- The Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-19505G variant running Android 4.4.3 KitKat based firmware KTU84L can be rooted with Chainfire’s Auto-Root package. Once the Galaxy S4 Google Play edition is rooted, there are many custom ROMs that can be installed. (Photo: Twitter)
The Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-19505G, a.k.a. the Google Play edition of the Galaxy S4, was released a year ago, and the high-end smartphone recently received the latest Android 4.4.3 KitKat firmware update. Galaxy S4 GooglePlay users who have updated to the new KTU84L build can root their devices thanks to famed hacker Chainfire's Auto-Root package. Rooting the Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play edition with the model number GT-19505G gives users the ability to customize their handsets by installing custom ROMs.
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As many Android users know, rooting gives users "root access" or administrative access to the software commands of their smartphone or tablet. Once rooted, users have the ability to install custom ROMs or download third party apps that require root menu access. Choosing a custom ROM that best suits your needs can free up memory space, optimize speed and save battery on your Android device.
While there are advantages to rooting an Android, doing so may void the warrant on your Samsung Galaxy S4, if it's still under warranty. Rooting has been successful for many Android users but it might take several attempts before you get it right. Improper rooting may leave your device "bricked", or unable to be turned on again. Please proceed with rooting your device at your own risk.
If you're still interested in rooting your Galaxy S4, we've put together an easy tutorial based on information found on the XDA Developers. Here's how to root the Google Play edition of the Samsung Galaxy S4 (GT-19505G) and install a custom ROM on the device:
Step One: Verify that you're using the Galaxy S4 Google Play edition with model number GT-19505G. Rooting will delete your phone's data, so back up everything that you need. Make sure your device has at least 60 percent battery life. Download and install the Samsung USB Driver on your computer, if you haven't already.
Step Two: Enable USB debugging on your Galaxy S4 by going to Settings > More > About Device. Scroll down and repeatedly tap on Build Number until you see a message that says "Developer mode has been enabled". Select Developer options than check the USB debugging box.
Step Three: Download and extract Chainfire's CF-Auto Root Package, which includes Odin3 v3.07 and the CF-Auto-Root file. The CF-Auto-Root file for the Galaxy S4 GT-19505G should have a ".tar.md5" extension.
Step Four: Turn off your Galaxy S4 and boot it in Download Mode by holding the Volume down, Home and Power buttons at the same time. After a few seconds you should see a warning message. Release the buttons you were holding and press the Volume up button to enter Download mode.
Step Five: With your Galaxy S4 not connected to your computer, run Odin3 as an Administrator. When the program has loaded, connect your Galaxy S4 to your PC via USB. An "Added!!" message should appear in Odin. If not, try another USB port.
Step Six: Once Odin has recognized your device, click the AP button in Odin and select the CF-Auto-Root...tar.md5 file you extracted in Step three. In the Odin window, make sure Repartition is not check then click the Start button to begin the flashing process.
Step Seven: The flashing process should take less than a minute, after which your Galaxy S4 should restart automatically. When you see a green "PASS" message in Odin, you can unplug your device from your computer.
Step Eight: The Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-19505G should now be rooted. You can check that you have root access on your smartphone by installing Root Checker from the Google Play Store.
Step Nine: Once the Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-19505G has been rooted, you can install custom ROMs on the device that will optimize certain features of the smartphone. There are many different ROMs that you can test out, but we recommend starting with the Pure Nexus Edition ROM or the Arrow ROM.
Step Ten: Enjoy!
What custom ROMs do you suggest for the Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-19505G? Let us know in the comments!
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