Samsung’s current flagship, the Galaxy S4 is the most powerful smartphone that is available now. It has just been released and is still being shipped to countries around the globe. The LTE variant of the device with Qualcomm chip was rooted for the first time a month ago by the well-known developer Chainfire. A working root method for the international Galaxy S4 GT-I9500 came out a couple of days ago. Let’s see how we can root Galaxy S4 SGH-I337 and other variants of the phone listed below.
And now XDA member djrbliss has developed a root tool-kit that can easily root most Qualcomm-based Galaxy S4 devices. Actually, the root exploit, called Motochopper, is a script originally developed for rooting Motorola devices but it can also be used for rooting the Qualcomm-based branded variants of the Samsung Galaxy S4, including the following models and works on Windows, MAC, and Linux:
- AT&T Galaxy S4 SGH-I337
- Sprint Galaxy S4 SPH-L720
- T-Mobile Galaxy S4 SGH-M919
- US Cellular SCH-R970
- Galaxy S4 LTE GT-I9505
- Canadian SGH-I337M, Rogers, Bell, Telus
The Motochopper root exploit can only root the device because we do not have a stable build of a custom recovery like CWM or TWRP for these models. We’ll update the tutorial as it is available.
Note: T-Mobile and Sprint users can use the following tutorial.
This method is no longer working on T-Mobile Galaxy S4 SGH-M919 with the latest OTA update. If you happen to be one with a newer firmware version than with what the device was released, please follow the new tutorial.
You can still root your Sprint Galaxy S4 SPH-L720 with Android 4.3 firmware.
Using the Motochopper Root Tool-Kit:
- Download the root exploit and extract it on your desktop.
- For Windows users: download and install Samsung USB Drivers or Kies on your PC.
- Go to Settings> Developer options and turn on USB Debugging mode from Developer Options on your phone. If you are unable to see “Developer Options” under device Settings, enable it using the guide.
- Now connect your Galaxy S4 to the computer using the USB cable that came with your phone.
- Windows Users: If you are using Windows, navigate to the extracted folder and run the “run.bat” file. This will popup a terminal window. Just follow the on-screen prompt and done.
- MAC and Linux Users: Navigate to the extracted directory, launch a terminal window and issue the following command:
cd Downloads/motochopper cd motochopper chmod 755 * sudo sh run.sh - Approve the ADB connection from your PC on your device and do not forget to select “Agree” when the phone asks to “Verify Apps” during the rooting procedure.
The Motochopper root-script is one of the easiest one-click rooting methods for the LTE and US variants of the Galaxy S4. Having gone through the procedure, you will see an app called SuperUser in your phone’s app drawer.
To verify that your device was successfully rooted, install Root Checker app from the Play Store.
[googleplay url=”https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jrummyapps.rootchecker”]
Does this method still work on the newest 4.3 update to the Sprint Galaxy S4 (SPH-L720)?
No, it’ll not. Just wait, writing a new rooting tutorial for 4.3.
Do you know how long it my take?
It’s online now!
https://www.droidviews.com/root-sprint-galaxy-s4-sph-l720-on-android-4-3/
Wow that was quick
Try it and let me know how it goes for you.
Hey, see the new tutorial: https://www.droidviews.com/root-sprint-galaxy-s4-sph-l720-on-android-4-3/
the terminal said that the process completed and rebooted my phone and now it’s stuck at the verizon loading screen and won’t load
The method is not meant for Verizon Galaxy S4. Install the official firmware to fix the issue: https://www.droidviews.com/how-to-install-latest-official-firmware-on-samsung-galaxy-s4-all-models/
It didn’t work on my Sprint S4. I am using a mac. It said failure at the end.
Same here. I have superuser app, but with root checker, it failed.
Looking for alternatives.
Hey, I was wondering if this process still works with the ATT UAMF3 ota update? thank you
If your phone is already unlocked, it should remain so even after update but if it is locked, I am afraid it will not work on the latest firmware.
Thank you for the quick reply. But how would I know it is unlocked?
Hey man sorry, I thought it was the SIM unlock post. I have not tested it on UAMF3 but it should work.
Alright ill test it out now.. thanks bro
You’re always welcome. And yes, let me know of the results.
How do I install clockmodrecovery or TWRP on an SGH-I337 phone? I looked at the article for installing these programs but they are for other phones i9500 etc, and mine is not listed on there – so I dare not try it.
Thanks!
Have you rooted your device. If not root it first, then install Goo Manager or ROM manager app and install CWM/TWRP on it.
me too. S4 I9505, using mac. i got superuser on my phone, but root checker said it does not hav proper root access. I tried twice. still cant. Should i be using window instead?
I have got it tested on Windows. If you can have a PC, please try it on that and let me know.
You have GT-I9505? Then try this instead: http://droidviews.com/2013/how-to-root-samsung-galaxy-s4-lte-gt-i9505-on-xxuamd2-firmware/
Mine says that it does not have the proper root access
It might be due to the latest software update. Just wait till we update it.
i can not root my s4 on my Mac terminal window is asking for a password
Your device or the Terminal? In the terminal, your administrative password is to be entered.
Wow would that have Rooted my phone
not working on t-mobile samsung galaxy S4 M919
Try the newer method: http://droidviews.com/2013/root-and-install-cwm-recovery-on-sprint-galaxy-s4-sph-l720-and-t-mobile-galaxy-s4-sgh-m919/
Hi, you are unable to root this is because T-Mobile has added a SetUID restriction on the kernel. I have updated the tutorial with new method given here: http://droidviews.com/2013/root-and-install-cwm-recovery-on-sprint-galaxy-s4-sph-l720-and-t-mobile-galaxy-s4-sgh-m919/
It should work now.