Samsung Galaxy S4 I9500 users who have already updated their devices with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, may root their devices using the tutorial below.
This tutorial uses the Root Exploit package released by Senior XDA-Developers, k1mu. The Root Exploit package allows Galaxy S4 users to root their devices easily without tripping the KNOX warranty void counter.
Disclaimer: We and the developer of this rooting procedures shall not be held responsible if any undesirable outcomes may happen to your device. use of this root guide is solely at your own risk!
Pre-requisites
1. Install USB Drivers for Samsung Galaxy S4 on the computer.
2. Enable USB Debugging Mode on the phone. Go to Settings >> About Phone. Tap on Build Number several times till the message shows "You are now a Developer". Then enable USB debugging by navigating to Settings >> Developer Options.
3. Make a backup of all your important data before following the guide.
4. Ensure the battery of the phone is charged more than 80 percent.
5. The Root Exploit package works only on the Galaxy S4 (GT-I9500). Applying this to any incorrect variant might brick the device. Verify the model number of the Galaxy S4 by navigating to Settings >> About Phone.
File Required
1. Root Exploit (saferoot.zip) - Mirror Link
Steps to Root Galaxy S4 I9500 Running on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean
- Extract the Root Exploit package to the computer using WinRAR/7-Zip/WinZip or any other extracting tool.
- Connect the Galaxy S4 to the computer using USB cable.
- On the computer, navigate to the extracted directory and double click "install.bat" file. You will see command prompt window which will detect your device and automatically run the scripts.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. Once the rooting procedure completes, your phone will reboot automatically.
That's it! Samsung Galaxy S4 I9500 running on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean is now rooted successfully. You can now install any app that requires root permission. Verify the root status of the device by downloading Root Checker app from Google Play Store.
Note: This exploit will NOT set the KNOX warranty void flag. It will set the "Custom" flag, but that's nothing to worry about.
Thank's to all fellas at XDA who first tried out this rooting technique. This method was originally posted via XDA-Developers original thread.