Root Galaxy S4 (LTE) I9505 on Official Android 4.3 XXUEMKE Jelly Bean Firmware [GUIDE]
Root Galaxy S4 (LTE) I9505 on Official Android 4.3 XXUEMKE Jelly Bean Firmware

Samsung has recently rolled out its newest stability update via Android 4.3 XXUEMKE Jelly Bean firmware for Galaxy S4 (LTE) I9505.

The new stability update also features bug-fixes for the most common issues reported till date with official Android 4.3 firmware.

Those who have already updated their device to Android 4.3 XXUEMKE official firmware can now root the same via Odin flash tool using CF-Auto-Root by following this guide.

CF-Auto-Root tool is ideal for beginners who are rooting for the first time and it works well with stock firmware.

How CF-Auto-Root Works

It first flashes the modified (custom) recovery and cache partition for installing just the SuperSU (super user) access and then erases the cache partition for re-flashing the stock recovery.

NOTE: Rooting is essential to gain full system access to the device for installing third-party root apps, popular custom ROMs and latest system tweaks for enhanced performance. Rooting any device will increase its flash counter (from 0 to 1) and void its hardware warranty.

You can however restore the device warranty by configuring Triangle Away app (download from Google Play Store) to reset the counter (from 1 to 0) or by reinstalling the latest official firmware.

IBTimes UK reminds its readers that it will not be held liable for any device damage during or after firmware installation. Users are advised to proceed at their own risk.

Pre-requisites

    • The CF-Auto-Root package and instructions provided in this guide are meant for Galaxy S4 (LTE) I9505 model only. Do not attempt using this procedure on any other model, as you may inadvertently brick or damage the device.
    • Ensure the device is factory unlocked (carrier SIM unlocked) with CWM or TWRP recovery installed on it.
    • Verify that the phone's bootloader is also unlocked.
    • Back up important data and settings on the phone via one of the custom recovery tools such as CWM or TWRP to prevent data loss during firmware installation.
    • Ensure the device has at least 80% battery charge to prevent unexpected device shutdown (due to battery drain) during firmware installation.
    • Enable USB Debugging mode by navigating to Settings > Developer Options.

Downloads Required

How to Root Galaxy S4 (LTE) I9505 on Android 4.3 XXUEMKE Official Firmware

1. Extract the root file CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.zip on your computer via 7-zip software to obtain a .tar.md5 file.

2. Also extract Odin 3.07.zip file to obtain Odin3 v3.07.exe.

3. Double-click the exe file to launch Odin.

4. Boot the Galaxy S4 LTE into Download Mode. To do so, turn off the phone and wait for 6 to 7 seconds until the device completely shuts down.

5. Press and hold Volume Down, Power and Home buttons together until the construction Android robot icon appears on screen. Then hit Power button to progress into Download Mode.

6. Launch Odin on computer and connect the phone to it via USB cable (when phone is still in download mode). When the phone connects successfully, a message saying "Added!" will appear at the bottom left box in Odin and one of the ID: COM boxes will turn light blue or yellow with the COM port number.

7. If the "Added!" Message fails to appear, you may try the following troubleshooting steps:

    • Ensure the correct USB drivers are installed for the phone on computer
    • Try uninstalling and reinstalling the phone's USB drivers
    • Connect a different USB cable and check.
    • Try using another USB port on the computer (preferably the one at the back)
    • Reboot the phone and PC. Then check if the message appears.

8. Upload the firmware files in Odin as suggested below:

    • Tap the PDA button in Odin and choose the .tar.md5 file, which was extracted in step 1.

9. Enable Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time options in Odin. Leave all other boxes in Option section unchecked.

10. Verify the previous two steps are done correctly. If there is a mistake, it may brick your device.

11. Click Start in Odin to begin the firmware flashing process on your Galaxy S4 LTE. Wait until the PASS message with green background appears in Odin's top left box.

12. When the PASS message appears, the phone will restart automatically. Now, it is safe to disconnect the phone from computer.

NOTE: If a FAIL message appears in step 12, just disconnect the phone from computer and exit Odin. Remove the phone's battery and reinsert it in 3 to 4 seconds, then launch Odin and repeat the entire tutorial from Step 4.

Troubleshooting for Stuck at Logo or Boot Loop Issues:

    • Turn off the phone, remove and reinsert the battery into the phone. Check if the issue is resolved.
    • If the issue persists, perform a Wipe Data/Factory Reset via recovery. To do so, boot into recovery mode as follows: press and hold Home, Volume Up and Power keys together until the screen powers on and then release all three keys to enter recovery mode.
    • In recovery mode, use Volume keys to navigate and Power key to select an option.
    • Choose Wipe Data / Factory reset in recovery and then click Yes to confirm.
    • Finally, choose Reboot System Now.

Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE I9505 is now rooted on Android 4.3 XXUEMKE official firmware. Check for the SuperSU app in your apps list to ensure root access to the device is working.

NOTE: Download and install Root Checker app from Google Play Store to verify that the root is installed correctly and fully functional.

MUST READ: Update Galaxy S4 (LTE) I9505 to Android 4.4 KitKat Google Play Edition [GUIDE]

[Source: Team Android]