Root Galaxy S4 LTE I9505 on Android 4.3 firmware I9505XXUEMJ5 using CF-Auto-Root Tool

If you’ve updated your Galaxy S4 I9505 to the Android 4.3 firmware that Samsung released yesterday and wondering if it could be rooted, then we’d like to inform you that CF-Auto-Root by Chainfire is working just fine for the Android 4.3 update.

If you’ve updated your Galaxy S4 I9505 to the Android 4.3 firmware that Samsung released yesterday and wondering if it could be rooted, then we’d like to inform you that CF-Auto-Root by Chainfire is working just fine for the Android 4.3 update. However, there’s one issue with using the CF-Auto-Root to root the latest update. The I9505XXUEMJ5 firmware update includes the KNOX security implementation which will get triggered if you root the firmware using CF-Auto-Root, and it cannot be reset or erased. Samsung will know that you’ve rooted your device if ever you take to service center to claim warranty.

WARNING!

Warranty may be void of your device if you follow the procedures given on this page!

You only are responsible for your device. We won’t be liable if any damage occurs to your device and/or its components.

CHECK DEVICE MODEL NO.

To make sure your device is eligible with this, you must first confirm its model no. in ‘About device’ option under Settings. Another way to confirm model no. is by looking for it on the packaging box of your device. It must be GT-I9505!

Please know that this page is meant only for Samsung Galaxy S4, model no. GT-I9505. Please DO NOT try the procedures given here on other variants of the Galaxy S4: GT-I9500, or the S4 sets at Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T and others who have different model no.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN..

You must do this pre-installation stuff before attempting to root your Galaxy S4 I9505 in order to avoid any complications later, and have a smooth and successful process.

BACK UP YOUR DEVICE

Back up important data and stuff before you start playing around here as there are chances you might lose your apps and app-data (app settings, game progress, etc.), and in rare case, files on sd card, too.

For help on Backup and Restore, check out our exclusive page on that linked right below.

 ANDROID BACK UP AND RESTORE GUIDE: APPS AND TIPS

INSTALL GALAXY S4 DRIVER

You must have proper and working driver installed on your windows computer to be able to successfully root your Samsung Galaxy S4. In case you’re not sure, follow the link below for a definitive guide for installing driver for your Galaxy S4 on your computer.

 SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 DRIVERS INSTALLATION GUIDE

CHARGE YOUR DEVICES

If your android device, or PC, powers off due to lack of battery while the process is underway, it could damage the device. So, make sure both of them are adequately charged and that no power interruption takes place when the process is undergoing — at least 50% battery of the device and laptop is what we would recommend.

OTHER THINGS TO TAKE CARE OF:

└ Use original USB cable to connect your phone to PC.

└ Do not use the procedures given below on Mac (using VMWare) as it works best on proper Windows PC only.

EXAMPLE VIDEO

If you haven’t used Odin software to root a device before, we suggest you first watch a video of that, given right below, to get familiar with the process.

Btw, the video below shows installing the CF Auto Root on Samsung Galaxy S3 (yes, not S4!). But as the process is exactly same, it doesn’t matter.

https://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioqGyctTW3g

SAMSUNG GALAXY S4 ROOT GUIDE

DOWNLOADS

Download the files given below and save them in a separate folder on your computer (just to keep things tidy, that is).

  • CF-Auto Root file with Odin: DOWNLOAD LINK
    File name: CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.zip
    File size: 19.2 MB

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Once you’ve finished downloading the file given in downloads section above, follow the instructions below for rooting your Galaxy S4 LTE I9505.

Important Note: Backup important files stored on internal SD card of your device, so that in case a situation arises requiring you to do a factory reset after installing the root, which might delete internal sd card too, your files will remain safe on PC.

  1. Extract/Unzip the CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.zip file on your computer (using 7-zip free software, preferably) to get these files:
    • CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.tar.md5
    • Odin3-v1.85.exe
  2. Disconnect the Galaxy S4 from PC if it is connected.
  3. Double-click the Odin3-v1.85.exe file to open Odin.
  4. Boot your Galaxy S4 GT-I9505 into Download Mode:
    1. Power off your phone first and wait for 6-7 seconds after display is off.
    2. Press and hold these 3 buttons together until you see Warning! screen: Volume Down + Power + Home.
    3. Press Volume Up now to continue to Download Mode.
      Smasung Galaxy S4 Download Mode
  5. Connect Galaxy S4 to PC. Odin window will show an Added!! message in bottom left box.
    Odin’s screen would look like this:
    Odin Added!! Message
    If you don’t get the Added! message, here are some troubleshooting tips:
    • Make sure you have installed driver for Galaxy S4 as said above in ‘Before you begin..’ section.
    • If you have already installed driver, then uninstall them and reinstall back.
    • Connect using a different USB port on your PC.
    • Try a different USB cable. The original cable that came with your phone should work best, if not, try any other cable that’s new and of good quality.
    • Reboot phone and PC and then try again.
  6. Load the CF-Auto-Root file (extracted in Step 1) into Odin as instructed below:
    • Click on the PDA button on Odin and select the CF-Auto-Root-jflte-jfltexx-gti9505.tar.md5 file (from step 1).
      Your Odin window should look like the screenshot below:
      CF-Auto-Root for Galaxy S4 GT-I9505
  7. Click the Start button to begin flashing CF-Auto-Root on your Galaxy S4 GT-I9505, and wait until you see a PASS! message in Odin’s top left box.
  8. When you get PASS! message, your phone will restart automatically. You can then disconnect your phone from PC. CF-Auto-Root Pass Message

If you see FAIL message instead of the PASS in Odin’s top left box, that a problem. Try this now: disconnect your Galaxy S4 from PC, close Odin, remove phone’s battery and put it back inside in 3-4 seconds, open Odin and then repeat from Step 3 of this guide again.

Also, If device is Stuck at setup connection or on any other process, then too, try this: disconnect your Galaxy S4 from PC, close Odin, remove phone’s battery and put it back inside in 3-4 seconds, open Odin and then repeat from Step 3 of this guide again.

That’s all. If you need help regarding this, feel free to ask us in comments below.

Confirm Root Access

You must have a new app installed now: SuperSU. Check it in app drawer. However, in case you don’t see it on your phone, try installing the app separately from Play store — SuperSU Play store link.

To check whether you got root access or not, use this simple made-for-this-purpose app, Root Checker.

UPDATE:
FIX KNOX VERIFICATION MESSAGE AFTER ROOT

Armstrong Vogel has suggested a cool tip in comments below to get rid of the Knox verification message that appears every time SuperSU is called for action. The error message reads “SuperSU tried to access system in your device without authorization. This action was blocked”.

To get rid of it, freeze all the Knox related apps installed on your phone, you can use Titanium Backup app to do that. Here are the apps you need to freeze — KNOX: 3.0; 1.0; Agent 1.0; Store 1.0 and the Knox Notification Manager 1.0. Thanks Armstrong!

Feedback Us!

It was easy, right? Let us know what you plan to do now, with root access gained.

Suggestions are most welcomed!

Posted by
Shivam

Shivam is our resident designer and web developer who also enjoys writing. He loves to meditate, drive on the freeways and hunt for snipers during his Call Of Duty playtime. Email: [email protected]

116 Comments

  1. DIdnt work =/
    Says “Pass”, but no SU app..

    1. If you don’t see the SuperSU app on your phone after flashing the CF-Auto-Root, try installing the app separately from play store. Link below:
      https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.supersu

    2. Thanks.. Now got SuperSU and root access

    3. I tried again, app showed up but nothing.. I installed it in /System and after the reboot it’s working like a charme =D

      But any Idea about how to disable that verification of KNOX that says: SuperSU tried to access system in your device without authorization. This action was blocked.”

      Everytime SuperSU works it’s displayed.. =/

      —————————————————–
      Edited:
      Never mind, it’s solved. I used Titanium BackUp to freeze “KNOX: 3.0; 1.0; agent 1.0; Store 1.0”, but forgot the ‘Knox Notification Manager 1.0’.. Hahahaa

      Thanks a lot, man! =]

    4. I tried again, app showed up but nothing.. I installed it in /System and after the reboot it’s working like a charme =D

      But any Idea about how to disable that verification of KNOX that says: SuperSU tried to access system in your device without authorization. This action was blocked.”

      Everytime SuperSU works it’s displayed.. =/

    5. Thanks for the tip man. I’ve updated the post with it 😉

    6. hi, how did you get TB working even when Su was not working? This is a blocker for me. could you help?

  2. DIdnt work =/
    Says “Pass”, but no SU app..

    1. If you don’t see the SuperSU app on your phone after flashing the CF-Auto-Root, try installing the app separately from play store. Link below:
      https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.supersu

      1. Thanks.. Now got SuperSU and root access

      2. I tried again, app showed up but nothing.. I installed it in /System and after the reboot it’s working like a charme =D

        But any Idea about how to disable that verification of KNOX that says: SuperSU tried to access system in your device without authorization. This action was blocked.”

        Everytime SuperSU works it’s displayed.. =/

        1. Thanks for the tip man. I’ve updated the post with it 😉

        2. hi, how did you get TB working even when Su was not working? This is a blocker for me. could you help?

  3. DIdnt work =/
    Says “Pass”, but no SU app..

    1. If you don’t see the SuperSU app on your phone after flashing the CF-Auto-Root, try installing the app separately from play store. Link below:
      https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.chainfire.supersu

      1. Thanks.. Now got SuperSU and root access

      2. I tried again, app showed up but nothing.. I installed it in /System and after the reboot it’s working like a charme =D

        But any Idea about how to disable that verification of KNOX that says: SuperSU tried to access system in your device without authorization. This action was blocked.”

        Everytime SuperSU works it’s displayed.. =/

        —————————————————–
        Edited:
        Never mind, it’s solved. I used Titanium BackUp to freeze “KNOX: 3.0; 1.0; agent 1.0; Store 1.0”, but forgot the ‘Knox Notification Manager 1.0’.. Hahahaa

        Thanks a lot, man! =]

        1. Thanks for the tip man. I’ve updated the post with it 😉

        2. hi, how did you get TB working even when Su was not working? This is a blocker for me. could you help?

  4. Can’t access to recovery after rooting. why is that ?

  5. Can’t access to recovery after rooting. why is that ?

  6. Can’t access to recovery after rooting. why is that ?

  7. Can’t get to titanium without root access here! Any ideas?

    1. Hi guys . thanks for the detailed article. but to get rid of the knox we need to freeze knox apps from titanium backup. but since SuperSu is being blocked by knox even Titanium cannot get root to freeze. any idea how to get rid of knox?

    2. Yes there is easy way… I’ll let you know is a while when I’m on PC.

    3. yaa, i already tried this app. even this isnt working cause this will need superSu to grant root. 🙁

    4. sorry for being impatient. but tried a few things searching on google. but still no sucess. please do let me know if you can figure this out. thanks.

    5. You got it working, right?

    6. Not yet dude.. Am still on 4.3 without root and am unable to find a way out… Did you get any info to get root on TB to freeze knox?

    7. Not yet dude.. Am still unable to get root on TB to freeze knox. By the way.. Am using i9500.. But don’t think that this could be the reason this isn’t working for me.

    8. It’s very easy. See don’t worry about the warning. Just install Knox Disabler, and then open it. Use the app to disable the KNOX crap. You’ll get the SuperSU’s pop-up, select grant. That’s it. And yes, model no. (i9500) is not a prob.

      App – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.viper.knoxdisablerfree

    9. Hi kapil, I won’t get a supersu prompt cause knox blocks supersu before it can even start. Infact see the below apps knox blocks :
      Supersu – can’t even open the app
      Tb- fails to get su
      Knox disabled-knox blocks the app when I press disable

  8. Can’t get to titanium without root access here! Any ideas?

      1. Hi guys . thanks for the detailed article. but to get rid of the knox we need to freeze knox apps from titanium backup. but since SuperSu is being blocked by knox even Titanium cannot get root to freeze. any idea how to get rid of knox?

        1. Yes there is easy way… I’ll let you know is a while when I’m on PC.

          1. yaa, i already tried this app. even this isnt working cause this will need superSu to grant root. 🙁

          2. Not yet dude.. Am still unable to get root on TB to freeze knox. By the way.. Am using i9500.. But don’t think that this could be the reason this isn’t working for me.

          3. sorry for being impatient. but tried a few things searching on google. but still no sucess. please do let me know if you can figure this out. thanks.

          4. You got it working, right?

          5. Not yet dude.. Am still on 4.3 without root and am unable to find a way out… Did you get any info to get root on TB to freeze knox?

          6. It’s very easy. See don’t worry about the warning. Just install Knox Disabler, and then open it. Use the app to disable the KNOX crap. You’ll get the SuperSU’s pop-up, select grant. That’s it. And yes, model no. (i9500) is not a prob.

            App – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.viper.knoxdisablerfree

          7. Hi kapil, I won’t get a supersu prompt cause knox blocks supersu before it can even start. Infact see the below apps knox blocks :
            Supersu – can’t even open the app
            Tb- fails to get su
            Knox disabled-knox blocks the app when I press disable

  9. Can’t get to titanium without root access here! Any ideas?

      1. Hi guys . thanks for the detailed article. but to get rid of the knox we need to freeze knox apps from titanium backup. but since SuperSu is being blocked by knox even Titanium cannot get root to freeze. any idea how to get rid of knox?

        1. Yes there is easy way… I’ll let you know is a while when I’m on PC.

          1. yaa, i already tried this app. even this isnt working cause this will need superSu to grant root. 🙁

          2. Not yet dude.. Am still unable to get root on TB to freeze knox. By the way.. Am using i9500.. But don’t think that this could be the reason this isn’t working for me.

          3. sorry for being impatient. but tried a few things searching on google. but still no sucess. please do let me know if you can figure this out. thanks.

          4. You got it working, right?

          5. Not yet dude.. Am still on 4.3 without root and am unable to find a way out… Did you get any info to get root on TB to freeze knox?

          6. It’s very easy. See don’t worry about the warning. Just install Knox Disabler, and then open it. Use the app to disable the KNOX crap. You’ll get the SuperSU’s pop-up, select grant. That’s it. And yes, model no. (i9500) is not a prob.

            App – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.viper.knoxdisablerfree

          7. Hi kapil, I won’t get a supersu prompt cause knox blocks supersu before it can even start. Infact see the below apps knox blocks :
            Supersu – can’t even open the app
            Tb- fails to get su
            Knox disabled-knox blocks the app when I press disable

  10. Which means, f*** Samsung for Knox as it was really intended to track down rooted phones and void their warranty and we can’t use Knox anymore after this? Seems eminent. My friends and I just rooted my phone, last night while partying with 11 liters of brandy, which apparently auto-updated to 4.3. We used your procedures here since we can’t get the phone to root just the usual way because 4.3’s security was blocking it, or it could be Knox.
    I remember though, installing Knox components, if so then I would be able to uninstall it in some way if I factory reset? Since my warranty is already voided I think it’s valid to take it off to save space?
    Kudos for your help by the way! Cheers!

  11. Which means, f*** Samsung for Knox as it was really intended to track down rooted phones and void their warranty and we can’t use Knox anymore after this? Seems eminent. My friends and I just rooted my phone, last night while partying with 11 liters of brandy, which apparently auto-updated to 4.3. We used your procedures here since we can’t get the phone to root just the usual way because 4.3’s security was blocking it, or it could be Knox.
    I remember though, installing Knox components, if so then I would be able to uninstall it in some way if I factory reset? Since my warranty is already voided I think it’s valid to take it off to save space?
    Kudos for your help by the way! Cheers!

  12. Which means, f*** Samsung for Knox as it was really intended to track down rooted phones and void their warranty and we can’t use Knox anymore after this? Seems eminent. My friends and I just rooted my phone, last night while partying with 11 liters of brandy, which apparently auto-updated to 4.3. We used your procedures here since we can’t get the phone to root just the usual way because 4.3’s security was blocking it, or it could be Knox.
    I remember though, installing Knox components, if so then I would be able to uninstall it in some way if I factory reset? Since my warranty is already voided I think it’s valid to take it off to save space?
    Kudos for your help by the way! Cheers!

  13. Hi, just to confirm. After the rooting, my apps and data wont be erased right? I hate to install everything from scratch.

    1. No, but your warranty may be void after this.

    2. Noted. Thanks a lot.

  14. Hi, I tried using Titanium Backup ROOT to freeze the KNOX. But it say it only can be done in the DONATE version only. Why is that? Am i using the wrong Titanium Backup?

    1. Worry not, downlaod the Knox disabler app from play store and then use that app to freeze KNOX in one click. App will require root access.

    2. I can’t get root access in order to use Knox disabler.

  15. Hi, just to confirm. After the rooting, my apps and data wont be erased right? I hate to install everything from scratch.

    1. No, but your warranty may be void after this.

      1. Noted. Thanks a lot.

  16. Hi, just to confirm. After the rooting, my apps and data wont be erased right? I hate to install everything from scratch.

    1. No, but your warranty may be void after this.

      1. Noted. Thanks a lot.

  17. Hi, I tried using Titanium Backup ROOT to freeze the KNOX. But it say it only can be done in the DONATE version only. Why is that? Am i using the wrong Titanium Backup?

    1. Worry not, downlaod the Knox disabler app from play store and then use that app to freeze KNOX in one click. App will require root access.

      1. I can’t get root access in order to use Knox disabler.

  18. Hi, I tried using Titanium Backup ROOT to freeze the KNOX. But it say it only can be done in the DONATE version only. Why is that? Am i using the wrong Titanium Backup?

    1. Worry not, downlaod the Knox disabler app from play store and then use that app to freeze KNOX in one click. App will require root access.

      1. I can’t get root access in order to use Knox disabler.

  19. I used to have root but the update to 4.3 removed it.

    In my country (Brazil) I received I9505XXUEMJ6 (not J5) version. Will this root this version as well?

    1. OK.. For those who were curios, it worked FINE on I9505XXUEMJ6. Now, rooted again.

    2. E ai Evandro blz??? Vi que pelo jeito você fez o procedimento de root com a Firmware I9505XXUEMJ6, deu tudo certo então??? posso fazer sem medo?? abraço

  20. I used to have root but the update to 4.3 removed it.

    In my country (Brazil) I received I9505XXUEMJ6 (not J5) version. Will this root this version as well?

    1. OK.. For those who were curios, it worked FINE on I9505XXUEMJ6. Now, rooted again.

      1. E ai Evandro blz??? Vi que pelo jeito você fez o procedimento de root com a Firmware I9505XXUEMJ6, deu tudo certo então??? posso fazer sem medo?? abraço

  21. I used to have root but the update to 4.3 removed it.

    In my country (Brazil) I received I9505XXUEMJ6 (not J5) version. Will this root this version as well?

    1. OK.. For those who were curios, it worked FINE on I9505XXUEMJ6. Now, rooted again.

      1. E ai Evandro blz??? Vi que pelo jeito você fez o procedimento de root com a Firmware I9505XXUEMJ6, deu tudo certo então??? posso fazer sem medo?? abraço

  22. I used no bloat free to remove the Knox files after rooting 4.3 with the above cf autoroute file. Working fine since, although I did have to reroot after flashing a cleanup script to remove the Samsung bloatware.

  23. Steve 'Fash' Harrison

    I used no bloat free to remove the Knox files after rooting 4.3 with the above cf autoroute file. Working fine since, although I did have to reroot after flashing a cleanup script to remove the Samsung bloatware.

  24. Steve 'Fash' Harrison

    I used no bloat free to remove the Knox files after rooting 4.3 with the above cf autoroute file. Working fine since, although I did have to reroot after flashing a cleanup script to remove the Samsung bloatware.

  25. Please someone tell me is it going to work on these specs ? I am attaching a picture please tell me

    1. I have exactly the same as this and cannot get root access! Help

  26. Please someone tell me is it going to work on these specs ? I am attaching a picture please tell me

    1. I have exactly the same as this and cannot get root access! Help

  27. Please someone tell me is it going to work on these specs ? I am attaching a picture please tell me

    1. I have exactly the same as this and cannot get root access! Help

  28. Thanks it worked perfectly I LOVE YOU

  29. Amila Udayanga

    • 15 days ago

    Can’t access to recovery after rooting. why is that ?

    ME TO I DONT KNOW PLEASE HELP SOMEONE

  30. Thanks it worked perfectly I LOVE YOU

  31. Thanks it worked perfectly I LOVE YOU

  32. Amila Udayanga

    • 15 days ago

    Can’t access to recovery after rooting. why is that ?

    ME TO I DONT KNOW PLEASE HELP SOMEONE

  33. Amila Udayanga

    • 15 days ago

    Can’t access to recovery after rooting. why is that ?

    ME TO I DONT KNOW PLEASE HELP SOMEONE

Comments are closed.