Rooting the S4

[shilldonix]

Hi all!

Before I begin, I would like to first state that I'm new to android and a total newbie at rooting, so do pardon me when I happen to ask the 'obvious' questions..

I’d like to also mention that I've used the search function here but I wasn't able to find a full guide on how to root the S4 specifically, only managed to get this thread: S3/S3 LTE - How to root and install custom recovery (Guide)

I've also been to XDA, but the rooting guides/programs mentioned that it was specifically for certain models of S4 only (e.g XXUAME2, XXUAMDN, XXUAMDE etc) they also warned that if it was of other models the phone will most probably brick

Found this thread from XDA that seems good though: [GT-I9505] CF-Auto-Root

I've also recently upgraded my phone's firmware from DXUAME2 -> DXUBMEA
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With that said, here are my queries:

1) All these programs, when they mention that it is model-specific, does the Baseband versions matter?

2) Do the Baseband versions determine the main rooting method/programs?

3) is Flashing necessary? Or can i just root and retain the stock ROM, just with the added accessibility from rooting?

4) Can I say that Triangle works for all android devices? (or do i have to look for specific versions that work for S4?)

5) are Kernels necessary? (Do we HAVE to install additional kernels along with rooting? or can we just root and leave the stock kernel as it is?)

6) "Pull the logs".. what is log pulling exactly? Is it necessary to know this? Do we have to know how to do debugging etc?
*I found this thread: [Tutorial] How to Logcat
and.. does it work on all Android devices?

I noticed that on XDA it seems like there are different S4 versions (Canadian/Sprint/T-Mobile/AT&T etc) so i'm not sure which one mine is under..

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In short:
My main concern is that I'm not sure if the programs I found actually work on all Android devices because some states so while some does not, which is really confusing for someone like me new to the Android world.

I would like to start on a gentle note, so just want to know if I could just do a basic root on my S4 (just so I can uninstall/freeze Bloatwares and prolong my battery life) and leave the others as it is, and then only start playing with the other more technical stuff (flashing/kernels/odex etc) slowly after I’m more comfortable with doing so.

P.S. Sorry for the super long post! Just wanna be as detailed/clear as i can.. really wish to understand and know more about how it all works!

 

[theone89]

Hi shilldonix,

No worries I understand your concern. The first step is always the hardest to take.
Let me try to answer your question 1 by 1.
In my opinion, Samsung devices are easiest to root among all other devices.

1 & 2) Baseband version should not matter. Baseband version is simply just how the phone connects to your service provider. If you are rooting, the build version and model number are the most important.

3) Flashing is necessary. Even if you only want to root, there is a need to use the software Odin3 to flash the root files to your phone. Odin3 v3.07 (as of 24 Jun 2013) is a software developed by Samsung themselves to flash firmware files. Please also note that flashing any custom files (other than official Samsung firmwares) will increase your binary counter. This means that your warranty will be void even if you are still within warranty period. You can however use Triangle Away to reset the flash counter, should you need to send the phone back to Samsung.

4) What do you mean by Triangle?

5) If you are only interested with rooting, there is no need to touch the kernel. You can leave as the stock kernel.

S4, just like the S3 has many variants for different markets around the world. Some are carrier specific. If you bought your S4 from any one of the telcoms in Singapore, Singapore only uses the international version of the S4, model GT-i9505.

Please confirm your exact model number by going into Settings>About Device>Model number.

Before rooting, it is very important to download the correct CF Auto Root file for your S4 from chainfire official website. If you are using the i9505 variant, the file you should download is "CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.zip"

The steps for rooting the S4 is almost the same as the S3. You can follow my guide on that I have posted on rooting the S3 LTE, just use the correct root file for your S4.

If your follow the steps correctly, nothing terrible should happen. Nevertheless, before rooting, be sure that you know what you are doing and willing to take the risk, should anything go wrong with the process.

Best Regards

 

[wakao82]

what is the advantage of rooting it? will it be faster?

 

[Computeron]

what is the advantage of rooting it? will it be faster?

looks like u dont really need to root.

 

[theone89]

Rooting simply gives you full (or administrator) access to the phone. With that, there are many other things you can do, such as making full backup of your phone (apps + app data), overclock/underclock, install custom recovery/custom ROM, etc. For beginners, you can just remove a bunch of bloatware (that are hogging the memory of the phone) which you potentially will not use, that can help you can that extra performance.

In terms of performance, you may or may not see improvement, depending on your configuration. I just rooted my stock S3 LTE TouchWiz Rom. Quadrant score for my S3 before rooting is about 6100 and after rooting, approx. 6200. Booting up is very quick.

 

[etegration]

what is the advantage of rooting it? will it be faster?

yes, and then your S4 will begin to make coffee and popcorn too.

 

[ronnie]

Other advantages of rooting besides being faster are better battery life, running certain programs which require root access (eg Titanium Backup), provide other functionality such as multi dpi etc

 

[avsquare]

Rooting simply gives you full (or administrator) access to the phone. With that, there are many other things you can do, such as making full backup of your phone (apps + app data), overclock/underclock, install custom recovery/custom ROM, etc. For beginners, you can just remove a bunch of bloatware (that are hogging the memory of the phone) which you potentially will not use, that can help you can that extra performance.

In terms of performance, you may or may not see improvement, depending on your configuration. I just rooted my stock S3 LTE TouchWiz Rom. Quadrant score for my S3 before rooting is about 6100 and after rooting, approx. 6200. Booting up is very quick.

Agree with this part, overall performance may not see a significant increase unless you overclock it (and still may not be significant), but the removal of bloatware means much faster boot speed which I like. The difference is quite significant for my S4, it's like a HDD boot speed VS SSD boot haha.

 

[deegal]

Any prefered Roms ?

 

[shilldonix]

Hi shilldonix,

No worries I understand your concern. The first step is always the hardest to take.
Let me try to answer your question 1 by 1.
In my opinion, Samsung devices are easiest to root among all other devices.

1 & 2) Baseband version should not matter. Baseband version is simply just how the phone connects to your service provider. If you are rooting, the build version and model number are the most important.

3) Flashing is necessary. Even if you only want to root, there is a need to use the software Odin3 to flash the root files to your phone. Odin3 v3.07 (as of 24 Jun 2013) is a software developed by Samsung themselves to flash firmware files. Please also note that flashing any custom files (other than official Samsung firmwares) will increase your binary counter. This means that your warranty will be void even if you are still within warranty period. You can however use Triangle Away to reset the flash counter, should you need to send the phone back to Samsung.

4) What do you mean by Triangle?

5) If you are only interested with rooting, there is no need to touch the kernel. You can leave as the stock kernel.

S4, just like the S3 has many variants for different markets around the world. Some are carrier specific. If you bought your S4 from any one of the telcoms in Singapore, Singapore only uses the international version of the S4, model GT-i9505.

Please confirm your exact model number by going into Settings>About Device>Model number.

Before rooting, it is very important to download the correct CF Auto Root file for your S4 from chainfire official website. If you are using the i9505 variant, the file you should download is "CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.zip"

The steps for rooting the S4 is almost the same as the S3. You can follow my guide on that I have posted on rooting the S3 LTE, just use the correct root file for your S4.

If your follow the steps correctly, nothing terrible should happen. Nevertheless, before rooting, be sure that you know what you are doing and willing to take the risk, should anything go wrong with the process.

Best Regards

Hi there!

Yeah it really is.. haha the thought of bricking the phone makes me shudder!
Btw thanks for taking the time to help me out!

My build version and model number is currently:
Build number: XXUBMEA (before update was: XXUAME2)
Model Number: GT-I9505


As for Triangle, I was referring to Triangle Away. Haha my bad!
For Triangle Away, can it be used across all Android devices or do i have to look for ones specifically for S4?

So basically all I need to do is follow your S3 guide?

Meaning:
1) Follow your guide exactly, but root with "CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.zip" instead
2) Flash with Odin3 v3.07
3) Triangle Away to reset counter to 0, just in case of 'emergencies'
4) Rooted phone!!
5) Flash with TWRP for the Custom Recovery (optional?)


So let's say something goes wrong (e.g bricking, hanging, flickering etc), and I want to revert/troubleshoot the root process, should I be using the Custom Recovery or should I use the Stock recovery? (Is the S4's stock OS available on the official website or would I have to search from google as well? Just in case I want to unroot my phone..)

Hahaha sorry for asking even more questions! ><

 

[theone89]

Triangle Away is only meant for Samsung devices. DO NOT use it for other android devices. The latest version (as of 22 Jun 13) is v3.00. Visit the Play Store for an updated list of supported devices. GT-i9505 is supported in v3.00.

You can follow my guide, no problem. After rooting, it is not necessary to reset the binary counter, unless you really want to. Rmb, every extra step you will put your phone in danger of a brick. Also, if you are a beginner to android/rooting, I suggest you do not interfere with the recovery. Installing a custom recovery lets you do more things over the stock recovery. Refer to my S3 post on recovery.

As I have mentioned before, be sure you know what you are doing.

If you happen to have an issue with your phone after rooting, you DO NOT need the recovery. Yes, there are stock official Samsung firmwares on the internet which you can flash using Odin to unroot your phone. Also, flashing official Samsung firmware will NOT increase your binary counter.

One website is samsung-updates.com.
Just look for latest GT-i9505 firmware (I9505XXUBMEA) under Singapore -
(SIN for Singtel, MM1 for M1 and STH for Starhub). You need to download both the kernel and ROM file. To revert back to stock TouchWiz ROM, just flash the kernel (.tar) and ROM (.tar.md5) using Odin3 and you are done.

If you need full details on how to revert back to stock, let me know and I will try to help.

Hope it helps

Hi there!

Yeah it really is.. haha the thought of bricking the phone makes me shudder!
Btw thanks for taking the time to help me out!

My build version and model number is currently:
Build number: XXUBMEA (before update was: XXUAME2)
Model Number: GT-I9505


As for Triangle, I was referring to Triangle Away. Haha my bad!
For Triangle Away, can it be used across all Android devices or do i have to look for ones specifically for S4?

So basically all I need to do is follow your S3 guide?

Meaning:
1) Follow your guide exactly, but root with "CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.zip" instead
2) Flash with Odin3 v3.07
3) Triangle Away to reset counter to 0, just in case of 'emergencies'
4) Rooted phone!!
5) Flash with TWRP for the Custom Recovery (optional?)


So let's say something goes wrong (e.g bricking, hanging, flickering etc), and I want to revert/troubleshoot the root process, should I be using the Custom Recovery or should I use the Stock recovery? (Is the S4's stock OS available on the official website or would I have to search from google as well? Just in case I want to unroot my phone..)

Hahaha sorry for asking even more questions! ><

 

[shilldonix]

Ahhh.. I almost just risked bricking by doing unnecessary steps.. Hahaha oh my..
Anyway alright! Thank you SO MUCH for the tips and advises! Really appreciate it lots!

I'll most probably try to root it over the weekends and I'll be sure to post the outcome here!

Triangle Away is only meant for Samsung devices. DO NOT use it for other android devices. The latest version (as of 22 Jun 13) is v3.00. Visit the Play Store for an updated list of supported devices. GT-i9505 is supported in v3.00.

You can follow my guide, no problem. After rooting, it is not necessary to reset the binary counter, unless you really want to. Rmb, every extra step you will put your phone in danger of a brick. Also, if you are a beginner to android/rooting, I suggest you do not interfere with the recovery. Installing a custom recovery lets you do more things over the stock recovery. Refer to my S3 post on recovery.

As I have mentioned before, be sure you know what you are doing.

If you happen to have an issue with your phone after rooting, you DO NOT need the recovery. Yes, there are stock official Samsung firmwares on the internet which you can flash using Odin to unroot your phone. Also, flashing official Samsung firmware will NOT increase your binary counter.

One website is samsung-updates.com.
Just look for latest GT-i9505 firmware (I9505XXUBMEA) under Singapore -
(SIN for Singtel, MM1 for M1 and STH for Starhub). You need to download both the kernel and ROM file. To revert back to stock TouchWiz ROM, just flash the kernel (.tar) and ROM (.tar.md5) using Odin3 and you are done.

If you need full details on how to revert back to stock, let me know and I will try to help.

Hope it helps

 

[KieranC3]

Just a short report of what I did this morning using theone89's guide and various online tutorials plus a lot of readings. This is my first Samsung and first root.

1. Downloaded Odin 3.07 and flashed my ROM with stock version I9505XXUBMF8 from XDA.

2. Used Chainfire's Auto Root for I9505 to root the phone. A SuperSU app appears and root status was confirmed by Root Checker.

3. Installed TWRP's recovery as recommended and did a full Nandroid backup. However, I did not test the backup by restoring it.

4. Installed Triangle Away and manage to reset my counter following a step-by-step guide on Youtube for S4. This was probably the scariest portion as many warnings kept popping up warning of brick. Was totally relieved when it worked.

5. Installed Mobile Odin but did not flash the kernels. On the XDA's forum, a few people encountered problems and guess I don't need it now since I should have the latest ROM.

6. Installed Titanium Backup and did a backup and restore of my apps.

I stayed up almost the whole night working on this. Glad that it is done and I can move on to enjoying the phone. Happy rooting.

 

[Computeron]

ic thank you

 

[shilldonix]

Nice! Glad for you that the whole night spent was worth it!

If I encountered Pt.4, I would've crapped my pants.. hahaha

May I ask, did you pay for all those apps you mentioned?
And also, for the TWRP and Nandroid thingy, did you follow theone89's rooting guide as well? I'm thinking of trying that after i'm more comfortable with the basic rooting.

Anyway, congrats on your successful root!
Can't wait for mine..!

Just a short report of what I did this morning using theone89's guide and various online tutorials plus a lot of readings. This is my first Samsung and first root.

1. Downloaded Odin 3.07 and flashed my ROM with stock version I9505XXUBMF8 from XDA.

2. Used Chainfire's Auto Root for I9505 to root the phone. A SuperSU app appears and root status was confirmed by Root Checker.

3. Installed TWRP's recovery as recommended and did a full Nandroid backup. However, I did not test the backup by restoring it.

4. Installed Triangle Away and manage to reset my counter following a step-by-step guide on Youtube for S4. This was probably the scariest portion as many warnings kept popping up warning of brick. Was totally relieved when it worked.

5. Installed Mobile Odin but did not flash the kernels. On the XDA's forum, a few people encountered problems and guess I don't need it now since I should have the latest ROM.

6. Installed Titanium Backup and did a backup and restore of my apps.

I stayed up almost the whole night working on this. Glad that it is done and I can move on to enjoying the phone. Happy rooting.

 

[kyleongwl]

Just a short report of what I did this morning using theone89's guide and various online tutorials plus a lot of readings. This is my first Samsung and first root.

1. Downloaded Odin 3.07 and flashed my ROM with stock version I9505XXUBMF8 from XDA.

2. Used Chainfire's Auto Root for I9505 to root the phone. A SuperSU app appears and root status was confirmed by Root Checker.

3. Installed TWRP's recovery as recommended and did a full Nandroid backup. However, I did not test the backup by restoring it.

4. Installed Triangle Away and manage to reset my counter following a step-by-step guide on Youtube for S4. This was probably the scariest portion as many warnings kept popping up warning of brick. Was totally relieved when it worked.

5. Installed Mobile Odin but did not flash the kernels. On the XDA's forum, a few people encountered problems and guess I don't need it now since I should have the latest ROM.

6. Installed Titanium Backup and did a backup and restore of my apps.

I stayed up almost the whole night working on this. Glad that it is done and I can move on to enjoying the phone. Happy rooting.

just follow step 1 & 2 and u r rooted.
the rest, "not very" useful.
not using custom rom...
preparing to go samsung for "light" servicing

 

[shilldonix]

Hi guys, I just rooted my device, all seemed fine until I tried to open SuperSU and check with Root Checker.

When trying to check with Root Checker:
"Please Wait for Root Check to complete. System appears to be running very slow." and it never completes, even after 3mins

When opening SuperSU, I got this message:
"There is no SU binary installed and SuperSU cannot install it. This is a problem!"

My phone's function seem to still work fine, just that now I have occasional lags here and there..
Any idea what's happening or what should I do?

 

[theone89]

That's weird ...
You might want to try this alternative method if it helps, but it involves installing a custom recovery.

1) Follow my guide to install TWRP for your i9505.
2) Your device should be rebooted after installing TWRP.
3) Go to download.chainfire.eu/333/SuperSU/ and download UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.34.zip
DO NOT unzip the file. Place the file in the internal storage.
4) Reboot to recovery.
Select "Install" at home screen.
Select the UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.34.zip file you downloaded.
Swipe to confirm flash.
Reboot system.
5) Check your SuperSU first. Update the binary if prompted.
6) Confirm root with Root Checker.

Hope it helps

Hi guys, I just rooted my device, all seemed fine until I tried to open SuperSU and check with Root Checker.

When trying to check with Root Checker:
"Please Wait for Root Check to complete. System appears to be running very slow." and it never completes, even after 3mins

When opening SuperSU, I got this message:
"There is no SU binary installed and SuperSU cannot install it. This is a problem!"

My phone's function seem to still work fine, just that now I have occasional lags here and there..
Any idea what's happening or what should I do?

 

[shilldonix]

Okay, I've downloaded the SuperSU UPDATE file, but I've been trying to download the .tar file for TWRP the past 1 hour and the download page just keeps refreshing after the 10secs waiting time..

So instead I went to try re-flashing the CF-Autoroot file and now the SuperSU app is not there anymore.. should I re-flash it the 3rd time?

Btw, last night I tried to enter Stock recovery by holding VolUp+Power+Home button but it didn't work.. only boots up the phone everytime. Is that right? ><

That's weird ...
You might want to try this alternative method if it helps, but it involves installing a custom recovery.

1) Follow my guide to install TWRP for your i9505.
2) Your device should be rebooted after installing TWRP.
3) Go to download.chainfire.eu/333/SuperSU/ and download UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.34.zip
DO NOT unzip the file. Place the file in the internal storage.
4) Reboot to recovery.
Select "Install" at home screen.
Select the UPDATE-SuperSU-v1.34.zip file you downloaded.
Swipe to confirm flash.
Reboot system.
5) Check your SuperSU first. Update the binary if prompted.
6) Confirm root with Root Checker.

Hope it helps

 

[theone89]

That website always refreshes ... no idea why it is like that.
Anyway, you can download from here - tinyurl.com/p4tdmg3
MD5 is 3ad1b56b4b0ce0975229e8f35b412455

Getting into recovery shouldn't have any problem ... make sure you press an d hold VolUp+Home button then Power at the same time and release when the screen flickers or when recovery is booted.

Okay, I've downloaded the SuperSU UPDATE file, but I've been trying to download the .tar file for TWRP the past 1 hour and the download page just keeps refreshing after the 10secs waiting time..

So instead I went to try re-flashing the CF-Autoroot file and now the SuperSU app is not there anymore.. should I re-flash it the 3rd time?

Btw, last night I tried to enter Stock recovery by holding VolUp+Power+Home button but it didn't work.. only boots up the phone everytime. Is that right? ><