Galaxy S4 I9500
Root Galaxy S4 I9500 on official Android 4.2.2 XXUBMGA Jelly Bean firmware .

Samsung recently rolled out its latest official Jelly Bean Over-The-Air (OTA) update via Android 4.2.2 XXUBMGA firmware for Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 in several countries including the UK. Users who have already updated their device to this firmware can now root the same manually using our step-by-step guide.

NOTE: Though rooting the phone voids it of its warranty, it is essential to regain full system access and be able to install third-party root apps, custom ROMs and the latest system tweaks for better overall performance. However, it is possible to restore the device to stock settings and reclaim device warranty by re-installing the latest official firmware.

Key Points to Note

  • Download and install the correct USB drivers for Snapdragon 600 variant of Galaxy S4 (GT-I9500) on computer
  • The Root package provided in this guide is compatible only with Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 model. Attempting to install the firmware on any other variant may brick or permanently damage the device. Verify your device model number by navigating to Settings > About Phone.
  • Back up important data and settings on your phone before proceeding with firmware installation
  • Ensure that your phone is factory unlocked (not locked to any particular carrier)
  • Make sure the phone's battery is at least 80% charged to prevent unexpected device shutdown during firmware installation
  • Enable USB Debugging mode on the device by navigating to Settings > Developer Options (if device is running on Android 4.0 or later) or go to Settings > Applications > Development (if phone is running on Android 2.3 or earlier). Otherwise if the device is running on Android 4.2, then do the following:
  • Go to Settings > About Phone
  • Scroll down to the bottom and select Build Number
  • Tap the Build Number seven times to unlock or reveal the hidden Developer Options under Settings and then select the checkbox to enable USB Debugging mode under Settings > Developer Options.
  • ODIN is designed to work in Windows OS only. Linux and Mac OS X users should use CrossOver Utility to run ODIN on their computer.
  • Instructions provided in this guide are meant for reference purpose only. IBTimes UK will not be held liable for any device damage during or after root installation.

How to Root Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 on Official Android 4.2.2 XXUBMGA Jelly Bean Firmware

  • Extract the root package contents to desktop on your computer.
  • Launch ODIN on computer as an Administrator and ensure the correct USB drivers for the phone are installed on computer.
  • Power off the phone and wait for the vibration (about 5 to 6 seconds). Then boot the device into Download mode by pressing and holding Volume Down, Power and Home buttons together.
  • Connect the phone to computer via USB cable and wait until ODIN recognises the device.
  • When the device is connected successfully, the ID: COM box turns yellow or blue with the corresponding COM port number. If not, then try reinstalling the phone's USB drivers or changing the USB port on computer.
  • In Odin, click the PDA checkbox and then select the root file which you extracted in Step 2.
  • Confirm the root installation and choose Start in Odin (leave all options in Odin at their default values).
  • Once the root installation is complete, a PASS message with green background appears in the ID: COM section of Odin.
  • It is now safe to unplug the USB cable from computer and reboot the device into the newly installed and rooted firmware.

Galaxy S4 I9500 is now rooted on the latest Android 4.2.2 XXUBMGA official firmware. Verify if root is installed and working correctly by downloading and installing Root Checker app from Google Play Store.

[Source: Android Geeks]

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