Not a while ago root access for Galaxy S4 via stock firmware was came, but that wasn’t tested even Samsung Galaxy S4 utilize a new security feature named Samsung Knox to get byod enabled that make the phone a bit more palatable, so a stock rooted firmware should not be tried.
Now we have a gift by a well-known elite senior Chainfire developer too, he has tried, tested and verified root for Samsung Galaxy S4 after all, he noticed that if you use root SU binary in firmware, it would reboot phone immediately, however he has figured out a new way to root Galaxy S4 with his CF-Auto-Root tool, we’re warning you that this method currently works on just Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 that use Qualcomm LTE processor, so don’t try it over Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 as it may brick the phone. This Samsung Galaxy S4 root method is tested on XXUAMD2 firmware, don’t try it on old firmware, however we hope that it’ll work on newer ones.
This guide shows you how to root Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE GT-I9505 using CF-Auto-Root tool, rooting will not wipe anything but just for safety backup everything, you can sync your contacts with Gmail account and for messages use SMS apps, lastly use the carbon Android app to backup apps and data.
Use Windows PC and make sure USB drivers are installed, you can use KIES to installed drivers but disable KIES before rooting because it may disturb process.
DISCLAIMER: Please proceed the below guide at your own risk, Android Egis will not be held responsible if your device lost data or gets damaged following this guide.
Instructions
Step #1: Download the CF-Auto-Root Package for Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 from here.
Step #2: Download Odin3 v3.04 from here.
Step #3: Unzip both downloaded zip files into a folder.
Step #4: Open the folder where you’ve unzipped above file and run Odin3 v3.04.exe.
Step #5: Turn the device off.
Step #6: Reboot the device into download mode by holding down volume down, home and power buttons.
Step #7: Once you’re in download mode plug the device to PC using USB cable. Odin will detect the device, ID:COM will turn yellow and a message saying ADDED will appear. (Note: If Odin doesn’t detect the device, make sure that USB drivers are properly installed on your computer).
Step #8: Click on PDA Button and locate CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.tar.md5 file that you downloaded in first step and unzipped in step 3 (Note: Don’t make any change, just make sure that re-partition is unchecked).
Step #9: Click on Start button to start installation, once the installation done, your device will reboot itself and you’ll see message saying PASS, you should see a red Android coming up that’ll root the phone, if your phone boots up in normal Android mode without any red Android logo reboot phone into recovery mode manually (turn off phone reboot by holding down, volume up, home and power buttons) and in recovery mode CF-Auto-Root tool will trigger root process.
Note: If Odin refuse to install the update and show message FAIL, or get stuck, close the Odin and unplug device, then pull out battery from the device for a few seconds. Then put the battery back to the device and reboot into download mode. Then install the firmware again.
Step #10: Unplug the phone from your computer.
That’s it, your Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE is rooted now, download and install the Root Checker app from the Google Play Store to confirm root access. If you experience any issue, leave a comment below.
Via: XDA