Samsung's newest Galaxy S4 is yet to hit the global smartphone market. Prior to the release, root access has been achieved on the Exynos 5 octa-core variant of the Galaxy S4 with model number I9500 running on Android 4.2.2 XXUAMC6 Jelly Bean.

Samsung Galaxy S4
The Galaxy S4 will be available in the UK from 26 April. Clove

Now senior XDA developer, emwno, has shared a ClockworkMod (CWM) Recovery file for Samsung Galaxy S4 I9500 model allowing users to install CWM on their devices. The package, which is still in its development stage, is reported to be working fine.

The developer has also shared the stock recovery file. If users come across any issue with the custom file and wish to return to the stock version, they may install the stock recovery using Odin flashing tool. Head over to the development page to learn more about the CWM recovery file.

A custom recovery like CWM serves multiple purposes. Using the custom recovery users can install custom ROMs, root their device, create Nandroid backup and restore the phone. Additionally, it enables installation of various system tweaks.

Galaxy S4 users who wish to install CWM Recovery on their devices may follow our step-by-step guide below.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held responsible for any damage to the device. Before following the installation guide, users are advised to ensure that their devices meet the below-mentioned requirements.

Pre-requisites

1) Download and install USB Driver for Samsung Galaxy S4 to connect the Android device with the computer.

2) Ensure that USB Debugging Mode is enabled on the phone to connect it with the computer and use the 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) Create a backup of all the data of the phone. If the device is having a custom recovery such as CWM/TWRP installed, then back up the data using the same since it creates a complete image of the existing phone set up.

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

5) The device should be factory unlocked and not locked to any particular carrier.

6) The CWM Recovery file is compatible only with Samsung Galaxy S4 I9500. Do not flash this package on any other variant. Verify the model number of the device by selecting Settings>> About Phone.

Steps to install ClockworkMod Recovery on Samsung Galaxy S4 I9500

1) Download ClockworkMod recovery file for Samsung Galaxy S4 to the computer

[Note: Do not extract the downloaded file.]

2) Download Odin v1.85 which will help to install the CWM Recovery on the device

3) Power off the Galaxy S4 and then boot the phone into Download Mode. Press and hold Volume Down, Home and Power buttons together until the construction Android robot and a triangle appear on the screen. Now press the Power button again to confirm entry into Download Mode

4) Run Odin on the computer

5) Connect the phone to the computer using USB cable while it is in the Download Mode. When the device is connected successfully, one of the ID: COM boxes will turn yellow with the COM port number. This step is likely to take some time

6) In Odin, click on PDA button and select the 'CWM-i9500_EXP.tar' file

7) Verify that the Auto Reboot and F Reset Time options are selected in Odin window

8) Finally click the Start button in Odin to begin the installation process which would take few minutes to complete

9) Once the installation process is completed, the phone will reboot automatically into Recovery Mode. The ID: COM box will then turn green

10) Safely unplug the USB cable from the phone once the home screen appears

The CWM Recovery is now installed on the Samsung Galaxy S4 I9500. In order to enter the Recovery Mode, power off the phone then hold Home + Volume Up buttons and press the Power button for about five seconds. The Recovery Mode will appear soon.

Troubleshooting issues

If stock recovery is seen when the Galaxy S4 restarts, there is nothing to worry. There is a fix for this.

There is an auto recovery restore system built into stock firmware which will enable users to return to the stock recovery. Those who wish to do so may follow the instructions below.

To perform the action the Galaxy S4 needs to be rooted. Then either rename or delete the following files from /system directory. These files overwrite the CWM recovery with the stock version.

/system/recovery-from-boot.p

/system/etc/install-recovery.sh

Click here for tips to improve battery life of Samsung Galaxy S4.

[Source: Team Android]

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