Root Galaxy S4 on I9505XXUFNA1 Android 4.4.2 Leaked Test Firmware

SamMobile recently revealed the features and firmware details of the freshly leaked I9505XXUFNA1 Android 4.4.2 test firmware for Samsung's flagship phone, the Galaxy S4. Samsung is expected to officially start rolling out the highly-anticipated Android 4.4 KitKat update for the Galaxy S4 in February/March.

Nevertheless, those who have already updated their phones to the latest I9505XXUFNA1 leaked test firmware can now rest assured that the firmware is completely stable and suitable for daily use. In addition, Chainfire's SuperSU app brings a bug-fix for root access that earlier failed to work on the KitKat test firmware.

The new SuperSU fix is available for download as a standalone zip file that can be flashed via stock recovery or one can use Chainfire's updated CF-Auto Root package with SuperSU fix included. Check out the download links below:

• SuperSU fix standalone
• CF-Auto-Root package with SuperSU fix

The new I9505XXUFNA1 Android 4.4.2 KitKat firmware introduces some minor UI changes such as the status bar icons changing from Gingerbread style green to all new striking KitKat style white - a transparent status bar with white icons, enhanced UI performance, revamped keyboard layout in landscape mode for quicker and easier gesture typing capability and more.

I9505XXUFNA1 Android 4.4.2 Test Firmware Details

Model: GT-I9505
Country: Open Europe
Version: Android 4.4.2
Changelist: 276328
Build date: Thu, 2 Jan 2014 23:30:51 +0000
Product Code: OXA
PDA: I9505XXUFNA1
CSC: I9505OXAFNA1
MODEM: I9505XXUFNA1
Download: I9505XXUFNA1_I9505OXAFNA1_I9505XXUFNA1_OXA.zip

Interested users can follow our step-by-step guide to root Galaxy S4 on I9505XXUFNA1 Android 4.4.2 leaked test firmware using CF-Auto-Root. IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held responsible for any damage to device during or after root installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Key Points to Remember

• Rooting your phone will increase its flash counter and thereby void its hardware warranty. However, you can reclaim or restore warranty status by installing and running Triangle Away app to reset the counter to 0.
• In other words, whenever you run custom kernels or custom recoveries on your device, it will set the flash counter to 1 at every boot. This can be reversed by configuring Triangle Away to reset the counter at every boot.

Pre-requisites

• Ensure your phone is already running the latest Android 4.4.2 build I9505XXUFNA1 leaked test firmware before flashing this root package. This root package works only with the international variant of Galaxy S4 (GT-I9505). Verify the device model number from Settings > About Phone.
• Take a backup of important data and settings on the phone via stock recovery to prevent data loss during root installation.
• Verify correct USB drivers for the phone are installed on the computer (download Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 USB drivers)
• Ensure USB debugging mode is enabled on the phone, by navigating to Settings > Developer Options (NOTE:Tap the device's Build Number seven times to unlock or reveal the hidden Developer Options under Settings.) Then select the checkbox to enable USB debugging mode under Settings > Developer Options.
• Make sure the device has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) while installing the ROM.
• The device should be factory unlocked and not locked a specific carrier.

Steps to Root I9505XXUFNA1 Android 4.4.2 Leaked Test Firmware on Galaxy S4

Step 1 - Download CF-Auto-Root Android 4.4.2 Package with SuperSU fix (check the link above) for Samsung Galaxy S4 to computer and extract the zip file.

Step 2 - Download ODIN v3.07 which is needed to root Android 4.4.2 on Galaxy S4 I9505.

Step 3 - Switch OFF the phone and boot it into Download Mode. To do so, press and hold Volume Down and Home buttons together, and then tap Power button until the construction Android robot with a triangle icon appears on screen. Hit the Power button again to confirm entry into Download Mode.

Step 4 - Launch ODIN on computer and connect your phone to it while the phone is still in Download Mode.

Step 5 - When the phone connects successfully, one of the ID: COM boxes will turn yellow with the COM port number. This process may take some time. So, leave it alone.

Step 6 - Now select the file that needs to be flashed or installed on your phone, which can be found among the extracted files in Step 1.

• Click on 'PDA' and select the file 'CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.zip'.

Step 7 - In ODIN, enable Auto Reboot and F. Reset Timeoptions. But, leave all other options at their default settings.

Step 8 - Click Start button in ODIN and let the installation process begin. It should take just a few minutes to complete.

Step 9 – Once the root installation is done, your phone will reboot into Recovery Mode automatically and install the root package files. At this moment, the ID: COM box will also turn green.

Step 10 – Finally, when the home screen boots up, just disconnect your phone from computer.

NOTE: In case the device fails to boot into Recovery Mode automatically (as given in Step 10) or cannot root your device, repeat the entire procedure again.

OPTIONAL: If the issue still persists, repeat the entire tutorial. But, ensure that the Auto Reboot option is unchecked. Then after installation (Step 10), do the following:

Step 11 - Remove battery to Power off the phone forcefully.

Step 12 - Now boot the phone into Recovery mode manually by tapping Volume Up, Home and Power buttons. This will initialize the root process on your phone.

Your Galaxy S4 is now rooted on I9505XXUFNA1 Android 4.4.2 leaked test firmware. Check for SuperSU app in your apps list to verify if root is installed correctly.

You can double-check that root access is working by installing Root Checker app from Google Play Store.

[Source: Team Android]