[How To] Root Galaxy S4

[Howiewowie]

You could try the XDA root method here.

Thx alot it worked I'm rooted

Sent from my SPH-L720 using AC Forums mobile app

 

[DarkSorrow]

Make sure to keep a copy of your original firmware on hand in case anything happens if one is available also.

 

[Howiewowie]

Make sure to keep a copy of your original firmware on hand in case anything happens if one is available also.

I run a Titanium Pro backup is that everything. Sorry im a noobie this is my first root

Sent from my SPH-L720 using AC Forums mobile app

 

[DarkSorrow]

I run a Titanium Pro backup is that everything. Sorry im a noobie this is my first root

Sent from my SPH-L720 using AC Forums mobile app

Yea that's a backup.

Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2

 

[smithe68]

You could try the XDA root method here.

Worked perfectly, thanks!

 

[banboy]

Hi Guys , I need some advice or guidance for rooting, I'm planning to get tmobile galaxy s4 from user on craigslist and my computer is macintosh and using osx , and is it possible to root tmobile galaxy s4 with the latest firmware or old firmware using macintosh os x ? if that's possible do you guys know how to do that ? what toold that I will be need it ?

 

[DarkSorrow]

Hi Guys , I need some advice or guidance for rooting, I'm planning to get tmobile galaxy s4 from user on craigslist and my computer is macintosh and using osx , and is it possible to root tmobile galaxy s4 with the latest firmware or old firmware using macintosh os x ? if that's possible do you guys know how to do that ? what toold that I will be need it ?

For mac use Heimdall. I think that's how it's spelt.

Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 2

 

[WRX13]

Yes but I would not suggest uninstalling anything because there is no return to stock imagine. Instead use titanium backup to freeze unwanted applications this way you can unfreeze them in the future if needed so you can receive updates

From my Galaxy Note 2 via Tapatalk

Is there a difference freezing with TiBackup and disabling from the app manager? Given that neither of these methods uninstalling the program, can you explain exactly what each of these does?

Thanks!

 

[lejocj]

hi friends,
I got S4 from AT&T and I live in Dubai, this phone works perfect with my operator except few concerns;
I cant see any options to receive sms delivery status in sms message settings.
will I have any problem in getting updates / for OS (App updates are getting updated).
is their any way to wipe completely and make it fresh feel from factory (without any AT&T software's)
Thank u.

 

[svitore]

Could you send the unroot instructions my way as well, or post them? Want to be sure of a back up plan in case I need to unroot for a warranty issues. ty

I'll PM you

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

 

[ihbsbA]

I tried motochopper version (Unbeknownst that it isn't working - thought I was 'up to date' on the rooting method for this s4) - didn't work. It installed SU, however. So I found the Odin method and everything went as it was supposed to and it flashed another SU - (chainfire) I installed root checker, and I don't have root. When updating SU, it asked me to install the binaries, so I did and it says "installation failed". I've never had this happen and have rooted many phones - (never an s4) - can someone PM me and help?



Edit: I just found THIS
http://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-root/sprint-vpuamdl-firmware-update-root-fix/

and that is the version I have. So my question is, AM I ROOTED OR NOT? if not, do I just have this SUPER USER APP installed but it is non-functioning? If I use an UNROOT method, will I take things back to how they were before this mess started?

I appreciate any help, I can't seem to get anyone to answer me in any of the half of a dozen places I've asked for help. *sigh*

 

[gollum18]

I tried motochopper version (Unbeknownst that it isn't working - thought I was 'up to date' on the rooting method for this s4) - didn't work. It installed SU, however. So I found the Odin method and everything went as it was supposed to and it flashed another SU - (chainfire) I installed root checker, and I don't have root. When updating SU, it asked me to install the binaries, so I did and it says "installation failed". I've never had this happen and have rooted many phones - (never an s4) - can someone PM me and help?



Edit: I just found THIS
http://galaxys4root.com/galaxy-s4-root/sprint-vpuamdl-firmware-update-root-fix/

and that is the version I have. So my question is, AM I ROOTED OR NOT? if not, do I just have this SUPER USER APP installed but it is non-functioning? If I use an UNROOT method, will I take things back to how they were before this mess started?

I appreciate any help, I can't seem to get anyone to answer me in any of the half of a dozen places I've asked for help. *sigh*

If you have su and it works, you can use goomanager or rom toolbox to flash a recovery.

Sprint GS3 Running TN's Msg and Chubbs

 

[ihbsbA]

If you have su and it works, you can use goomanager or rom toolbox to flash a recovery.

Sprint GS3 Running TN's Msg and Chubbs

SU does not work. It asks me to install binaries, then it doesn't. As it turns out, the root exploit apparently doesn't work on my VPUAMDL version but I still have su installed. I want to remove that, and in order to, I guess I have to flash a stock ROM.

?Sent from my Sprint GS4 using Tapatalk ?
?? Formerly "Evo_girl"

 

[ihbsbA]

Just curious why this hasn't been updated? This doesn't work anymore - on the Sprint version, anyway.. The Odin method doesn't either if you have the MDL version.. I've been researching this all day today -

[WARN]

Android Central, djrbliss ,nor myself take any responsibility for any modification you make to your own phone. Even if your phone sprouts legs, steals your car ,uses your credit cards or sleeps with your girl. NOT OUR FAULT!

DO NOT USE ROM MANAGER TO FLASH CUSTOM RECOVERY. DO NOT USE GOO MANAGER TO FLASH CUSTOM RECOVERY. YOU MUST HAVE AN UNLOCKED BOOTLOADER TO FLASH A CUSTOM RECOVERY. FAILING TO HEED THIS WARNING WILL CAUSE DAMAGE THAT YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RECOVER FROM BECAUSE THERE IS NO RECOVER PACKAGES YET.

Please Read Directions carefully!​

This does have the potential of BRICKING YOUR PHONE.Follow Directions carefully, ask if you need help. and above all else never panic.
That being said, HAVE FUN!!​

[/WARN]​

[Note]

Motochopper, should do the trick for rooting the Qualcomm-based variants of the Samsung Galaxy S4, including the AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile branded models​

.[/Note]

How to Root Galaxy S4

Warnings:

• Rooting Will Void your Warranty
• Becarefull making modifications as there is NO RETURN TO STOCK PACKAGES
• DO NOT use Rom Manger or Goo Manager using either may leave you with an inoperable device until recovery files are available
• DO NOT factory reset
• DO NOT restore any titanium back ups from a different device
• Make sure you read all directions and ask for help if you do not understand something

Please Read First

Questions below:

What is Root? Does rooting void my warranty? Does rooting slow down my phone or drain battery? Will i lose any apps or data during the rooting process? I am rooted, can i simply flash a custom recovery from Rom manager or Goo manager?

Q: What is a Root /Exploit?

[Info]A: Root, is super user access of your phones operating system. Think of your phone as a desktop computer. Right now you are logged on as a guest account. you can browse things and use applications but if you really want to change anything in your system you can't. What gaining root does is it gives you superuser permission to alter files that you could not before; again thinking of it as a computer you now have an Administrator account. An exploit by definition is using something to take advantage. In software an exploit takes advantage of a vulnerability by means of bug or glitch. djrbliss's Motochopper root method it is possible your antivirus may flag this exploit but rest assured it is nothing malicious to your computer or device since you are the one applying the exploit and not anyone else [/info]

Q: Does rooting void my warranty?

[Info]A: Yes. If you walk into verizon with a phone that has Root access and they actually check it they have the right to say this phone was tampered with. Unrooting is simply done by using the unroot function in the superuser app by chainfire and you will be back to stock. As always you root at your own risk.[/Info]

Q: Does rooting slow down my phone or drain battery.

[Info]A: NO, root is not an application or a running process, gaining root does not do anything but give you permissions that you normally would not have. Basically all you did during the rooting process was move files around. Its what you do with this new found permission that changes things. But as far as just rooting it does not make a difference.[/Info]

Q: Will i lose any apps or data during the rooting process?

[Info]A: No, for the same reason as above. Rooting is basically just moving some files around. Of course there is always a risk of something happening in any process. I would say chances are of causing serious problems is slim to non. Its what you do with this new found permission that changes things. But as far as just rooting it does not make a difference.[/Info]

Q: I am rooted, can i simply flash a custom recovery from Rom manager or Goo manager?

[Info]A: NO, At the moment there is no way to unlock the bootloader which needs to be done before flashing a custom recovery for flashing roms make sure you stay away until a unlock method is available and there are return to stock files available
[/info]FAQ

Motochopper Root Exploit (Original content found HERE)
[url]http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p183/eclipsehunter2002/DOWNLOAD-13.gif[/URL]
Download



1) Download Motochopper exploit in Download tab of this tutorial

2) Extract the entire contents of the zip file.

3) If you are using Windows, ensure you have installed the latest Samsung USB drivers available for your phone.
Lastest drivers can be found HERE Support - AT&T Cell Phones SGH-I337 | Samsung Cell Phones ,select Downloads tab then hit "EXE" button then download and install [url]http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p183/eclipsehunter2002/gs4drivers_zps98d2fbd6.png[/URL]

4) Ensure USB Debugging mode is enabled on your device.
To do this go to Setting>More>about device>Scroll down to build number,tap it quickly a couple times. Until a pop up says Developer mode has been enabled. press the 'back' button once and developer options show up just above 'about'.Make sure Developer options is on, then turn on USB debugging, a pop up will show up hit "OK"

5) Connect your device to your PC via USB.

6) If you are using Windows, navigate to the extracted directory and execute "run.bat". If you are using Linux or OS X, navigate to the extracted directory in a terminal and execute "./run.sh".

7) Approve the ADB connection from your PC on your device.

8) Follow prompts in command window, Make sure you watch your device as it may ask you to hit allow on your device.

9) When finished your phone should reboot. Congrats you are rooted
Directions
How to Root Galaxy S4! - YouTube
Video Tutorial by Zedomax
[NOTE]

I take no credit for creating or developing anything in this guide. I simply take the time to make it as easy as possible to understand.​

[/Note]

• djrbliss for developing the Motochopper Exploit and making it available to the Galaxy S4 community

Credits

How to Root Galaxy S4

 

[meyerweb#CB]

Just curious why this hasn't been updated? This doesn't work anymore - on the Sprint version, anyway.. The Odin method doesn't either if you have the MDL version.. I've been researching this all day today -

You need to understand this isn't an official support site. That post was created by a forum user, and it's up to him to come back and update it. Since it hasn't been updated, the best you can do is what you've done: make a post that points out it doesn't work..

A bigger issue is that there's only one rooting sub-forum that incorporates all carriers. That's a recipe for disaster, as the same files that will work on one phone could brick another. The Mods here really should make rooting sub-forums for each carrier sub-forum. Otherwise, people bricking their phone by following the wrong instructions will be on the Mod's heads.

 

[lalec]

Chainfire's CF-Auto-Root is the easiest rooting method for the S4 after the May 7th OTA update to UVUAMDL version. Read the instructions carefully and if you need to unroot you can use that again but in conjunction with Triangle Away.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[ihbsbA]

Chainfire's CF-Auto-Root is the easiest rooting method for the S4 after the May 7th OTA update to UVUAMDL version. Read the instructions carefully and if you need to unroot you can use that again but in conjunction with Triangle Away.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

That is the one I flashed in Odin - and I don't have root...

Edit: Can I reflash it? I was nervous about doing it again because I've never had to reflash something...

?Sent from my Sprint GS4 using Tapatalk ?
?? Formerly "Evo_girl"

 

[lalec]

That is the one I flashed in Odin - and I don't have root...

Edit: Can I reflash it? I was nervous about doing it again because I've never had to reflash something...

?Sent from my Sprint GS4 using Tapatalk ?
?? Formerly "Evo_girl"

If you flashed that successfully you still need to install SuperSU from within recovery. Did you complete that step too? And yes, you can flash that again if you have to.


Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[meticulouskat]

Alright, my workplace just got rid of the wi-fi today without telling anyone... So, I'm frantically trying to hack into my Samsung Galaxy S4 to get the hotspot activated. When I did this on my preivious Driod Bionic, I just had to root the phone and use the Superuser app to change around some of the settings to get it. This time, I have no idea how to get the hotspot after I completed the root. Can anyone help?

 

[lalec]

Alright, my workplace just got rid of the wi-fi today without telling anyone... So, I'm frantically trying to hack into my Samsung Galaxy S4 to get the hotspot activated. When I did this on my preivious Driod Bionic, I just had to root the phone and use the Superuser app to change around some of the settings to get it. This time, I have no idea how to get the hotspot after I completed the root. Can anyone help?

Have you already searched threads over at XDA?

Sent from my SGH-M919