Root Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition I9505G on Android 4.3 [GUIDE]

Google last month released the official Android 4.3 Over-The-Air update for the Google Play Edition of Samsung Galaxy S4, which runs stock Android 4.2.2 out of box.

Galaxy S4 Google Edition users who have already updated their devices to Android 4.3 and are looking for a root method may follow our step-by-step guide. The tutorial uses CF-Auto-Root file released by recognised XDA developer, Chainfire. The CF-Auto-Root is said to be one of the safest root methods available so far.

The CF-Auto-Root package, as the developer notes, has been designed to install and enable SuperSU on the device, so that apps can gain root access. Besides, it already has stock recovery installed. Head over to the development thread to learn more about the root release.

One of the key features of the CF-Auto-Root is it is firmware independent; it completely supports Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and future firmware as well.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any damage to the device. Users are 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 phone to connect the Android device with the computer and use Android SDK with it. [Press Menu>> Settings>> Applications. From there navigate and click on Development option then check the USB Debugging Mode.]

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

4) The Galaxy S4 should have above 80% battery charge.

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

6) The phone will lose its manufacturer's warranty once it is rooted but users can reclaim the warranty back by unrooting the device later.

7) The CF-Auto-Root file works only on Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9505G. As applying this to any incorrect variant might brick the device, verify the model number of the Galaxy S4 Plus by selecting Settings>> About phone>> Model number.

Steps to root Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition I9505G on Android 4.3

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

File name: CF-Auto-Root-jgedlte-jgedlteue-gti9505g.zip

Step-2: Extract the downloaded root zip file using winrar/7zip/winzip or any other extracting tool to get a .tar.md5 file within it

Step-3: Download Odin3 v3.07. Extract the Odin zip to get Odin3 v3.07.exe with a few other files

Step-4: Turn off the Galaxy S4. Wait for about five to six seconds for vibration to confirm complete power off. Then boot the device into Download Mode by pressing and holding the Volume Down, Home and Power buttons together until a construction Android robot icon with a warning triangle appears on phone's screen. Press the Volume Up button to continue to enter into Download Mode

Step-5: Run Odin3 v3.07.exe as Administrator [To do so, right-click on Odin.exe and click Run as Administrator from context menu.]

Step-6: Connect the Galaxy S4 to computer using USB cable while it is in Download Mode. Wait until Odin detects the device. When the phone is connected successfully, an Added message will appear under Odin's message box. Additionally, the ID: COM box in Odin will turn blue with 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 re-install USB driver.

Step-7: In Odin, click the PDA button and select the CF-Auto-Root-jgedlte-jgedlteue-gti9505g.tar.md5 file

Step-8: Verify Auto Reboot and F.Reset Time checkboxes are selected. But uncheck Re-Partition option

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

Step-10: When the installation process is completed, the phone will reboot automatically and soon a PASS message with green background will appear in the extreme left box at the very top of Odin box. Unplug the USB cable from the phone to disconnect it from the computer

Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition should now be rooted successfully Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. Users may now install any app that requires root permission. To verify the root status of the phone, download Root Checker app from Google Play Store.

Also read- Nexus 5: Next Nexus Camera to have Optical Image Stabilisation

[Source: Honai of Android]