[HOW TO] [VIDEO]Root the Galaxy S4

wolfen1086

Senior Member
Apr 12, 2011
1,143
312
0
Rich square
QbKing77.....you guy's don't waste any time rooting phones do ya :)
I remember when I got this GS3 I'm on now earlier this year BEFORE THE S4 was out, the 3 was only out three days here in Va Bach and XDA already had root files, links to your videos, and roms for it LOL
 

sonza

Senior Member
Sep 30, 2009
64
16
0
Missouri
OK, so Chainfire has a new version of CF-auto-root specifically for Sprint. So far a couple of reports of it working on MDL but sketchy info at this point so I'm not advocating trying that method just yet. Those who have reported didn't specify their setup (whether completely stock MDL with all files updated, etc, previously rooted, custom recovery) going into the operation. File here http://download.chainfire.eu/325/CF-Root/CF-Auto-Root/CF-Auto-Root-jfltespr-jfltespr-sphl720.zip Stands to reason this would work since we no longer need the custom kernel beforehand to root.


Rooted my new fully stock unit with the CF auto root file and odin. The phone was totally updated by at the store before they would even give it to me. File worked absolutely fine first time.

Now to just get used to the learning curve coming from the EVO3D.
 
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GiantJay

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2012
1,553
601
0
Sacramento, CA
QbKing77.....you guy's don't waste any time rooting phones do ya :)
I remember when I got this GS3 I'm on now earlier this year BEFORE THE S4 was out, the 3 was only out three days here in Va Bach and XDA already had root files, links to your videos, and roms for it LOL
This phone was rooted before it came out.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
 

edisepic

Senior Member
Jun 11, 2010
394
59
0
Johnston, RI
My phone came in the mail yesterday. I tried qbking77's motochopper method and it didn't work. tried the above mentioned CF root and it worked like a charm. Thanks guys for the help. I cant live with a stock phone. I aint got no time for that :p
 

s3ff3r

Member
Apr 9, 2011
16
2
0
Milwaukee
root successful, thank you so much!

maybe it is just my paranoia or w.e the case, but since i rooted i feel like the phone is having minor hiccups. nothing major just little lags here and there, the launcher completely froze today, that was a first, and also it seems like my bat life is a bit less than it was before root.

any one else experiencing this? or is it like i said, just my paranoia?

thanks again! :good:
 

evilbeef54

Senior Member
Jul 14, 2008
313
91
0
YUP works perfect with the newest update thanks just got my new phone from best buy (friend dropped my release day phone and cracked the screen so BB gave me a brand new one through their insurance) I updated the new phone with the new update and used CF root and it worked flawless, thanks so much
 

robogoflow

Senior Member
Mar 8, 2012
821
245
0
I have been rooted in the past on my gnex and know how to do some stuff. I paid for cerebus and want to root for the full features. (This is a phone people want to steal) This is my only reason, no twrp no roms or kernels. . .yet! But a couple people say that rooting is causing hiccups with their phone. I just want to know if this is true and/or possible. It will drive me crazy if I dont know and i'll wind up going back and forth, back and forth again.

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
 

JoeFCaputo113

Senior Member
Feb 2, 2013
6,614
2,850
0
New York
This will be the first thing I do to my GS4, should be getting it sometime this week!! Once I root, and then install TWRP, will I be able to install mods/custom kernel/themes/etc.?? Or do I have to flash the stock deodexed ROM?! Thanks!
 
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Doctor_XXX

Senior Member
May 13, 2012
104
23
0
Oceanside, CA
Anyone?! I should be getting my S4 Thursday!
I'm certainly no programer or android expert, but..."typically" I'd say most mods or themes would be written for a DeOdexed ROM. Not all, but maybe most? Certainly on the themes. Kernels...I think most would work with either Odexed or DeOdexed ROMs.

A *REAL* expert will chime in if I'm way off base. ;)
 

XcoNjA

Senior Member
Jan 9, 2009
548
406
0
Barrington, IL
This will be the first thing I do to my GS4, should be getting it sometime this week!! Once I root, and then install TWRP, will I be able to install mods/custom kernel/themes/etc.?? Or do I have to flash the stock deodexed ROM?! Thanks!
Everything is dependent on what you'd like to do. Some mods require a custom kernel and/or ROM and some kernels require a custom ROM as well.

The best answer you're going to get is to READ the thread of each mod, kernel, ROM, and/or theme you'd like to install.

BE SURE that they match the system you're using (i.e. Odexed or Deodexed) or you'll be staring at a fancy brick.

Doctor_XXX is correct in saying that MOST mods and themes are made for deodexed ROMs so be careful.

Above all, enjoy this beast of a phone.
 

JoeFCaputo113

Senior Member
Feb 2, 2013
6,614
2,850
0
New York
Everything is dependent on what you'd like to do. Some mods require a custom kernel and/or ROM and some kernels require a custom ROM as well.

The best answer you're going to get is to READ the thread of each mod, kernel, ROM, and/or theme you'd like to install.

BE SURE that they match the system you're using (i.e. Odexed or Deodexed) or you'll be staring at a fancy brick.

Doctor_XXX is correct in saying that MOST mods and themes are made for deodexed ROMs so be careful.

Above all, enjoy this beast of a phone.
Thanks fellas! Getting my new S4 TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!
 

jbarresi19

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2011
948
206
0
I got a quick question on this root method...I have been debating on rooting my device since launch and think I am going to root (no recovery and no ROM). But my main question is will I still get OTA updates? Or will I have to do something prior to be able to install an OTA?
 

jbarresi19

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2011
948
206
0
Anyone? I decided to root my phone...i really wanted to have access to all my apps in multi window view. But i just rooted. No custom recovery or rom. Will i still be able to install sprint/samsung/android updates?
 
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