root their device running on Android 4.2.2, may follow our step-by-step guide.

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 following requirements.

Pre-requisites

1) Install USB Driver for Samsung Galaxy S4 to transfer files between the Android device and the computer.

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

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 already installed, then back up data using the recovery.

4) The Galaxy S4 should have above 80 per cent of battery charge.

5) The phone should be factory unlocked and not locked to a particular carrier.

6) Rooting the phone will void it of manufacturer's warranty. However, users can reclaim the warranty back by unrooting the handset later.

7) The CF-Auto-Root file works only on Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500. Flashing this on any incorrect variant might brick the device. Therefore, verify the model number of Galaxy device by navigating to Settings>> About phone>> Model number.

Steps to root Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean

Step-1: Download CF-Auto-Root package for Samsung Galaxy S4 to the computer

File name: CF-Auto-Root-ja3g-ja3gxx-gti9500.zip

Step-2: Download Odin 3.07 which will help to root the Jelly Bean firmware on the phone

Step-3: Extract the CF-Auto-Root as well as the Odin 3.07 zip files using winrar/winzip or any other extracting tool like

Step-4: Switch off the Galaxy S4 and boot the device into Download Mode. Press and hold Volume Down and Home buttons together and then press Power button until the construction Android robot and a triangle appears on the screen. Press the Power button again to continue to enter Download Mode

Step-5: Open Odin on the computer

Step-6: Connect the Galaxy S4 to the computer using USB cable while it is in the Download Mode. Wait for some time until Odin detects the device. When the phone is connected to the computer successfully, the ID: COM box in Odin will turn yellow with the COM port number. Also, the successful connection will be indicated by an Added message in Odin

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

Step-7: In Odin, click the PDA button and select the CF-Auto-Root-ja3g-ja3gxx-gti9500.zip file

Step-8: Ensure the Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time checkboxes are selected in Odin. But uncheck the Re-Partition option

Step-9: Finally click the Start button in Odin. The installation process should begin now and would take few minutes to complete

Step-10: Once the installation process is completed, the phone will reboot automatically into Recovery Mode and install the root package. The ID: COM box will also turn green. When the home screen appears on the phone, unplug the USB cable from the device to disconnect it from the computer

Troubleshooting issues

Sometimes the device does not boot into Recovery Mode automatically and root the device. If this happens, then do the following:

a) Once again perform the entire tutorial but ensure that in Odin Auto Reboot option is not checked. Then after step-10 do the following

b) Pull out the battery to turn off the phone forcefully

c) Boot the phone into Recovery Mode by pressing and holding Volume Up, Home and Power buttons together. This will start the installation process of rooting the phone

Samsung Galaxy S4 running on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean should be now rooted successfully. Open the app drawer of the phone and check for an app called SuperSU from the list. Also, to ensure the root status, verify with the Root Checker app from Google Play Store.

Click here for tutorial to root Nexus 10 running on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.

[Source: Team Android]