How to Root Galaxy S4 (Snapdragon 600) GT-I9505 on Android 4.2.2 XXUBMEA Jelly Bean [Tutorial]

Samsung recently rolled out an official Over-The-air (OTA) update for the Snapdragon 600 quad-core variant of Galaxy S4 bearing model number GT-I9505.

The new software update, Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with base firmware XXUBMEA, integrates several improvements and fixes the bug issues found in the previous build. It also brings a new feature allowing users to move apps to SD card and increases the available storage to 9.23GB (from 9.15GB), notes Sammobile.

Firmware details

Model: GT-I9505

Country: Germany

Version: Android 4.2.2

Build date: 29 May, 2013

Product code: DBT

PDA: I9505XXUBMEA

CSC: I9505OXABMEA

MODEM: I9505XXUBMEA

Improvements and fixes in the software update

New camera firmware

Smearing issue has been fixed (Purple effect while scrolling)

Smart Pause Toggle

Move Apps to SD card

HDR video

Semi-transparent status bar

New icons in Settings

Secure boot status (About Phone)

Increase legibility (Display)

Galaxy S4 users who have already updated their devices to Android 4.2.2 XXUBMEA Jelly Bean may follow our step-by-step guide to root the same. The tutorial uses CF-Auto-Root file released by recognised XDA developer, Chainfire.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable 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) The device will lose its manufacturer's warranty once it is rooted. 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-I9505. As flashing this on any incorrect variant might brick the device, verify the model number of Galaxy device by navigating to Settings>> About phone>> Model number.

Steps to root Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 on Android 4.2.2 XXUBMEA Jelly Bean

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

File name: CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.zip

Step-2: Download Odin3_v3.07 which will help to root the Jelly Bean firmware on the phone. Extract the Odin zip to get Odin3_v3.07.exe file

Step-3: Extract the CF-Auto-Root zip file using Winzip, 7zip or any other extracting tool to get CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.tar.md5 file

Step-4: Power off the Galaxy S4. Now boot the device into Download Mode by pressing and holding Volume Down, Home and Power buttons together until the construction Android robot and a triangle appears on the phone's screen. Then press the Power button again to continue to enter into Download Mode

Step-5: 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 successfully, the ID:COM in Odin will turn yellow with 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. In case Odin still fails to connect the device then reinstall USB driver.

Step-6: In Odin, click the PDA button and select the

Step-7: Ensure the Auto-Reboot and F.Reset Time checkboxes are selected in Odin. But uncheck the Re-Partition option CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.zip

Step-8: When everything is set, hit the Start button in Odin. The installation process should now begin and would take few minutes to complete

Step-9: Once the installation process is completed, a PASS message will appear under Odin indicating successful installation. The phone will then reboot automatically. Now unplug the USB cable from the phone to disconnect it from the computer

Troubleshooting issues

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

a) Once again perform the entire tutorial but ensure that the Auto Reboot checkbox in Odin is not selected. Then after step-9 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 XXUBMEA Jelly Bean is now rooted successfully. To check the root status of the device install Root Checker app from Google Play Store.

Note: Installing CF-Auto-Root on the phone will increase the binary counter of the device which can be reset to normal by applying TriangleAway app released by Chainfire. Head over to the development page to learn more about the app.

Click here for guide to root Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 (Exynos 5) on Android 4.2.2 XXUBMEA Jelly Bean.

[Source: Androidayos]